Empowered to Share: The Call to Evangelism
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into Matthew 28:16-20, focusing on the Great Commission and the call to evangelism. We celebrated the baptism of two individuals, emphasizing that God is at work in all ages and stages of life. As we embark on our new series, "Scent," my prayer is for a transformation in the climate and culture of our church, igniting a spirit of evangelism among us. Evangelism, simply put, is sharing our faith with those around us, and we aim to do this with power, purpose, and perspective.
We need a fresh power from the Holy Spirit to go into our schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. This power isn't from our own abilities but from the Holy Spirit. With this power, we gain a deeper purpose, as seen in the book of Acts, where the disciples went out to share Jesus with everyone. We also need a perspective shift to see the world and people as God sees them.
The Great Commission is a mandate from Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. Despite doubts and fears, we are called to be faithful and obedient. Doubts do not disqualify us from being used by God. Jesus' authority is trustworthy, and He commands us to go with His power and presence.
We live in a culture that often discourages sharing our faith due to fears of offending others, being canceled, or simply being afraid. However, the gospel can be offensive because it confronts us in uncomfortable places. Our job is not to be successful but to be faithful and obedient. There are still many people in need of Jesus, and we must rise up as workers in the harvest field.
Jesus sees everyone, especially those who feel invisible, hopeless, and harassed. We are called to see people with the same compassion and to go out and share the good news. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. We need to be available and willing to go wherever God sends us, whether it's to our schools, workplaces, or neighborhoods.
As we close, let's pray for a renewed spirit of evangelism, asking God to empower us with His Holy Spirit, give us a deeper purpose, and help us see people as He sees them. We are sent to be light in the darkness, to speak truth with love, and to serve with humility and compassion. Let's go with power, purpose, and perspective, sharing, showing, and shining Jesus to the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of the Holy Spirit: We need a fresh power from the Holy Spirit to go into our schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. This power isn't from our own abilities but from the Holy Spirit. With this power, we gain a deeper purpose, as seen in the book of Acts, where the disciples went out to share Jesus with everyone. [33:03]
2. The Great Commission: The Great Commission is a mandate from Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. Despite doubts and fears, we are called to be faithful and obedient. Doubts do not disqualify us from being used by God. [39:06]
3. Facing Cultural Challenges: We live in a culture that often discourages sharing our faith due to fears of offending others, being canceled, or simply being afraid. However, the gospel can be offensive because it confronts us in uncomfortable places. Our job is not to be successful but to be faithful and obedient. [49:24]
4. Seeing People as Jesus Does: Jesus sees everyone, especially those who feel invisible, hopeless, and harassed. We are called to see people with the same compassion and to go out and share the good news. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. We need to be available and willing to go wherever God sends us. [01:01:56]
5. Living a Sent Life: We are sent to be light in the darkness, to speak truth with love, and to serve with humility and compassion. Let's go with power, purpose, and perspective, sharing, showing, and shining Jesus to the world. Our highest form of worship is obedience, and we must be faithful in sharing the gospel. [01:17:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:08] - Celebrating Baptisms
[31:52] - Introduction to "Scent" Series
[33:03] - Praying for Power, Purpose, and Perspective
[35:15] - The Great Commission
[37:35] - Understanding the Commission
[39:06] - Doubts and Faithfulness
[41:23] - Authority of Jesus
[43:54] - Going with Authority
[45:23] - Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Beyond
[47:23] - Cultural Challenges to Evangelism
[49:24] - Fear and Faithfulness
[53:06] - Personal Story of Overcoming Fear
[57:47] - Faithfulness Over Success
[01:01:24] - Seeing People as Jesus Does
[01:03:29] - Call to Action: Be Workers in the Harvest
[01:08:20] - Invitation to Be Sent
[01:15:11] - Prayer for Empowerment and Boldness
[01:17:41] - Closing Prayer and Commissioning
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:16-20
- Acts 1:8
- Matthew 9:35-38
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three key elements that the pastor is praying for in the new series "Scent"? ([33:03])
2. According to Matthew 28:16-20, what are the specific instructions Jesus gives to His disciples in the Great Commission?
3. In Acts 1:8, what does Jesus promise His disciples will happen when the Holy Spirit comes upon them?
4. How does Jesus describe the people He sees in Matthew 9:35-38, and what does He say about the harvest and the workers?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the power of the Holy Spirit essential for evangelism, according to the sermon and Acts 1:8? ([33:03])
2. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 address the doubts and fears that believers might have about sharing their faith? ([39:06])
3. What cultural challenges to evangelism are mentioned in the sermon, and how do they impact the way we share our faith? ([49:24])
4. How does seeing people as Jesus does, as described in Matthew 9:35-38, change our approach to evangelism? ([01:01:56])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit empowering you to share your faith. How did that experience impact you and those around you? ([33:03])
2. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. What practical steps can you take this week to share your faith with someone in your community? ([39:06])
3. The sermon mentioned the fear of offending others as a barrier to evangelism. How can you share the gospel in a way that is both truthful and loving, even if it might be uncomfortable? ([49:24])
4. Think of someone in your life who feels invisible, hopeless, or harassed. How can you show them the compassion of Jesus this week? ([01:01:56])
5. The pastor shared a personal story about overcoming fear to share his faith. What fears do you need to overcome to be more faithful in evangelism, and what steps can you take to address them? ([53:06])
6. How can you make yourself more available to be used by God in your everyday life, whether at school, work, or in your neighborhood? ([01:04:29])
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of being faithful rather than successful in evangelism. How can you measure your faithfulness in sharing the gospel this week? ([57:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
We need a fresh power from the Holy Spirit to go into our schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. This power isn't from our own abilities but from the Holy Spirit. With this power, we gain a deeper purpose, as seen in the book of Acts, where the disciples went out to share Jesus with everyone. The Holy Spirit equips us with the courage and wisdom needed to share our faith effectively. When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are not limited by our own weaknesses but are empowered to fulfill God's mission.
In Acts, the disciples were transformed from fearful followers into bold proclaimers of the gospel. This transformation was not due to their own strength but because they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Similarly, we are called to seek this same power to be effective witnesses in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit gives us the words to speak and the love to reach out to those around us. [33:03]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you need the Holy Spirit's power to share your faith. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in this area today?
Day 2: The Mandate of the Great Commission
The Great Commission is a mandate from Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. Despite doubts and fears, we are called to be faithful and obedient. Doubts do not disqualify us from being used by God. Jesus' authority is trustworthy, and He commands us to go with His power and presence. This mandate is not just for pastors or missionaries but for every believer.
Jesus' command to make disciples is a call to action that requires us to step out of our comfort zones. It involves teaching others about Jesus, baptizing them, and helping them grow in their faith. Even when we feel inadequate or uncertain, we can trust that Jesus is with us, guiding and empowering us. Our role is to be obedient and faithful, trusting that God will work through us. [39:06]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What doubts or fears do you have about sharing your faith? How can you take a step of obedience today, trusting that Jesus is with you?
Day 3: Overcoming Cultural Challenges
We live in a culture that often discourages sharing our faith due to fears of offending others, being canceled, or simply being afraid. However, the gospel can be offensive because it confronts us in uncomfortable places. Our job is not to be successful but to be faithful and obedient. The message of Jesus challenges societal norms and personal beliefs, which can lead to resistance or rejection.
Despite these challenges, we are called to share the gospel with love and humility. Our focus should be on being faithful to God's call rather than seeking approval from others. The Holy Spirit will guide us in how to share the message in a way that is both truthful and compassionate. We must remember that our ultimate goal is to be obedient to God, trusting Him with the results. [49:24]
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Reflection: In what ways have you felt discouraged from sharing your faith due to cultural pressures? How can you focus on being faithful and obedient rather than seeking success or approval?
Day 4: Seeing People with Jesus' Compassion
Jesus sees everyone, especially those who feel invisible, hopeless, and harassed. We are called to see people with the same compassion and to go out and share the good news. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. We need to be available and willing to go wherever God sends us. Jesus' compassion for people was evident in His ministry, and we are called to emulate that same compassion in our interactions with others.
When we see people through Jesus' eyes, we are moved to act with love and kindness. This means reaching out to those who are marginalized, offering hope to the hopeless, and sharing the gospel with those who have not heard it. Our willingness to be used by God can make a significant impact in the lives of others. [01:01:56]
Matthew 9:36-38 (ESV): "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 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: Who in your life needs to experience the compassion of Jesus? How can you show them His love and share the good news with them today?
Day 5: Living a Sent Life
We are sent to be light in the darkness, to speak truth with love, and to serve with humility and compassion. Let's go with power, purpose, and perspective, sharing, showing, and shining Jesus to the world. Our highest form of worship is obedience, and we must be faithful in sharing the gospel. Living a sent life means being intentional about our actions and words, reflecting Jesus in all that we do.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be His representatives in the world. This involves living out our faith in practical ways, being a source of light and hope to those around us. It means speaking the truth in love, serving others with humility, and being a living testimony of God's grace. Our obedience to God's call is a powerful act of worship that can transform lives. [01:17:41]
John 20:21 (ESV): "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'"
Reflection: How can you be a light in your community today? What specific actions can you take to share, show, and shine Jesus to those around you?
Quotes
1. "What I'm hoping for and believing for and praying for as we begin this teaching that's going to take us through September and all the way to the end of October is that the climate and the culture of our church would begin to change. Now, that's not to say, I believe we have a bad climate or a bad culture within our church, but I just want to see it transformed. And this is what I'm hoping for, is that a spirit or enthusiasm for evangelism would begin to rise up among us." [31:52] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need power. We need purpose. And we need perspective. And when we have those things, the climate and the culture of our church begins to change. But listen to me carefully. I'm not just praying for the climate and the culture of our church to begin to change. I'm praying for the climate and the culture of your job to begin to change, of your school, of your teammates, of your neighborhood, of your apartment complex." [34:01] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Doubts do not disqualify you. Doubts do not disqualify you from being used by God. Doubts do not disqualify you from experiencing a move of God within your life. Doubts are not necessarily detrimental. As a matter of fact, the book of Jude, chapter 1, verse 22, says that we should be patient or gentle with those who are doubting. If you are here today and you've got some doubts, God desires to be gentle and patient with you. Amen? Some worship and some are doubting. But all, all are welcomed. Amen?" [40:24] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Just because some authority is bad doesn't mean all authority needs to be rejected. Amen? I have, and just in my own personal life, I have seen far more faithful teachers, coaches, principals, and administrators than I have seen unfaithful ones. I have seen far more faithful pastors than I have seen unfaithful pastors. I have seen far more trusted police officers than I have seen untrustworthy police officers. Just because some authority is bad doesn't mean all authority needs to be rejected." [42:56] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The reason you and I are sitting in this room today, the reason we're able to sing and praise God today is because the faithfulness of those disciples then. Amen? And the same mission, the same mandate, the same great commission applies to us today. Jesus says in the book of John, chapter 20, verse 21, peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Who? You. Me and you and every one of us who would consider ourselves to be a follower of Jesus." [46:53] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Our job is to be faithful. Our job is to be obedient. We cannot judge our success on, quote, converts. But we can judge our success on obedience. On being faithful. And when we just do whatever the Lord tells us to do, that is not, the results aren't up to you. And the results are not up to me. Our highest form of worship, our highest form, our highest form of worship is always obedience." [58:21] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "There are still lost that need to be found. There are still hungry that need to be fed. There are still wanderers that need to come home. And listen, these aren't just my words. These are words that come directly from Jesus himself. Take a look. Matthew chapter 9 beginning with verse 35. Jesus went through all the towns and the villages in their synagogues proclaiming the good news of the kingdom healing every disease and sickness." [01:01:24] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Listen we need some workers to rise up. We need workers to go to middle schools and high schools. We need teachers and administrators to go. We need people to go in the name of Jesus and love the kids that they surround themselves with. We need people who go to assembly lines and to cubicles and construction sites in the name of Jesus and love him and love others because the harvest is still plentiful but what we need is workers." [01:03:29] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You are sent to your friends. You are sent to your family. You are sent to your school. You are sent to your job. You are sent to your neighborhood. You are an ambassador of Christ. You're in your actions and your interactions. You carry his name and you reflect his heart. Your motivation must be love. Your message must be the gospel. You are the vessel God has chosen to use for such a time as this. You are sent to be light in the darkness." [01:06:46] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The harvest indeed is plentiful. You go and you go sent. Will you go? Will you go? Will you and I have the courage to say, Lord, here I am. Send me. Send me. God, re-refresh me. Revitalize me. Strengthen me with power and purpose. With the perspective to see people as you see people." [01:07:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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