Encounter
If there is no encounter with Jesus, there can be no affirmation of Jesus as Savior. Our expectations of others are shaped by our own experience.
Offer
To be 'forgiven', 'born again', 'healed'
The language points to the area of life most lacking the presence and love of God.
"If evangelism is the good news of God's love reaching out to the world through Jesus, then the offer of that love will address the area of life most in need of God."
Serious about the present
'Confess your sins', 'turn around' (repent), 'let go and let God'
Everything will be altered by the offer‹compartmentalization is not an option
The life offered is not ours to contain and control.
Life changes
Life is not the same anymore. We find 'goodness' has come from the 'good news'.
There are consistent themes, but each individual experiences the goodness of the presence of God in very personal ways: forgiveness, freshness of life, healing of physical or emotional pain, peace, etc.
What do you think?
€ How can you describe an encounter with Jesus today, he lived a long time ago?
€ Would Jesus have thought less of the woman if she had given him a drink of water and not inquired about his living water?
€ Do we use different metaphors to express the offer?
What are some messages that you have received from God in your life?
By what language were you able to receive them?
In what part of your life is it easiest to let God have his way?
When you have responded to God's offer, what difference has it made? Do you see things differently? Find yourself behaving differently?