Reaching

September 30, 2007

Reaching

Text:  John 1:35-50

Proposition:  The church has the message of the gospel to share with a world in need.

Application:  We should be involved in all aspects of evangelism.

According to the 2000 US Census there are 49,155 people living in the seven zip codes that make up our congregation.  If we are a typical area then 70% of these people are unreached (34,409 people).  That would make a goal of trying to reach 10% of the population as 3440 people, and 1% of the population as 344 people.  That is almost increasing the size of our congregation by 5 to 50 times.  This should motivate us with the desire to be disciples who follow after our master.  “I came to seek and save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10).

1. Personal evangelism - which is making the most of opportunities to share your own experience of coming to know Christ as Savior. (John 1:35-42)

a.  John – There is Jesus

b.  Andrew – I have found Messiah to Peter

          i. I Peter 3:15-16

c.  Just the example of change in your life, and telling what you know.

d.  Not a salesman approach

2.  Involvement in outreach events - which is as simple as inviting people to a worship service or as involved as helping plan and execute large outreach events. (John 1:43-51)

a.  Phillip – “Come and See”

b.  This requires the church to be a place where there is acceptance for the doubter and the curious.

c.  Means developing a sensitivity to the barriers that will keep the lost from listening

3.  Involvement in the missions program of the church – which is a challenge to support our missionary partners with prayers and financial gifts and consideration of serving in cross cultural settings with short term mission trips.

a.  Greater things

b.  Like the Gospel to the whole world