Sun. Mar. 31st, 2019 - AM - Why Should You Evangelize the World?

Pre-Introduction:

At this time, we invite any children who desire to join my dear wife for a children’s service to follow her where you can hear a wonderful bible lesson and sing some uplifting songs about Jesus.

For those joining us by other means, you’re listening to the Services of the Broomfield Baptist Church. This is the Pastor bringing the Sunday Morning message entitled “Why Should You Evangelize the World?” We invite you to follow along with us in your Bible in the Book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 5, and verses 11-21.

Introduction:

[Start Low]

2 Corinthians 5:20–21 KJV 1900

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Someone has said:

“Nature forms us,

Sin deforms us,

School informs us,

Only Christ transforms us.”

The late Vance Havner wrote concerning our passage, “The answer to criminality is not recreation, education, or legislation; it is Jesus Christ. If any man be in Christ he is a new creature (see 2 Cor. 5:17).”

Friend, if we are going to see a difference in the loves of those we live among as Christians, it’s not going to occur until we awaken from our lethargy and return to the business for which our Chiefest Commander has called and ordained us.

Main Thought: Paul is talking about why we need to tell others about Christ because apart from His substitionary work, we remain in our sin before a holy God.

Others need to know what you know about Jesus; will you fulfill your ministry to tell them?

Reprove those who remain in sin having rejected Christ’s reconciliation; Rebuke excuses that render Christ’s ambassadors ineffective; exhort the humble to sharpen themselves toward reaching the lost for Christ.

Understand the mission to which Christ has sent you and work toward becoming more effective in your ambassage for Him.

Sub-introduction: Explain the context of 2 Cor. 5

Back in 1958, Dr. Tom Malone got it right when he summarized this wonderful passage:

In this great fifth chapter of Second Corinthians, we have five tremendous reasons why every believer should serve God with all his heart and soul.

1. The Judgment Seat of Christ

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (II Corinthians 5:10).

2. The Terror of the Lord

“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences” (II Corinthians 5:11). 3. The Love of Christ

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead” (II Corinthians 5:14).

4. The Changed Life

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Corinthians 5:17).

5. The Appointment as Ambassadors

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (II Corinthians 5:20).

If any Christian will carefully meditate upon these five soul-stirring truths, he will see what a heavy responsibility we have. We are God’s ambassadors and representatives to make Jesus and His saving grace known to the ends of the earth. We have more equipment with which to get the job accomplished than any previous generation has ever had. We have the use of the radio, the television, the airplane, the printed page and many other advantages that even our previous generation did not enjoy.

With all these advantages, however, we still will not evangelize our generation, we will not win multitudes to Christ, and we will not please our Lord Jesus unless individual believers are stirred and moved to concentrated, consecrated, cooperative action. The evangelization of the world depends upon the church of today. God uses people! God needs real men and women today who have courage, faith and character. He needs men and women who are sold out to the gospel and who are willing to hazard their lives for the sake of that message, by God’s infinite grace and power we succeed in evangelizing our generation, it will be done through personal evangelism or person to person contact.

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us.”

Body:

I. The Motivations for Our Message (2 Cor. 5:11-16)

[Go Slow]

A. A Reverence for the Bema of Christ (2 Cor. 5:11)

2 Corinthians 5:11 KJV 1900

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

“It is said that whatever it is that one fears the most that is what one will serve the most.” [NAC]

We are told that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (see Prov. 9:10).

One of the tenets of liberalism is that we don’t need to be afraid of God. They characterize God as a sweet, indulgent old man whom you can treat most any way. Liberalism teaches the universal fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of man, which is one of the most damnable doctrines abroad today. Do you know that the Word of God says: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31)? Let us not give ersatz bread to the people. Let us not preach a watered–down, sunshiny gospel. Our God is a holy God, a righteous God. It is this holy God who loves you. It is this holy God who wants to save you. But, my friend, if you don’t come to God His way, you will have to come before Him in judgment. “Knowing therefore the terror [fear] of the Lord, we persuade men.” There is many a pulpit from which is never preached a sermon on hell. There are few sermons on punishment, few sermons on judgment. As a result, God’s judgment is almost a lost note in Protestantism today. The Lord Jesus said that He had come to seek and to save that which was lost. My friend, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. We need to fear the judgment of God. We need to recognize that we are going to be held accountable to Him. [McGee]

Note - “persuade” in this context most likely has the sense of “seeking to win people” [see EDNT]

“And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 16:31, KJV 1900)  

  “And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.” (Acts 18:4, KJV 1900)  

  “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.” (Acts 28:23, KJV 1900)  

  “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” (Colossians 1:28–29, KJV 1900)  

  “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24–26, KJV 1900)  

  “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3–12, KJV 1900) 

B. A Rejoicing in the Power of Christ (2 Cor. 5:12-13)

2 Corinthians 5:12–13 KJV 1900

For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

“If I am mad,” Paul was saying, “it is for your good and the glory of God—so that makes it worthwhile!”

When Dwight L. Moody was ministering at his large Sunday School and church in Chicago, people often called him “Crazy Moody.” In the eyes of the unsaved world, Moody was “crazy” to have given up a successful business career to become a Sunday School worker and evangelist; but time has proved his decision to be a wise one. Today, we don’t know the names of the people who laughed at him, but we do know—and honor—the name of D.L. Moody. [Wiersbe]

C. A Restraining by the Love of Christ (2 Cor. 5:14-16)

2 Corinthians 5:14–16 KJV 1900

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

“If the love of God sets us to work, the God of love will find us the wages.” ~D. L. Moody

“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.” (1 Corinthians 16:22, KJV 1900)  

“Cold is the heart that knows no rapture before God as one thinks of His grace in Christ.” ~ William Kelly

  “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” (Ephesians 3:17–20, KJV 1900)  

  “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” (1 Peter 1:8, KJV 1900)

“When we preach atonement, it is atonement planned by love, provided by love, given by love, finished by love, necessitated because of love. When we preach the resurrection of Christ, we are preaching the miracle of love. When we preach the return of Christ, we are preaching the fulfillment of love.” ~ Billy Graham

In 1858, Frances Ridley Havergal visited Germany with her father who was getting treatment for his afflicted eyes. While in a pastor’s home, she saw a picture of the Crucifixion on the wall, with the words under it: “I did this for thee. What hast thou done for Me?” Quickly she took a piece of paper and wrote a poem based on that motto; but she was not satisfied with it, so she threw the paper into the fireplace. The paper came out unharmed! Later, her father encouraged her to publish it; and we sing it today to a tune composed by Philip P. Bliss.

I gave My life for thee,

My precious blood I shed,

That thou might’st ransomed be,

And quickened from the dead;

I gave, I gave My life for thee,

What hast thou given for Me? [Wiersbe]

GET OUT OF YOURSELF!

He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him.... 2 Corinthians 5:15.

Too many Christians live their Christian lives inside their heads; it never gets out through hands and feet and lips. They need to get out of themselves into witnessing and service and helping others—for faith without works is dead. There are times, of course, when we should withdraw into ourselves for self-examination and prayer. Whether we are extroverting or introverting, we should live not for self or others but "unto him," who was the perfect example. [Havner]

II. The Miracle of Regeneration (2 Cor. 5:17)

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV 1900

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

[Climb Higher]

A. We Receive a New Position ~ “in Christ”

Touch of the master’s hand - Myra Brooks Welch wrote a poem that recounts the auctioning off of an old violin. At first, it only garners mild interest, but after a gray-haired violinist steps up and plays the instrument, its value skyrockets and it is sold for thousands of dollars. So too, the touch of Jesus’s hand transforms things that seem worthless in the eyes of the world.

‘Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer

Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

But held it up with a smile.

“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,

“Who’ll start the bidding for me?

A dollar, a dollar,” then, “Two! Only two?

Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?

Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;

Going for three...” But no,

From the room, far back, a grey-haired man

Came forward and picked up the bow;

And tightening the loose strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet

As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said, “What am I bid for the old violin?”

And he held it up with the bow.

“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?

Two thousand dollars, and who’ll make it three?

Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice;

And going and gone,” said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

“We do not quite understand

What changed its worth?”

Swift came the reply:

“The touch of a master’s hand.”

And many a man with life out of tune,

And battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,

Much like the old violin.

A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine;

A game and he travels on.

He is “going” once, and “going” twice,

He’s “going” and almost “gone.”

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd

Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought

By the touch of the Master’s hand.

B. We Become a New Person ~ “old...passed...all...new”

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” (Galatians 6:15, KJV 1900)

 “And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord.” (2 Kings 5:17, KJV 1900)  

  “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” (Romans 6:6, KJV 1900)  

  “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:” (1 Peter 4:2–4, KJV 1900)  

  “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” (Romans 6:13, KJV 1900)  

  “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1, KJV 1900)  

  “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” (Romans 14:7–9, KJV 1900)

III. The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19)

2 Corinthians 5:18–19 KJV 1900

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

A. God’s Work in Reconciliation (v. 18a, 19a)

B. Jesus’ Work in Reconciliation (v. 18b, 19a)

Illustration - Adam’s fall from the mountain, Jesus descending from heaven, taking us not back to the mountain top, but to heavenly places in Him.

C. The Spirit’s Work through Us in Reconciliation (v. 18c, 19c)

1. The Ministry of Reconciliation (v. 18c)

“All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6, KJV 1900)  

  “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28, KJV 1900)  

  “Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” (John 11:50–52, KJV 1900)  

  “Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Timothy 2:6, KJV 1900)  

  “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Hebrews 2:9, KJV 1900)  

  “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;” (Colossians 2:13, KJV 1900)

2. The Word of Reconciliation (v. 19c)

Concerning the Gospel, Charles Spurgeon said,

“See what vitality the gospel has. Plunge her under the wave, and she rises, the purer for her washing; thrust her in the fire, and she comes out the more bright for her burning; cut her in sunder, and each piece shall make another church; behead her, and like the Hydra of old, she shall have a hundred heads for every one you cut away. She cannot die, she must live; for she has the power of God within her.” 132.204

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10, KJV 1900)  

 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, KJV 1900)  

“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:20, KJV 1900)  

  “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” (Romans 8:3, KJV 1900)  

  “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” (1 John 3:5, KJV 1900)  

  “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2, KJV 1900)  

  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, KJV 1900)  

  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16–17, KJV 1900)  

  “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24, KJV 1900) 

IV. Our Message of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:20-21)

[Take Fire]

A. Our Work for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20)

2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV 1900

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

1. As Ambassadors in Christ’s Stead

In D. L. Moody’s margins of his bible was written next to this verse:

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ.” An ambassador—

(1) Is always sent to a foreign land,

(2) With which we are at peace.

(3) He has to go to that country, and not let them come to him.

(4) They judge of his country by his example.

(5) He has a message.

“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21, KJV 1900)  

  “Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” (Acts 26:17–18, KJV 1900)

In the Roman Empire, there were two kinds of provinces: senatorial provinces and imperial provinces. The senatorial provinces were made up of people who were peaceful and not at war with Rome. They had surrendered and submitted. But the imperial provinces were not peaceful; they were dangerous because they would rebel against Rome if they could. It was necessary for Rome to send ambassadors to the imperial provinces to make sure that rebellion did not break out.

Since Christians in this world are the ambassadors of Christ, this means that the world is in rebellion against God. This world is an “imperial province” as far as God is concerned. He has sent His ambassadors into the world to declare peace, not war. “Be ye reconciled to God!” We represent Jesus Christ (John 20:21; 2 Cor. 4:5). If sinners reject us and our message, it is Jesus Christ who is actually rejected. What a great privilege it is to be heaven’s ambassadors to the rebellious sinners of this world!

God has not declared war on the world; at the cross He declared peace. But one day, He will declare war; and then it will be too late for those who have rejected the Saviour (2 Thes. 1:3–10). Satan is seeking to tear everything apart in this world, but Christ and His church are involved in the ministry of reconciliation, bringing things back together again, and back to God.

Ministry is not easy. If we are to succeed, we must be motivated by the fear of the Lord, the love of Christ, and the commission that He has given to us. What a privilege it is to serve Him! [Wiersbe]

2. Pleading for You to Be Reconciled to God

Illustration-

There is a dramatic story concerning the life and influence of King George V. In the latter years of his reign, it was his custom to broadcast a Christmas message to the empire. During one of these broadcasts, when the ears of the world were waiting to hear the voice of the king, an engineer observed that an important wire had snapped. America was cut off! Time was of the essence. Suddenly, as though nudged by an angel, a mechanic seized the broken wires. Holding one in each hand, he was thus able to complete the circuit which permitted the royal message to be transmitted to the United States. The voice of the king passed through the body of the engineer.

In the broken connections of our world, how can the Word of the Lord be heard unless it passes through the preacher? [1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching]

On this verse, Steven Olford recorded,

We have a message that is distinctive and dynamic. Paul was so convinced of this that he could face the proud metropolis of Rome and affirm: “… I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). It is the message of a Savior who died, who lives and reigns to change men, to change society, and to change the world. One day this gospel is going to effect a universal transformation; but, in the meantime, it is God’s purpose to effect individual transformations. God always starts from center to circumference. It was Samuel Zwemer who said, ‘The man who goes out to change society is an optimist, but the man who goes out to change society without changing the individual is a lunatic!”

B. Christ’s Work for Us (2 Cor. 5:21)

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul condenses nearly the entirety of Isaiah 53 into one simple, but profound, sentence: [TTC]

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV 1900

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1. He Took Our Sin

2. We Get His Righteousness

“For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” (Hebrews 7:26, KJV 1900)  

  “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:22–24, KJV 1900)  

  “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3:9, KJV 1900)

When man sinned, God in His holiness had to turn away from the world. But God loved man, so He sent His own Son to die on the Cross. Now God can hold out His arms to the world and say, “You can come.” We are His ambassadors. As His ambassadors, we are to tell folk, “God will save you!” All God is asking any man to do is to come to Him. God will not try to get even with you. He doesn’t want to punish you. He doesn’t want to lay a hand on you. He invites all people everywhere to come to Him.

This is a great day. We have the privilege of saying to you, “Be ye reconciled to God.” All He asks you to do is to turn to Him. How can He do this? It is because Christ bore it all for us.

On Him almighty vengeance fell

That would have sunk a world to hell,

He bore it for a chosen race,

And thus becomes our hiding place.

God is reconciled. You don’t need to do one thing to win Him over. You don’t have to shed tears to soften the heart of God. He loves you. He wants to save you. Why?

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him [2 Cor. 5:21].

Jesus Christ took my place down here. He, who knew no sin, came that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. He has given me His place, clothed in His righteousness, He took my hell down here so that I might have His heaven up yonder. He did that for me.

Christian friend, have you been able to get out this wonderful Word to anyone else? Whoever you are, wherever you are, however you are, what are you doing today to get this Word of reconciliation out to a lost world? God is reconciled. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He feels toward you just as He did the day Christ died on the Cross for you and for all mankind. This is what the world needs to hear from you. The world is reconciled to Him, but they will have to turn around and by faith come to Him. Let’s get this word out, my friend. [McGee]

Conclusion:

A. Call to Act/Summary of Message/Application:

Call/Summarize/Apply-

Motivation - JSOC, Power, Love

Miracle - New Creature

Ministry - Messiah, Mediator (ministry/word)

Message - Ambassador

Understand the mission to which Christ has sent you and work toward becoming more effective in your ambassage for Him.

B. Gospel Invitation:

In just a moment, we are going to have an invitation for you to respond to what you've heard about the Lord today. Friend, God loves you, but it's not okay for you to leave here today without realizing how much trouble you might be in with God because of your sins if you have never believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. Why don't you change your mind toward Him? His love sent Jesus Christ, God's only Son, to die on the cross for all your sins. Won't you come and ask Jesus to come into your life and save you?

Friend, if God’s Word has shown you something about yourself, an area where you might be weak in faith, or something that He is wanting you to obey Him in, or just simply if the Lord is working in your life right now, your greatest need is to be right with Him. While the piano plays, don’t wait another moment. Now is the time to acknowledge that God is moving toward you, and you are moving toward Him. Step out, and come and kneel at the front somewhere, pray to God, and tell Him what’s on your heart. If you need to be saved, come and we’ll have someone, men with men and ladies with ladies, show you from the Bible how you can be saved today. If you would step out and decide to follow Jesus today, then why not come and tell Him so?