Compelled to Share: The Call to Evangelism
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, SCC. It is a joy to be here today and share the vision and mission that God has placed on our hearts. My wife Katie and I have been serving in Mexico for almost five years, directing a non-denominational Bible school in San Carlos, Sonora. Our vision is to see the Mexican church built up in maturity and unity, equipped for discipleship and evangelism. We aim to provide an affordable and attainable Bible program for believers who want to grow in their faith and serve in the church.
The school was established in 2010 by Katie's parents, Howard and Susan Dick, who saw a genuine hunger among the Mexican people to grow in their faith and Bible knowledge. Despite the challenges, including the loss of Howard, God has been faithful in building us up and providing everything we need to continue this ministry. Our team, including Susan, Guillermo and Carmen Medina, Ryan Thiessen, and Jaial Bautista, is dedicated to this vision.
We have seen the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of our students. For example, Abram, who was once afraid to fully commit to Christ, is now a missionary serving throughout Latin America. Luis, who learned to read only two years ago, is now a gifted preacher and part of the church leadership in his hometown.
Today, I want to challenge us with a question: Are we burdened for the lost? Paul’s compelling burden to preach the gospel, as described in 1 Corinthians 9:16-22, should be ours as well. Paul was compelled to preach the gospel, gave of himself to win many, and did it all for the sake of the gospel and sharing in its blessings. We need to be reminded of this burden and let the Holy Spirit rekindle our hearts for the lost, both locally and globally.
### Key Takeaways
1. Compelled to Preach the Gospel: Paul felt an overwhelming necessity to preach the gospel, driven by a deep love for it. This compulsion was so strong that he could not ignore it, even if he wanted to. The same should be true for us; our love for the gospel should compel us to share it with others, making it a non-negotiable part of our lives. [21:58]
2. Sacrificial Service: Paul gave of himself sacrificially to win many for Christ. He became a servant to all, adapting to different cultures and contexts to make the gospel relatable and accessible. This sacrificial love and dedication should inspire us to step out of our comfort zones and serve others for the sake of the gospel. [28:31]
3. For the Sake of the Gospel: Paul’s primary motivation was the gospel itself. He did everything for the sake of the gospel, to share in its blessings. This means that our ultimate goal should be to see the transformative power of the gospel at work in people's lives, leading them to faith in Christ. [30:58]
4. The Harvest is Ripe: The fields are ripe for harvest, both locally and globally. Just as Paul traveled thousands of miles to reach the lost, we are called to be missional in our communities and beyond. The need for the gospel is greater than ever, and we must be willing to go where God calls us. [30:03]
5. Partakers in the Blessings: Sharing the gospel allows us to partake in its blessings. We have experienced the richness of the gospel in our own lives, and we are called to share that with others. The ultimate blessing is seeing people come to faith in Christ and knowing that we will one day be with Him in heaven. [31:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:48] - Introduction to Our Ministry
[03:01] - Vision and Mission
[04:01] - Establishment of the Bible School
[05:34] - Challenges and God's Faithfulness
[06:29] - Introduction to Our Team
[09:00] - Team Members' Roles
[10:32] - Student Success Stories
[11:51] - Abram's Transformation
[12:33] - Luis' Journey
[13:29] - Prayer Requests
[19:33] - Are We Burdened for the Lost?
[21:58] - Compelled to Preach the Gospel
[28:31] - Sacrificial Service
[30:03] - The Harvest is Ripe
[30:58] - For the Sake of the Gospel
[31:25] - Partakers in the Blessings
[32:20] - Final Challenge and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 9:16-22 (NIV)
### Observation Questions
1. What was Paul's primary motivation for preaching the gospel according to 1 Corinthians 9:16-22?
2. How did Paul adapt his approach to different groups of people in order to share the gospel effectively? ([20:25])
3. What examples were given in the sermon of individuals who experienced transformation through the gospel? ([11:51])
4. What challenges did the Bible school in San Carlos face, and how did God provide for them? ([05:34])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Paul feel such a strong compulsion to preach the gospel, and how does this reflect his love for it? ([21:58])
2. How does Paul's willingness to become "all things to all men" demonstrate his sacrificial love for others? ([21:04])
3. What does it mean to do everything "for the sake of the gospel" and to share in its blessings? ([30:58])
4. How can the transformative power of the gospel, as seen in the lives of Abram and Luis, inspire us in our own faith journey? ([11:51])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Paul's compulsion to preach the gospel. Do you feel a similar burden for the lost in your own life? If not, what steps can you take to cultivate this burden? ([21:58])
2. Paul adapted his approach to different groups to make the gospel relatable. Are there specific ways you can adapt your approach to share the gospel more effectively in your community? ([20:25])
3. The sermon mentioned the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of Abram and Luis. Can you think of a time when you witnessed or experienced a similar transformation? How did it impact your faith? ([11:51])
4. The Bible school in San Carlos faced significant challenges but saw God's provision. Are there challenges in your life or ministry where you need to trust in God's provision? ([05:34])
5. Paul did everything for the sake of the gospel. What are some practical ways you can prioritize the gospel in your daily life and decisions? ([30:58])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of being missional both locally and globally. How can you be more missional in your own community? Are there opportunities for you to support global missions? ([30:03])
7. Sharing the gospel allows us to partake in its blessings. How have you experienced the blessings of the gospel in your own life, and how can you share these blessings with others? ([31:25])
Devotional
Day 1: Compelled by Love to Share the Gospel
Description: Paul felt an overwhelming necessity to preach the gospel, driven by a deep love for it. This compulsion was so strong that he could not ignore it, even if he wanted to. The same should be true for us; our love for the gospel should compel us to share it with others, making it a non-negotiable part of our lives. This sense of urgency and love for the gospel should be the driving force behind our actions and interactions with others. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the good news with those around us, regardless of the challenges we may face. [21:58]
1 Corinthians 9:16-17 (ESV): "For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you share the gospel with them this week in a way that is loving and genuine?
Day 2: Sacrificial Service for the Sake of Others
Description: Paul gave of himself sacrificially to win many for Christ. He became a servant to all, adapting to different cultures and contexts to make the gospel relatable and accessible. This sacrificial love and dedication should inspire us to step out of our comfort zones and serve others for the sake of the gospel. We are called to be flexible and willing to meet people where they are, showing them the love of Christ through our actions and words. This may require us to make personal sacrifices, but the eternal impact is worth it. [28:31]
1 Corinthians 9:19-22 (ESV): "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can step out of your comfort zone to serve someone this week? How can you adapt to their needs to make the gospel more accessible to them?
Day 3: Living for the Sake of the Gospel
Description: Paul’s primary motivation was the gospel itself. He did everything for the sake of the gospel, to share in its blessings. This means that our ultimate goal should be to see the transformative power of the gospel at work in people's lives, leading them to faith in Christ. Our actions, decisions, and priorities should be aligned with this purpose, ensuring that we are living in a way that reflects the gospel and its transformative power. By doing so, we not only share in the blessings of the gospel but also become a living testimony of its power. [30:58]
1 Corinthians 9:23 (ESV): "I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily routines and priorities. Are they aligned with the goal of sharing the gospel? What changes can you make to ensure that your life reflects the transformative power of the gospel?
Day 4: The Urgency of the Harvest
Description: The fields are ripe for harvest, both locally and globally. Just as Paul traveled thousands of miles to reach the lost, we are called to be missional in our communities and beyond. The need for the gospel is greater than ever, and we must be willing to go where God calls us. This may mean reaching out to our neighbors, participating in local outreach programs, or even considering missions work abroad. The urgency of the harvest should compel us to take action and be proactive in sharing the gospel. [30:03]
Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: What is one specific way you can be missional in your community this week? How can you contribute to the harvest, either locally or globally?
Day 5: Sharing in the Blessings of the Gospel
Description: Sharing the gospel allows us to partake in its blessings. We have experienced the richness of the gospel in our own lives, and we are called to share that with others. The ultimate blessing is seeing people come to faith in Christ and knowing that we will one day be with Him in heaven. By sharing the gospel, we not only bless others but also deepen our own understanding and appreciation of the gospel's power. This mutual blessing strengthens our faith and encourages us to continue sharing the good news. [31:25]
Philemon 1:6 (ESV): "And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ."
Reflection: Think of a recent experience where you shared your faith. How did it impact you and the person you shared with? How can you continue to share the blessings of the gospel with others?
Quotes
1. "We exist to see the Mexican church built up in maturity and in unity, being both equipped to discipleship and evangelism. That is our vision. This is our vision for our Mexican brothers and sisters in San Carlos. It's a great joy to be there." [02:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We get to preach the gospel. We get to walk alongside our students and see the transformative power of the gospel take root in their lives. We get to see them excited about the gospel, taking it back to their communities and their churches to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. And so, it's an honor and a joy to be part of that." [04:30] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "By God's grace, and this is what God does, in his grace and in his mercy and his love for us, he gave us everything we needed to continue on in that ministry and more. And since then, God has done an amazing work in building us back up." [06:10] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I have had a re-encounter with Jesus and my faith. Before coming to SAC, I was afraid to give my whole life. To Christ. To say, here am I. No matter the consequence. I was afraid of the possibilities. It might be hard or difficult where God calls me. I might have to suffer. But now, after going through another year of SAC, I have come to a place in my life where now I can say, God, I will seek to do your will and not mine." [11:12] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It wasn't until I came through the program that I truly understood the love of God. I saw it displayed in the lives of my brothers and my sisters. The gospel displayed, played out in the lives. And through my studying of the word of God, and through my time at SEC, I know, I really now understand the love of Christ and what he's done for me." [12:33] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Are you and I, SEC, burdened for the lost? Are we burdened for the lost? In this passage, it will be apparent to see the convicting burden that Paul has for sharing Christ for the lost." [19:33] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The more we revel in the riches and the truths of the gospel the more we'll fall in love with it the more we're going to want to proclaim it the more our hearts break for the lost for those who are not those who have a Christ that's held down eternity the more we're going to want to share the greatest news ever that we have we want to share it." [27:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Paul gave of himself to win many we see in verses 19 and 22 that Paul gave of himself in a sacrificial way to be a servant to be a slave to those who he was reaching in being burdened for the lost Paul went to them he did not stay seated on his throne on his chair at home watching the football game that's fine watch the football game it's good but he didn't stay there no he was compelled to actually leave and go just like Christ commands go therefore right the great commission." [28:31] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The transformative power of the gospel is what compelled Paul to travel thousands of miles across the known world to reach the lost he was dedicated to them devoted do you think all of the persecutions all the trials that Paul experienced was worth it? it was why? because it was for the sake of the gospel and because he loved those who he was reaching." [29:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The blessings that we see in the gospel are people coming to faith in Jesus the fruit of the gospel is here is seeing hearts being one for Jesus the fruit of the gospel is the church the church is born because of the fruit of the gospel we're sitting here today because we heard the good news amen." [32:00] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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