Defining evangelism as initiating people into the kingdom, Abraham critiques contemporary church growth and evangelism from a theological perspective. A good text for a graduate level course on evangelism.
The publication of William J. Abraham’s The Logic of Evangelism in 1989 marked a turning point in the field and practice of evangelism. Almost thirty years later the book still provokes discussion as it stimulates both theorists and practitioners to comprehend evangelism as initiation into God’s reign. Combining theological insight and historical analysis, Abraham’s groundbreaking work remains the primary text to set the stage for how evangelism may be conceived. In these timely essays written by both theologians and church leaders, The Logic of Evangelism Revisited takes a critical and yet appreciative look into the ways Abraham’s work still speaks to the church in today’s world. The authors, coming from a wide array of backgrounds, show how The Logic of Evangelism remains a key text into the twenty-first century.
In this classic book, John Stott shows that Christian mission must encompass both evangelism and social action. He offers careful definitions of five key terms- mission, evangelism, dialogue, salvation and conversion. Through a thorough biblical exploration of these concepts, Stott provides a model for ministry to people's spiritual and physical needs alike. Ultimately, Stott points to the example of Jesus, who modeled both the Great Commission of proclamation and the Great Commandment of love and service. This balanced, holistic approach to mission points the way forward for the work of the church in the world. Market/Audience Church Leaders Pastors Students Those interested in Evangelism Endorsements 'A short but exceedingly powerful book. Packer shows that rather than precluding evangelism, God's sovereignty provides the most powerful incentive and support for it . . . Contains impressive depth and contains a thorough and satisfying treatment of the subject.' - DiscerningReader.com 'I've often recommended this book to faithful Christians who are confused about how they are to think about prayer, missions, giving-any area in which our efforts could be wrongly pitted against God's own necessary action. Packer introduces us to clear truths, handles Scripture with exemplary care, and supplies us with just the right amount of illustrations and application.' - From the foreword by Mark Dever, senior pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. Features and Benefits New mass market edition of a classic InterVarsity Press work on divine sovereignty and human responsibility Challenges extreme views on both sides of the issue Outlines a proper incentive and support for evangelism Over 100,000 copies in print
What does it mean to evangelize ethically in a multicultural climate? Following his successful Evangelism after Christendom, Bryan Stone addresses reasons evangelism often fails and explains how it can become distorted as a Christian practice. Stone urges us to consider a new approach, arguing for evangelism as a work of imagination and a witness to beauty rather than a crass effort to compete for converts in pluralistic contexts. He shows that the way we lead our lives as Christians is the most meaningful tool of evangelism in today's rapidly changing world.
Most Christians already know that they should be telling their friends about Jesus. But they have been poorly equipped with methods that are no longer effective in today's post-Christian world. As a result, many people become frustrated, blame themselves, and simply give up. Evangelism in a Skeptical World is a textbook on evangelism that is ideal for the church or the classroom to equip Christians with the principles and skills they need to tell the unbelievable news about Jesus to friends in a skeptical world. Many of the older principles and methods of evangelism in the twentieth century no longer work effectively today. In a post-Christian, post-churched, post-reached world we need new methods to communicate the timeless message of the gospel in culturally relevant ways. Dr. Chan combines the theological and biblical insights of classic evangelistic training with the latest insights from missiology on contextualization, cultural hermeneutics, and storytelling. Every chapter is illustrated with real-world examples drawn from over fifteen years of evangelistic ministry. These are methods that really work - with university students, urban workers, and high school students - getting past the defensive posture that people have toward Christianity so they can seriously consider the claims of Jesus Christ. Field-tested and filled with unique, fresh, and creative insights, this book will equip you to share the gospel in today's world and help as many people as possible hear the good news about Jesus.
We all have doubts that challenge our faith. We wonder whether the Bible still matters, or whether God is truly as loving and personal as we hope. In his first ever devotional, The Logic of God, apologist Ravi Zacharias offers 52 readings that explain how and why Christianity, the Bible, and God are still relevant, vital, and life-changing for us today. To all our dilemmas Ravi says, "I am convinced that Jesus Christ alone uniquely answers the deepest questions of our hearts and minds." With a remarkable grasp of biblical facts and a deep understanding of the questions that trouble our hearts, Ravi tackles the most difficult topics with ease and understanding. But The Logic of God is more than intellectual; it is also personal, offering thoughtful wisdom on: when Jesus draws especially near you the deep ray of hope found in God's Word how God transforms disappointments why prayer matters how genuine peace is possible making sense of suffering The Logic of God is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller. The Logic of God was named the 2020 ECPA Christian Book Award winner for Bible Study category. Ravi makes profound biblical truth easy to understand. And if your life is busy, this book is designed for you! It addresses 52 topics that you can read over the course of one year or slowly digest at your own pace. Each entry includes a scripture, questions for reflection, and some practical application steps. When you're struggling with questions and doubts, confused, curious, or just want a clearer way to express your faith The Logic of God has answers that satisfy the heart and the mind.
The bold thesis of Canonical Theism is that the good and life-giving Holy Spirit has equipped the church not only with a canon of scripture but also with an abundant canonical heritage of materials, persons, and practices. However, much of the latter has been ignored or cast aside. The authors call for the retrieval and redeployment of the full range of this rich legacy. Voices from across the spectrum here chart that mine of opportunity and invite the entire church to explore the benefits of their discoveries.Ambitious in its scope and agenda, Canonical Theism offers insights that will enable the readers to discover anew the faith that has nourished converts, created saints, and upheld martyrs across the years.Contributors: William J. Abraham Frederick D. Aquino Paul L. Gavrilyuk Charles Gutenson Douglas M. Koskela Mark E. Powell Frederick W. Schmidt Horace Six-Means Natalie B. Van Kirk Jason E. Vickers David F. Watson
The most common methods of evangelism are tailor-made for extroverts. But what about the rest of us? Other Christians, including introverted, reflective people, are left with feelings of guilt and fear and the desire to become more outgoing. The problem, says Mike Bechtle, is not their personality, but that they've been taught methods of evangelism that push them too far out of their comfort zone. In Evangelism for the Rest of Us, Bechtle shows readers how to share their faith in more comfortable ways by helping them discover and define their unique strengths within their personality type. With fresh, biblical insight, this much-needed resource renews a passion for sharing Christ with others, because telling the Good News does not have to be so intimidating.
Tired of finding yourself flat-footed and intimidated in conversations? Want to increase your confidence and skill in discussions with family, friends, and coworkers? Gregory Koukl offers practical strategies to help you stay in the driver's seat as you maneuver comfortably and graciously in any conversation about your Christian convictions.