Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret - Chapter 17

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Evangelism - Review the Basics

we only have one more chapter after tonight, and it will be good for us to review evangelism basics/foundation

Matthew 28:19–20 NASB95

19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

go - not just hanging together encouraging one another in Christ, but reaching out . . . a calling . . . a mission

make disciples of all nations - trying to gain real followers of Christ from every race

baptizing them - like we did Sunday; initial declaration of allegiance

teach them - process of growth/learning . . . not just baptize and done

I am with you - he will help us as we follow his command

Acts 1:8 NASB95

8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is the key to evangelism. He is the center!

So, let the Holy Spirit be in control of evangelism in your life

many times there will be a move by the Holy Spirit to open the door

Speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost

lame man at the temple being healed

Paul and Silas being freed in the midnight hour

In Hudson Taylor’s life - several times Chinese people sought him out after they saw the miracles of provision

People might seek you out as a result of God doing something great in your life

Sometimes the Holy Spirit will move you

In Acts they sometimes felt a calling, or vision, or a dream

or Paul was stirred up by seeing statues of so many false gods

Hudson Taylor was given a burning passion for China

so you don’t have to force it, just be listening, aware, ready, available

We are to be witnesses of who Jesus is and what He did - this message is to go everywhere

Note: Scripture should be somewhere in your presentation if possible

Chapter 16 Recap

Taylor took on both of the main roles of his ministry, “China Inland Mission”: administrative role and directing the missionaries Despite not having much help, he felt called to expand the vision, through many trials and obstacles, God provided way to expand

after everything, it seemed the door to witness in China at all would be closed because of political reasons, but by the time he sailed into China, the hostilities had been worked out

Favorite Quotes from Chapter 17

Sharing Time

p. 230 in describing Taylor - “He knew nothing of rush or hurry . . . .

p. 233 -” if on the other hand, he is Lord, let us

p. 235 - (Boxer Rebellion) - i cannot read, . . .

Narrative of Chapter 17

30,000 miles covered in missionary work

it was tough because of the nature of the work

but also, criticism started because Taylor allowed women to go more inland, instead of just staying in coastal cities (much more dangerous work)

but the people (especially) responded very well to the women

Taylor would often turn to singing spiritual songs when facing trouble. That was his way of resting in the Lord

It is mentioned how they had a lot of success, but a lot of spiritual work, faith, and prayers were going on behind the scenes.

Then they felt led to expand even further! Had about 100 workers who were barely making it, and they sought for 70 new workers over the course of three years!

They had a praise him in advance meeting!

note: not just “I want something” so let me thank God in advance. IT was for something they believed God had called them to do (Ekklesia and Immanuel Praise Parties)

also, not just for personal material things (thought that is ok, if God wants that for you)

When money was tight, and people were doubting, they had a special prayer meeting to ask for a financial blessing to prove that the Lord was with them, As Taylor prepared to sail home

by the time he got home, 3,000 pounds ($95k today) came in (it had been sent on the same day as the special prayer meeting)

The movement got more popular at home in London

Next appeal was for 100 workers in one year and 50,000 ($1.5 mil) dollars to pay for it

they got 102 workers and 55,000 dollars

word of the success of the China Inland Mission spread and Christians from other countries getting involved: USA, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Australia, New Zealand

Taylor became an internationally known Christian leader

Everyone who met him was amazed by his peace

But then the Boxer Rebellion, Taylor happened to not be in China at the time

The Boxer Rebellion was a violent anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising that took place in China from 1899 to 1901. It was a response to growing resentment towards foreign influence, economic exploitation, and the spread of Christianity in China.

The rebellion was led by a secret society known as the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, or simply the Boxers. They were a group of Chinese peasants who practiced martial arts and believed in supernatural powers that made them impervious to bullets and Western technology.

The Boxers targeted foreign missionaries, Christian converts, and Chinese Christians, viewing them as a threat to Chinese culture and traditions. They also attacked foreign businesses, diplomatic missions, and besieged foreign settlements, particularly in northern China.

So many of the missionaries and Chinese Christians died

because of age, Taylor turned over leadership, but lived to see evangelism restored in China

eventually, his 2nd wife passed away

at age 73 returned to China, and died in his sleep while visiting a mission station in Hunan that had been so difficult to evangelize

Lesson #1 - The price of following Christ.

We see the deaths of his first wife, 2nd wife, 2 children, and think that’s a price that I don’t want to pay or am not willing to pay

Often, the enemy attempts to gets us to think that everything will be alright, if we don’t follow Christ

What would have happened if Hudson Taylor had not followed Christ, and lived a regular life back in England? Chosen the life as a doctor in London?

Would his wife and 2 children have lived?

Would he have never been ill? (three times close to death)

Fact checking:

Life expectancy was 45 years old in 1900

1st wife died young

2nd wife lived longer than expected

he lived longer thatn expected

only 75% of children would reach 10 years old

Taylor had 8 biological children, 6 made it past 10 (75%)

So being a missionary did not cause him to lose more loved ones than others

Question to ponder - You will suffer loss in this life. Is it better to suffer loss for your self or suffer loss while trying to serve the Lord?

Who can help you strength to overcome the loss?

who can restore losses?

Who can give you eternal rewards?

Matthew 19:29 NASB95

29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.

Let your suffering be worth something, don’t let the devil trick you into suffering for nothing!

Make my life a praise song example - person was saying we should be nervous about singing that song

if you have to let it rain

if you have to bring me thorugh pain

in reality, it will rain, and there will be pain, let it be for the glory of God

let my life be a Praise Song and not a wasted song

Lesson #2 - A simple Method for tough times

Taylor would often turn to singing spiritual songs when facing trouble. That was his way of resting in the Lord

Colossians 3:15–16 NASB95

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

so let’s get practical . . . What song(s) can you sing (or play) during hard times? . . . . Let’s name 10

No weapon - Fred Hammond

God will see you through - D. Caver

Jireh - Jireh

questions and comments

Announcements

Another baptism this Sunday

God’s master plan - parenting

God’s Master Plan for the family - you can still submit questions

Mother Alston - you can visit her. Text me for directions

Josiah - I say this publicly because WMBC welcomed my youngest son and wife back with open arms. We welcomed them back into our home . . . we truly showed the love of God.

However, they have left again, I will just say this, “the enemy has them confused” . . . if you need more details then you can call me or 1st Lady . . . keep them in your prayers