The Essence of Good Books on Evangelism

Here is a resource you should be aware of: 5-minute podcasts extracted from some of the best books on evangelism today...

www.OverflowShow.com

Seven Summers to Change History

Here is a thoughtful (one-minute) question...

The Morning News

But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

2 Peter 3:13 (ESV)

I awoke this morning. It was the same world as yesterday. Oh, some things had changed (apparently) from a quick glance at the newspaper; at least enough we could have some “news”. But even with the change, it was the same. Front page: politicians failed to approve legislation that many (some?) felt important for the region. Some were for it; some against it – nothing new about that. Scandal cost another notable his job. Young people mess up their lives and future by doing dumb (and illegal) things. I wonder if they had a clue of what this would cost them. Adults play games and get paid millions for it (calling it sports, of course.) There is plenty to write about. But the news isn’t really new. It’s really “olds”, for nothing has really changed.

But then my mind wanders forward, ahead by years, maybe decades, maybe centuries, maybe millennia, I’m not quite sure. But somewhere in the future, everything will change, really change. There will be new heavens and a new earth and the morning news (or “olds”) will be quite different, for there righteousness will dwell. Everything will be aligned rightly – no evil or scandals, no wars or crimes, no winners and losers, no misplaced priorities, no broken promises or vows, no abuse or neglect, no peace accords negotiated because peace will reign, no negative campaign advertising, no… The list continues as my mind wanders.

Will this be boring? After all, what captures our attention and generally fills our news today is the very stuff that won’t be in that future. Will it be boring? Only if experiencing and enjoying what your heart has always longed for could be boring. Are moments of true, pure love boring? Then would an eternity of complete, unadulterated love be so? Can joy ever grow old; or life without stress; or relationships without offenses?

As I remember it, as I reflect on it, I know it is worth waiting for. In the meantime, I will read the news. But as I do, perhaps it will remind me of a better world, a better time, a better place. I won’t look for it in the morning news. No, it is too big for that and too abrupt. But I’ll be looking for it, nonetheless. I have Someone’s word on it.

European Evangelism - What is bearing fruit?

I was recently asked what evangelism approaches in Europe (East or West) that I was familiar with which were demonstrating some level of fruitfulness. Here was my quick list:

• Story of Soul – for an outreach meeting
• Soularium in initiative evangelism
• Short Film Festivals as an event
• CoJourners: Conversational Evangelism as a lifestyle
• Battle of the Bands; utilizing both local and Christian bands
• English Speaking Camps – especially for High School students
• EQ Seminars – especially for student leaders
• Life@Large revised for Italy as The Story within The Story

Transformation: A Renewed Mind

Under God's economy, nothing really changes until our minds do. Transformation is the the fruit of a changed outlook. First our minds are renewed, and then we are transformed, and then everything is different, even if it stays the same.

Mark Buchanan, The Rest of God (pg 33)

The Gospel for the Jews: A Dialogue

There has been a fascinating exchange at Christianity Today's website between editor, Stan Guthrie, and Rabbi Yehiel Poupko. Reading it may help you deepen your understanding and appreciation of the sensitive issues related to gospel conversations with Jewish individuals. Read Guthrie's column first:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/march/31.76.html

Then consider Poupko and Guthrie's exchange regarding it:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/aprilweb-only/114-33.0.html?start=1#beginning

For a more indepth read of an Evangelical view of the matters, here is The Gospel and The Jewish People: An Evangelical Statement.

Satisfied Prayer Experience

This is up at Godsquad.com. It has proven to be a very effective means of leading a small (or large) group through an prayer experience focused on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. I have led groups from 10-4000 using this. Perhaps it will be helpful to you...

http://www.godsquad.com/prayer/satisfied.htm