In this section I will investigate evangelism within the early church. This will entail revealing the driving motives behind the proclamation of the gospel. Next, there will be two forms of biblical evangelism discussed—power evangelism and service. I’ll look into the validity of both and the need for these forms of evangelism to be adopted by the church for the proclamation of the gospel.

The Early Church
As Jesus walked the earth, his purpose was to proclaim the kingdom of God and destroy the works of the devil. For three years, Jesus, along with his disciples, accomplished this purpose by healing the sick, performing signs and wonders, revealing the compassion of God to the broken-hearted and proclaiming that the kingdom of God has arrived. John Wimber, in his book Power Evangelism, states, “This explains the twofold pattern of Christ’s ministry that was repeated wherever He went: first proclamation, then demonstration. First He preached repentance and the good news of the kingdom of God. Then He cast out demons, healed the sick and raised the dead—which proved He was the presence of the Kingdom, the Anointed One.” His post-resurrection commission to his disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 (New Living Translation) reaffirms what he had taught them that, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The disciples were commissioned with three objectives: make disciples of all nations, baptize them (bring them into the Church) and teach them obedience to God’s Word (discipleship).

How did the disciples respond to the Great Commission? As read throughout Acts, the success of the disciples was extraordinary. Their methods only reflected what was modeled by Christ to them. John Wimber states, “a close inspection of the book of Acts reveals that the disciples went out and spread the good news in the same fashion as Christ: by combining proclamation and demonstration of the kingdom of God. The apostles not only taught what they heard but also did what Jesus did.” In the book of Acts, there are 14 instances where acts of power and the apostles preaching brought significant growth to the church. This would continue throughout early church history. Adolf von Harnack, in his work The Mission and Expansion of Christianity in the First Three Centuries, gives reasons he lists for the early church’s success:
1. The religious characteristics of its preaching, viz., the one living God, Jesus our Saviour and Judge, the resurrection of the flesh, and self-control, were messages that the ancient world needed to hear.
2. The gospel of salvation and the Saviour was good news to an age with desperate need to overcome change, death, and decay.
3. The gospel of love and charity offered a sense of belonging, acceptance, and self-worth that had no parallel in the ancient world as well as real practi-cal assistance to impoverished people in a society without welfare provisions.
4. The religion of Spirit and power, of moral earnestness and holiness, offered both powerful signs of the truth of the religion and high examples of what human life was capable of becoming.

Like the first disciples, the early church was driven to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their drive stemmed from a deep sense of devotion and gratitude. Michael Green comments, “This gratitude, devotion, dedication to the Lord who had rescued them and given them a new life, this sense of being commissioned by him and empowered by his Spirit to do the work of heralds, messengers and ambassadors, was the main motive in evangelism in the early Church.” The reality of Christ within these followers drove them to live on mission together.

This gratitude and devotion to Christ also created a deep love for one another. This is revealed in Acts 4:32-37 when the disciples put aside their individualism to care for the needs of each other. This love that was evident within the church was also a means of evangelism to the world in which they lived. “Magnetized by this love, their lives could not but show it, their lips could not help telling it.” Christ’s love, that bound the church together, invited people from the marketplaces and neighborhoods to listen and receive the message the disciples proclaimed.

The early church realized, just like Jesus, their empowerment was not done in human strength but through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. They were empowered to do great works, perform signs and wonders, and to reveal the love of God through the gift Jesus had given them at Pentecost. Michael Green clearly makes the point, “The Acts of the Apostles is really a misnomer: they are the acts of the Holy Spirit, as he guides, empowers and leads the infant Christian community. Every new initiative is his.” The success of the disciples was only based on the power of the Holy Spirit working in their midst. Michael Green writes of the conviction of the Holy Spirit’s role within Christ and now who resided in them that, “the Spirit of Jesus had come into their midst and indwelt their very personalities in order to equip them for evangelism, for making him known to others.”

Peter and John in Acts 3 healed the lame man at the gate of Beautiful, not through means they had, but through the empowerment given to them by the Holy Spirit. This encounter led to Peter’s ability to proclaim the gospel of Christ within the Temple area. Only through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit did the proclamation of the gospel spread through the early church.

Power Evangelism
It would be absurd for a person to deny the signs and wonders Jesus and his disciples performed within their time. In all four of the Gospel writings, recordings of miracles and wonders drew people to listen to the message of Christ. In these Gospels, Jesus always combined the proclamation of the kingdom of God with its demonstration (the casting out of demons, healing the sick, raising the dead, and so on). Every wondrous act had purpose.
Miracles are a foreshadowing and promise of coming universal redemption and the fullness of the Kingdom. Casting out demons signals God’s invasion of the realm of Satan and Satan’s final destruction (see Matt. 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21-22; John 12:31). Healing the sick bears witness to the end of all suffering (see Rev. 21:4). Miraculous provisions of food tell us about the end of all human need.

John Wimber identifies these acts of proclamation as Power Evangelism. Power Evangelism is “a presentation of the gospel that is rational but that also transcends the rational (though it is in no way “irrational” or anti-rational). The explanation of the gospel—the clear proclamation of the finished work of Christ on the cross—comes with a demonstration of God’s power through signs and wonders.” This definition gives the perfect terminology because signs and wonders do not equal salvation. They point to a beneficent and powerful God who wants to give the gift of salvation.

The Bible never teaches that signs and wonders have ceased. The Bible does teach that signs and wonders are a means of evangelism. These acts do not change the gospel. They illuminate the gospel message just as Saul’s conversion in Acts 9 was based on his physical condition being restored. After his sight was restored, Paul was receptive to the illumination of the gospel. This was also the case earlier in Acts as the disciples traveled from village to village, first healing then proclaiming the gospel message. The purpose behind any form of evangelism is the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Power Evangelism was not just intended for the early church or third world countries. Its purpose, even in the western world, is for proclamation. To eliminate the Holy Spirit’s ability to move in such way would be to quench some of the Biblical functions of the Holy Spirit, for example, “prophecy, healing, tongues, etc.” (1 Cor. 12:4-7)

Service
Evangelism is centered on proclamation to people. The message being delivered must be given in terms that resonate with the listener. Just as in biblical times, today individuals become receptive to the gospel when it resonates with them—their needs being met by the church. It is imperative that evangelism be “not cognition, but recognition” of the needs of individuals or a group of people.

Service is a means of evangelism. Service helps to gain the trust of individuals and a community. As people are having their needs met, they become sensitive to listen to the message of the individuals who are assisting them with their needs.

Jesus lived a life of service. On several occasions Jesus fed the multitudes that were hungry (Matt. 15:32-39; Matt. 14:13-21). As he met a need, the crowd became receptive to his message because of his service. Through his example the disciples understood they needed to be aware and bring relief to the needs of others. Leonard Sweet states, “Evangelism is sensational: helping people hear, see, taste, smell, and touch the creativity of God in their lives and the necessity of their response to God’s initiatives.” The manner in which this takes place is by serving others’ tangible needs.

Dino Rizzo, in his book, documents the success of evangelism in his community. He defines their movement of service as a “Servolution: 1. A complete and radical change of a person’s life caused by simple acts of kindness for the glory of God. 2. God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. 3. A church revolution through serving.” As a church plant, Rizzo’s leadership team began to serve by identifying and meeting the needs of their community. They were willing to do anything for the purpose of reaching people. Rizzo states that a servolution requires innovation. “This means thinking about who is not being targeted and who is falling through the cracks, then getting creative about meeting those needs. It means noticing who is on the bottom of everyone’s list and putting them at the top of yours.”

Service takes on many forms. One current dilemma the church is facing on a global level is the issue of social justice. Social justice is the idea of creating a society based on principles of equality, that understands and values human rights and that recognizes the dignity of every human being. The topic of social justice is broad in its definition and wide-ranging on those who are oppressed.

This was a concern of Christ and one he confronted. “I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). Jesus was stating that obedience to God requires righteousness that stands for righteousness in the world (Matt. 25:31-46). John Wimber states, “As we stand for social justice, we testify to the presence of the Kingdom, and our evangelistic efforts are empowered.” In view of Power Evangelism, he makes the point that, “Signs and wonders, therefore, go hand in hand with social justice.” Disciples of Christ must recognize social justice is evangelism because God seeks, “to form community that lives out holistic gospel consequences corporately for the sake of God’s world mission.”

The purpose of evangelism is for Christ to be proclaimed so people can receive salvation. Evangelism’s motivation began with the love of the Father reflected in Christ and his followers. Unfortunately, evangelism has been so aggressive it has left a wake of unwanted listeners and even aggressors toward the message of Christ. Leonard Sweet points out, “Our strategies have been spectacularly useless at best, counterproductive at worst. We have lived through an exodus, but not of the biblical kind.” This dilemma as researched by George Hunter, professor of evangelism at Asbury, reveals, “thirty years ago it probably took five significant encounters before a person would accept Christ. Today, he argues, it usually takes no less than twelve to twenty nudges.” This dilemma is the result of believers evangelizing from wrong motives rather than proclaiming the Gospel they have experienced.

In order to get back to evangelism as revealed to us through the early church it must begin with a deep conviction of Christ’s love within his followers. This conviction is to be the driving force to proclaim Christ to the world both locally and globally. Christ’s proclamation is to be reflected in meeting the needs of people through the power of the Holy Spirit. That means the church must be available to serve people holistically and not limited by fears and distractions of religious blinders or worldly concerns.

And so, my “mind trigger” is set immediately in verse one:
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer,
being the the ninth hour. KJV

The question that comes to mind and provokes the trigger is …Why the redundancy in establishing the time of the event? We are told this event happens at the hour of prayer. All Jews at the time (and probably most Gentiles too) would have known exactly when the hour of prayer was. Even today this believer would be satisfied with just knowing “it was the hour of prayer.” So why go through the trouble of spelling out that this healing took place at 3 o’clock in the afternoon (in the KJV the 9th hour of the day is 3pm.) So my mind races to find a possible reason for calling special attention to the ordinary.

Suddenly the time connection bursts into my head. – Of course! Christ died on the cross at that very moment – at the ninth hour – at 3pm! We find Mark 15:34 tells us that this is the precise time Christ gave up his spirit and died on the cross. Next, my mind pictures the cross and the plaque above, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. “King of the Jews” — a very bold, true,and accurate sign, yet a sharp contrast to the suffering Jesus below.

Now a rewind to the temple square and the beggar under the gate. This gate is named Beautiful. This gate is like a big bold neon sign “BEAUTIFUL” describing the broken man below. It’s clear, Jesus sees not that man as lame, or as a beggar, or as helpless. Christ’s eyes see him as he was meant to be, as he truly is, as Beautiful! The gate BEAUTIFUL is truly a plaque discribing the man below. Christ died to restore that man, to fix what has been broken, to give life in abundance!

The unusual detail in ACTS 3 continues. Two apostles Peter and John approach the lame man. The apostles cast eyes on the beggar before the beggar gets a chance to notice Peter and John. Perhaps the beggar’s eyes were trained to seek out wealthier-looking passersby. Peter and John’s likely modest dress probably hid their significance. So the apostles fixed their eyes on the beggar and said “look on us.” The beggar obeyed and fixed eyes back expecting to receive something material. Peter answered the beggar’s glare adding, “Silver and gold I have none, but what I have been given… I give to you.”

We are all given different gifts from God in different amounts. Peter was being very sincere declaring in other words “I don’t have everything you want (like money), but I give to you what I do have (from Christ) in the full amount I’ve been given (from Christ).” Peter continues, declaring, “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up.

Note that the apostles first locked eyes on the begger. Note Peter extended his hand and grabbed him lifting him up. This is totally biblical, as found in John 4:19, “as we love (God) because he first loved us.”

And note to self, like the disciples, when ministering to people, go with the right hand! For Exodus 15:6 says “Thy right hand, O LORD is become glorious in power; thy right hand, has dashed in pieces thy enemy.” And we know Christ himself is seated at the right hand of the Father. Go with the right hand!

Also go with the power of two’s. Peter and John went as a pair. Remember Christ sent his Apostles out into the country side by two’s. Why? Matthew 18:20 lends an answer. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am present in the midst of them.”

Christ’s death at the ninth hour was payment for all the beggar’s debts. Payment for your debts, for my debts, for our neighbors’ debts, even for the mailman’s debts. Christ’s death at the ninth hour offers life to all! And when Christ looks our way at this very moment (and He is), Christ sees us as He intended us to be. Christ sees us as we truly are to Him. In short, Christ sees us all as BEAUTIFUL. His death at the ninth hour lifted us up and gave us freedom and life. Look in Christ’s direction; take hold of his right hand; at this moment it is stretched out before you. Have faith, have life, grab the hand of Jesus Christ of Nazareth!

And he leaping up stood, and walked and entered into the temple, walking and leaping, and praising God.

… Happy Easter to all the world.

It is almost over! I am so proud of everyone who has participated in the fast. You have taken the challenge and have risen to the occasion. I know God, who began a good work in you is doing more than you can imagine as we speak.

On my way to work the song, Overcome, by The Desperation Band, was on the radio. Too me, it felt like a theme song for this fast.

Take a few minutes to read the words of the song, download the song and make this song your prayer for the day.

Seated above, enthroned in the Father’s love
Destined to die, poured out for all mankind
God’s only son perfect and spotless one
He never sinned, but suffered as if he did

Billy Joel sings a song called,”Angry Young Man.” The song tells the story of how anger controlled a young man through the course of his life. The rhythm of the song is amazing but the lyrics are extremely sad.

Anger has played a role in many lives. Anger is like a monster who roams in our heart that frightens everyone who gets in its path. Anger is a friend to no one, especially you.

Throughout this fast you may have recognized your patience is a little shorter. You may have recognized that things have irritated you a little more. You may have also felt like you have snapped at your children or spouse or co-workers a little too much. If this is the case God is wanting to deal with your anger.

How do we deal with our anger? In order for anger to be dealt with one most recognize the root of the problem. Take time today and ask God to reveal where this anger has come from. After recognizing the root of your anger take time asking God for forgiveness because of how you have allowed anger play a role in your life. Then forgive those who played a role in your anger. Finally, ask the Holy Spirit to replace your anger with love, joy, peace and patience.

The definition of wisdom is: knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action. Think about that definition for a moment; knowledge of what is true and right.

Throughout this fast their have been questions for you to consider:
God, what are you showing me about your character?
God, what are you showing me about my character?
God, how do you want me to begin to embrace today’s Proverb in my life?
God, how can I love my neighbor as myself today?

Each of these questions deal with knowing God and allowing God to bring change in your life. As you go throughout your day ask God for wisdom to make right decisions that allow you to invite Him into your daily life. Think before you react today. Pray before you make a decision.

Remember,”Wisdom is the ability to listen to God and act upon it.”

During this fast our focus has been on “expectancy.” As a church we have gone on this journey with an expectancy that God will reveal Himself. Of course many have specific prayer requests that have to do with relationships, finances and even vocation. This is normal and for many very real requests.

On Sunday, Susie Wilson shared a testimony how in her moment of expectancy God revealed Himself in a different way. Like each of us Susie has some specific requests but the one request God answered was not on the list. God had met Susie in a deep childhood pain. One that took place when she was ten years old. Susie concluded her testimony sharing that it is God’s intension to deal with the place in us that God values most, the heart. She also said when God deals with our heart, the door is opened for God to do new things in our life.

I must conclude that I agree with Susie 100%. God is wanting to purify each of our hearts. The human heart to God is more valuable than silver or gold. Your heart is the most precious gift to God.

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24

Over the years I have participated in a number of triathlons. A triathlon is a race that involves swimming, biking and running. Each event is a certain distance and the goal is to complete all three events.

As we head into the last week of the fast we are 2/3 complete. In relationship to a triathlon we are in the final event, the run. The run is always an interest part because there are so many mixed emotions. At this point the racer is exhausted from the two other events and they are also beginning to get a new burst of energy. The key to the run is to keep pace. Pace yourself so that your adrenaline doesn’t push you too hard or your exhaustion causes you to quit.

You are almost done so stay the course.

No one likes to be corrected. Our kids dislike it when we see them doing something they should not be doing and discipline them. We don’t like it when others point out areas in our life that need correction either.

Proverbs 13 highlights the importance of correcting our children. It also says in verse 1, ” a mocker refuses to listen to correction.” Lets ask ourself why we do not like to be corrected yet are quick to point out others faults?

In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus tells the parable of the speck of saw dust and the log of wood. In this parable Jesus confronts the sin of judging. He tells his listeners to not be concerned with the speck of sawdust, the little issue someone is dealing with. Be more concerned about the log of wood, major issue you are dealing with.

Do not fear correction. Allow God to reveal anything in your life that is keeping you from experiencing the fullness of life GOD has for you. Even more importantly when we correct our children it is because we love them. When God corrects you we are told in Hebrews 12:6, “For the LORD disciplines those he loves.”

Before you read this post take some time to read Proverbs 12. There are several verses that speak to the issue of lying: 17,19, 20 and 22. There is something about lying that troubles everyone. Lying is one of those offenses that has the ability to quickly ruin any relationship.

I remember when I was in Junior High and I was lying constantly to my parents. One day when my father caught me in a lie and confronted me. He told me that my constant lying has finally caused my relationship with him to be negatively affected. He told me that I was on the verge of ruining our relationship and he was having a hard time even wanting to be around me.

Ouch! Should a father say such things to his son? Unfortunately the truth hurts. My dad was right and I never realized the destructive power of lying until I got older.

Do you tell the truth or stretch the truth? Is it easier at work to be honest or cut corners?

Allow God today to deal with your heart. Ask God to reveal any areas in your life that you cheat or lie. As God reveals these areas simply ask for forgiveness and invite the Holy Spirit to lead you in a life filled with honesty.

There are more times then not that I feel as though God does not see me, know me or wants anything to do with me. The areas in my life that make me life this way are guilt, insecurity and desperation. It seems that the times that I struggle with this problem is when I am going through a difficult situation.

Hagar was a woman who was in a difficult situation. She had just been kicked out of Abraham’s camp by his other wife Sarah. She had no where to go and nothing to eat. As she ran away she cried out to God. To her amazement God had met her in her deepest time of despair.

During this time of fasting you may be questioning the purpose of this 21 day journey. You may also be wondering does God even see me or care what I am doing? The answer is simply “yes.” God sees you and knows every moment of your day. It says in Psalms that he knows when you go to bed and when you wake up.

Hold onto the truth of Scripture that God sees you just as clearly as he saw Hagar in her deep place of desperation.