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Tell the Truth
paperback
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- Length: 301 pages
- Dimensions: 6 × 9 in
- Published: December 14, 2012
- Imprint: IVP
- Item Code: 3783
- ISBN: 9780830837830
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Other Retailers:
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"Picture a gigantic cruise ship filled with happy people.
"It's the S.S. Evangelical Gospel. In the midst of their fun and excitement, passengers have not noticed holes in the ship's side under the water line. Well-meaning leaders are attempting to plug these holes with new methods, technology, social activism and cultural savvy. All these are important, yet the structure of the ship remains compromised by years of neglect."
In this thoroughly revised fourth edition of the now classic Tell the Truth, Will Metzger reinstates the truth framework necessary for the survival of evangelicalism. Biblical illiteracy among evangelicals is on the rise. Theological discernment between truth and error is increasingly elusive. We need to be recalibrated not to the changing times but to the changeless gospel.
As useful as it is passionate, Tell the Truth will refocus and re-energize a whole new generation to communicate the whole gospel, wholly by grace, truthfully and lovingly.
Includes a study guide and new training materials for personal witnessing!
CONTENTS
Preface: What Is the Biblical Model for Evangelism
INTRODUCTION
The Doctrine Is the Drama
The situation Diagnosed
The Scripture Consulted
Doctrine: Concise Statements of the Pieces of Truth in the Divine Drama of Scripture
The Downfall and Recovery of the Doctor: An Allegory
PART ONE: THE WHOLE GOSPEL LOST AND FOUND
Content of Our Message
1. Evangelism as Planting and Watering
What Is Evangelism?
The Difference Between the Gospel and Our Testimony
Distinguishing Our Role from God's Is Crucial
2. Genuine Conversion
Mere Profession or Real Possession?
Misleading Partial Responses by the Mind, Emotions, Will
Summary: The Holy Spirit Touches the Whole Person
3. The Gospel Reduced
Packaging the Gospel
Whole Gospel/Shrunken Gospel
Message-Centered/Method-Centered
God-Centered/Me-Centered
You're a Beautiful Person
Is the Gospel Really Being Compromised?
Truth: The Measuring Stick of Evangelism
4. The Gospel Recovered
Gospel Grammar: The Five Primary Points of the Gospel
Gospel Telling: "Come Home" Diagram
PART TWO: WHOLLY BY GRACE The Foundation for Evangelism
5. Grace Is Only For The Powerless
Salvation Is Impossible for Nice People
Three Myths That Obscure Grace
Unable Yet Responsible
6. God Is Grace-Full
Grace Makes Salvation Possible
Our Re-creating God
7. Sovereign, Saving Grace
Two Friends: God's Sovereignty and Our Responsibility
Not Free Will but a Freed Will
Why God Chooses to Love Us
8. Worship: The Whole-Souled Response to Grace
Motivation for Evangelism: Encountering a Macro-God
Worship: The Passion for and the Purpose of Evangelism
Real Converts Really Worship
God-Centered Evangelists Worship
Worship: It's All About God
PART THREE: COMMUNICATING TRUTHFULLY AND LOVINGLY Character and Communication in Witnessing
9. Ordinary Christians Can Witness
Pluralism and the New Definition of Tolerance
Christ, the Only Way to God
Reasoning with People
Speaking to the Conscience
Our Fears
Wholesome in Attitudes and Motivation
Prayer and the Spirit-- Prayer and the Spirit
10. How to Communicate Personally
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
APPENDIX 1: Training Materials for Learning God-Centered Evangelism
A. Recommended Books and Websites
B. The Kind of Person God Uses in Evangelism
C. Checkup: How Am I Doing in Telling the Gospel?
D. Preparing Your Testimony
E. Explaining the Doctrine Underlying the Gospel and Evangelism
F. A Theology of Evangelism Methodology (Talk/Sermon)
G. Learning to Say What You Mean
H. Being a Good Listener
I. Asking Good Questions
J. Friendship Evangelism
K. Language Barriers
L. Four Role Plays for Learning to Witness
M. Evaluating the Content of a Gospel Presentation
N. Questions Non-Christian Ask
O. Guidelines for Organizing Contact Evangelism
P. Spiritual Interest Questionnaire
Q. Telling the Gospel Through Stories
R. God's Test for Everyone: Measure Yourself by God's Law
S. Exposing Heart Attitudes
T. Code of Ethics for Christian Integrity in Witnessing
U. Schedule for a God-Centered Evangelism Training Seminar Weekend
APPENDIX 2: Learning the Gospel Diagram "Come Home"
A. Procedures for Learning the "Come Home" Gospel Diagram
B. Come Home: Overview for Memorization
APPENDIX 3: Study Guide
Twelve Sessions for Individuals or Groups
Notes
Permissions
