Preparing for the gospel (Lesson 2)
Notes
Transcript
Through your efforts
Through your efforts
May we remember the statistics we have used about why people come and get engaged in the church. It is because of your efforts, and my efforts too. The best opportunities for evangelism comes through our efforts personally to individual people.
(Aim) Our lesson this morning is looking at preparing to share the gospel, some simple things we can do to increase opportunities for sharing the gospel.
Do Good
Do Good
Jesus went about doing good, setting an example for us (quote Act10:38)
38 “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
We know His primary purpose was to preach the gospel (ref: Mt4:17, 23)
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
then read Mt4:23
23 Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.
Going good brought increased opportunities to do good and to preach the gospel (ref: Mt4:24-25)
In you doing good, it encourages people to glorify God; for they see your good works (ref: Mt5:16)
Especially as scripture says on the day of visitation, when they hear the gospel message (1Pt2:12)
12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Doing good makes people more likely to ask why you say and do what you do. Open door to share the hope that is in you (turn to: 1Pt3:15-16)
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
May we be zealous for good works (ref: Tit2:14) then read Tit3:8
8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
Look to do good, and do good to those who are in need (Ref: Tit3:14).
Prayer list
Prayer list
Weeks ago we handed out cards to put 5-7 names on, to share your list with someone else to join in pray.
So, pray, keep praying.
Asking for opportunities
Asking for boldness
Asking for receptive ears and hearts
Pray daily
God gives the increase (read 1Cor3:6-7)
6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.
Remember we are His servants, His tools, here for His use and for His glory.
May we work as if it all depends on us, knowing that we know and remember it all depends on God to give the increase.
Pray for opportunities and wisdom(turn to Colossians 4:3-6)
3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. 5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
Pray for boldness to speak truth (ref: Eph6:18-20)
Again being reminded in our prayers for others that we have opportunity to speak truth, and they may receptive to the truth of the gospel.
Invite them to church, to the assembly
Invite them to church, to the assembly
This gives an opportunity come come see a loving group of followers, to hear the gospel.
Invite and sit with them, invite and introduce them.
Invite be willing to pick them up, or to go out for lunch afterwards.
Inviting should start with prayer for the opportunity and time to invite someone to church.
People are more likely to come if
Unchurched and you are with them
Dissatisfied with where they are going now and are willing to see what this church (body of believers) is about.
Do not get discouraged if told no, be like the persistent widow, ask and be ready to ask again
Be Hospitable
Be Hospitable
Why this is important.
By a guest that you invited or someone else did is there, they are expressing an interest and/or willingness to learn.
By everyone’s welcome we help prepare their heart for the seed of the gospel.
Remember they are not here by accident, but by invitation a drawing by God. The Lord opened the door, we are here to welcome them and make them feel welcome.
Some ideas on how to show hospitality to our guests.
Come early, be here when guests come in
Do not be late for then you may miss an opportunity to fellowship with the guests and make them feel welcome
Be friendly to everyone!
Give priority to guests over members when guests are here, you can always catch up with family later.
Invite: invite out for lunch, coffee, or even into your home.
Send: Send a card or a note, or visit them after they have attended service.
In short, greet, make feel welcome, invite, call, write, visit
Conclusion
Conclusion
Keep it simple
Do good
Pray
Invite
The gospel is simple
Death, burial, resurrection
why is that needed? (Sin)
Believe, confess, repent, baptized, live faithfully
