Equipping the Saints

The Gospel and Personal Evangelism

4/30/2012 4:02:55 PM

To be a good book on evangelism the essential elements of motives, message, and method all must be addressed. Dever covers these in a way that is encouraging and not condemning. It is more difficult to be long and convoluted than concise and clear. While it is easy to be comprehensive, it is often more difficult to be direct. This book is just over 100 pages, and yet it is not lacking. It is clear and compelling.

Dever explains what the Gospel is, who should evangelize, why they should, and why they don’t. He uses appropriate Scripture and yet does not get bogged down in tangential doctrine. His points are illustrated with experiences from his own life, used as examples of both success and failure.

Dever paints a view of evangelism that is Biblical. He sees evangelism as something you live—that is backed by your lifestyle—as well as something that is spoken. He stresses the importance of clearly proclaiming the essentials of the Gospel, and he also stresses the importance of doing this in a conversation. “Don’t tell people something; talk with them. Have a conversation.”

There is an appendix in the book, a few pages long, that deals with pastors and the particular opportunities and hindrances to evangelism that are unique to their occupation.

All Christians are called to evangelize, even if they are not particularly gifted. Many, if not most, Christians do poorly at this task. This book is an excellent tool to help Christians who recognize their insufficiency to be faithful in our task.

“The call to evangelism is a call to turn our lives outward from focusing on ourselves and our needs to focusing on God and on others made in his image who are still at enmity with him, alienated from him, and in need of salvation from sin and guilt.” This book helps us with our calling.

- Jesse Johnson

Read the full review here.

Available for purchase Here, through Grace Books International

A book recommendation from John MacArthur

4/30/2012 8:36:23 AM

“In recent years providence has brought a number of people into my life and ministry who are passionate about evangelism. Some of them are especially keen to win friends, fellow-workers, and family to Christ; others are engaged in various kinds of open-air evangelism, bringing the gospel to people they have never met before. I thank God for all of them and the passion that drives them. This excellent book by Jeremy Walker explains the biblical principles that underlie and provoke such passion, reminding us that time is short, the need is urgent, the laborers are few, and the fields are white unto harvest.”

–John MacArthur

Available for purchase Here, through Grace Books International

The Books are Arriving

2/29/2012 9:19:56 PM

We are 1 week from the first day of Shepherds' Conference 2012, and we're hoping to see you there.

Attendees recieve 12 trustworthy books from the many publishers who bring their deepest discounts and their best material for the over 3000 pastors who will attend.

Still need to register? Click here to begin.

Premillennial Pre-Order

2/24/2012 10:06:18 PM

Authors Dr. John MacArthur and Dr. Richard Mayhue, bring their world-class wisdom to this careful study of Christ's future reign. Readers gain clarity and confidence in the word of God as the authors use careful study of Old and New Testament prophesies to remove confusions and misconceptions regarding the end times. We encourage you to study through this book as God specifically promises His blessings on those who know and obey the things of biblical prophecy (Revelation 1:3; 22:7).

Available for pre-order Here, through Grace Books International

Just a Moment

2/24/2012 9:47:37 PM

Seen as a great need for the pastor, not just the flock, all attendees of the 2012 Shepherds' Conference will recieve a copy of concise daily devotions from Dr. MacArthur.

Available for purchase Here, through Grace Books International

Lit(erature)!

2/12/2012 5:06:49 AM

One of the gifts hand selected for the pastors attending the 2012 Shepherds' Conference.

Available for purchase Here, through Grace Books International

February Book of the Month

1/30/2012 8:54:21 AM

"In Rescuing Ambition, Dave Harvey distinguishes ambition for the glory of God, which is good, from ambition for the glory of self, which is bad. But godly ambition doesn’t exist in a vacuum, so Harvey helps us see how it is intertwined with humility, contentment, faith, and above all, the gospel. Dave Harvey is both an experienced pastor and a gifted writer, so you will find this book not only profitable but also hard to put down."

—Jerry Bridges, author, The Pursuit of Holiness

Available for purchase Here, through Grace Books International

Part of the Fellowship

1/19/2012 5:19:00 PM

Watch Now.

January Book of the Month

1/12/2012 5:29:01 PM

It's not a new methodology or cultural outreach strategy, it's the Word of God. In this book, Jonathan Leeman wants you to realize that the Word, working through God's Spirit, is responsible for the growth of God's church and we need to trust it! Leeman not only informs and equips the leadership of local churches for greatest effectiveness in their preaching ministry but explains how to translate that into the life of the church throughout the week. The book also deals with two errors - not trusting the Word (resulting in a pragmatic ministry philosophy) and not living in light of the Word, (resulting in a ministry philosophy of "preaching is enough"). Reverberation explains the pulpit ministry and traces the theme of how the Word continues through the life of the church. Both theological and practical, Reverberation focuses on how the church hears, responds, discusses, implements and is transformed by the Word. No high-octane production, superstar personalities, or postmodern entreaties, just stuff that is really old, really good, and really powerful!

Available for purchase Here, through Grace Books International

Leaders are Readers

1/3/2012 9:54:19 AM

Utilizing the book list that Dr. John MacArthur and the Shepherds’ Conference staff recommended, we have put together a reading plan that will be beneficial for both the church leader and the small group attendee. Below is our reading schedule along with links to purchase each title. Gather a group of friends together to participate for discussion.

January – Reverberation
February – Rescuing Ambition
March – Putting Your Past In Its Place
April – The Obedience Option
May – In Pursuit of Prodigals
June – Visit the Sick
July – Growth Groups

If you were an attendee of the Shepherds’ Conference this past year, take advantage of the resources that have been made available to you and encourage others to participate as well!