Reviving Our Passion for Evangelism and the Gospel
Summary
In my sermon, I discussed the importance of maintaining our passion for sharing the gospel and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. I shared my experiences from my first church, where despite the love for Jesus, there was a lack of enthusiasm for evangelism. I emphasized that while it's crucial to have sound doctrine and a strong church community, these achievements can be overshadowed if we lose our zeal for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. I also highlighted the example of the Ephesus church, which, despite its accomplishments, was admonished by Jesus for losing its first love - the passion for evangelism.
Key Takeaways:
- The primary purpose of the church is to share the gospel and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. [ 58:01]
- Losing passion for evangelism can overshadow other achievements of the church. [ 59:11]
- The Ephesus church serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining our first love - the passion for evangelism. [ 01:00:42]
- Personal experiences can serve as powerful tools for evangelism. [ 59:52]
- It's crucial to consider how far we've fallen and make a decisive break to restore our passion for evangelism. [ 58:38]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 13 [01:04:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHpBc2uaxwE&t=3860.4s)
2. Isaiah 6 [01:05:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHpBc2uaxwE&t=3912.96s)
3. Genesis 1 and 2 [01:06:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHpBc2uaxwE&t=4002.12s)
Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 13, why did Jesus choose to speak in parables?
2. What is the significance of the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil in Genesis 1 and 2?
3. How does Isaiah 6 relate to the concept of hardening against the word of God?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the use of parables in Matthew 13 relate to the concept of understanding and accepting the message of Jesus?
2. What does the story of Adam and Eve's rebellion in Genesis tell us about obedience and the consequences of disobedience?
3. How does the concept of hardening against God's word in Isaiah 6 apply to our personal faith journey?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you felt like you were just "going through the motions" in your faith? How did you overcome this?
2. How can you apply the lesson of obedience from the story of Adam and Eve in your daily life?
3. In what ways can you actively prevent yourself from hardening against God's word?
4. How can you reignite your passion for sharing the gospel, as you did when you first accepted Christ?
5. Can you think of a specific situation where you can demonstrate your transformed life in Christ to others?
Devotional
Day 1: Drawing Close to God
In our spiritual journey, we often feel as if our path is hidden from God, as if we've been disregarded. However, we must remember that God is our source of life, our living water, a well that never runs dry. He is our close friend and our conquering king, one who calls us brother and sister and reigns over all things forevermore. We must seek to draw closer to Him, to abide with Him, and to allow His spirit to work within us ([24:12]).
Psalm 73:28 - "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt disregarded or hidden from God. How did you draw closer to Him during this time?
Day 2: The Power of Community
Community is a powerful tool in our spiritual journey. It allows us to encourage one another, to grow in our faith, and to share the gospel with those around us. However, we must be careful not to let our desire for survival overshadow our mission to share the gospel and expand the kingdom of God ([54:56]).
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How can you use your community to encourage others and share the gospel?
Day 3: The Strength of God
In times of difficulty, we can always count on God. His strength and power never fail. Even when hope doesn't come easily and joy feels out of place, we can trust in God's unfailing strength and power. He is the one who gives power to the faint and increases strength to those who have no might ([11:28]).
Isaiah 40:29 - "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you relied on God's strength. How did it change your perspective on your situation?
Day 4: Restoring Passion for Jesus
Jesus calls us to consider how far we have fallen and to restore our passion for Him. We must remember the transformative power of Jesus in our lives and share this message with others. This is the essence of our first love for Jesus, and it should be the most important thing in our lives and in the life of the church ([58:38]).
Revelation 2:4-5 - "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first."
Reflection: How can you restore your passion for Jesus and share His transformative power with others?
Day 5: Being a Lampstand
As believers, we are called to be a lampstand to the world, showing others how to live with God. However, if we do not fulfill this calling, Jesus warns that He will remove our lampstand. We must strive to be a blessing to the world and show others the way to God ([01:00:42]).
Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be a lampstand to those around you, showing them the way to God?
Quotes
1. "To grow up like a butterfly, the name of all may. There's nothing in anything. Yes, I will. Lift you high in the lowest valley. Yes, I will. Bless your name." - 15:44
2. "There's life for the look at the Savior. And life more bonded and free. Through death and to life everlasting. As every heart will remember." - 17:06
3. "For my way, be bread. For my daily bread. I depend on you. For the sun to rise. For my sleep and night. I depend on you." - 19:50
4. "You're the way, the truth and the light. You're the way that never runs dry. I'm the rest and you are the vine. Draw me close and teach me to buy. Be my strength, my song in the night." - 21:33
5. "Jesus, our source of life, our living water. A well that never runs dry. At once our close friend. And a conquering king. One who calls us brother and sister. And one who reigns over all things forevermore." - 24:12
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?