Evangelism or Evacuation

Evangelism or Evacuation

From time to time we hear statistics about how people first came into church membership. These figures trace back to the Institute for American Church Growth, which asked 10,000 people about their journey – What led them in? Answers were: Special need, 2%; Walk-in, 3%; Pastor, 6%; Visitation, 1%; Sunday school, 5%; Evangelistic crusade, 5%; Program, 3%; Friend/relative, 79%.

I haven’t kept any personal statistics on this, but from the years I’ve worked in the church I would say those numbers are close to my experience too.

This tells us how important it is to do personal evangelism – that is, to actually tell people about our faith in Christ. It also tells us of the wisdom of Jesus who specifically called His disciples to do personal evangelism. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

And they left their nets at once and followed him. – Mark 1:17-18 (NLT) While I’m really doing my best not to be overly negative here, it is obvious that many who claim to be Christians have not been very authentic in the evangelism department, because if we were, we’d see a whole lot more fish in the tank.

In this area we each have to ask ourselves a question, “Who would not be in the kingdom of God today, if I had not shared my faith with them?” If I can’t list anyone, there is a problem here, but it is one that can be overcome by simply accepting our role as fishermen in the body of Christ.

What’s stopping us from accepting our role.

Rejection - we don’t want to be turned away. Many of us thrive on the approval of others. “When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they’ll be mighty sorry—but it’s no concern of yours now. Matt. 10:14(MSG)

Revelation - scared of who we really are? Why? Because we want people to see us more highly than we are. I use to be a fisherman. I used to be… I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him. Relationship - my relationship with God is not its best. I just met Jesus myself how can I tell someone else about Him?John 3:3 - No man can see the Kingdom of Heaven, but by Me. John 3:5 - …You must be born again; Don’t look for autonomy when God has given us simplicity.

A - Admit (Admitting I’m a sinner. My goodness is not good enough, I need help. I was born with a condition called sin, all of us were; all have sin and fall short of the glory of God. That’s God’s Word! And I can’t fix it with money, self medicating, good deeds, it’s only through the cross.) Something is broken on the inside. I don’t need a chance I need a second birth. I’m a mistaker in need of correction, I’m a sinner in need of a Savior.

B - Believe (Believing that God sent His Son to be my substitute. He didn’t just die for me He died instead of me. We can’t get there on our own we have to believe. He became my sin barrier.

C - Confess (Confess Him as Lord. You’re in charge of my life. Not just for 75mins of a church service but for my entire life.)

Sinners Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus I believe You’re the Son of God, I believe that on the cross you took my sins, my shame, and my guilt and You died for it. You faced hell for me so I wouldn’t have to go. You rose from the dead for me to give me a place in Heaven, a purpose on earth, and a relationship with Your Father. Today Lord Jesus I turn from my sins to be born again.

(Shout it)

GOD IS MY FATHER

JESUS IS MY SAVIOR

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY HELPER

AND HEAVEN IS MY HOME!

In Jesus Name Amen!

Welcome Home! Welcome to the family of God! If you prayed this pray text “decided” to 770-525-4161.