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What’s Happening In North America?

What’s Happening In North America?. The Challenge of Secularization. Four Objectives of First-Century Evangelism. INFORM. people of the story of Jesus. INFLUENCE. Win friends and. people. CONVINCE. people of Christianity’s truth. INVITE. people to follow Jesus as Lord. Secularization.

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What’s Happening In North America?

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  1. What’s Happening In North America? The Challenge of Secularization

  2. Four Objectives of First-Century Evangelism INFORM people of the story of Jesus INFLUENCE Win friends and people CONVINCE people of Christianity’s truth INVITE people to follow Jesus as Lord

  3. Secularization “the withdrawal of whole areas of life, thought, and activity from the control or influence of the Church.”

  4. The Renaissance Six Watershed Events TheReformation Rise of Nationalism Rise of Science Enlightenment Urbanization

  5. Reactionary Stance of the Established Church • Control of scientific research • Identified itself with particular nations • Sided with the status quo powers • Reluctant to accept urban challenges • Result? Spread of atheism, skepticism, the loss of any vivid sense of God and religious values

  6. World View in the Age of Christendom God Church (Pope) Kings People (Family, Community) Animals Things

  7. World View in the Age of Christendom Church (Pope) Kings People (Family, Community) Animals Things

  8. World View in the Age of Christendom Kings People (Family, Community) Animals Things

  9. World View in the Age of Christendom People (Family, Community) Animals Things

  10. World View in the Age of Christendom Animals Things

  11. World View in the Age of Secularism "Ignostics" Animals—all living things of equal value Things—material is real

  12. Whatever Became of Sin?

  13. Sin Affront to God Dealt with Spiritually

  14. Crime Affront to Society Dealt with Legally

  15. ILLNESS Affront to Self Dealt with Medically

  16. Normal Affront to No One Dealt with Privately

  17. A Profile of Secular People 1. Ignorant of basic Christianity 2. Seeking life before death 3. Conscious of doubt more than guilt 4. Have a negative image of the Church 5. Have multiple alienations

  18. A Profile of Secular People 6. Are untrusting 7. Have low self-esteem 8. Experience forces in history as “out of control” 9. Experience forces in personality as “out of control” 10. Cannot find “the door”

  19. The Power of the Gospel Romans 1:16-17 Hebrews 4:12 Romans 10:17

  20. People are Lost: Their greatest need is spiritual!!

  21. We are Ambassadors 2 Cor. 5:17-21 We are in the people business!!

  22. Meet People Where They Are • Use methods that are “culturally” sensitive (beware of “stained glass”) • Use understandable language. • Go to where the people are found.

  23. Build Friendships • Show genuine interest and concern. • Share your life with your friend. • Provide opportunities for them to meet “contagious” Christians.

  24. Engage Secular People in Dialogue • Be willing to listen carefully. • Provide instruction. • Learn apologetics (“Always be prepared to give an answer …” 1 Pet. 3:15)

  25. Be Aware of People’s Deep, Spiritual Needs • Include them in ways to provide a sense of belonging. • Value them in ways to boost their self-esteem. • Be present for them when God opens doors of opportunity.

  26. Go the Second Mile in Meeting Needs • Demonstrate the sacrificial love of Christ to the unlovely. • Provide support groups for people with addictions, unwed mothers, AIDs victims, etc. • Show no distinction because of poverty, race, or affliction.

  27. Pray • Pray earnestly for people. • Inform them that you are praying for them. • Expect an answer from God. • Tell them to expect an answer from God.

  28. Saving People is the most COSTLY enterprise in the world

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