Celebrate Jesus by Reaching the Lost

TEXT: Mark 2:1-5 (The New Living Translation)

TOPIC: Celebrate Jesus by Reaching the Lost

Bobby Earls, First Baptist Church of Icard, September 5, 1999

In just two weeks the eastern portion of Burke County is going to experience an event that many of us have been praying will rock this area for God. Our Celebrate Jesus 2000 Crusade, scheduled for September 18 – 22, at East Burke Stadium could turn out to be the most important spiritual movement that has ever occurred in all of Burke County.

Many have been asking God for at least 500 salvations! Just think of the impact that could have on our communities of Eastern Burke County and beyond. More than simple growth for our churches, CJ2000will mean the restoration of marriages, homes, families, and most importantly, the eternal redemption of hundreds of our friends, neighbors, classmates, work associates and family members. That’s our vision for CJ2000.

What’s your vision? Do you believe Almighty God can transform the lives of at least 500 precious souls? Do you believe that some of those souls could be your friend, or loved one?

Over the past two years I have preached to you messages around the theme of Celebrate Jesus 2000. I have preached at least three complete messages including Celebrate Jesus through Revival and Celebrate Jesus by Praying. This morning I want to share with you the message Celebrate Jesus by Reaching the Lost.

Mark 2:1-5 (The New Living Translation)

Several days later Jesus returned to Capernaum, and the news of his arrival spread quickly through the town. 2Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there wasn’t room for one more person, not even outside the door. And he preached the word to them. 3 Four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4They couldn’t get to Jesus through the crowd, so they dug through the clay roof above his head. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My son, your sins are forgiven.”

Evangelist Freddy Gage has a message entitled, “All My Friends are in Hell.” Gage, who grew up in the rough, inner-city of Houston, Texas, tells story after story of boy hood friends who chose the route of drugs, promiscuity, and crime and paid the price, most of them, through a horrible, painful, or early death.

What about your friends? What about your family members? It’s not a pleasant thought, but how many of your friends or family members are already dead and in hell without Jesus? (By the way, most Baptists I know don’t really believe in hell. When’s the last time you went to a funeral service where the deceased was not eulogized into Heaven?)

These are serious and somber questions, but we need to realize the reality that those who leave this world without Jesus Christ are lost for time and eternity!

Mark 2 gives to us the story of Jesus’ return to the major seaport city of Capernaum. Capernaum was a highly populated thoroughfare of Jesus’ day. We see our Lord’s strategy in reaching people. He simply went where the people were. Jesus was effective at reaching the lost. Each time He touched another life, there was a great celebration.

We too, can celebrate the beginning of a new millennium, the year 2000, by bringing the lost to Jesus.

1. WE CELEBRATE JESUS WHEN WE BELIEVE WHAT JESUS CAN DO FOR THEM, Mark 2:5

Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My son, your sins are forgiven.”

The Bible says, “when Jesus saw their faith.”

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)

A. JESUS MEETS THE HUMAN NEEDS OF ALL PEOPLE.

1. Physically, Mark 2: 11-12

Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11 “Stand up, take your mat, and go on home, because you are healed!” 12 The man jumped up, took the mat, and pushed his way through the stunned onlookers. Then they all praised God. “We’ve never seen anything like this before!” (NLT)

2. Spiritually, Mark 2.5b “My son, your sins are forgiven.”

3. Mentally and Emotionally,

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27, KJV)

He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! 4 Trust in the Lord God always, for in the Lord Jehovah is your everlasting strength. (Isaiah 26:3-4, Living Bible)

The most well adjusted people I know are people who have made Jesus their Savior and their Lord. No need for artificial stimulants, such as drugs, and alcohol. Drugs also mean prescription drugs!

2. WE CELEBRATE JESUS WHEN WE WORK WITH OTHERS TO REACH THE LOST, Mark 2:3

Four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. (Mark 2:3, NLT)

(Explain the four men carrying their friend to Jesus.)

During our preparation for CJ2000, we have seen the positive results of God’s people working together.

Over twenty churches working together forgetting the differences that usually divide us.

Operation Andrew – praying for the lost, and making a concerted effort to bring them to Jesus during the crusade.

Pastors praying together every Tuesday.

Many of you praying over the telephone listings for several years.

I still believe God is honored and His Spirit moves when we follow an organized approach to reach the lost.

(Describe Intentional Evangelism from Relational Evangelism)

Three ways everyone can reach the lost through CJ2000:

Pray, promote, and participate.

3. WE CELEBRATE JESUS BE BRINGING THE LOST TO WHERE JESUS IS AT WORK, Mark 2:1-2

Several days later Jesus returned to Capernaum, and the news of his arrival spread quickly through the town. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there wasn’t room for one more person, not even outside the door. And he preached the word to them. (Mark 2:1-2, NLT)

John 16:8

“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (John 16:8, NKJV)

Three ways in which the Lord Jesus is always at work:

1. He is at work in the lives of all lost people.

He reveals the truth of God’s power and existence. He brings conviction. He convinces, enabling the lost person to see the Savior. He converts. He brings the lost person out of death to life.

2. He is at work in the life of a faithful witness to empower your witness to the lost.

3. He is at work in the witnessing encounter, to convince the lost person that what the witness is saying is truth.

4. WE CELEBRATE JESUS BY FIGHTING TROUGH ANY OBSTACLE WHICH STANDS IN OUR WAY OF REACHING THE LOST, Mark 2:4

They couldn’t get to Jesus through the crowd, so they dug through the clay roof above his head. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.

(Mark 2:4, NLT)

These men wouldn’t take no for an answer. They would not give up. They were determined to bring their friend to Jesus!

(Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “raising the roof.” )

My lost daddy taught me there’s no such word as “can’t.” We should never give up in our effort to reach our lost friends or loved ones for Christ!

There’s no one Jesus does not love. There’s no one that Jesus did not die for. There’s no one that Jesus cannot save. No matter who they are or what they’ve done, Jesus loves them. Jesus died for them. Jesus can save them.

CONCLUSION: I can say the same thing to some of you here today. Jesus loves you. Jesus died for you. He paid the price for your sins. That’s how much He loves you. Why don’t you let Him forgive you today. He’ll take all your sins away and make you clean. He’ll make you brand new. (Pray with the lost for salvation)