For Whom Are You Living?

Scriptural Text: Mark 5:18-19

2039 What We Have In Christ: A love that can never be fathomed;

A life that can never die; A righteousness that can never be tarnished; A peace that can never be understood; A rest that can never be disturbed; A joy that can never be diminished; A hope that can never be disappointed; A glory that can never be clouded; A light that can never be darkened; A happiness that can never be interrupted; A strength that can never be enfeebled; A purity that can never be defiled; A beauty that can never be marred; A wisdom that can never be baffled; Resources that can never be exhausted.

In light of this, when put on the spot by others to follow their lead in disobediences , will you stand against the call of your life to be faithful.

Jeremiah 38:2, the Lord said through the prophet, “He who remains in this city shall die; …but he who goes over to the Chaldeans shall live.” However the princes said to the king, “Please, let this man be put to death, for thus he weakens the hands of the men of war who remain in this city, and the hands of the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man does not seek the welfare of this people, but their harm’”(4). The point is that they wanted only a God of mercy and not a God of justice.

We are not to be so mindful only of the things of the world. Making decisions only on the basis of present circumstances and never on the basis of moral absolutes. Basically, on what God say!

The question to all today is, For Whom Are You Living?

Christianity is a way of living ethically, but a living way evangelically. “Conduct is three-fourths of life” (Matthew Arnold).

REHEARSAL FOR HEAVEN, 2 Thessalonians 1:7

Life is full of rehearsals. Our business is to teach people the Word of God, aiding them in living victoriously and so preparing them for the place called Heaven. We are rehearsing for Heaven. We are rehearsing for eternity. The subject, “Rehearsal for Heaven,” brings to mind three challenges.

The first of these 3 challenges pertaining to our message is, (I) The challenge of living for Christ.

Living for Christ means witnessing; Mark 5:18–20.

Scripture provides teaching, supported by examples, concerning when believers should witness, the methods they are to use, and the manner of doing it.

When and where to witness: In the home and family (Mk 5:18–19; See also 2 Ki 5:1–3; Jn 1:41)

Mark 5:18–19 (ESV) — 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

John 1:41 (ESV) 41He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). (Each One Reach One)

To assembled groups (Ac 17:17; See also Ac 5:42; Ac 16:13; Ac 19:8–9

Acts 5:42 (ESV) — 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

Acts 17:17 (ESV) — 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.

Scripture recognizes that evangelism takes place in a variety of contexts, and offers models for evangelism in today’s church.

Public evangelism: Preaching in synagogues (or church)[ Ac 14:1; Ac 14:1; Ac 17:2 in Thessalonica; Ac 17:10 in Berea; Ac 17:17 in Athens; Ac 18:4 in Corinth; Ac 19:8 in Ephesus

Ac 14:1 Paul begins his evangelism in Gentile cities by building links within the Jewish community.

Acts 14:1 (ESV) — 1 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.

Personal evangelism: Giving personal testimony (1 Jn 1:1–3; See also Mk 5:19; Jn 4:39; Ac 26:9–18; 1 Co 7:16; 1 Pe 3:1–2)

1 John 1:1–3 (ESV) — 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Evangelism in homes

Ac 10:24–25 Peter visits Cornelius’ home to speak to those assembled.

Acts 10:24–25 (ESV) — 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.

Believers invite others into their homes: (Lk 5:29; Ac 18:26; Ac 28:30–31)

Luke 5:29 (ESV) — 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them.

Acts 18:26 (ESV) — 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Acts 28:30–31 (ESV) — 30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Believers visit the homes of others: (Ac 9:17; Ac 16:32–34)

Acts 9:17 (ESV) — 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 16:32–34 (ESV) — 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

Evangelism in strategic areas: Going to major centres: Ac 16:12 Philippi; Ac 17:1 Thessalonica; Ac 17:15 Athens; Ac 18:1 Corinth; Ac 18:19 Ephesus

Living like Christ means praying; Matt. 7:7, 8. prayer is one of the best ways to get involved in God’s mission.