EN|@|B|006|ξbΜwΡ@2025N(Ver.8)2025/4/10@F@to be matured@(6)@Evangelism
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This study is a continuation of B-007, "Testifying About Christ," so please refer to it as well.
<02>
‘ What is the Gospel?
In English, it means "Good News."
In Japanese, it is translated as "Blessed Message," but it has been shortened to simply "Gospel."
The Gospel is that Christ died on the cross in our place for our sins and was resurrected.
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‘ To summarize what this means...
Humans were created by God to be loved by Him. However, because sin entered humanity, a barrier arose between people and God. As a result, humans could neither know God nor hear His voice and were headed for destruction.
However, because Jesus Christ died on the cross in our place for our sins, and He was resurrected. And those who believe in Him have all their sins forgiven and become children of God. This means they can have a close relationship with the Father God. It also means they are transformed from a destiny of heading toward hell to one of walking with God for eternity.
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‘ Three great victories in life as recorded in Colossians 2:12-15
A) Victory over death: According to the Bible, death is the result of our sins. Jesus overcame death by resurrecting and destroying "death" itself. This is about the cross, death, and resurrection of Christ.
B) Victory over Satan: Victory over all the works of evil spirits is given to us.
C) Victory over the world: Victory over all the problems of this world (financial struggles, illness, loneliness, despair).
<05>
‘ The Packaging of the Salvation Message
However, if such a message is suddenly presented, it may not resonate with the listener. This is because Japan lacks a Christian foundation. Therefore, a "packaging" is necessary to wrap the message according to the need.
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One form of packaging is to share your personal testimony of how your life was transformed.
In Christian terminology, this testimony is called "witnessing."
This is because when a relationship with the living God is established, some kind of change inevitably occurs within us.
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This change could be the transformation of despair into hope, the healing of sickness, life restoration, or emotional healing.
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‘ Basic Theology We Should Know
All people are sinners.
(Romans 3:23) "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 3:24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
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2) This sin separates us from God and leads to our destruction.
(Romans 6:23) "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
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3) There is no salvation apart from Christ.
(Acts 4:12) "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
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Therefore, in order to be saved, we must 1) repent and 2) believe in and accept Christ as our Savior.
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‘ Explaining the phrase "Those who do not believe in Christ will perish"...
When God created the world, He also established various laws. One representative example is the "law of universal gravitation," but another is the "spiritual law of life and death." This law states that "the one who sins shall die."
As long as we are born into this world, the "spiritual law of life and death" applies to all people.
It is similar to how the law of gravity applies to everyone on this earth.
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If someone were told, "If you bungee jump without a rope, you will die," no one would claim that calling the rope the "only salvation" is arrogant. This is because everyone knows that it is the only way to counteract gravity.
Similarly, believing in Christ and receiving the forgiveness of sins is the only way to escape the "spiritual law of life and death."
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4) The salvation of your neighbor depends on you.
God does not personally preach the Gospel. Someone must speak for the salvation of others. In Japan, in many cases, you may be the only Christian in your workplace or family. The salvation of those around you depends on your actions.
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‘ The First Step of Evangelism is to Be Known
If those around you know that you are a Christian, opportunities will come your way.
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‘ To What Extent Must One Believe to Be Saved?
One of the earliest stages written in the Bible is confessing Christ as Lord.
(Romans 10:9-10) "...If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved..."
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This confession includes the following:
Believing that Jesus is your Savior and that Christ was raised from the dead (Romans 10:9).
Believing that Christ's death on the cross was for the forgiveness of your sins (1 Peter 2:24).
Accepting Christ as the Lord of your life (1 Peter 5:7).
Asking for the forgiveness of sins (reconciliation with God) (Ephesians 2:16).
<18>
‘ Confession is Not the Goal
However, leading someone to make a "confession of faith" is like following a manual; it is not the only method.
Especially in Japan, where spiritual bondage is strong, the foundational study C-4, "Experiencing Christ," is also important.
<19>
‘ Life Place Ministry
For this reason, we do not hold artificial evangelistic events but instead provide opportunities for people to experience Christ through the method of Life Place Ministry.
The following areas of life place ministry are also part of the "packaging" mentioned in <05>.
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One of the greatest evangelistic tools of our church is the Sunday gathering. It is like a family reunion that happens every week instead of once a year. Many who attend experience its "good atmosphere." This, too, is an experience of Christ.
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2) Witnessing in Daily Life
For those close to you, such as colleagues, friends, and family, your daily life and attitude hold more meaning than the words you speak.
A preacher once said, "Preach the Gospel. Use words if necessary."
In other words, your life itself carries a greater message than your words.
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3) Events like SKC and Christmas
We do not hold traditional evangelistic events, but we do have events aimed at "blessing and benefiting participants."
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‘ Blessing and Benefiting Others
This principle applies to various aspects of life.
For example, if a wife is praying for her husband's salvation, the necessary approach is not to become religiously zealous and create a divide, but to become an oasis for her husband.
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If a wife's relationship with her husband improves and her stress disappears after she starts attending church, the husband will happily encourage her to go.
He may even want to believe for himself.
(The opposite scenario) If a relationship worsens, people tend to reject whatever the other person believes in, no matter how good it may be.
If a wife becomes an adversary rather than an oasis for her husband, it will be much harder for him to accept the Gospel.
<25>
‘ Be Prepared
(1 Peter 3:15) "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."