READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l What does it mean to reach outside of ourselves and our faith community to the lost, as an individual and as a church?
Intentional Discipleship:
Evangelism
Evangelism is the proclamation of the good news of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul alluded to faith proclaimed and announcing of the gospel in Romans 1:8-9. Paul wanted all in Rome to know the good news that we have been saved by faith through Jesus Christ to reconcile to God and to eternal life. Evangelism is the act of communicating our salvation. It is also the beginning of the discipleship-making process. The objective is to bring the knowledge of the gospel to another person. God uses us as His means of grace to our family and loved ones. The heart of evangelism is to be a witness to God’s power at work in saving lives. We can sow the seeds, share our lives, pray but at the end of the day, God does the work.
Evangelist
There is a role of evangelist in all of us. Being an evangelist is part of our discipleship and disciple-making. Discipleship is obedience to God’s command (Psalm 105:1) and disciple-making is trusting in Christ’s commission. We may be fearful in making the first step to evangelise, to deal with hard questions about God and faith or be comfortable to share our personal story. We may even feel that we do not know enough or need years of theology study before we are ready to share the gospel. It is okay. Our lives will be enriched when we put ourselves out there for Christ. We continue to grow in our knowledge and our maturing in faith. Being prepared to share our story on how the good news impacted us, is part of our discipleship. To love God and to make Him known.
Evangel
How do we reflect the good news as an individual and as a church?
Blessings
Intentionally look out for opportunities to bless the community. It starts from where the people are. In our family, in the neighbourhood or at the workplace are people in whose lives we can make a difference. We can also make God known by impacting the culture and practices where we are, working to intentionally influence. God did not put us there by accident. He is using us as a means of grace to all that is around us. Humans need to feel loved. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman on Gifts, Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Touch and Acts of Service are self-explanatory. A great example to show love is to listen, especially during times of hurt and brokenness. Jesus listened.
Belonging
Provide a sense of belonging by actively leading and showing our faith community. We can show that we are a community ready to love by inviting them to our worship services, small groups, and events. Most important is to build the sense of belonging that is authentic; by spending time and acknowledging that we all struggle with issues in our lives, even in faith. We may have victories in our faith journey, but there are also hurts, tears and wrestling with the Lord. We do not need to look like all is well. We are all works-in-progress and on a journey in our discipleship to know God better, to love Him and to love one another.
Believing
When the people we care for are ready, we can trust in the Lord and be witnesses in God’s saving grace to invite them to believe in God who can make a lasting impact in their lives. The 3 phases (Blessings, Belonging and Believing) do not need to be in any order, but it helps us intentionally to recognise how we can journey with our loved ones.
The heart of evangelism is to witness God’s power in saving lives. Who might they be?
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Let’s recall, reflect, consider and commit.
- Recall the first time when the gospel was being shared with you.
- How did it help you in your faith and walk with God?
- Reflect on Romans 1:8-17. How was Paul’s attitude in His ministry of the gospel?
- Where did his motivation come from?
- Consider what it means to bring another to Christ, eg. through the principles of Blessings-Belong-Believing.
- What are your fears? What would it take for you to venture out of them and into sharing of the gospel with another?
- Commit to the Lord a family member or friend who has not accepted Christ.
- How would you share the gospel with this person, or which characteristics of God would you like to introduce?
- If you are sharing with someone currently, how has the person responded to the Lord? Continue to commit this person to God and trust in the Spirit’s working.
Do take some time to pray and seek Him in the area of evangelism in the next steps of your discipleship.
