The Difference Between Evangelism and Shepherding – blog 2/3/23
You don’t talk about the good news to an unbeliever the same way you do to a believer.
Capture Context in Conversations
If you don't mind me asking, what does being a believer mean to you??
What do you think of Jesus, whose son would you say He is??
1 Co 9:16 NASU
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.
Jn 15:20
“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also.
Eph 4:11-13
And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Heb 13:7
Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their way of life, imitate their faith.
The Audience of Hebrews
This was a church in crisis for several reasons: it had lost its original leaders, it was under constant attack, some members were failing to fellowship together, and some had already defected (apostatized). There was a perfect storm brewing. (Heb 2:1; 3:12-15; 4:1-2; 5:11-12; 10:23-27; 12:12-17, 28-29; 13:7,17)
Pastoral Encouragement
1Pe 1:7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Jas 1:3-4 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Ro 8:29
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers
Heb 5:7-8
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
The Audience of Hebrews
This was a church in crisis for several reasons: it had lost its original leaders, it was under constant attack, some members were failing to fellowship together, and some had already defected (apostatized). There was a perfect storm brewing. (Heb 2:1; 3:12-15; 4:1-2; 5:11-12; 10:23-27; 12:12-17, 28-29; 13:7,17)
"Exhort One Another" ala Heb 13:3
Let's be ACTIVE in our care and watching out for one another, so we don't weaken in the faith, individually or as a unit.
MacArthur on Rom 14:
"The diversity of the Church displays Christ's power to bring together dissimilar people in genuine unity. Yet Satan often works on man's unredeemed flesh to create division and threaten that unity."
