Cornerstone Connections | Q3 Lesson 2 | Can I get a witness? | JTSDA

Summary

In this video lesson, the focus is on the calling of Christians to share the gospel with those far from God. Using a personal story of a young girl named Beth, who overcame her anxiety about evangelism, the video explores the power of sharing personal testimonies and trusting in God’s guidance. The key message emphasizes that evangelism is not just for professionals but for everyone, as Jesus called his disciples to spread the good news. The lesson encourages viewers to reach out with love and compassion, exemplifying Christ’s character in their interactions with others.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jesus gave His disciples power and authority to heal the sick and preach the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:1-2).
• 😀 Christ's disciples were sent to the lost sheep of Israel first, emphasizing the importance of reaching those who are far from God (Matthew 10:5-6).
• 😀 Evangelism is not just for professional evangelists, but for all believers, regardless of their experience or abilities.
• 😀 Witnessing often begins with simple conversations and sharing personal stories, rather than relying solely on prepared materials or speeches.
• 😀 Evangelism is not about forcing beliefs, but about sharing the message of Jesus with others in a way that feels natural and compassionate.
• 😀 Jesus' Kingdom is not of this world, and it does not seek earthly power or dominion, but spiritual transformation and redemption.
• 😀 The Kingdom of Heaven is about self-sacrifice, love, and living according to the principles of God's grace, not worldly values.
• 😀 Christians are called to reflect the love and character of Christ, demonstrating care and compassion in their daily lives.
• 😀 The focus of evangelism should always be on sharing the message of Jesus Christ, introducing others to a personal relationship with Him.
• 😀 True witnessing begins with knowing Jesus personally; sharing Him with others is simply telling others about a friend who can change their lives.

Q & A

What is the key text for the lesson in the video?

The key text for the lesson comes from Luke 9:1-2, which states that Jesus gave his disciples power and authority to heal the sick and preach the Kingdom of God.

What does the flashlight text in the video emphasize?

The flashlight text from 'Desire of Ages' emphasizes that Christ's disciples were sent to represent Him, teaching the truth to those who were spiritually hungry, and that even when Jesus was no longer physically present, His guidance would continue through His disciples.

How does the story of Beth illustrate evangelism?

Beth's story shows that evangelism doesn't require perfect knowledge or eloquent words. Instead, it highlights that sharing personal experiences and relying on God's guidance can lead to meaningful connections and help others come to know Jesus.

What lesson can be learned from Beth's experience in reaching out to her friend?

The lesson from Beth's experience is that evangelism is often about building genuine relationships and sharing personal stories rather than following a script or having all the answers.

What does the term 'Kingdom of Heaven' refer to in the New Testament?

The term 'Kingdom of Heaven' refers to God's reign or rule. In Matthew's Gospel, it is used to reflect Jewish customs of avoiding the direct use of God's name. The 'Kingdom of Heaven' and 'Kingdom of God' are often used interchangeably, but 'Kingdom of Heaven' is more common in Matthew.

Why does the video mention that Jesus instructed His disciples to preach to the Jews first?

Jesus instructed His disciples to preach to the Jews first because, in the Old Testament, Israel is often described as God's chosen people, and the Jews were seen as the 'lost sheep' needing to hear the message of salvation.

What does Ellen G. White's commentary on the Kingdom of God emphasize?

Ellen G. White’s commentary emphasizes that the Kingdom of God cannot be aligned with earthly and worldly powers. The kingdom's principles are spiritually discerned, and Christ's teachings focus on uplifting humanity through godly love and character rather than seeking earthly dominion.

What is the central message of evangelism according to the video?

The central message of evangelism is sharing Jesus Christ with others. Evangelism is about building relationships and introducing people to Christ, who is the ultimate source of salvation.

How does the video define witnessing?

Witnessing is defined in the video as one friend sharing with another friend about a mutual friend—Jesus. It is about sharing personal experiences with Christ and letting others know about His transformative power in one's life.

What role does personal relationship play in effective evangelism according to the video?

Personal relationships are crucial in effective evangelism. The video emphasizes that connecting with people, sharing personal stories, and building trust are key elements in helping others understand and embrace the message of Jesus.