Tell the Truth : The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person by Whole People

by Metzger, Will

• ISBN13: 9780830823222
• ISBN10: 0830823220
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-10-01
• Publisher: Intervarsity Pr

Summary

Will Metzger's training manual on the message and methods of God-centered evangelism is now in its third edition!This revised and expanded version of the original guide published in 1981 is written to address the concern that many Christians, entrusted with the gospel message, have forgotten the message and their responsibility to accurately convey it.The recovery of a God-centered and grace-centered gospel is imperative, says Will Metzger. In the third edition of his critically-acclaimed training manual he expands on the topics of grace and worship. And he emphasizes the centrality of sovereign, saving grace that completely exalts God. In addition, he offers a narrative approach to witnessing with the story "Come Home," training materials for Christians who want to learn God-centered evangelism, and a study guide on evangelism suitable for individuals or groups.More than ever,Tell the Truthis ready to serve the church as a comprehensive, accessible and effective guide to God-centered evangelism.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Revised and Expanded Edition	11	(4)
Introduction The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person Wholly by Grace by Whole People: Our Task in Evangelism	15	(8)
PART ONE: THE WHOLE GOSPEL
Content of Our Message
Personal Witness as Planting and Watering	23	(10)
What is Witnessing?
The Difference Between the Gospel and Our Testimony
Distinguishing Our Role from God's
The Gospel Reduced	33	(20)
Packaging the Gospel
Whole Gospel/Shrunken Gospel
Message-Centered/Method-Centered
God-Centered/Me-Centered
Is the Gospel Really Being Compromised?
Truth: The Measuring Stick of Evangelism
The Gospel Recovered	53	(34)
Gospel Grammar: The Five Primary Points of the Gospel
Gospel Telling: ``Come Home'' Diagram
PART TWO: TO THE WHOLE PERSON
Conversion of the Total Person
Professors but Not Possessors	87	(8)
Mere Conversion
A Partial Response to the Gospel
The Whole Gospel to the Mind	95	(4)
All Head Knowledge
Little Head Knowledge
The Balance: Thinking God's Thoughts, Not Judging God's Ways
The Whole Gospel to the Emotions	99	(5)
Only Emotional Reaction
No Emotional Reaction
The Balance: Emotions Led by Truth
The Whole Gospel to the Will	104	(8)
The Balance: God Moving Sinners Through Persuasion
The Labeling Fallacy
Reaching the Whole Person
PART THREE: WHOLLY BY GRACE
The Foundation for Evangelism
Grace Is Only for the Powerless	112	(17)
Salvation Is Impossible for Nice People
Three Myths That Obscure Grace
Unable yet Responsible
God Is Grace-Full	129	(10)
Grace Makes Salvation Possible
Our Re-creating God
Sovereign, Saving Grace	139	(9)
Grace Discriminates
Not Free Will but a Freed Will
Because It Pleases Him
Worship	148	(11)
Motivation for Evangelism: Encountering a Macro-God
Worship: The Passion for and the Purpose of Evangelism
Real Converts Really Worship
God-Centered Evangelists Worship
PART FOUR: OFFERED BY WHOLE PEOPLE
Character and Communication in Witnessing
Ordinary Christians Can Witness	159	(21)
Pluralism and the New Definition of Tolerance
Christ, the Only Way to God
Reasoning with People
Speaking to the Conscience
Our Fears
Wholeness in Attitudes and Motivation
Prayer and the Spirit
How to Communicate Personally	180	(80)
No Perfect Methods, but Help for Starting
Different People, Different Places
Getting Started
Conversation Turners
Conversation with a Direction
The Uninterested
Using a Summary of the Gospel
Bloom Where You Are Planted
Practical Effects of Grace-Centered Evangelism
Our Goal: Disciples
Plans to Obey
APPENDIXES
Appendix A Training Materials for Learning God-Centered Evangelism	208	(23)
I. The Kind of Person God Uses in Evangelism
II. Preparing Your Testimony
III. Learning to Say What You Mean
IV. Being a Good Listener
V. How to Ask Good Questions
VI. Friendship Evangelism
VII. Language Barriers
VIII. Four Role Plays for Learning to Witness
IX. Evaluating the Content of a Gospel Presentation
X. Questions Non-Christians Ask
XI. Guidelines for Organizing Contact Evangelism
XII. Spiritual Interest Questionnaire
XIII. Schedule for a God-Centered Evangelism Training Seminar Weekend
Appendix B Learning the Gospel Diagram ``Come Home''	231	(16)
I. Procedure for Learning the ``Come Home'' Gospel Diagram
II. Come Home: Overview for Memorization
III. ``Come Home: Simplified Version''
IV. Telling the Gospel Through Stories
V. God's Test for Everyone: Measure Yourself by God's Law
VI. Do You Dare Look Inside Yourself?
Appendix C Study Guide	247	(10)
Twelve Sessions for Individuals or Groups
Appendix D Doctrine Is Not an Obscene Word	257	(3)
Notes	260	(9)
Scripture Index	269	(3)
Permissions	272