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How
to Preach
Evangelism
Methods of
In an apparent effort to
promote the spread of the gospel message
someone in a major city decided to
take a can of spray paint and spray paint the message “Trust Jesus” on
sidewalks
overpasses
and even mailboxes in the downtown area.
This was not “evangelism.”
But rather
“evandalism.” The right message does not justify the use of wrong
means. ── Michael P. Green《Illustrations for Biblical
Preaching》
Evangelism
Methods of
Too many Christians are no
longer fishers of men but keepers of the aquarium. ──
Michael P. Green《Illustrations for Biblical Preaching》
Evangelism
Methods of
Evangelism must be done
where lost people are.
An old farmer fishing in a
tub of water in his back yard was chided by his neighbor: “Man
there ain’t no
fish in that tub. Why are you wastin’ your time like that?”
“Yeah
” came the reply. “I
know there ain’t no fish in here
but it’s just so powerful convenient.”
Many churches are engaged
in “convenience evangelism
” which is really very little evangelism at all. ──
Michael P. Green《Illustrations for Biblical Preaching》
Evangelism
Methods of
A little girl asked her
father why firemen stayed in the firehouse all day and polished their engines
and other equipment. He explained that they did this to pass the time while
waiting for fire calls.
Many Christians likewise
stay close to the familiar surroundings of the church community
applying
another coat of worship or getting a theological tune-up
while all the time
waiting for some sinner to request a gospel presentation. The problem with this
approach to evangelism is that the world is already ablaze
and the call went
out two thousand years ago! A person in the midst of a fire doesn’t need a
beautiful
well-tuned
and shiny fire engine to be rescued. ──
Michael P. Green《Illustrations for Biblical Preaching》
Evangelism
Methods of
It is better for most of us to fish with the rod than with the net. To
angle for single souls rather than to try and enclose a multitude at once.
Preaching to a congregation has its own place and value; but private and
personal talk honestly and wisely done will effect more than the most eloquent
preaching.”— Alexander Maclaren
Evangelism
Methods of
Many believers who would
share Christ have more zeal than knowledge and offend more often than they
communicate. You may have heard of the barber who was newly saved and was eager
to witness to his experience with Jesus Christ. As he met his first customer
the next day
he was sharpening his straight razor on the leather strap. His
initial approach to his customer was
“Are you ready to die?” One can imagine
what went through the customer’s mind as he viewed the finely honed razor. As
the cliché goes
“If we don’t use tact
we may lose contact.” ──
Michael P. Green《Illustrations for Biblical Preaching》
Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel
INTRODUCTION
1. The importance of sharing the gospel of Christ with those who are lost cannot be over-emphasized... a. Jesus wants everyone to hear the good news of salvation - Mk 16:15-16 b. The gospel is God's power to salvation to all who believe it - Ro 1:16-17 -- BUT WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY 2. The Institute For American Church Growth asked over 10
000 people this question: "What was responsible for your coming to Christ andthis church?" Their replies were . . .
a. I had a special need - 3% b. I just walked in - 3% c. I liked the minister - 6% d. I visited there - 1% e. I liked the Bible classes - 5% f. I attended a gospel meeting - 0.5% g. I liked the programs - 3% h. A FRIEND OR RELATIVE INVITED ME - 79% 3. What do we learn from a survey like this? a. IF CHURCHES ARE TO GROW
IT WILL BE THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS 1) Preachers
programs
classes may help
but in most cases they will only maintain the size of the congregation 2) Such congregational efforts are worthwhile
for they can reach people with whom we might otherwise never come in contact b. THE GREATEST POTENTIAL LIES WITH THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SOME CONTACT WITH MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL CONGREGATION 1) Each of us have daily contact with tens of people who need the gospel of Christ 2) In addition to efforts designed to reach people "en masse" (via television
radio
mail)
we need to utilize the contacts made through the members (i.e.
provide a "TWO-PRONGED" APPROACH TO EVANGELISM) 4. Two things are needed to utilize the contacts made through individual members a. CONCERN for the lost by those members - cf. Mt 9:36-38;Ro 9:1-3; 10:1
b. KNOWLEDGE OF HOW we can increase our opportunities to share the gospel with those with whom we frequently come into contact 5. Assuming that the concern is there
in this lesson I wish to share suggestions on HOW anyone who is a Christian can INCREASE THEIR OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE THE GOSPEL... I. DO THINGS WHICH MAKE FOR A CARING CONGREGATION
A. OUR LOVE WILL HELP PROVE THAT WE ARE WHO WE CLAIM - Jn 13:35 1. I.e.
that we are truly the disciples of Christ 2. Correct doctrine
organization
worship
etc.
is important 3. But it will be our love for one another that will convince the world that we are truly the disciples of Christ! B. OUR LOVE MAKES US USEFUL TO THE LORD - Re 3:7-8 1. The Lord knows the true condition of His churches! 2. If we are a congregation that can be used by Him... a. To reach others with the gospel b. To assimilate them into the Family of God c. To nurture them in their spiritual growth -- Then He will "open doors" for us! 3. But suppose that we are not a place where new Christians can grow spiritually in an atmosphere of love...? C. HERE ARE SOME "ACTION STEPS" TO TAKE... 1. Make it a point to get to know ALL the members by name a. Get a church directory and begin to place names with faces b. Try to learn someone new at each service until you know them all 2. Practice "hospitality" towards the members - 1 Pe 4:8-9 a. Invite them into your home
or out to eat (set a goal of one new family or member per month) b. Visit other Christians frequently (esp. the sick
shut-ins
new members
absent members) II. MAKE A LIST OF SOULS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE SAVED
A. THIS MAY NOT SEEM IMPORTANT
BUT IT IS! 1. It utilizes a very helpful technique used by people successful in all walks of life (i.e.
having a "things to do" list) 2. For us
it helps to focus our attention upon those we hope to reach for the Lord
and not neglect them B. IN MAKING UP THIS LIST... 1. Start with those who are close to you and work outwardly a. Family b. Friends c. Co-workers d. Neighbors e. Relatives of fellow church members f. Regular visitors to the services of the church g. Casual acquaintances (mailman
store clerk
etc.) 2. Limit this list to five or eight souls (a list with too many and you will not be able to focus your efforts effectively) 3. Give priority to those who are the "unchurched" a. I.e.
who are not active members of any denomination or particular religion b. Active members of a denomination or religion are often very satisfied with their human traditions and are not as receptive to the pure and simple gospel of Christ 4. Husbands and wives might best just have one list (as the suggestions to follow will require their joint cooperation) C. KEEP THIS LIST WHERE YOU WILL SEE IT DAILY... 1. So you will be constantly reminded of these people 2. So you will be more likely to do the things mentioned next... III. PRAY FOR THESE SOULS ON YOUR LIST DAILY
A. THAT GOD WILL WORK TOGETHER WITH YOU... 1. To give you "opportunities" to do good for them - Co 4:3;2 Th 3:1
2. To give you the "wisdom" to make the most of those opportunities - Ep 6:19-20 B. THAT THOSE ON YOUR LIST WILL... 1. Have the opportunity to hear the truth 2. Have honest hearts to be open and receptive to the truth C. REMEMBER
IT IS GOD WHO GIVES THE INCREASE - 1 Co 3:5-7 1. We are but servants whom God can use in His providential workings 2. So though we may work as though it all depends upon us
let us pray as though it all depends upon God! IV. DO THINGS WHICH DEMONSTRATE YOUR LOVE FOR THEM
A. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS SUGGESTION... 1. "People don't care how much we know until they know how much we care!" 2. A demonstration of love will make a person more likely to be receptive to the gospel of love when it is shared! - cf. 1 Pe 2:12 B. SOME "ACTION STEPS" TO TAKE... 1. Invite them into your home for a dinner or snack 2. Visit them
especially in times of trial or sickness 3. Do things with them on a social level V. INVITE THOSE ON YOUR LIST TO ATTEND SERVICES
A. REASONS TO WANT THEM ATTENDING SERVICES... 1. They will (or should) have an opportunity to see a caring congregation in action a. Combined with your own demonstration of love as an individual b. ...the demonstration of love by others should make a lasting impression 2. They will more likely have an opportunity to be presented with the gospel of Christ (more on this
shortly) B. AS YOU PREPARE TO INVITE THESE SOULS
BE SURE TO PRAY... 1. Asking for "wisdom" to invite them in the best manner 2. Asking for "boldness" to offer the invitation to attend VI. DEMONSTRATE LOVE TOWARDS THOSE VISITORS WHO DO ATTEND
A. WHETHER INVITED BY YOU
SOMEONE ELSE
OR ARE "WALK-INS"... 1. Greet them
let them know they are welcome 2. Invite them home or out for a dinner or snack 3. Call or visit them
after they have attended - cf. He 13:2;Ro 12:13b
B. IN DOING SUCH THINGS
YOU ARE PREPARING THEIR HEARTS FOR THEGOSPEL...
1. For by demonstrating love as a congregation of Christians... 2. ...they will be more likely to believe in the love of God demonstrated in the life of Christ! - 1 Pe 2:11-12