Personal Evangelism Introduction

The Condition of the World

If we take the time to look out at the world around us we will quickly come to realize that the world we are living in is definitively headed in the wrong direction.

Sin is no longer something done in secret but is now openly promoted.

The mere mention of Jesus Christ provokes strong opposition and often hatred and bitterness.

Families are falling apart every day.

It would be easy for you and I as one person among 8 billion people to become discouraged. I mean what difference could one person possibly make, right?

- sound a lot like the days we are living today.

How then do we effect real change in the world?

The answer is not political, economic, social , etc...

- the solution that Paul prescribed.

The solution to effecting real change in the world is still the same today. It is the preaching of the Word of God.

This begins specifically with the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

- preach gospel to every creature

The only hope this world has is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The only way that there can be lasting change is through sinners placing their faith in Jesus Christ.

Again the question comes what difference could you and I possibly make when there are billions of people who need to hear the gospel?

Starfish illustration- “It made a difference for that one!”

If you really want to make a difference it will begin with sharing the gospel and that is why we want to equip and train you for this great endeavor.

Will the gospel stop at us?

- to you and now to regions beyond you

Pay it forward- line at a restaurant- where does it stop? Will it be with you?

- we have been reconciled to God but what are we going to do about those who remain separated from God in their sins.

We ought to be extremely grateful to those who delivered to gospel to us so that we could be reconciled to God.

Our gratitude is shown when we take what we have received and deliver it to others so that they may also have the opportunity to know the forgiveness of sins and the inheritance of eternal life.

- Paul was not the originator of the gospel message, he was merely passing along what he had received.

This is the responsibility of every Christian. We are instructed time and time again to share the gospel.

Class Goal- that each one of us would have the opportunity to lead one person to Christ in 2020!

Imagine what a radically different world we would be living in if every Christian was intensely determined to take the gospel that they have received and share it with someone who need to hear!