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The Born To Win Newsletter - June 2023
The Born To Win Newsletter - June 2023
The Born To Win Newsletter - June 2023
GO!
with Ronald L. Dart
www.BornToWin.net
Making
Life
Work
Feed My
Lambs
BornToWin.net (5
Redefining Evangelism:
The Call for Personal Engagement
Rooted in the Old Testament
by Blake Silverstein
Matthew 28:18–20, commonly ing other nations towards worship
known as the Great Commission, (Deuteronomy 4:5–8).
serves as a rallying cry for Christians, Prophets like Isaiah echo the same
prompting us to spread the Good theme, envisioning a future where
News of the Gospel to all nations. nations would gather and worship
But what if we’ve misunderstood its the Lord. This ingathering is vividly
implications? Two primary interpre- captured in Daniel’s prophecy, where
tations emerge: “go and make disci- the Son of Man receives dominion
ples” and “as you go, make disciples.” over all nations (Daniel 7:14), mark-
While seeming like a minute linguis- ing the beginning of the ingathering
tic debate, the choice between these of people from all tribes, languages,
interpretations profoundly impacts and nations.
how we approach evangelism and When we understand the Great
discipleship. A rich exploration of Commission in light of this Old Tes-
the Old Testament’s teachings offers tament background, the “as you go”
fresh insights into the Great Com- interpretation becomes compelling.
mission and reframes our under- This view understands the command
standing of evangelism. to “go” as an incidental activity that
An exploration of the Great Com- naturally accompanies the Chris-
mission must begin with the Old Tes- tian’s daily life.
tament, where we see the initiation Historically, the Church has
of God’s universal redemptive plan. tended to focus on institutional
From God’s promise to Abraham in evangelism, sometimes neglecting
Genesis 12:1–3 to the prophetic vision personal evangelism’s importance.
of nations gathering in Isaiah 2:2–4, Consequently, lay members often
the Old Testament consistently com- receive limited training on personal
municates God’s intention to extend evangelism. However, an “as you go”
His blessings beyond Israel, ultimate- understanding of the Great Commis-
ly reaching every nation. sion invites an emphasis on personal
In the Abrahamic Covenant, God evangelism.
promises to transform Abraham into This call for personal evange-
a great nation, with the intention that lism necessitates an understanding
“all the families of the earth shall be of the various forms it can take. Tra-
blessed” through him (Genesis 12:3). ditionally, the Church has empha-
This covenant lays the groundwork sized mass-evangelism—large-scale
for God’s mission to redeem every preaching and evangelistic cam-
nation through Israel. paigns. While these are essential, the
This theme is further emphasized “as you go” interpretation underscores
in the Mosaic Covenant, wherein micro-evangelism or personal evan-
God intends for Israel to function as a gelism, where Gospel sharing occurs
“kingdom of priests” and a “holy na- in everyday interactions. Additionally,
tion” (Exodus 19:5–6). Israel’s priest- social evangelism arises as a crucial
ly role is one of mediation, serving as form, where personal faith intersects
a conduit between God and the other with societal issues, expressing God’s
nations of the world. Israel’s fidelity love in tangible, impactful ways.
to God’s law was intended to bear Successful personal evangelism/
witness to God’s greatness, draw- discipleship relies heavily on rela-
6) Christian Educational Ministries • June 2023
tionships. Rather than an objective evangelism. Each form plays a unique
to be completed or a quota to be met, role. Mass evangelism allows for the
evangelism emerges as an organic ex- Gospel’s widespread communica-
tension of genuine relationships. This tion, personal evangelism leverages
understanding is deeply rooted in the personal relationships and individual
Old Testament model of Israel serv- influence, while social evangelism op-
ing as a priestly kingdom among the erationalizes faith, addressing societal
nations, highlighting the relational issues through a biblical worldview.
nature of God’s redemptive plan. By revisiting the Old Testament
Moreover, shifting our focus to foundations and the fundamental
planting and watering—sharing the principles of the Great Commission,
Gospel and nurturing faith—offers the Church can ignite a fresh wave
a more comprehensive approach to of evangelism marked by relation-
evangelism. The apostle Paul’s reflec- al depth, personal engagement, and
tion in 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 provides societal impact. In a world craving
a guiding principle: “I planted, Apol- authentic relationships and palpable
los watered, but God gave the growth. expressions of love, such an approach
So neither he who plants nor he who could be revolutionary.
waters is anything, but only God who The reinterpretation of the Great
gives the growth.” This reminds us Commission as an “as you go” com-
that the task of conversion belongs mand compels us to view evangelism
to God, and ours is to faithfully plant not as a separate task but as an inte-
and water the seeds of faith. gral part of our daily lives. Embracing
Reassessing our evangelistic ap- this model opens up exciting possi-
proach involves empowering lay bilities for personal evangelism. As
members to engage effectively in per- the Church trains and empowers its
sonal evangelism. This is a significant members for this mission, we stand
shift from the historical focus on in- on the threshold of a new chapter in
stitutional evangelism to individual God’s redemptive plan for the nations.
evangelism, demanding that we equip By integrating this understanding
and train church members at all levels. of evangelism and discipleship into
Training should be designed to our daily lives, we stand poised to
inspire believers to perceive their affect dramatic change in the world
daily encounters through the lens of around us. A redefined, balanced ap-
the Great Commission, promoting proach to evangelism offers renewed
a seamless integration of their faith hope for the fulfillment of the Great
into everyday lives. This integration Commission, as envisioned in the
culminates in a lifestyle that express- Old Testament. This transformation
es love for our neighbors, shares faith of evangelism is not merely a change
stories, invites others into our lives, in approach but a return to our roots,
and meets practical needs—all while a reclaiming of the relational and per-
bearing witness to the transformative sonal essence of our faith. The Great
power of the Gospel. Commission is not a mandate for a
As we equip individual believers select few but an invitation for every
for personal evangelism, it is cru- believer to partake in the redemptive
cial to maintain a balanced approach work of God—an invitation to “go”,
that values mass, personal, and social or rather, “as you go, make disciples.”
Every Believer
BornToWin.net (7
...“Feed My Lambs” continued
matter who has got us penned
“And other sheep I have, which up, and no matter where we are,
are not of this fold […]” What did we still belong to one Shepherd.
he mean by that? Well, I think And I think we also need to
those who heard him make this understand that, when we gather
statement at the time—his own all the Sabbath-keeping, Holy-
disciples sitting around him— Day-keeping people together in
probably thought he meant that one mystical body of people, that
the fold was Israel. And they may Jesus would say to us still, “I have
or may not have begun to get their other sheep that are not of this
mind around the fact that Jesus fold.” And for us to think that we
was not going to be a shepherd are all there is—we are the people,
only to Israel—that he intended and wisdom will die with us, and
to be a shepherd to the entirety we have the knowledge, we have
of the world, that he was going to the lock on God’s word—we are
call sheep from everywhere. And making a very BIG mistake.
so he did. But what he is saying is Peter was told to Feed my sheep.
that he intends to look out to the To me, this is the same thing as
entirety of the world. saying, “Go and make disciples of
“I have other sheep that are not all nations and teach them to do
of this fold.” Where are they? I all things that I have commanded
don’t know. But you see, if you are you". Then in the process of
going to serve Christ, then you going to the world—when you
need to be on the lookout for his leave a Born to Win newsletter
sheep; you need to try to care for or a booklet in your doctor’s or
his sheep; you need to go find his dentist’s office and someone picks
sheep—get up and go off across it up and reads it—you may feed
the mountains and down the one of his sheep—they will hear
valleys and over the hills, and look his voice, and they will know his
wherever you can to help him find voice as he touches their heart and
his sheep. And he does go on to as he reaches down and begins to
say in verse 16: “…and they shall work in their life.
hear my voice; and there shall be I think when the command
one fold, and one shepherd.” comes out to “Feed my sheep”, we
Just because we’re out here need to realize he has other sheep
wandering around the world with that are not of this fold—sheep
a whole bunch of other people about whom we know very little,
doesn’t mean that Christ doesn’t with whom we have had very
know who we are, and where we little contact—and that the work
are, and what we are doing; and to be done for us, and by us, down
that he isn’t taking care of us like through the years that follow is
a good shepherd would; because a a lot bigger than any of us ever
lot of the time the good shepherd would realize. “I have other
leaves the sheep alone to do the sheep that are not of this fold.”
work of sheep. Well, they eat grass And he seems to be saying—to
and they make wool, they make me, to Peter, and to all of us—“I
mutton and they reproduce. want you to go find them and
That’s what sheep do. I think God feed them.” And in the process of
puts us out here in the world to feeding them, you will actually
learn, to experience, to do, to find save lives; you will actually lead
others who are of like mind, to be to people becoming disciples
able to help him do his work in of Jesus; you will actually cause
reaching out to people wherever people to come to baptism and
we are. We have our work that we eventually to be in the kingdom
are supposed to be doing. of God—people who otherwise
We need to understand, at might be lost. Pray about that,
any given point in time, that no and think about that.
8) Christian Educational Ministries • June 2023
Around the World
On June 13, 2021, the International Centre for World Peace (ICFWP)
pioneered a historic event by hosting its first virtual reality (VR) experience
within the Virtual House of God, also known as the Millennial Temple. Since
then, we’ve hosted over 20 VR events, immersing participants in a prophetic
vision of the world to come.
The ICFWP is more than just a host for VR events. Our core mission is to
unite God’s people, fostering understanding of His plan for peace at both
individual and universal levels. Our objective is to provide diverse learning
opportunities, connecting the broader body of Christ beyond geographical
boundaries.
We don’t intend to replace local church communities; rather, we supplement
your spiritual journey by presenting a wider variety of Bible teachers.
The ICFWP focuses on the grand narrative of God’s plan, weaving a
tapestry that links God’s holy days, representing different dispensations
of His plan. We explore this story at macro and micro levels, crafting
resources to facilitate your spiritual growth, intellectually and practically.
With the onset of 2023, the ICFWP has expanded its platform to include
Zoom and live YouTube presentations, considering the technical challenges
some brethren face with VR. Elder Carmine Russo from the Church of
God inaugur -ated this sacred year with his Zoom event, “Programmed to
Receive”, which is available on YouTube.
Our shift in event format coincided with the announcement of the impending
shutdown of our VR platform, AltspaceVR (which occurred in March of this
year). As Microsoft pivots to its new Metaverse platform, we remain vigilant
about the evolution of AR (augmented reality) and VR technologies. We
understand the significance of maintaining a presence in the world’s digital
spaces, considering the ubiquity of online human interaction. We eagerly
anticipate the emergence of the Metaverse, or Internet 3.0, and its potential
for unifying God’s people and advancing His Kingdom.
In the interim, we will continue hosting events via Zoom and YouTube. Stay
tuned for this year’s holy day events!
Best, Timothy Stahle, President, ICFWP
www.icfwp.org
BornToWin.net (9
Comments From
Our Listeners
Rachel K. devoted to sending this out, not
Kansas City, MO only to me but to many people. I
know that he sends them out to
I don’t know how long the Born hundreds of people, so he is just
to Win app has been around, fervent at getting this word out
but I recently downloaded it and to everybody.
am very impressed. It is very
professional and user-friendly. Tanner C.
Bronte TX
Australia The program, Personal Evangelism,
is a great assessment of the
I just want to commend my difficulties in evangelizing today.
friend Bernard Obbin for his He (Ron Dart) hits the nail right on
work, his service for sending the head!
these audios. He’s been sending
them out to me at least one, if not If you would like to share a
more, each week for over a year comment, please let us know, we
now, consistently. I just think want to hear from you!
that he is highly motivated and
Now!
BornToWin.net
The 2023 Plan
Reading, Writing, and Responding
This year we will write Genesis through 2 Samuel, with the exception of
Deuteronomy (as we did that in 2020). We encourage you to read the daily
assignment, handwrite the assigned scriptures, and then respond to those
verses with prayer, meditation, contemplation, and application in your own life.
Jul 1 Exo 27:1–10 Jul 17 Exo 32:12–23
Jul 2 Exo 27:11–21 Jul 18 Exo 32:24–35
Jul 3 Exo 28:1–10 Jul 19 Exo 33:1–11
Jul 4 Exo 28:11–21 Jul 20 Exo 33:12–23
Jul 5 Exo 28:22–32 Jul 21 Exo 34:1–12
Jul 6 Exo 28:33–43 Jul 22 Exo 34:13–24
Jul 7 Exo 29:1–11 Jul 23 Exo 34:25–35
Jul 8 Exo 29:12–24 Jul 24 Exo 35:1–11
Jul 9 Exo 29:25–36 Jul 25 Exo 35:12–23
Jul 10 Exo 29:37–46 Jul 26 Exo 35:24–35
Jul 11 Exo 30:1–13 Jul 27 Exo 36:1–13
Jul 12 Exo 30:14–26 Jul 28 Exo 36:14–26
Jul 13 Exo 30:27–38 Jul 29 Exo 36:27–38
Jul 14 Exo 31:1–9 Jul 30 Exo 37:1–9
Jul 15 Exo 31:10–18 Jul 31 Exo 37:10–19
Jul 16 Exo 32:1–11
If you are interested in our Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan, visit the link below.
www.borntowin.net/bible-reading-plan
BornToWin.net (11
Radio
Broadcast Christian Educational Ministries
Whitehouse, TX 75791
P.O. Box 560
July Schedule
1st-2nd..........The Courageous Christian 17th.............Christian Origins #25 - 1 Cor
Born to Win
P.O. Box 560
Whitehouse, TX 75791-0560
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