Evangelism

Review

Spiritual Habits — Wheel Diagram

Word, Prayer, Community, Evangelism

Want to start with evangelism as we look to Spring Training this Sunday

So proud of y’all so far

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Introduction

Read 2 Cor. 5:11-6:1

Overview + ministers of reconciliation (primarily to God, it’s spiritual reconciliation)

Problem: how rarely our lives match this

3 questions to help us reflect on why this is

First, we need to know what doesn’t compel us:

obligation, peer pressure, guilt

These can so easily lead to legalism

There may be moment when we feel unequipped, or a season w/ fewer opportunities, but the first question we need to ask is:

Do you really understand the depths of God’s love?

When you truly grasp God’s love, it compels you.

For many of us, we need to consider if we have become distracted from God’s love or begun to believe lies about God.

Dad being my friend

Understanding God’s grace in my heart, not just my head, free me to live w/ purpose

2 Cor. 3:17

If Christ’s love doesn’t compel us, the bigger problem than what we need to do is what we need to believe.

Do you really believe you’re a new creation?

Not really a new creation — God just putting up w/ me (lack of joy)

“Sinner saved by grace” v. saint/conqueror/co-hear (lack of boldness)

Can you share your testimony? Forgotten how Jesus has changed our lives.

If you haven’t made Jesus Lord, you are not a new creation

We’ll talk more about what baptism means later

Not just reinventing yourself, you need to be born again

Not just a better person, you need to be a new creation altogether

Your application: ask Jesus if he really is the Son of God (+ read John) If you believe he is, and that you’re a sinner, talk to me or Trish

Do you consider it a privilege to be Christ’s ambassador?

For many of us, we’re missing 1 & 2.

For others, at some point along the way it became something we had to do, instead of something we get to do.

“It’s easier to die for Christ than live for him everyday.”

When you catch that fire, I don’t think it ever really leaves you.

I want you guys to have that joy and privilege. Abundant life is impossible without the mission.

Conclude + Apply

Most all of us want to share our faith, but it doesn’t add up. What Satan wants is another guilt-inducing sermon that truly compels us even less. What we need to do is ask again:

Do I understand the depths of God’s love?

Do I believe I am a new creation?

Do I consider it a privilege to be Christ’s ambassador?

Pray every day for your friends who are far from God