"Spread The Word", a sermon on Evangelism, given July 29, 2018 at Woodlawn Christian Church

This past Sunday I preached from a manuscript rather than just 'winging it' as I normally do; the reason I used a manuscript was that this past week's sermon had a large number of scripture references rather than just being an exegesis of a particular select scripture.  It was a reasonably long sermon and may, in fact, be the longest I've given at Woodlawn.  There is a 'blimp' in the recording at around the 26 minute and some odd seconds mark, that is where for whatever reason Gail's phone stopped recording and she had to start it up again.  I did splice these two sections together and there are only a few sentences that were thereby omitted.

I've included both the sermon manuscript and the video of the sermon in this blog post.  The sermon was focused entirely upon the topic of "Evangelism", which is to many of us (especially Mainline Protestants) a very scary word.  It's scary for a couple of reasons, one... we really don't want to talk to people and to be possibly ridiculed or shunned, and two... we don't want to come off as 'that Bible-beater' among our friends and loved ones. Both of these are concerns that we desperately need to as a whole "GET OVER" already... if we don't... Christianity will continue to decline and that's the cold hard truth.

Please either listen to the sermon or read through the manuscript below... but, above all else...

Be a blessing to someone today! (btw... you could start by telling them about Jesus... that would be a truly great way to bless them)

In His unfailing grace,

Roy

Sermon on Evangelism – Given July 29, 2018

Today, I'm going to do something that I haven't done in quite a while... I'm going to preach from a manuscript today.  There's a reason for that, today's sermon doesn't pertain to any one specific bit of scripture, rather it's chock full of scripture...

The sermon title for today is “Spread the Word”.  I've preached around this topic for a while now, but today I am going to preach straight into it... Spread the word... a/k/a Evangelism.  I have stated a number of times from the Pulpit that 'spreading the word' is a large part of the responsibility that we have all signed on for when we came to profess Christ as our Lord and Savior.

I have also been told that 'Evangelism' is a scary word and a word that I should avoid... I will agree with the former, Evangelism is scary... but, I disagree with the later... I am called to preach the word of God and that is no small part of what Evangelism truly is...

So, this morning, let's look at that 'scary word'...

The Webster Dictionary, (the online version anyway) tells us this:
The Definition of evangelism:
1: The winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ
2: Militant or crusading zeal

It's that second definition that I believe is the scary one to us; Militant or Crusading zeal.  We're all too often concerned that we'll be labeled a 'Bible-beater', or a 'Fundamentalist', or that we'll come to be avoided by our friends and families if we become an 'Evangelist' for Christ.  Hopefully, you'll come to understand during this sermon... if you don't already understand, that once you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior you have accepted the role of Evangelist... maybe you just didn't understand that or maybe you've forgotten it somewhere along the way.

But, before we go any further, let's remember that those first two definitions for 'Evangelism' come to us from a secular source.  Let's look now at some Christian resources and what they say about what Evangelism is:

1. Evangelism is overflowing.
When one is so full of joy about Jesus, the Good News cannot help but exude into life. It is like a bucket filled with water and running over. It is spontaneous and natural rather than forced. We read in 1st Thessalonians 1:5 that, “our Gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." The word is plerophoria in the Greek New Testament. It speaks of full assurance, firm persuasion and confident overflow.

2. Evangelism is filling.
The powerful 19th-century preacher C.H. Spurgeon said evangelism “is one beggar telling another beggar where to get bread.” There are several takeaways from this definition. The evangelist is no better than the one he is seeking to win to Christ Jesus. It speaks of the needs of the lost man and the generosity of the evangelist. These words remind us that the ground is level at the foot of the cross. All men are soul hungry for the bread of life, and when we are fed, we too then... are in the business of telling others how to be filled.

3. Evangelism is all-encompassing.
English Archbishop William Temple gives a clear, pointed definition in that, “Evangelism is to so present Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, that men shall come to put their trust in God through Him, to accept Him as their Savior and serve Him as their King in the fellowship of the church.” Here are a few points to ponder from Temple:

a) Jesus is our message.
b) The work of evangelism depends on the Holy Spirit for its effectiveness.
c) Evangelism is not a work of isolation.
d) New believers need to be incorporated into a local church.
e) Conversion is bowing to Jesus as Lord.

When we become Christians, we are not only making a decision to follow Christ but we are making a decision to assist in the making of fellow disciples.  We are called to replicate our commitment to God in other lost souls, this is why the early Church grew exponentially, and the fact that we've all forgotten this... or been brow-beaten by society to 'sit down and shut up'... is why the Church is ultimately dying today.

Let's continue to look at what we as Christian's believe... or should believe at least... about evangelism and our commitment to being evangelists ourselves:


* Evangelism is about the proclamation of God.

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name;
make known among the nations what He has done”
(Psalm 105:1, New International Version)

Throughout the Old Testament, God sets Himself above all other gods. He creates a nation with the intent that its people will make His name known among the nations and share the great works He has done.

These great works culminate in the reconciliation of the Cross and in His defeat of death in the Resurrection. I can imagine no greater motivation to make His name known.

“And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 38:23, NIV)

God reiterates to Ezekiel the Old Testament theme that He desires for Israel and the prophets to be the vessel that communicates God’s glory and awesome presence. It’s always been God’s desire that He would have a people through whom the rest of the world would be blessed as they made His virtues known.

“‘My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,’ says the Lord Almighty”  (Malachi 1:11, NIV)

The Old Testament closes with Malachi reiterating God’s desire for fame among the nations. The picture of God’s goodness being known everywhere the sun touches is poignant and important. We, too, bear this responsibility to share God’s goodness to every tribe, tongue, and nation—everywhere the sun touches... but, especially within our own homes and communities.


* Evangelism is about obedience.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?
And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”  (Isaiah 6:8, NIV)

God never coerces us to serve Him, but He continually offers us a choice. The sixth chapter of Isaiah tells of the prophet having a vision of the Lord in His throne room. This sobering vision helped propel him to volunteer to share the Lord’s message.

We, too, are motivated in direct proportion to our experience with God. If we struggle to find the inspiration to share the good news, perhaps it’s time to pray for a deeper revelation of God’s glory and holiness.


* Evangelism is telling what God has done.

“In that day you will say:
‘Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name;
make known among the nations what He has done,
and proclaim that His name is exalted” (Isaiah 12:4, NIV)

Much of the Book of Isaiah operates as a twofold prophecy. It was immediately important as a prophecy about Judah, but it also pointed to the coming Messiah who would deliver Israel, and through Judea... in time... deliver all mankind.

Here Isaiah speaks of an evangelism that works in both timelines. Judah will be able to proclaim what the Lord has done to deliver the nation from its sin, and God’s future people will be able to exalt God’s name for what he’s done for humanity.


* Evangelism points to the one true God.

“Turn to Me and be saved,
all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other”
(Isaiah 45:22, NIV)

In the 45th chapter of Isaiah, God turns His focus on Israel’s surrounding nations who fashion idols to worship. Instead of worshiping idols they can carry with their hands, God encourages these nations to turn to Him, a God who can carry them in His hands.

This is an appropriate reminder to all of us who follow the Lord. There is still only one God and one salvation. I will quote myself now and state that “Jesus may be the only way, but there are many ways to Jesus”.  Paul tells us that ultimately all... no matter how twisted the path they've taken... shall bow down to the Lord God:

“'As surely as I live', says the Lord. 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God'” (Romans 14:11, NIV)

“that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11, NKJV)

But in no way does that assurance alleviate us of our responsibility to evangelize, we are called to be for others a stepping stone in the pathway to Christ.  Towards that end consider...


* Evangelism is a divine responsibility.

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself”
(Ezekiel 3:17–19, NIV)

In this passage, God gives the prophet Ezekiel the task of being a “watchman” for Judah. The main point of this commission is that Ezekiel would deliver God’s message and warnings faithfully. A sobering element of this calling is the knowledge that when Ezekiel neglects to share the Lord’s warning for Judah’s wickedness, he will share in the responsibility.

This passage should shake us, Christ’s followers, out of our slumber. We too are watchmen of sorts... we have a message of salvation to deliver, and therefore responsibility lies on the messenger who neglects to share the message.


* Our behavior is an important/vital part of evangelism.

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” 
(Matthew 5:15–16, NIV)

Why don’t people light a lamp and put it under a bowl?  Because it’s a wasted effort. If you light a lamp, you’re bringing light into your home. Here Jesus reminds us that He doesn’t want to waste His efforts either. Our lamps have been lit with the intention that we would give God's light to others as well.

It’s important to note that, in this instance, our good deeds are the reflection of God's light that Matthew is talking about. When we do good works, we give credence to the Gospel. We also need to bear in mind, that it’s not just the evil that we do that works against the Gospel, but also our unwillingness to do God's good work.

But, don't live a life acting all high and mighty either... live a life of genuine love and devotion to God and His children.  Your genuine and real behavior will draw people to Christ, your projection of an idyllic and therefore false purity will only assure every one of your hypocrisy and thereby drive them from seeking a relationship with Christ.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35, NIV)

There are a lot of philosophies and religions vying for attention. In the end, there has to be something that sets one apart and confirms its truth and value.  Our loving God by loving each other is what sets us apart...

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples”  (John 15:8, NIV).

People will judge our words by our works. We need to have fruit that communicates the truth of the Gospel we preach.

We’d like to think that the Gospel is confirmed and people are converted by our lofty arguments. The truth is that it’s the Gospel’s fruit that proves the Gospel’s message, and there is no greater fruit than the love God’s people have for each other.

It’s again also vitally important that we realize that the opposite is also true. Our inability to love and affirm one another undermines the gospel’s message of reconciliation.  And please remember, that it is my own personal belief that it is God's desire for reconciliation with and within His Creation that is premiere to the message of Christ.


* Prayer is an important part of evangelism.

“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’” (Matthew 9:37–38, NIV)

In a world full of hungry people, is there a more heartbreaking picture than ripe fruit rotting on the vine because there just aren’t enough workers to bring it in? The same is true in a world full of pain and heartbreak. The Gospel desperately needs all of us to share the message with those whose hearts are ripe to receive the good news.

The Lord has given us the responsibility to make evangelism a priority in the church. This is more than just rushing around telling people about Jesus. It’s also about praying that the Spirit will move in others to feel the importance of joining in with the important work of evangelism.


* Evangelism is our Commission.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”
(Matthew 28:19–20, NIV).

When we read this passage, we need to read it as Jesus’ marching orders to us all. There isn’t a person who has made the decision to follow Jesus who is exempt from this commission... from this command.

“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God”

(Luke 12:8, NIV).

Evangelism is our commission and should be something we strive to accomplish not only because we are commanded to do so, but also because we know it pleases our Lord.


* Evangelism isn’t about slick talking and clever arguments.

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say"  (Luke 12:11-12, NIV).

The author of both the 'Gospel of Luke' and 'The Acts of the Apostles', assures us that the Spirit Himself is with us when we testify for Christ.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV).

Lest we worry that we will not speak eloquently and with authority, let us remember that Paul himself was not the most polished of orators.

“And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” 
(1 Corinthians 2:1–2, NIV).

Sometimes we’re so worried about having the right answer to every question that we neglect to open our mouths. It’s helpful to remember that the Holy Spirit is there helping us to communicate and also there working in the hearts of those with whom we’re sharing.

Often times, the most difficult people to talk to about Christ are those that are the nearest to us, especially if those same people 'blame' God for something that has happened or hasn't happened in their lives.  These people can be bitter, angry, confrontational, and even insulting. Too many times, they only look to God as someone to 'give' things to them, they have forgotten or never ever learned that it's not about what God can do for us but what can we do for God.  If you have someone like that I'm more than happy to visit with them, if you'd like to invite me over to meet them in a neutral environment I am again happy to do so... just please warn me in advance.


* Evangelism is 'GOOD NEWS'.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:16-17)

We’re often so focused on what happens to those who deny Christ, that we forget that the Gospel is good news. We’re not sharing a message of condemnation, but one of a God who loves humanity so much that He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so that they could be reconciled onto Him. It's not about spreading a message of 'FEAR' and 'FORBODING', but about a message of love, grace, and inclusion in the body of Christ.


* The church is the light of the world.

“For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth’”
(Acts 13:47, NIV).

To the first-century Jew, the idea that God’s salvation would extend beyond Israel was completely foreign—despite the fact that God had always told Israel that through them all the nations would be blessed.

All of us who follow Christ are part of His goal of redeeming the whole world to Himself. We are a part of the light of the world, we are His light onto this lost world.


* Evangelism is our assigned task from Jesus.

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” 
(Acts 20:24, NIV).

If you’re looking for inspiration to make Evangelism a part of your daily routine, tape up this verse throughout your home. This 'testifying to the good news' wasn't only an assignment given to Paul, but rather an assignment given to all who would follow Christ.  These few verses in Acts proclaiming Paul’s single-minded focus to fulfill this responsibility of sharing the Gospel as widely as possible should energize and motivate each of us.


* We share God’s power through evangelism.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16, NIV).

Our willingness to share the gospel puts us at the mercy of those who may scoff at our devotion and piety. It only takes a couple times of being laughed at, ridiculed, or treated crudely or even roughly for simply sharing the Gospel before you’re tempted to downplay or even worse deny your faith.

Don’t EVER  be afraid or ashamed. The Gospel is truly the power of God!


* Evangelism involves us in God's plan.

“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
“How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
“But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?’ Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ”  (Romans 10:10–17, NIV).

God has always wanted a people who labor beside Him. It is entirely possible that God could magically place the message of the Gospel in the hearts of every person, but He doesn’t... Why? Because He wants His people, His church, to accomplish His goal for His creation.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God”  (2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV).

It’s God’s desire that the world would submit to be reconciled to Him, and He is making that appeal through us, His Church, the very body of Christ. We are the diplomats that God has sent to represent Him in this lost and broken world.


* Evangelism isn’t always about securing a commitment.

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building” 
(1 Corinthians 3:6–9, NIV).

We share God’s message, but God causes it to take root and grow into faith. And even though we don’t always get to see the fruit, we can take solace that we are playing an important role in the harvest.  It is our task to do God's bidding, to plant, or to water, or to harvest... as He calls us to do.  Evangelism isn't about our egos or our own personal objectives... it's about God's will...


* Empathy has an important/vital role in evangelism.

“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” 
(1 Corinthians 9:19–23, NIV).

God’s Word manifests itself differently in each of us. So our goal isn’t to get others to conform to our cultural standards as proof of their faith. Rather, we are sensitive to their traditions and experiences so that we don’t insult or confuse them before we’ve had a chance to introduce them to Jesus.


* Evangelism is always about God’s work.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9, NIV).

We do well to remember that salvation is not something we earned by the work we’ve done. In the same way, the successes we see in evangelism are a response to God’s grace at work in someone’s life, and not because of our works, we are the tools with which God works in His world and reaches out to His children.  Praise be to God...


* In closing... let us consider these words from the Apostle Paul.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” 
(Colossians 4:2–6, NIV).

Let us devote ourselves to prayer... a prayer that we too might be filled with a genuine spirit of Evangelism, just as was the Apostle Paul and all of the Apostles...

Dear Heavenly Father, we confess that we all too often... are all too reluctant to speak of Your love, grace, and hope to those around us.  Forgive us when we fail to move on Your directives.  Renew our hearts and spirits and let us accomplish a renewed attentiveness and receptiveness to Your movement around us, within us, and through us.  Let us recognize when You are moving us to speak of Your “Good News” and give us the courage to act upon those stirrings within our souls.

Thank you, Lord, for the saving grace that we all acknowledge and receive through our Risen Savior... Jesus who is the Christ.  It is in His Holy Name that we pray... Amen.