Explanation
In Matthew 6:10, Jesus defines God’s Kingdom as where God is king and his will is done. Technically speaking then, kingdom building is any activity that leads others to follow God as king, or any activity that facilitates God’s will on earth. Thus, the scale of the Kingdom of God is quite large as it encompasses any activity that facilitates God’s will on earth. Furthermore, the section on the “Kingdom of God” explores more of the scope and scale of the Kingdom and how to build it. This section entitled “Kingdom Building” will focus more on the first part of the definition: leading others to follow God as king. This is a needed and natural extension of the section on the “Kingdom of God” because God’s heart is for people. He created us for fellowship with him. I believe the macro theme of scripture is “I will be your God and you will be my people.” God loves people and desires to bring us into fellowship with him. Thus, this section will cover what is often referred to as evangelism and missions. Do we have a responsibility to lead others to God? How do we do that? Is not God working to this end as well? How do we cooperate with him in this endeavor? How does the kingdom grow in this way? Does the scripture give instructions or principles to help us accomplish this task? These are the questions and topics that we will explore in this section.
KEY SCRIPTURES
Key Scriptures
Key Scriptures are designed to give a biblical overview of the topic in question. They are extremely valuable for gaining an immediate general understanding of what the Bible teaches on a given subject. Key Scriptures are the first place you should explore when starting a new subject. They can be discussed individually, in part, or in whole. Generic inductive Bible study questions are provided to assist you in your discussion. Key Scriptures are also good for memorizing and reference.
People are lost without God
Isaiah 59:2 – But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. NIV
1 John 1:8 – If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. NIV
See also Ezekiel 18:20, & Romans 3:23
Jesus offers genuine life
John 10:10 – I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. NIV
John 14:6 – I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. NIV
Acts 4:12 – Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. NIV
See also Psalm 16:11, & 1 Timothy 2:5-6
Christians are called to lead others to God and life
Matthew 4:19 – “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” NIV
1 Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. NIV
See also 2 Corinthians 3:6 and 1 Peter 3:15
Christians are called to build God’s Kingdom
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. NIV
Matthew 16:19 – I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” NIV
See also Matthew 10:7, & Luke 12:32
God is actively advancing his Kingdom
Matthew 11:12 – From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. NIV
Luke 11:20 – But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. NIV
See also Matthew 13: 31-31; & 25:34
The gospel is our message
Ephesians 6:19 – Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. NIV
Revelation 14:6 – Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth — to every nation, tribe, language and people. NIV
See also Mark 16: 15-17, & Acts 10:36
Our lives validate our message
Philippians 1:27 – Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. NIV
1 Peter 2:12 – Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. NIV
See also 2 Corinthians 9:13
Inductive Bible Study Questions
to be used with individual Key Scriptures
- What is the primary point of this passage?
- How does this passage challenge us?
- How does this passage comfort or encourage us?
- What does this passage teach us about God?
- What spiritual insights are found in this passage?
- What are the personal & spiritual implications of this text?
- What does this passage ask or require of us?
Inductive Bible Study Questions
to be used with individual Key Scriptures
- What is the primary point of this passage?
- How does this passage challenge us?
- How does this passage comfort or encourage us?
- What does this passage teach us about God?
- What spiritual insights are found in this passage?
- What are the personal & spiritual implications of this text?
- What does this passage ask or require of us?
DISCUSSION GUIDES
GROWING EXERCISES
- Learn to naturally and effectively share the gospel. The truth is that while effective evangelism does not necessarily involve tracts and canned presentations, we should be able to communicate how to become a Christian when the opportunity presents itself. This is when tracts such as “Four Spiritual Laws” or “Steps to Peace with God” can be helpful. Programs such as “Evangelism Explosion” or other training seminars can also help people become comfortable with sharing their faith. Ask your pastor or a Christian friend which approach they recommend. Use this guide to learn a basic gospel outline and principles needed to share with someone how to become a Christian.
- Share your faith. Once you have learned how to share with someone how to become a Christian, begin praying for an opportunity to tell someone else. In fact, as Christians, we should always be on the lookout for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with someone else. Pray for God to open hearts and doors for the message of Christ, and for the courage to faithfully share when that door is open. Debrief and discuss your efforts with your Christian friend.
- Develop a prayer list of people you suspect do not have a relationship with Jesus. Pray regularly for God to move in several ways in their lives.
- Pray for opportunities to build a closer relationship with them
- Pray for opportunities to serve and demonstrate the gospel to them
- Pray that God would soften and open their hearts towards God
- Pray that they would become spiritually aware and understand the gospel
- Pray that others would share the gospel with them
- Pray for opportunities for you to share the gospel with them
- Pray that God draw their hearts towards him
- Interview someone who you know is a good evangelist. Invite them to coffee or lunch and ask the following questions.
- What led you to make sharing your faith a priority in your life?
- What is the hardest part about sharing your faith?
- What is it like to lead someone to Christ?
- Can you explain your general approach in how you share with others?
- Do you believe this is something I can do?
- What advice and/or tips can you give me about sharing my faith?
- What resources do you suggest regarding sharing my faith?
- Volunteer at a Billy or Franklin Graham Crusade as a counselor. You will receive great training in how to lead others to Christ as well as numerous opportunities. It really is an amazing experience!
- Volunteer for a local ministry or mission opportunity such as feeding the hungry, ESL, Senior Care ministry, etc… Use this ministry as a platform to build relationships with people and share your faith. Local missions and ministry is a great platform because spiritual dialogue is a natural extension of the setting. For example, would you mind if I shared with you why I do this ministry? Another conversation starter is to say, “I do this because I want to share God’s love. Yet, what I do for you is nothing compared with what God has done for you. Would you mind if I told you about that? Another conversation starter is to ask to pray for needs in people’s lives. When finished, simply ask if you can share about the one to whom we just prayed and how we can know he loves and cares about us. See what I mean? The context is ripe for sharing. In fact, ministry without sharing Christ is incomplete. We must give the gospel along with whatever aid we offer.
- Participate in a mission partnership in your church. Go on an overseas trip or even commit long term to a local partnership. Be intentional with your efforts regarding the kingdom. The idea is to build kingdom efforts into your life. It is important to develop our passion and heart for kingdom ministries. Approach your experience not just as a ministry opportunity, but as a learning exercise. Ask God to show you where you are gifted along with where and how you can best contribute to the kingdom. Commit to make mission a regular part of your life.
- Develop a new mission partnership for your church. Many churches struggle to reach out beyond themselves. It is often difficult for pastors to commit large amounts of energy to developing new mission partnerships without broad support from the congregation. However, once leadership rises from within the congregation pastors can easily come alongside, support, encourage, equip and promote. In fact, your pastor may be the best source for where to look for a new mission partnership if you do not already have one in mind. Another way to find a good partnership is to ask Christian friends what partnerships they are involved in. If something sounds good, discover how you can go on their next trip. Go on several trips and vet several different mission organizations or projects prior to choosing which one you desire to participate in. It is highly recommended that prior to starting any new mission partnership for your church that you read ‘When Helping Hurts’ by Corbett and Fikkert. It is hands down the most helpful resource for church mission partnerships.
- Learn about unreached people groups. A great place to start is to google GSEC (Global Status of Evangelical Christianity).
Following this link…
http://public.imb.org/globalresearch/Documents/GSECOverviews/2015-01_GSEC_Overview.pdf
As you familiarize yourself with the countries and people groups needing to be reached with the gospel take the following steps.
- Begin praying for the nations and various people groups by name
- Ask God to show you how you can be a part of reaching the nations
- Discover which of these people groups may live in your area
- Discover who is reaching out to interested people groups
- Pray for the mission leaders reaching out to various people groups
- Adopt an unreached people group. Churches and individuals are beginning to adopt unreached people and effectively reach them for Christ. Once you familiarize yourself with various people groups ask God to reveal a people group you can help reach. Perhaps this is a people group with populations living near you. Perhaps this is a group in a country where you have a natural connection or affinity. Perhaps this is a group others you know desire to reach. God gives a passion to reach various peoples in different ways.
The first thing you will want to do is to share with your church leadership what you desire to do and share your passion, vision and desire to do whatever is necessary to reach these people. Begin to read and study regarding how to effectively engage and reach unreached people groups. Read the various mission books in the suggested reading list starting with Radical, Church Planting Movements and T4T. Seek out partnerships and alliances through your denomination and mission groups working in that region. Gather a team around you for support and encouragement as together you develop a strategy to engage your people group. Chances are you will find someone else already targeting this group and you can cooperate with them. Do your homework, build a team, determine a strategy and faithfully execute that strategy. You must note that any strategy to reach an unreached people will be a long term strategy that will involve numerous visits, relationship building, ground coordination, as well as a strategy to congregationalize and multiply new converts. Again, such an effort typically involves cooperation with others.
RECOMMENDED READING
- Living Proof by Jim Petersen
- The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
- Evangelism Handbook by Alvin Reid
- Evangelism is… by Dave Earley and David Wheeler
- Learning Evangelism from Jesus by Jerram Barrs
- The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
- Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours by Roland Allen
- T4T by Ying Kai
- Radical by David Platt
- When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
- Church Planting Movements by David Garrison
- Indigenous Church Planting by Charles Brock
- Perspectives on World Christian Movements by Ralph Winter and Steven Hawthorne
- Serving with Eyes Wide Open by David Livermore
- The Shaping pf Things to Come by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch