Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:2
Luis Cruz, GCF Durham
Imagine a church that doesn’t play out God’s game plan? What happens if a church doesn’t obey God’s command to go and make disciples of all nations? A disobedient church will never glorify God.
God is glorified in our obedience. Obedience must be a lifestyle. Reaching out and sharing Jesus to others as we go on living this life must be our lifestyle. “Go” means to lead over, to pursue, to order one’s life. Outreach and evangelism must be the proclamation and demonstration of the gospel in our life.
I. Christian Outreach
“Christian Outreach is the act of reaching out with the intent of verbally proclaiming and demonstrating the gospel.”
not in the bible, but the idea is.
Mark 10, Jesus went to Jericho. Blind Bartimaeus became a believer and received his eyesight.
Paul went to Athens and reached out to unbelievers in Acts 17:22-34. Some people became believers.
May or may not necessarily increase church attendance.
It inspires and teaches our people to reach out to the unchurched.
It teaches the importance of “outward looking”.
Challenge the church to invite, invite and invite every Sunday.
Why we do what we do…
Hands-on training ground for evangelism.
We don’t have to “reinvent the wheel”.
Use big events as outreach ministry.
Casting the missional net wider through technology.
It involves women and the young people.
II. Evangelism
Greek: euangelion – the proclamation of good news.
It requires teaching people how to avail themselves of this precious salvation from eternal punishment.
Acts 20:24, “gospel of grace”
Matthew 4:23, “gospel of the kingdom”
Romans 1:16, “gospel of Christ”
Ephesians 6:15, “gospel of peace”
Common mistakes...
Evangelism is for professionals (evangelists) only.
Evangelism can be deeds only, words are not always required.
We must get all the bases covered because it might be the only opportunity we or they get.
It is done at the bus stops, airplane or malls only.
Evangelism is just a program.
“2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2.
Incarnational evangelism (Brisco, Covocational Church Planting)
Evangelism must become our lifestyle.
It is a major component of our mission.
We alert people through words and deeds.
Ephesians 4:11-12, “ 11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
Evangelism is a major component of building up the church.
“How can we incarnate evangelism?”
1. Pray for opportunities to demonstrate and proclaim the gospel. Col. 4:2-4
2. Look for realistic ways to show the gospel. Col. 4:5
a. Develop and cultivate healthy relationships.
b. Find ways to engage someone without asking anything in return.
c. Create big events in your home.
3. Be gracious with your words (proclamation). Col. 4:6,
a. Don’t use highly theological words.
b. Don’t engage them in unhealthy religious debates.
c. Be sensitive to people’s need (time and space).
d. Don’t be overzealous in sharing the gospel. (We share, God saves).
e. Don’t treat people like numbers.