Participants: Eleida Feliciano (Host)
Series Code: LOE
Program Code: LOE000031
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00:01 The harvest truly is plenteous,
00:03 but the laborers are few. 00:04 Pray ye therefore, the Lord of the harvest, 00:06 that he will, he will send forth laborers 00:09 unto this harvest. 00:10 Also, I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 00:13 "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" 00:17 Then said I. "Here am I, send me, send me." 00:23 Life on the Edge will enable you 00:25 to be an effective harvester for the Lord. 00:27 We now invite you into our classroom 00:30 to come, experience LIFE. 00:44 Welcome to Life on the Edge. 00:46 For those of you joining us from home, 00:48 we're glad that you're able to join our class 00:51 here at the Lay Institute for Evangelism. 00:53 We've been learning how to share the Bible 00:56 with others and marking our Bibles and so we are glad 00:59 that you're able to be here at this 01:01 your first time, we ask you to grab your Bible 01:04 grab a pencil or notepads, so you're able to take notes 01:07 as we go through. 01:08 And you can get the studies that we've done 01:11 before at our website at www.comeexperiencelife.com 01:17 This is our very last study, 01:18 so I'm sure many of you had experiences already 01:20 as you've shared the word with others, 01:22 you seen the studies and we will love 01:24 to hear your experiences. 01:26 You can write to us at info@comeexpericelife.com 01:30 The study for today is witnessing. 01:33 We're going to mark the study Wt, 01:38 the purpose of this study is to show that every 01:41 true disciple of Christ is born 01:43 into the Kingdom of God as a missionary. 01:47 And we've talked about centering 01:49 every study on Christ. 01:51 As we centered the study on Christ 01:52 we think about Christ who came to seek and save 01:55 the lost and He has given us that same mission. 02:00 We're going to be going through 17 texts during 02:02 the study these are the first 12 02:05 and the remaining texts on the study. 02:08 You want to make sure that you have these 02:10 in front of your Bible and the back of your Bible 02:12 somewhere you can reference to them, 02:14 whenever you're ready to give us 02:16 study on witnessing. 02:20 This mother was, looked outside 02:23 and saw a beautiful sunny day. 02:26 It was one of those days that you just think 02:30 you know I can't, it's so beautiful to be inside. 02:32 So, she decided she is going to take 02:34 children out to the park. 02:36 She takes the little ones goes to the park and does 02:38 what every mother does when they take their 02:41 children to public place, starts by talking 02:44 to the children, stay close to mommy, 02:46 make sure you don't go too far, 02:47 you know they're in a playground and mom had 02:49 given them the sand as their parameter, 02:53 don't go beyond where the sand is, 02:55 just stay right here. 02:56 And mom sits there 02:57 and the children began playing. 02:59 Now, Michael, he loves making new friends. 03:03 So he went on the playground and began 03:05 to talk to new friends and started playing. 03:09 Victoria found a friend that she knew from school 03:13 and she was so excited they started playing. 03:15 Elizabeth, being the youngest, 03:17 she just follow Victoria around. 03:20 And they all were playing and mom was watching 03:23 and was talking to a friend as well, 03:26 all of a sudden mom looks around the playground 03:29 and she sees Michael, she sees Victoria 03:34 but where is little Elizabeth? 03:37 Mom runs to Michael, Michael, 03:39 where is Elizabeth? 03:41 I don't know, last time I saw 03:42 she was with Victoria. 03:43 Victoria where is Elizabeth, oh she is, 03:45 oh she was just here. 03:49 Victoria had gotten so excited 03:52 about playing with her friend, 03:53 she lost track of little Elizabeth. 03:57 Elizabeth meanwhile was following 03:59 a little butterfly that she has seen 04:01 and caught her attention. 04:03 Now, Elizabeth was so excited with it, 04:05 she did not realize she had walked 04:07 beyond the sand. 04:09 She gone into the grass, she gone behind a tree 04:12 and she was just there looking and then 04:14 all of a sudden she sees a pile of ants. 04:16 Have you ever looked at ants and how 04:19 they are constantly moving constantly working. 04:23 Well, Elizabeth thought this was just amazing 04:26 and so she just sit down and sat there just amazed 04:30 watching little ants going up and down sticks 04:33 and carrying things and she was just you know 04:36 so entertained she lost all track of time. 04:39 She had no idea that she had gone beyond 04:42 the safety of her mother, she couldn't even, 04:44 mother couldn't see her, she was in a place 04:46 where anyone could have taken her and something could 04:49 happen to her and she had no reach of mom, 04:51 mom couldn't see her. 04:52 But she didn't realize any of this, 04:53 because she was so entertained. 04:55 Meanwhile mother is going around. 04:57 Now when mother saw Michael, and Victoria, 05:01 Michael and Victoria right away began to look 05:06 for Elizabeth as well and until they found 05:09 Elizabeth none of them had rest. 05:15 The same way we have a heavenly Father 05:20 whose children are lost and He has no rest. 05:27 Now, are you and I going to be like 05:32 Michael and Victoria who as soon as mother 05:36 let them know that Elizabeth was missing 05:39 they joined in the search. 05:42 Are you going to say you know I'm too busy 05:46 playing, mom can go find Elizabeth? 05:53 Today we're going to be looking 05:55 at what the Bible teaches about the search 05:59 for those who are lost. 06:02 Before we go into the story and to this study 06:05 in the Bible, let's have a word of prayer. 06:08 Dear Lord heavenly Father, 06:10 we thank you for the privilege 06:11 that you give us to study your word. 06:13 Thank you Lord for all that we have been 06:15 learning here and for the opportunity Lord 06:18 to be able to share this with others. 06:20 I pray Lord that your spirit will be with us 06:22 as we study about witnessing. 06:24 May we understand clearly the lessons 06:27 on this study, Lord, and the mission 06:29 that you have given us. 06:30 May it convict our hearts and move us Lord, 06:32 to do that which you want for us to do, 06:35 in Jesus name we pray, amen. 06:38 We're going to begin this study looking 06:40 at Matthew Chapter 9 and we're gonna be 06:43 reading verses 35 through 38. 06:46 Matthew Chapter 9 verses 35 through 38. 06:50 This is a first text of our study, 06:51 so we're going to mark it 1Wt, 06:55 we're going to Romans 10:13 through 15 06:58 underline that's the text 06:59 we're going to be going to after this. 07:02 We're reading Matthew Chapter 9 07:05 verses 35 through 38. 07:10 Gloria, could you read that for us please. 07:13 Matthew 9 verses 35 through 38. 07:17 "Then Jesus went about all the cities 07:20 and villages, teaching in their synagogues, 07:23 preaching the gospel of the kingdom, 07:26 and healing every sickness 07:29 and every disease among the people. 07:32 But when He saw the multitudes, 07:34 He was moved with compassion for them, 07:37 because they were weary and scattered, 07:40 like sheep having no shepherd. 07:43 Then He said to His disciples, 07:46 the harvest truly is plentiful, 07:49 but the laborers are few. 07:52 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest 07:54 to send out laborers into His harvest." 07:59 Thank you, Gloria. 08:01 Here we see Jesus, first it's, 08:03 it gives us a little detail what he has been doing, 08:06 what has he being doing? 08:09 Preaching, and teaching, and healing. 08:13 Okay, Jesus going preaching, 08:16 teaching and healing and He sees the multitude 08:19 and He says he was moved with compassion. 08:23 Jesus was moved with compassion why? 08:28 There was scattered like sheep 08:30 with out a shepherd, they were lost. 08:34 Jesus was moved with compassion, 08:36 because his children, those who He loved 08:39 He could see them lost. 08:43 And then He makes this statement, 08:47 the harvest truly is plenteous 08:50 but the laborers are few. 08:53 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest 08:56 that He will send forth laborers 08:58 into His harvest. 08:59 I can see Jesus saying this with His heart 09:03 just calling out, just pleading 09:08 with His disciples, because His heart is moved 09:12 with compassion for those who are lost. 09:16 Now, certainly there was a sound of concern 09:21 in his voice, let's look at why was it 09:24 that he was so concerned. 09:25 That this harvest was so great 09:28 and there was not enough laborers. 09:30 Let's look at Romans, we're going to look 09:32 at Chapter 10 of Romans and we're going to be reading 09:35 verses 13 through 15. 09:38 Romans Chapter 10 and we're going to read 09:42 verses 13 through 15, this is a second text 09:47 of our study, we're going to mark it TWt, 2Wt excuse me. 09:54 We just came from Matthew 9 verses 35 through 38 09:58 and we will be going to Matthew Chapter 28 10:01 verses 18 through 20. 10:03 We're reading now Matthew, 10:05 Romans Chapter 10 verses 13 through 15. 10:10 Mike, could you read that for us please? 10:12 "For whosoever shall call upon the name 10:14 of the Lord shall be saved. 10:16 How then shall they call on Him 10:18 in whom they have not believed? 10:20 And how shall they believe in whom 10:21 of they have not heard? 10:23 And how shall they hear without a preacher? 10:25 And how shall they preach except they be sent? 10:28 As it is written, how beautiful are the feet 10:30 of those who preach the gospel of peace 10:32 and bring glad tidings of good things. 10:35 Thank you, Mike. 10:36 In this passage how is it 10:38 that people receive salvation? 10:41 On the name of Jesus, through Jesus. 10:44 And then if, if they don't know Jesus 10:48 how they going to be able to receive salvation, 10:50 how are they going to know 10:53 if we don't go and tell them. 10:56 So Jesus had certainly a valid concern to know 11:01 that there was not enough laborers because 11:04 if the laborers are not going to tell the people 11:06 they will continue to be lost. 11:10 Salvation is through Jesus and if we're not 11:13 going and telling people about Jesus and teaching 11:17 them about Him, how are they going to be saved. 11:22 We're going to look at when Jesus talks about 11:24 these laborers who are missing on in action, 11:27 when He talks about laborers who are needed, 11:30 who is He talking about? 11:31 Let's look at Matthew Chapter 28 11:34 and we're going to look at verses 18 through 20, 11:37 Matthew Chapter 28 verses 18 through 20. 11:47 This is the third text of our study, 11:49 we're going to mark it 3Wt. 11:51 We just came from Romans 10 verses 13 through 15 11:56 and we're going to Matthew Chapter 4 verse 19. 12:00 We're reading now Matthew Chapter 28, 12:05 we're going to read verses 18 through 20. 12:08 Jessica, could you read that for us please? 12:11 "Jesus came and told his disciples, 12:13 I have been given complete authority 12:16 in heaven and on earth. 12:18 Therefore, go and make disciples of all 12:20 the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father 12:24 and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 12:27 Teach these new disciples to obey 12:29 all the commandments I have given you. 12:32 And be sure of this, I am with you always, 12:35 even to the end of the age." 12:39 Thank you, Jessica. 12:40 Now, here who is, who is Jesus 12:43 on this passage talking to? 12:46 His disciples, his disciples were there, 12:48 it says on verse 16. 12:54 So, they took, oh verse 16, 12:58 and then the eleven disciples went away, 13:00 so the eleven disciples were there He is talking 13:02 to his disciples and He gives them this command 13:06 to go and teach all nations. 13:09 Now, was this command only for the disciples there? 13:14 No. We see that on verse 20 when Jesus says, lo, 13:20 I am with you always even unto the end 13:24 of the world. 13:25 Now, has the world ended? No. 13:28 Are the disciples still alive today? No. 13:31 So then he must have been including all of those 13:35 who would follow him throughout the ages 13:38 on this command. 13:39 He is calling you and I as we've chosen to follow 13:42 Jesus to go therefore and teach all nations. 13:46 Here Jesus is calling His disciples not just 13:50 the one sitting there with Him but all through 13:52 the ages until the end of the world. 13:55 And he is saying to go and do what? 13:59 To teach all nations. 14:03 What are they going to teach? 14:05 All things. 14:07 You know we spend, we have been spending time 14:10 here learning different things of the Bible teaches 14:15 and how to share these things. 14:17 So, Jesus is calling us to share these things 14:21 that he's commanded in His word with others. 14:24 All things that He has commanded to all nations, 14:28 so that means everyone, that means those 14:32 that we like and those that we don't like. 14:35 That means our neighbors, the people that we work for, 14:40 the people that we meet in the different places, 14:43 God has called us to witness 14:45 to all the ones that He has put in our vicinity. 14:53 Now, here many, many times we fear going out 14:56 because we don't know what to do. 14:58 But on this verse it says, it says, 15:01 Jesus before He gives the command says 15:03 all power is given unto me in heaven and on earth. 15:08 All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. 15:11 And then the next words are go ye therefore. 15:14 So, we can go in confidence that all the power 15:19 that Jesus has will go with us, 15:23 as we go out to minister to others. 15:28 Now, can we call ourselves 15:30 followers of Christ if we are not 15:34 taking part in winning souls. 15:36 No, let's look at what the Bible says on this, 15:39 we're going to be in the same book of Matthew 15:42 but we're going to go to Chapter 4 and we're going 15:45 to look at verse 19, Matthew Chapter 4 15:50 and verse 19, this is the fourth text of our study, 15:58 you're gonna mark it 4Wt. 16:01 We just came from Matthew Chapter 28 16:04 verses 18 through 20 and we're gonna be going 16:07 to John Chapter 8 verse 12. 16:11 We're in Matthew Chapter 4 verse 19, 16:15 Scott, could you read that for us? 16:18 "And he saith unto them, Follow me, 16:21 and I will make you fishers of men." 16:25 Now, here it says, follow me and I will do what? 16:29 Make you fishers of men. 16:31 What is a fisher of men? Is a what? 16:35 Someone who catches people, 16:37 we're bringing people to Jesus. 16:39 Now, it says follow me 16:41 and I will make you fishers of men. 16:44 So, we're not being fishers of men, 16:46 are we following Him? No. 16:50 If we follow Him says, 16:52 Jesus will make us fishers of men. 16:56 So, as followers, true followers of Jesus 16:59 we have to be working for the salvation of souls. 17:04 A true follower cannot call themselves 17:08 a follower and not take part in this work. 17:11 Now, if you think about it, 17:12 Jesus life was all about winning souls. 17:16 So, how can we say we're following Jesus 17:18 and not doing that which He did. 17:20 And how can we be close to Him 17:24 and not take part of His work. 17:26 Now, we're going to look at John Chapter 8 verse 12. 17:32 John, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Chapter 8, 17:38 we're reading verse 12. 17:41 This is the fifth text of our study, 17:44 you're going to mark it 5Wt. 17:47 We just came from Matthew Chapter 4 verse 19 17:51 and we'll be going to Matthew Chapter 5 17:54 verses 14 and 16, 17:57 we are now in John Chapter 8 verse 12. 18:02 Shalita, could you read that for us? 18:08 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, 18:11 I am the light of the world, 18:12 he that followeth me 18:14 shall not walk in darkness, 18:16 but shall have the light of life." 18:18 Thank you, Shalita. 18:20 Here Jesus, what does He say about Himself? 18:24 He is the light of the world. 18:26 Jesus is saying, I am the light of the world. 18:30 What does He say about those that follow Him? 18:33 They will not walk in darkness. 18:34 They will not walk in darkness. 18:36 He is the light of the world and He says those 18:39 that follow Him will not walk in darkness, 18:41 let's look at this a little bit more clearly. 18:44 In Matthew Chapter 5, Matthew 5 18:50 and we're looking at verses 14 and 16, 18:53 Matthew Chapter 5:14 and 16. 18:57 this is the sixth text in our study. 19:00 At the end of this reference 19:01 you're going to mark 6Wt, 19:04 we just came from John Chapter 8 verse 12 19:07 and we will going to Acts 19:09 Chapter 26 verses 16 through 18. 19:13 We're reading now Matthew Chapter 5 verses 14 and 16. 19:20 Roberto, could you read those for us? 19:26 Matthew Chapter 5 read verse 14 and then verse 16. 19:32 "You are the light of the world. 19:34 A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 19:38 Let your light so shine before men that they may 19:43 see your good works, and glory 19:45 you Father in heaven." 19:49 Thank you, Roberto. 19:50 Now, we just read before Jesus says 19:53 that I am the light of the world. 19:56 Now, here He's saying what? 19:59 That we're the light of the world. 20:02 When you receive Jesus in your life, 20:05 because He is light we become light. 20:11 And it says, let your light so shine before men. 20:16 So, if we are light we have to let that light shine. 20:21 Now, let's look at what happens when we become 20:24 light and we let our light shine. 20:27 We're going to look at Acts 20:29 Chapter 26 verses 16 through 18. 20:34 Acts Chapter 26 verses 16 through 18, Matthew, 20:39 Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Matthew, Mark, Luke, 20:43 John, Acts, Chapter 26 and we're looking 20:47 at verses 16 through 18. 20:51 This is the seventh text in our study, 20:54 you're going to mark it 7Wt. 20:57 We just came from Matthew Chapter 5 20:59 verses 14 and 16 and we will be going 21:03 to John Chapter 1 verses 38 through 45. 21:08 We're reading Acts Chapter 5 verse 14, 21:16 verses 16 through 18, I'm sorry. 21:18 Tom, could you read that for us please. 21:21 "But rise and stand on your feet, 21:24 for I have appeared to you for this purpose, 21:27 to make you a minister and a witness 21:30 both of the things which you have seen and of the things 21:34 which I will yet reveal to you. 21:36 I will deliver you from the Jewish people 21:39 as well as from the gentiles to whom I now send you 21:42 to open their eyes in order to turn them 21:46 from darkness to light and from the power of Satan 21:49 to God, that they may receive forgiveness 21:52 of sins and an inheritance among those 21:56 who are sanctified by faith in Me." 21:59 Thank you, Tom. 22:00 Here now we are light, Jesus is light 22:03 and because we receive Him we're light and it says 22:05 here that when we're light what do we do? 22:07 We turn them from darkness into light 22:13 and from the power of Satan unto God. 22:18 When you and I receive the light 22:21 and become light and share the light, 22:23 let that light shine, then we can turn them 22:29 from the darkness into light. 22:32 Deliver them from the power of Satan, unto God. 22:39 Now, I like this passage, it's very interesting 22:42 to me, because this one of my favorite people 22:45 in the Bible is Paul. 22:46 It's just amazing to me to see a man who used 22:50 all of his strength and power to persecute 22:53 those who follow Christ. 22:55 And in this passage, Jesus comes to Paul 23:01 and has an encounter with him, 23:02 now so far to this moment he has done nothing 23:05 but persecute all those who call 23:07 in the name of Jesus. 23:09 And here Jesus has an encounter with him 23:12 and after this encounter, Paul's life is completely 23:17 changed and transformed. 23:19 And notice what Jesus tells Paul 23:22 when he comes to Him. 23:24 He tells him, rise and stand upon thy feet, 23:28 for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, 23:33 to make thee a minister and a witness, 23:37 both of these things which thou have seen 23:39 and of those things in which I will appear unto thee. 23:43 Rise up for I have come for this purpose 23:46 to make you minister and a witness. 23:49 When Jesus comes in our lives, 23:51 he says the same thing to us, rise up. 23:57 Rise and stand upon thy feet for I have come 24:00 for this purpose to make thee a minister and a witness, 24:05 of the things which you have seen, 24:06 of those things that you've experienced 24:07 that you've learned, you are called now 24:11 to be a witness of those things 24:12 and share them with others. 24:14 Jesus comes into our lives and calls us 24:17 to be a witness and a minister. 24:20 We're going to look at some examples of people 24:22 in the Bible that when they receive Jesus 24:27 into their lives, they too became witnesses for Him. 24:30 The first example we're going to look at is found 24:32 in John Chapter 1 verses 38 through 51, 24:38 John Chapter 1 verses 38 through 51, 24:46 this is the eighth text of our study, 24:50 you're gonna mark 8Wt, we just came from Acts 26 24:55 verses 16 through 18 and we're going to be going 24:59 to Luke Chapter 8 verse 37 through 40. 25:04 We're now at John Chapter1 verses 38 to 45, 25:08 now we're going to be reading these in parts 25:11 so we're gonna start reading verses 38 through 42. 25:16 Mike, could you read those please? 25:20 "Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, 25:22 and says unto them, "What seek you?" 25:25 They said unto him, Rabbi, which is to say, 25:27 being interpreted, Master, 25:29 where dwellest thou?" 25:31 "He saith unto them, Come and see. 25:32 They came and saw where he dwelt, 25:34 and abode with him that day, 25:36 for it was about the tenth hour." 25:38 "One of the two which heard John speak, 25:40 and followed him, was Andrew, 25:41 Simon Peter's brother." 25:46 Through verse 42 yes, please. 25:50 "He first findeth his own brother Simon, 25:52 and saith unto him, we have found the Messiah, 25:54 which is being interpreted, the Christ." 25:57 "And he brought him to Jesus. 25:58 And when Jesus beheld him, he said, 26:00 Thou art Simon the son of Jonah, 26:02 thou shalt be called Cephas, 26:04 which is by interpretation, a stone." 26:07 Thank you, now here we see Andrew who has come 26:11 to know Jesus and what is the first thing he does? 26:16 He goes and gets his brother 26:18 and brings him to Jesus. 26:21 He's found Jesus and now he goes 26:24 and finds his brother and he brings him to Jesus. 26:28 Now, let's continue reading there is another 26:30 example here if we read now verses 43 to 45 26:35 we're going to see another disciple 26:38 that came to Christ and what he does as soon 26:40 as he finds Christ, verses 43 to 45. 26:46 "The day following Jesus would go forth 26:48 into Galilee, and findeth Philip, 26:49 and saith unto him, Follow me." 26:51 "Now Philip was of Bethsaida, 26:53 the city of Andrew and Peter." 26:55 "Philip findeth Nathanael, 26:57 and saith unto him, we have found him of whom 26:59 Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, 27:01 Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 27:05 Now, Philip here may seizes and what does he do? 27:10 He gets Nathanael, he goes and finds his friend 27:13 and tells his friend. 27:14 When Jesus come into our lives we have to go 27:18 and tell others that experience is so special 27:21 that we can't keep it to ourselves, 27:22 we go and tell our family here we see the example 27:26 of Andrew goes to his brother, 27:28 we tell our friends, we see the example of Philip 27:31 going to his friend Nathanael. 27:33 Now, let's look at another example, 27:35 this one is found in Luke Chapter 8 27:38 and we're going to read verses 37 through 40, 27:41 Matthew, Mark, Luke Chapter 8 27:47 and we're going to be reading verses 37 through 40. 27:53 This is the ninth text of our study 27:56 at the end of this reference 27:57 you're going to mark 9Wt, 28:00 we just came from John Chapter 1 28:02 verses 38 through 45 28:04 and after this we're gonna be reading 28:06 John Chapter 4 verses 3 through 18 and then 25 28:11 through 30 and then verse 39. 28:13 We're now reading 28:15 Luke Chapter 8 verses 37 through 40. 28:20 Scott, could you read that for us please? Sure. 28:23 "Then the whole multitude of the country 28:25 of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart 28:28 from them, for they were taken with great fear, 28:32 and he went up into the ship, 28:33 and returned back again." 28:36 "Now the man out of whom the devils were departed 28:38 besought him that he might be with him, 28:40 but Jesus sent him away, saying, 28:42 Return to your own house, 28:44 and show how great things God has done unto thee. 28:49 And he went his way, and published throughout 28:51 the whole city how great things Jesus 28:54 had done unto him. 28:55 And it came to pass, 28:57 that, when Jesus was returned, 28:59 the people gladly received him, 29:01 for they were all waiting for him." 29:04 Thank you, Scott. 29:05 Now, here we see a man that Jesus had delivered 29:12 and he goes and tells who? 29:16 The whole city, everybody that means 29:19 your neighbors, that means your bank 29:21 and your hairdresser, every person you know. 29:25 He went and told everybody 29:27 and because of his sharing with everyone 29:29 a lot of people received the gospel. 29:34 He went and told everyone. 29:36 Now let's look at another example, 29:38 we're going now to John Chapter 4, 29:41 John Chapter 4, 29:47 and we're going to be reading first 29:49 verses 3 to 18 this is a tenth text of our study 29:54 at the end of this reference 29:55 you're going to mark 10Wt, 29:57 we just came from Luke Chapter 8 29:59 verses 37 through 40 and we will be going 30:02 to Luke Chapter 3 verse 16. 30:06 We're now on John Chapter 4 30:09 and we're first going to be reading verses 3, 3 and 4, 30:15 3 and 4 please. 30:21 "He left Judea, 30:22 and departed again to Galilee. 30:26 He needed to go through Samaria." 30:30 Now, here in verse 4 it says he needed 30:34 to go through Samaria, 30:36 Jesus is going to from Judea to Galilee. 30:39 Now, the Jews of this side, they didn't, 30:41 they didn't like the Samarians very much 30:44 and they would always avoid going through there, 30:47 so there is other ways to go through Galilee. 30:50 But it says here you must need to go through Samaria. 30:54 When I read this, it really caught 30:55 my attention, because I see it in my life many times 30:59 you know, Jesus knew he had a divine appointment. 31:03 So, He needed to go through there 31:05 and it's happened to me many times and I can remember 31:09 just a few months ago I was going to Oregon 31:14 and my flight was gonna go through Atlanta, 31:17 from Orlando to Atlanta, I get to the airport, 31:20 I'm their on time, I'm on the line, 31:22 I get to the counter and I realize 31:25 I left my drivers license in the car. 31:28 Now, this says you can't go very far without 31:32 our identification so I had to go get my drivers license, 31:35 I get out of the line, walk outside, 31:38 my car was parked in one of those parking 31:42 lots there in the airport. 31:44 So I had to stand outside and wait 31:46 for the shuttle to come. 31:49 It was very early in the morning, 31:52 so the shuttles were not coming as often 31:55 as they usually do, I waited there for a long time. 31:58 By the time I went to my car and got back 32:02 to the line it was too late to get on the plane, 32:06 so I missed my plane. 32:08 Now, that morning I had woken up early 32:10 and I spend my time with the Lord 32:11 and I have surrendered the day to Him. 32:14 So, when that happened I said well, Lord, 32:16 let's see what you do now? 32:17 I knew he had a plan, didn't know what it was 32:19 but I knew He had a plan. 32:21 So, I go to the counter and the lady's like, hmm, 32:23 don't look like we have anything else 32:25 going to Oregon today. 32:26 Then I'm like okay, well can you check for me 32:28 and she kept checking, she kept checking and finally 32:30 she said oh I found something 32:31 this one is gonna go through Salt Lake City 32:34 and so you going to go a different direction 32:35 and you're gonna get their just an hour later 32:38 than I was supposed to get there, 32:39 so we end up doing it in that way. 32:41 Now, I had woken up really early 32:43 so I was really looking for to sitting in the plane 32:47 and sleeping, except as I sat down I found that my, 32:54 the person sitting next to me wanted to talk. 32:56 This man, a Baptist had been studying the Bible 33:02 and he found out as we have studied 33:06 that the rapture was not biblical and to him 33:11 that was good but it brought some fear 33:13 because then he say, 33:15 well, now since I'm not gonna be rapture 33:18 that means I have to be here through 33:20 all the tribulations and all of these things 33:22 and he began to think, what do I do to avoid 33:27 the mark of the beast? 33:29 Now, we study that but he had not gone 33:32 until understand that yet. 33:34 So, I had sometime to share with him, 33:36 and when I got back to Oregon I realized that, 33:39 that was not a coincidence I must needed 33:44 to have gone through Salt Lake City 33:46 because he was going there 33:47 and that's what the Lord wanted me to. 33:49 And here in this story we see Jesus going 33:53 to Galilee and he knows he has to go through Samaria 33:56 because there is a divine appointment he has there. 33:59 We're gonna continue reading now verses 5 through 9. 34:03 Jessica, could you read those for us. 34:07 "Eventually he came to the Samaritan village 34:10 of Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob 34:16 gave to his son Joseph. 34:18 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, 34:20 tired from the long walk, sat wearily 34:23 beside the well about noontime. 34:26 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, 34:29 and Jesus said to her, Please give me a drink. 34:34 He was alone at the time because his disciples 34:36 had gone into the village to buy some food. 34:39 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have 34:42 anything to do with Samaritans. 34:44 She said to Jesus, You're a Jew, 34:47 and I am a Samaritan woman. 34:49 Why are you asking me for a drink? 34:51 Thank you, Jessica. 34:53 Now, here we see that the women was surprised 34:56 He would ask her for a drink, why? 35:01 She was a Samaritan and he was a Jew. 35:04 Did Jesus let that keep him from sharing 35:07 with this woman? 35:08 No, and so we as followers of Jesus have 35:11 to do the same way he does. 35:13 So, as we are witnesses for Christ we are not 35:16 to stop at those who are different from us. 35:20 But we are to share to everyone, 35:22 we're gonna continue reading 35:23 verses 10 through 18, 35:27 Jessica, could you continue there, 35:29 verses 10 through 18. 35:31 "Jesus replied, If you only knew the gift God 35:34 has for you and who I am, you would ask me, 35:38 and I would give you living water. 35:41 But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket, 35:43 she said, and this is a very deep well. 35:47 Where would she get this living water? 35:50 And besides, are you greater than our ancestor 35:52 Jacob, who gave us this well? 35:55 How can you offer better water 35:57 than he and his sons and his cattle enjoyed? 36:00 Jesus replied, people soon become thirsty again 36:04 after drinking this water. 36:06 But the water I give them 36:08 takes away thirst all together. 36:11 It becomes a Perpetual Spring within them, 36:14 giving them eternal life 36:17 Please, sir, the woman said, give me some of that water. 36:21 Then I'll never be thirsty again, 36:24 and I won't have to come here to haul water. 36:26 Go and get your husband, Jesus told her. 36:29 I don't have a husband, the woman replied. 36:33 Jesus said, You're right. 36:34 You don't have a husband For you have had 36:37 five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man 36:40 you're living with now. 36:42 Sir, the woman said you must be a prophet." 36:47 Thank you Jessica. 36:49 Here Jesus, basically share the gospel 36:51 with this woman in a nutshell and she, 36:55 he is able to tell her about the secrets of her life. 37:01 And she recognizes that he cannot be just 37:04 a regular man because of this. 37:07 There is no secrets we can keep from God 37:09 and only He knows everything about us. 37:11 He is able to tell this woman and she recognizes 37:14 because of that, that He must be from God. 37:18 Now, we're gonna look at verses 25 through 30, 37:22 25 through 30, Tom, could you read that for us please. 37:30 "The woman did said to him, 37:33 I know that Messiah is coming. 37:34 Who is called Christ, when he comes, 37:37 he will tell us all things. 37:40 Jesus said to her, I who speak to you am he. 37:44 And at this point His disciples came, 37:46 and they marveled that He talked with a woman, 37:49 yet no one said, what do You seek 37:52 or why are You talking with her? 37:54 The woman then left her water-pot, 37:56 went her way into the city, 37:58 and said to the men. 37:59 Come, see a Man 38:02 who told me all things that I ever did. 38:04 Could this be the Christ? 38:07 Then they went out of the city and came to Him." 38:10 Thank you, Tom. 38:12 Now, here this woman had just heard from Jesus 38:15 and what does she do? 38:18 She left what she was doing, 38:20 said she left her water-pot, 38:21 she was busy doing it but she leaves the things 38:23 that she is doing and she goes right away, 38:26 she doesn't wait until she learns more or says, 38:28 well you know, now I know a little bit 38:30 I'm gonna wait until I learn a lot more 38:32 and I leave it to the disciples, 38:33 she goes right away with what she knows 38:36 and she shares it with the people 38:37 and let's look at the result 38:38 of this, in verse 39, verse 39. 38:44 Scott, could you read that for us? 38:46 Sure, John Chapter 4 verse 39. 38:50 "And many of the Samaritans of that city 38:53 believed on him for the saying of the woman, 38:55 which testified, He told me all that I ever did." 38:59 Thank you, Scott. 39:00 Here we see the result of her faithfulness. 39:03 She shared just what she knew at the time 39:05 that this man has come and told her all that 39:07 she has done, and because of that 39:10 many it says in that city came to believe. 39:14 Many in the city came to believe, 39:16 we're gonna see one more example of someone 39:20 who was the witness for Christ. 39:21 Now, we're going to look at John the Baptist 39:23 who was a very powerful witness for Christ. 39:26 He had a very special purpose and we're gonna 39:29 see what made his witnessing so powerful. 39:32 We're going to Luke Chapter 3 verse 16, 39:36 Luke Chapter 3 verse 16, this is the eleventh text 39:42 of our study, you're gonna mark it 11Wt, 39:46 we just came from John Chapter 4 verse 3 to 18, 39:51 and 25 through 30 and 39 and we will be going 39:54 to John Chapter 3 verses 27 through 30. 39:57 We're reading now from Luke Chapter 3 verse 16. 40:03 Gloria, could you read that for us? 40:05 "John answered, saying to all, 40:09 I indeed baptize you with water, 40:11 but one mightier than I is coming. 40:15 Whose sandal straps I'm not worthy to loosen. 40:20 He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." 40:24 Thank you, Gloria. 40:25 Here, John the Baptist is witnessing and he says, 40:32 one mightier than I, now hold to that thought 40:36 and go to John Chapter 3:27 and through 30, 40:42 one mightier than I, John Chapter 3 40:46 verses 27 through 30, this is the twelfth text 40:49 of our study, at the end of this reference 40:51 you're gonna mark 12Wt, 40:54 we just came from Luke Chapter 3 verse 16 40:58 and we will be going to John Chapter 12 41:01 verse 32, we're reading now from John Chapter 3 41:05 verses 27 through 30. 41:08 Shalita, could you read that for us? 41:12 "John answered and said, 41:14 A man can receive nothing, 41:16 except it be given him from heaven. 41:19 Ye yourselves bear me witness, then I said, 41:22 I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 41:26 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom, 41:30 but the friend of the bridegroom, 41:32 which standeth and heareth him, 41:35 rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice, 41:39 this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 41:42 He must increase, that, but I must decrease." 41:45 Thank you, Shalita. 41:47 Here we see John the Baptist again 41:50 as he speaking to people about Jesus and he says, 41:53 He must increase but I must decrease. 41:57 One mightier than I, what is, 42:00 what is John doing here? 42:04 He is lifting up Jesus, very good, 42:07 he's taking the focus off of himself 42:10 and pointing to Jesus. 42:13 People were coming to the place because 42:15 of the powerful message that he was bringing 42:18 that they were following him and he made sure 42:21 that he led him back to Jesus. 42:24 And it is important that we do the same, 42:26 we're going to look at why in John Chapter 12 42:30 verse 32, John Chapter 12 we're gonna look 42:34 at verse 32 and this is the thirteenth text 42:38 of our study, at the end of this reference 42:40 you're gonna mark 13Wt, 42:43 we just came from John Chapter 3 42:45 verses 27 through 30 and we will be going 42:49 to 2 Corinthians Chapter 5 42:51 verses 17 through 20, 42:54 we are reading now John Chapter 12 verse 32. 43:00 Mike, can you read that for us please? 43:02 Yeah, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, 43:06 will draw all men unto me." 43:07 Thank you, Mike. 43:09 Here we see why John was doing this. 43:11 Jesus says, if I am lifted up, 43:14 if we lift up Jesus, then all men 43:18 will be drawn unto Him. 43:20 If we lift up Jesus in our homes 43:25 our families will be drawn unto Jesus. 43:29 If we lift up Jesus in our workplace 43:34 the people there will also be drawn unto Jesus. 43:38 If we lift up Jesus in our school, 43:42 our classmates will be drawn to Him. 43:46 So, John and his witnessing understood 43:49 how important it was to lift up Jesus, 43:53 because salvation is in Jesus Christ. 43:57 Let's look at 2 Corinthians Chapter 5 44:01 and we going to be reading verses 17 though 20, 44:05 2 Corinthians Chapter 5:17 through 20, 44:11 this is the fourteen text of our study, 44:15 you gonna mark at the end of this reference 14Wt, 44:20 we just came from John Chapter 12 verse 32 44:23 and we will be going to Romans Chapter 1 verse 16. 44:29 2 Corinthians Chapter 5 44:32 and we're reading 17 through 20. 44:37 2 Corinthians Chapter 5 44:39 verses 17 through 20. 44:40 Roberto, could you read that for us please? Yes. 44:44 "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, 44:49 is a new creation, all things have passed away, 44:54 behold, all things have become new. 44:59 Now all things are of God, 45:03 who has reconciled us to Himself 45:07 through Jesus Christ, 45:09 and has given us the ministry of reconciliation." 45:14 Thank you. 45:15 Here it tells us that God has reconciled us 45:19 to Himself by Jesus Christ. 45:22 And then it says that he had given us 45:25 the ministry of reconciliation. 45:28 We have learned that it was Jesus who reconciled 45:31 us through Christ and as we have been called 45:34 to be ministers of reconciliation 45:36 we have been given the job of leading people to Christ. 45:41 So, they can be reconciled and then 45:43 it says now then we are ambassadors for Christ. 45:51 And He is talking about them who have come 45:54 to Christ and become new creatures, 45:56 it began saying, therefore if any man 45:58 being Christ he is a new creature. 46:00 So, when we become a new creature 46:02 we are now ambassadors for Christ. 46:09 I am an ambassador for Christ, 46:13 you are an ambassador for Christ, 46:16 you at home are an ambassador for Christ. 46:19 Christ has calls us to be ambassadors for Him, 46:24 when we receive Christ and come to be, 46:28 to have a new life in Him 46:30 we are now ambassadors for Christ. 46:33 Now, sometimes we think you know 46:35 there is some people that we are just sure 46:38 that they're gonna reject the gospel. 46:40 And we figure well, if I share it with them 46:43 they just, they're just not going to, 46:45 they're just not going to accept it. 46:47 And then we also think well if I, 46:48 if I talk about Christ that work 46:50 and people are just gonna think I'm weird, 46:53 and if I tell people in my neighborhood 46:57 they're just gonna, you know, stop talking to me. 47:00 We might be afraid or ashamed of sharing 47:03 the gospel, but let's see what encouragement 47:06 the word of God gives us in Romans Chapter 1 47:08 verse 16, Romans Chapter 1 verse 16, 47:18 this is the fifteenth text of our study, 47:22 you're going to mark 47:23 at the end of this reference 15Wt, 47:26 we just came from 2 Corinthians Chapter 5 47:29 verses 17 through 20 47:31 and we will going to Ezekiel Chapter 33 47:35 verses 7 through 9. 47:37 We're now reading from Romans Chapter 1 verse 16, 47:41 Tom, could you read that for us? 47:43 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, 47:47 for it is the power of God to salvation 47:51 for every one who believes for the Jew first, 47:54 and also for the Greek." 47:56 Thank you, Tom. 47:57 Here he calls what? 47:58 It calls the gospel of Christ what? 48:01 Power of God, the Power of God unto salvation. 48:08 Here Paul is saying, I'm not ashamed of the gospel 48:10 because it is the power of God unto salvation. 48:14 So, when you go to share the Gospel 48:16 don't be afraid, don't be ashamed of sharing, 48:18 you're sharing a powerful thing 48:21 and if people reject it 48:24 we shouldn't feel bad for ourselves, 48:27 we should feel bad for them, 48:29 we have a great thing to share, a powerful thing, 48:33 power to salvation, we should not be ever afraid 48:38 of sharing the gospel or ashamed of sharing it. 48:42 Because we are giving them 48:44 power unto salvation, power unto salvation and then, 48:48 and then continue you know we still have this 48:52 doubt of people who may reject that, 48:54 we know already they have said I don't want nothing 48:56 to do with Christ, 48:57 but the Bible also talks to us about that. 48:59 In Ezekiel Chapter 33 verse 7 through 9, 49:03 Ezekiel Chapter 33 49:08 and we're going to look at verses 7 through 9, sorry. 49:15 This is the sixteenth text of our study, 49:17 you're gonna mark 16Wt. 49:20 We just came from Romans Chapter 1 verse 16 49:23 and we will be going to John Chapter 20 49:26 verses 19 through 20. 49:29 This is Ezekiel, we're reading now 49:31 Ezekiel Chapter 33 verse 7 through 9. 49:38 Scott, could you read that for us? Sure. 49:40 "So, thou O son of man I have sent thee a watchman 49:44 unto the house of Israel, therefore thou shall hear 49:47 the word in my mouth and warn them from me. 49:51 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, 49:54 thou shalt surely die, if thou doesn't speak to one 49:58 the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die 50:01 in his iniquity, but his blood 50:03 will I require at thine hand. 50:06 Nevertheless if thou warned the wicked 50:08 of his way, to turn from it, if he do not turn 50:12 from his way he shall die in his iniquity, 50:15 but thou has delivered thy soul." 50:19 Thank you, Scott. 50:20 Now, here it tells us if we want the person 50:25 and tell them of the gospel 50:26 and they choose to reject it, 50:28 are we responsible? No. 50:30 But if we don't and they're lost, 50:33 are we responsible? 50:34 Yes, God will hold us responsible for those 50:40 who we have not warned. 50:45 Now, this brings me to question, 50:48 do I have blood in my hands? 50:51 And I hope each of us is, is, 50:54 is asking God and searching to our hearts 50:56 to show us if there is someone that we have 51:00 neglected to share, we don't, 51:01 I don't know about you, but I don't want to have 51:03 blood on my hands. 51:04 So, we wanna make sure that we share the gospel, 51:09 even if know, are sure in our hearts 51:11 that they're going to reject it, 51:13 our responsibility is to share it 51:16 and leave God with the results, 51:20 that's very important. 51:22 We're going to finish with John Chapter 20, 51:25 we're gonna look at verses 19 through 21, 51:28 John Chapter 20, 51:32 verses 19 through 21, 51:35 this is the last text of our study, 51:37 at the end of this reference 51:38 you gonna mark 17Wt, 51:40 we just came from Ezekiel Chapter 33 51:43 verses 7 through 9. 51:46 And this is the end, so you're just gonna write 51:49 end on the bottom. 51:50 We're reading now John, John Chapter 20 51:55 verses 19 through 21. 51:58 Jessica, could you read that for us? 52:01 "That evening, on the first day of the week, 52:04 the disciples were meeting behind 52:06 locked doors because they were afraid 52:08 of the Jewish leaders. 52:10 Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them. 52:13 Peace be with you, he said. 52:15 As he spoke, he held out his hands for them 52:18 to see, and he showed them his side. 52:21 They were filled with joy when they saw their Lord. 52:24 He spoke to them again and said, 52:26 Peace be with you. 52:28 As the Father has sent me, so I send you." 52:32 Thank you, Jessica. 52:34 Here Jesus, after his resurrection, 52:39 comes to His disciples, He appears to them 52:42 and He tells them peace be unto you. 52:45 And then He says as my father has send Me, 52:50 even so send I you, 52:55 as my father has send Me, 52:57 even so send I you. 53:01 Jesus today is saying to us as my father has send Me 53:08 send I you. 53:11 Is it our desire to answer to this call 53:15 by saying, Jesus, send me? 53:19 Do you decide today to say, yes, I will go. 53:25 Let us pray. 53:27 Dear Lord heavenly Father, 53:29 we thank you for the powerful 53:33 testimony of your word. 53:34 We thank you for what He has done in our lives 53:38 and we pray Father that you will help us 53:42 to share this same wonderful news that you've given to us 53:47 with others that the lives of many will be changed, 53:51 transformed and saved because of it. 53:54 Help us, dear Lord, to understand 53:57 that this is a privilege that you have given us. 54:01 Help us to have the burden for the salvation 54:04 of souls that we need to have, 54:07 that we will go and share the gospel with all nations. 54:14 Lord, help us to trust in you because you said, lo, 54:18 I am with you even to the end of the world. 54:22 Help us to understand that as we go out 54:24 and share with people you are with us, 54:27 and that what we are coming to share with them 54:29 is that your power unto salvation, 54:33 that we will have no fear, 54:34 no shame but to stand and go to answer to the call 54:41 to save those who are lost. 54:43 This we pray, in Jesus name, amen. 54:49 This is the last study that we are going to do 54:54 and we encourage each of us here and you at home, 54:58 to take what you have learned and go 55:01 and share with others. 55:03 Jesus concerned when he saw the multitude was, 55:07 the harvest truly is plenteous 55:11 but the laborers are few. 55:14 Are you, my friend, going to take a stand 55:18 and be a laborer for Christ. 55:21 Are you going to say today, Jesus send me, 55:26 it is my desire that each of us here as well as you 55:30 at home will take what you have learned 55:33 week after week in this lessons, 55:36 and you will share it with those 55:39 that you've come and contact with. 55:41 I promise you that as you share the word of God 55:44 it will become even more meaningful to you 55:47 and it will bring change and transformation 55:49 in your own life. 55:50 There is nothing that comes from a spending 55:53 in the time, time in the word of God 55:56 but blessings, to us and to those 55:58 that we share it with. 56:00 So, I pray that you will take the time 56:03 to share these, that you will begin today 56:06 to pray and say, Lord, show me those that I need 56:10 to share with and give me the trust to go 56:14 and do in knowing that you will be with me. 56:17 This is my encouragement to you 56:19 and to each of us here. 56:21 May you take the time to share 56:22 God's word with others. 56:24 We remind you again that the rest of our studies 56:27 are found in our website 56:29 at www.comeexperiencelife.com. 56:36 Well, my friends, you and I have completed 56:38 the Life on the Edge course. 56:41 We've walked through the Bible, 56:43 we promised in our very first program 56:45 that you're about to embark on a journey 56:47 through scripture that would be like 56:49 no other you had been on. 56:51 And here we are, God has taken us 56:53 from the Garden of Eden, 56:55 lost all the way back 56:56 to the Garden of Eden, restored. 56:59 Aletta has just told us that we are the witnesses 57:03 for Jesus Christ, it reminds me of the thing 57:06 that Isaiah said, he said 57:08 that he was the witness for the Lord. 57:12 God told them to tell all of us 57:13 that I am the Lord's witness. 57:16 And so we just want to thank 57:17 every one of you for tuning in. 57:19 Remember, if you didn't get the rest 57:22 of the studies, we need you to go 57:23 to the website www.comeexperiencelife.com. 57:30 Where you'll able to see all of those 57:31 other videos, download the handouts. 57:34 And my friend, some of you may even 57:36 want to come to our classroom 57:38 and simply experience LIFE. |
Revised 2014-12-17