Marc Estes

I am once again overwhelmed with the urgent need to let a world know that Christ loves them. There are thousands that drive by the coffee shop as I type, many who are in desperate need of a savior.  I am forever grateful for what God has done for me and in me. I am passionate about serving Him and His cause due to His amazing grace at work in my life.  I am sure you feel the same.

Unfortunately 95% of Christians will not share their faith. This surprising statistic should be the catalyst for each of us to really assess our daily opportunity to share the best news ever. Most of us have the desire to share, but simply get busy or our deterred by fear or intimidation. However, there is an incredible joy that is released when we break through the barriers of silence and share with those that need Him.

I wanted to resurrect seven important posts from over four years ago, and challenge you to take the seven day challenge. Read one post a day, pray about the principles and ask God to activate these truths in your life. I would trust that you might be more fruitful in sharing your faith next week. Here they are:

Day 1: Building Relationship is the Key.

Day 2: Be an Example

Day 3: Be Aware of Your Enemy

Day 4: Fervently Pray

Day 5: Meet their Needs

Day 6: Be Ready when the Opportunity Comes

Day 7: Have Faith

There are many varying views on the definition and importance of church.  There isn’t a day that passes where I don’t find myself baffled with the responses of people concerning this vital topic. As society continues to become increasingly secular, the need for Christians to understand the perceptions of the unchurched increase dramatically.  Statistics show that only 15% of those under the age of 35 have any Christian influence in their lives. Times have certainly changed.

I felt it was important to address this subject with the college students in my Personal Evangelism Class. After putting my thoughts down on paper, I felt it would be good to put them into the hands of anyone that would be interested in sharing with others, ‘why church is important and how to deal with some of the rebuttals from the unchurched.’

Here is a link to download the notes, and you can find them on my Resource Page as well.

Combatting Perspectives of the Church – web

I just finished speaking at a leader’s session at a conference in Romania, and many of the leaders there were challenged with the Word and wanted a copy of the notes for their review. I have developed a copy for the web and are posting them for your review. If you are interested, just simply click 0n below and enjoy.

Everyone Needs to Be Led – Web Version

Each leader plays a key role in motivating others in evangelism. However, for us to be able to impart a heart for the lost into our leaders, we must have this as an everyday part of our own lives. It is through your living example that you will be able to impart and sustain a harvesting gene into your leaders.

Here are six practical steps I strive to keep in my life on a daily basis to maintain a harvest mindset:

1.   Possess It- You must contend for it, as it is not what you confess, but what you possess that counts.

2.   Pray It- Make it a daily part of your prayer life, and ask the Lord to stir you in evangelism. Take that opportunity whenever it presents itself to pray this over those in your leadership group as well.

3.   Discuss It- It has been said, “you get what you preach.” Take the time to discuss evangelism ideas in every meeting.

4.   Encourage It- People need constant encouragement, especially when it comes to evangelism. Encourage those in your group toward every evangelistic effort that is put forth.

5.   Assist It- Get involved whenever your church is hosting some form of outreach.

6.   Model It- Jesus led by example, we should do likewise. Look for opportunities to bring your friends and neighbors to your small group meeting as well.

I had the unique privilege of sharing with a young man who claimed to be a “White Magic – Calvinist – Jew.” To say that it was an interesting conversation would be a gross understatement. The good news is that I was able to lead this young man to Christ and get him plugged into the local church.  Other recent conversations seem to have some of the same undertones; people who have formulated their own definition of God and views about eternity.

Welcome to the twenty-first century!  The breakdown of absolute truth coupled with the erosion of Christian influence has paved the way to a new melting pot of religious views that have greatly impacted society, and our ability to reach those that need Christ. As a church leader, I am acutely aware of the fact that my approach to sharing the truth must radically change while still adhering to the timeless truth of the gospel; easier said than done.

Regardless of a person’s belief system or worldview, there are ten main pillars that we must continue to emphasize in our gospel approach.

 These are: (FREE TEACHING NOTES on this topic available on my Resource Page).

Pillar #1: Every person has a perception of Eternity

Regardless of religious persuasion, or lack thereof, every person has a perception of what Eternity might be. Those views may consist of; heaven, hell, reincarnation, a distant galaxy, or cease to exist.

Pillar #2: Absolute truth is the foundation to life itself

To a generation that believes that truth is relative, the need for establishing the foundation is the beginning point of sharing the gospel.

Pillar #3: The Bible is the foundation for all Truth

There is only one book that has ever stood the test of time as being 100% infallible. Establishing the Bible as the sole source of your message is vital to the presenting of any future principles.

Pillar #4: The nature and characteristics of God can be defined

God must be redefined back to His original description. Without elevating God to His rightful place in the minds of man, it is impossible to present the gospel with any sense of need or urgency.

Pillar #5: Sin is an absolute problem not a relative, narrow-minded concept

People must understand sin as “rebellion against God” and it’s affect on humanity in order to understand the immeasurable gap between themselves and God due to their own personal sin.

Pillar #6: Hope and unconditional love are available to those who seek God

Even in the midst of judgement, God provides a way of escape and the opportunity for a new life. This is key to reaching a generation without hope.

Pillar #7: The Cross remains as the central message of the Gospel

1. The message of the cross is the power of God unto salvation. The price that Christ paid for the sin of mankind must be clearly understood to make activate its power in a person’s life.
2. We need to not only give attention to the cross, but also his resurrection power, that he conquered death and hell.
3. There must also be the realization that Jesus is the only way, and no salvation is found in no other name.

Pillar #8: The only One who can truly fill needs and voids is God Himself

Society continues to look to everything but God to fill the immense holes in their life. The need for love, hope, peace, joy, purpose, acceptance and identity will only be found in God. This can only happen when people enter into a personal relationship with Christ. This too, is an important part of the gospel.

Pillar #9: Commitment to Christ is a life-long decision

People must understand the commitment of a life-long relationship before praying a prayer. Just as in a marriage, a couple must understand the cost before entering into a covenant relationship.

Pillar #10: Becoming a Fully Devoted Follower of Christ is the Goal

God desires disciples, not just decisions. The point of salvation marks the beginning of the journey, not the end. A key part of sharing the gospel is to assist people into understand the new life that has begun.

If you have ever led someone to Christ, you know the importance of follow up.  Leading someone to Christ just starts the process and having an effective strategy is important. A few years ago, I wrote a simple follow-up booklet that can be handed to someone after praying to receive Christ.

I thought you might enjoy this booklet and wanted to offer it to you to use in your church, ministry or personal experiences. You can download this on my Resource Page.  The file is called “The Road Ahead – Follow Up Booklet.”  Let me know if this works for you.

 Working with a new convert is much more than a mechanical process. It isn’t the downloading of information, but modeling what a real Christian is to become. Here are eleven qualities of an effective discipler. Hope they help!

1. Integrity

Building a trust relationship with your new disciple is vital. You are asking this person to trust you to lay a spiritual foundation of truth in his or her life. Make sure to saturate your example with integrity. In every aspect of your life, be sure that you are as good as your word. You are representing your church, your brothers and sisters and the name of Christ!

2. Humility

It is necessary, while building trust, to show humility. Humility allows others to receive what you say. Realize that without Jesus you could not have made it as far as you have. There is no difference between us and the prostitute. We are just beggars leading another beggar to bread. Serve them, lift them up… be interested and impressed, not interesting and impressing!

3. Sensitivity

Maintain a high level of sensitivity. Most people come to Christ because of a significant need in their life. Discerning their needs and being sensitive to them will help you offer comfort and counsel in the appropriate areas. Discern the need and minister through it, don’t be ignorant to it.

4. Patience

Working with new converts requires great patience. They do things they shouldn’t do, say things they shouldn’t say, and think things that are not Christ- like. Remember, they are newborn babes and require special attention. Be patient and loving at all times. Don’t rush people: The Holy Spirit brings the change, you bring the love and the understanding.

5. Persistence

It is difficult for most new believers to talk freely about God, to pray, or to worship. Because of this, you must be persistent, but not obnoxious. Allow the Holy Spirit to show you the proper level of persistence needed, while being careful not to turn your new convert away from you, the church, or God.

6. Respect

One of the quickest ways to repel people is to be condescending. In doing this, you create a teacher/student relationship. You should instead create a friend/ friend relationship. Talk about areas that interest them and that they are good at. Be interested and build them up. Introduce them to others, don’t be embarrassed to have them hanging around you. Show them you respect them.

7. Listening

It has been said, “Gain permission to speak by first listening.” Once you begin a conversation with someone, ask him or her open-ended questions about job, family, or social life. Try to find common ground and allow the person to speak. You were given two ears and one mouth for a reason. The best way to get to know someone and understand them is to just sit and listen. Don’t monopolize time. Ask many questions, and let them talk. It helps build relationship as well.

8. Graciousness and Understanding

There will be times when people will reject what you say. Often Christians react negatively in these situations. Getting upset can cause confusion and bitterness in a new convert and make it difficult to move forward in the follow-up process. When someone is unwilling to listen to you, smile, love them, leave them with a positive, caring perception, and wait for the proper time to share your concerns. The harvest is messed up with mulitple, very complex problems. It took years to get into the mess they are in, and it will take years to get out.

9. Exhorting in Love

As your relationship deepens, you may feel led to confront an area in this person’s life. Be sure to combine your exhortation with love. People need more strokes than pokes. Often, the person already knows that the area of sin is wrong. Exhortation without love is hard-handed judgment. Exhortation with love is compassion.

10. Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is contagious! Successful companies have enthusiastic employees because enthusiasm attracts people. No one wants to listen to dull, uninteresting people. Effective disciplers have enthusiasm as well. Allow God’s light to shine through you. Use expression when you speak about Jesus. Let the person see that Christianity is not just a religion, but a relationship.

11. Friendliness

Eighty-six percent of people who come to Christ are influenced through friends, neighbors, relatives, or co-workers. If a relationship does not already exist, your goal should be to build a relationship with your new convert as quickly as possible. Don’t disciple out of obligation.

Is there any scientific way of determining the Bible’s Reliability? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” There is a mathematical law in science that can help us find out. It is called “The law of Compound Probabilities.” It is one of the most profound proofs of the Bible’s divine accuracy and inspiration. It is defined as:

“The Law of Compound Probabilities I a mathematical law which is used to calculate the probability of a specific set of conditions, requirements, or qualifications being fulfilled… it’s a way of figuring the odds.” It is commonly used in the market place to determine financial projections, in weather forecasting, in figuring insurance tables, professional athletics, and in political campaigning. ¹

Peter W. Stoner, the Chairman of the Mathematics and Astronomy Department at Pasadena City College and Chairman of the Science Division of Westmont College from 1953-57 applied the Law of Compound Probabilities to the area of prophetic fulfillment. He did so to determine the odds of a certain prescribed number of biblical prophecies relating to Christ being fulfilled.  Data compiled over a ten-year period was then gathered, with the following staggering results: ¹

Odds of Fulfillment of Eight Prophecies in Perfect Detail and Order: Equals 10¹⁷   

This is a ten with seventeen zeros following. It is compared to state of Texas being filled with Silver Dollars two feet deep. Mark one with a red mark, blind fold someone, and give them one chance to find marked silver dollar on first try. This is odds of 10^17.

Odds of Fulfillment of Sixteen Prophecies in Perfect Detail and Order: Equals 10⁴⁵

He calculated that odds to be compared to the following scenario. The sun is 93 million miles from earth; however, if you had this many silver dollars, you could build a stellar ball so enormous that is would extend 30 times farther out than the sun. Again, mark one, get in your stellar space shuttle, blindfolded, and just choose one, and this would be the chances of fulfilling sixteen prophecies.

Odds of Fulfillment of Forty-Eight Prophecies in Perfect Detail and Order: Equals 10¹⁵⁷

The computers began to overload and burn out at this point and freeze up. This number is so astronomical and beyond human comprehension that there is no name for it! Let use the smallest thing known to man, a electron, which is only 2.5 X 10¹⁵ quintillionth of an inch long. If you devoted yourself to counting just a single file of electrons one-inch long, you would have to count 250 per minute, day and night, for 19 million years! In a cubic inch you would then multiply that cubed! 19 million years times 19 million years times 19 million years.  It has been said that there are more electrons in a grain of sand than all the leaves on all the trees in the world.

However if you had 1 X 10¹⁵⁷ electrons to work with, you could make a cosmic all of electrons so large it would be as big as our known universe. In fact, you would have so many electrons that if there was some way to mass produce these balls, you could make them at a rate of 500 a minute, day and night, for 6 billion years, 10¹⁰ times over!  NOW…. Mark one of these electrons and blindfold yourself and try to find it on your first try, and these are the odds of fulfilling forty-eight prophecies in exact order. 

JESUS FULFILLED 332 AND THEY ARE RECORDED IN EXACT PERFECT ORDER AND DETAIL IN THE BIBLE!!!! ¹

I say all of that to bring us to the reality, that the Bible has some validity. 

What is the culture look like that we are trying to reach?  As a leader, this is a question you must constantly be asking yourself. If you are going to be effective in reaching people you must understand how they believe and behave. With the massive belief/behavior shift taking place in our society today it is impearative that we take the time necessary to understand those within our reach.   

How a person believes plays a critical part as to how we connect with those coming into the church. What they believe, how they behave and their perceptions of us greatly affect how we should relate to them as well as how they will relate to us. In this post, we will deal specifically with their beliefs.

Their Beliefs – The United states is home to over 200 different types of religions and belief systems, but is dominated by seven major faith groups. The breakdown of these groups was taken from the book,  The Seven Faith Tribes, by George Barna

• Casual Christians - There are about 225 million adults in America and approximately 150 million fit into this category.  Their belief system is differs greatly from Biblical Christian beliefs:   
  • 74% claim to have personal relationship with Jesus.
  • 38% are certain they will have eternal life.
  • Only 18% spiritual maturity equates to making commitment to community of faith.
  • 18% engage in big three weekly: church attendance, read bible, and pray.
  • Less than 5% tithe their income, average about 1.5% of income to all contributions.

• Captive Christians – There are roughly 36 million that fit into this category, about 16% of population.  This segment of Christian would be a combination of evangelicals and Protestants.  Their combination of Bible-based conviction and spiritual practices has transformed them into different people. Conversion is real, they live what they believe.

• American Jews – The largest population of Jews now reside in United States, 6.5 million, which is close to half of Jews worldwide. 2% of U.S. population. Contemporary Judaism has its roots in the Middle East, but its heart is in postmodern West.  The changes redefining the beliefs of Judaism are extensive, too much to mention, but do play a role in the make-up in the belief structure of USA.  It has become more of a culture than an actual religion.

•  Mormons – There are 13 million Mormons worldwide and approximately 5 million living in the U.S., 40% living in Utah alone. Almost as many leave the church as are added to the church resulting only in small net gain annually.  Although there are varying degrees of awareness of Church doctrine over 77% state that family values are their top priority.

• Pantheists – The 31 Flavors of America’s belief system, which include Hindus, Buddhists, New Agers, and most religions rooted in Eastern religion.  This group represents about 1.5% of U.S. Population, about 3.5 million.  57% of this entire group is of Asian descent.

• Muslims – A collection of vastly different Muslim segments and theological views.  Varying studies show this group to be between 1.5 to 4 million, best estimate to be around 2.3 million.  Over 50% of this group lives in Northeastern United States.  Most feel highly rejected and grossly misunderstood and wrongly labeled with extreme radical Muslims.

• Spiritual Skeptics – About 11% of Americans are either Atheist (9%) or Agnostic (2%). This group has doubled in size in last quarter century now totaling about 25 million Americans. One of the fastest growing groups with expectation for aggressive growth in the coming years.

It is faith that allows us the privilege of seeing the fulfillment of God’s purposes in our lives. The more faith we have for our lives, the more of your potential is released. What hinders us most from accomplishing extraordinary exploits is not the way God sees us, but the way we see God. God views us with unlimited potential, as we see ourselves quite the opposite. Let us be encouraged with the stretching statement of our Savior in Mark 10:27, “all things are possible with God.”

The account of Jesus and Lazarus brings some shocking parallels to the church and her current condition. It is evident the lost people surrounding us are like Lazarus. They are dead in sin, bound by their habits and life-styles and are a stench to the nostrils of God.

The church has taken on the role of Mary and Martha, either laying at the feet of Jesus, or busy about doing  church but do not possess the faith needed to bring change to the “Lazarus Generation.”

What is needed is ‘Jesus Faith’ and not a Martha and Mary Faith, as will will never be capable of impacting our ‘Lazarus’ society.

Do not lose site of the fact that God has placed you exactly where He wants you! Your neighbors have been carefully selected, and placed in your life by the hand of God, for your inheritance. You co-workers are set in by your side as a master plan of the Lord to bring them to salvation. He now desires to impart to you a new faith that you might become Jesus Today for all those around you to see. Can you see it? Do you hear it? Can you believe it? Do you have faith for it? Will you respond to it?

God is just waiting for you to have the faith to believe that He can use you like never before. Whatever expectation level you have is too small. Ephesians 3:20 insures us, “He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. His thoughts are higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 58:11), and He thinks you can do extraordinary exploits as His co-partner.

Not only does He believe you can reach touch your neighbors and relatives, but that you can be instrumental in touching nations; that’s right, nations! If it weren’t true, He would not put it in His Word. He challenges us to ask Him as seen in Psalms 2:8, “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”

It is only with this level of faith that we will see God’s plan filled in our lives, our churches, our cities and our world. The thought of reaching your friends and relatives requires great faith. The challenge of touching your city demands a greater faith, and the thought of reaching over 6, 073,104,885 people that span the globe cannot be accomplished through human strength, thoughts or strategy, but only through complete faith in God. God’s desires that each of us would have abounding faith that will cut off all of the cant’s and make them into can’s.