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Reality Check

Reality Check. What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters. Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com PowerPoint download , www.cordovachurch.com/reality. Get saved!. Current perception

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Reality Check

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  1. Reality Check What a new generation really thinks about Christianity … and why it matters Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/reality

  2. Get saved! • Current perception • Christians are insincere & concerned only with converting others • Goal perception • Christians cultivate relationships & environments where others can be deeply transformed by God • Recapping last week • Always be closing; being genuine vs. selling • A look at some different forms of evangelism

  3. Let’s talk about evangelism • Although it can come in many forms, evangelism rooted in personal relationships has proven most effective • We must be aware of evangelistic “collateral damage” (mass marketing) • Even though the Good News is so good, it doesn’t give us license to offend while sharing • “Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14) • When it comes to accepting Christ, feelings often trump logic

  4. Are you someone?

  5. The odds • As we develop genuine relationships, understanding the statistics around our “window of opportunity” are important • For every 100 people who’ve not accepted Christ by age 18, only 6 have done so as an adult • Think about what this statistic means • Adults are unlikely to switch faiths; we need to understand & respect that (Luke 8:5-15; parable of the sower) • We must prioritize our children's foundational education • We must support our teenagers as their often tenuous faith develops and firms • Take heart; the odds are in our favor

  6. Spectrum of faith • When salvation is our goal, we risk encouraging a shallow faith that often doesn’t “stick” • Discipleship, through genuine lasting relationships, can grow a superficial faith into one with depth • Salvation should be the beginning of a life-long transformation

  7. Transformation • Transformation is not just a cognitive decision to follow Christ; it’s striving to be more like Christ • An inward focus on personal transformation will change the way we engage in relationships • Thinking: How we think about life, relationships, crises, people, etc. Romans 12:2 • Loving: The way we perceive & love people, including outsiders.John 13:35 • Listening: Being a better listener, to others & to God.Mark 4:24 • These outward signs of true transformation will change the way we’re perceived

  8. Get saved! – call to action • Goal perception: Christians cultivate relationships & environments where others can be deeply transformed by God • Relationships vs. salesmanship • Romans 12:10 • Thoughtful evangelism • Mark 12:31 • Disciple for transformative, lasting faith • Matthew 28:18-20

  9. Anti-homosexual • Current perception • Christians show contempt for gays & lesbians • Goal perception • Christians show compassion & love to all people, regardless of their lifestyle

  10. Always greater

  11. Anti-homosexual: a foreword • This is a tough topic; we will balance conversation & teaching – there will be opportunity to talk • We will create & maintain a safe environment • Our goal is to understand & alter the perception; not to re-interpret God’s word • We know it’s personal: most people’s lives in this room have been impact by homosexuality

  12. Sharing – Our connections

  13. Next week • Continue anti-homosexual • Feedback & resources • Kevin Bowman, kevinb@cordovachurch.com • Dave Davis, daved@cordovachurch.com • PowerPoint download, www.cordovachurch.com/reality

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