Elder Andrew Goh started by conducting an electronic poll which he referred to as the “Living Parable”. The responses from this poll are summarized and tabulated (at the end of the guide). Some similarities are found in the responses of both the 1st and 2nd services which go to show that there are common struggles we face when it comes to reaching out.
Elder Andrew encouraged us to share the Gospel in spite of those struggles. The more we share, the easier it gets and the more often we feel like sharing it. From 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6, we are called to have “boldness in our God” to share the Gospel. This “boldness” is not as in arrogance but it is in the confidence that God will see us through in the sharing of His Gospel. It is not just a ‘skill’ or a ‘technique’ but it is through the help of the Holy Spirit, we dare to share the Gospel despite opposition or difficulties.
As Christians, we are also “entrusted with the Gospel” – God has given us divine approval to share the Gospel. Are we to bury and hide the Gospel or do we prove ourselves worthy of the trust placed upon us by God? Trust is not just in “Honesty” but in “Capability.” A Christian client asked an alcoholic lawyer, Cyrus Scofield, why he was not a Christian and then shared the Gospel with him. Scofield later became a famous theologian, and wrote and published the influential Scofield Reference Bible in 1909.
Elder Andrew then examined what is meant by “Lost” when used in the Bible. In Luke 15:4-7 (The Parable of the Lost Sheep), Jesus told of a shepherd with 100 sheep who “loses one of them”. The shepherd then “go after the one which is lost until he finds it.” When he finds it alive, he puts it on his shoulders rejoicing and brings it back to the fold saying “rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.” There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, who forsakes his old ways and embraces God’s ways. God is a Seeker after us! The first question asked by God recorded in the Bible is “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). This shows that (a) God thinks of you; (b) God speaks to you; (c) God knows when you are not at the right place; and (d) God wishes you to tell Him why you are not in the right place (as He did with Adam)[1].
The evangelical understanding that the “Lost” are the unregenerate (i.e., they lack everlasting life) – Jesus did not come to make bad people good; but dead people live![2] See John 3:16. We see in 2 Peter 3:9 that God has His own timing and we are not forgotten by God. Our God is indeed awesome!
Is our heart for the “Lost” like Prophet Jonah’s heart or God’s heart? Jonah did not like the Assyrians so he was a very reluctant prophet for Nineveh. He did not preach well yet by God’s grace many believed including the king. Yet, Jonah was not happy (see Jonah 4).
(a) Jonah had compassion on that for which he had not labored – God had compassion on those for whom He had labored.
(b) Jonah had compassion toward a single plant – God had compassion for a vast multitude of people.
(c) Jonah’s compassion was focused on his own benefit – God’s compassion was for the benefit of others.
(d) Jonah had compassion on that which would cease to exist – God had compassion on sinners who will face eternal damnation.
In conclusion, Elder Andrew encouraged us to pray for a Burden for the lost and pray for Boldness for the lost. See Romans 1:16. We have boldness when we have a heart after God’s heart and share the same compassion for the lost!
[1] Source: McAuslane.
[2] Source: Ravi Zacharias.
Discussion Questions
1) Look at the responses of the electronic poll conducted during service time. Briefly discuss what possible thrusts in evangelism that the church, cell or individuals can consider based on these findings. [15 min]
2. Share how you became a Christian. Reflecting on your personal experience, share what you, your cell or our church can be more effective in reaching the lost. [15 min]
3. Is our heart for the Lost like Jonah’s heart or God’s heart? Share with the group the specific person(s), if any, who you are praying for to receive Christ. [15 min]
