Evangelism & Service

Evangelism & Service

Last Week

We talked about Devotions and Worship.  We talked about the discipline it takes to have a daily quiet time with God.  We talked about how, when and what sources to use in your devotion time.

We also talked about Worship and how it is displaying the worth and value of God.  We discussed the many different forms of worship.  Displaying the worth and value of God should not be taken lightly; empty worship is worse than no worship.

Evangelism:

1.      Evangelism is practiced in many different ways; preaching, drama, music, TV programs, posters, tee shirts, bumper stickers, etc.  Basically Evangelism is communication of the gospel to the unsaved by whatever means necessary.

2.      All believers are responsible for telling the good news of Jesus Christ to others. 

o   Is this easy or hard to do?

o   Many are intimidated and uncomfortable speaking publically about their faith.

Difficulties with Evangelism:

1.      Fear largely prohibits Christians from carrying out their responsibility of telling others about Christ.  Fear of rejection, of appearing foolish, of losing popularity or friends and of failure.

2.      Some people think that advanced theological training is necessary to witness to others.  Some associate evangelism with certain methods that they find uncomfortable.

3.      Some find it difficult to express their faith clearly, to tell someone exactly how to know Christ.

4.      One major deterrence is fear of failure or repeating failure.  Someone may have been embarrassed or humiliated through a perceived failure and find it very hard to “get back on the horse.”

Service:   

1.      Many aspects of the Christian life revolve around serving the Lord in some capacity within the church.  Service for God many times takes the back seat to service for self.

2.      Can you casually serve God?

o   You cannot be uncommitted in your service for God.

o   Service costs time, talents, money and in some cases one’s earthly life.

o   Service should be a very high priority.  God does not want our leftovers.

3.      Service should begin within your local church.  What are some areas in your church that YOU can serve?

o   Usher, SS Teacher or helper, Greeters, Store House, Operation Christmas Child, VBS, RA’s & GA’s, speaking, singing, choir, nursery, office work among many other things.

4.      Service is HARD work!

o   Whatever service you choose is going to take time and dedication with very little, if any recognition.  You must have faith that your labor is not in vain, God gets the glory not you.

o   God sees and knows your service.  God does not forget our labor and will reward you for your service.

o   Ministry & Service will bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that those who don’t serve will never know or understand.  Doing God’s work IS EXCITING.

5.      Reasons God Expects Believers to Serve:

o   To be Obedient - 1 John 2:3 (1480)

o   To express gratitude for what God has done – 1 Samuel 12:24 (346)

o   To answer God’s invitation – Isaiah 6:8 (810)

o   To follow the example of Jesus – John 13:12-14 (1239)

o   To express godly love for others – Galatians 5:13 (1372)

Believers must discipline themselves to participate in the service opportunities that are available to them.  The primary place for such service is through your local church.  Service is hard work without immediate rewards but God promises GREAT eternal rewards for those who faithfully serve.  Our lives on Earth are far too short to miss out on God’s Eternal rewards.