Seeking the Lost: Embracing Technology in Evangelism
Summary
In my recent sermon, I focused on the importance of seeking out the lost and the role of technology in evangelism. I began by expressing gratitude for the Worker's Conference, which provided us with valuable resources to enhance our ministry and outreach efforts. I emphasized the importance of attending such events to gain insights and ideas for church growth and community engagement.
I then transitioned to the upcoming National Convocation in June, urging the congregation to participate and stay informed about the details. I acknowledged the protection and guidance of the Lord, especially during challenging times, and encouraged those who missed the Worker's Conference to attend the next one.
I extended greetings to Pastor Ian Cumbo in Kisi, Africa, and mentioned our plans to collaborate via Zoom to further the mission of spreading the gospel worldwide. I emphasized the importance of being humble servants of the Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us to touch and change lives.
The core of my sermon revolved around the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin from Luke 15:1-10. I explained that parables are simple stories with deep spiritual meanings that transcend time. They are used to convey concepts and principles in a way that is easily understood, often using imagery and comparisons.
I highlighted the mission of being "fishers of men" and the necessity of having a love for both those within and outside the church. I stressed the need to use modern technologies to spread the gospel and reach lost souls worldwide. I also addressed the importance of planting seeds of faith, even if we do not see immediate results, as our efforts can lead to transformation over time.
I challenged the congregation to examine their own lives and consider whether they are actively seeking out the lost. I pointed out that we have the means to reach out to those who are missing from our church community through texts, calls, and other forms of communication. I urged everyone to use these tools to uplift and encourage others, rather than for gossip or harm.
I spoke about the shepherd's love for each sheep and the responsibility we all share in shepherding others. I reminded the congregation that every individual is important to Jesus Christ and that we should not take the absence of even one person lightly. I called for action, encouraging everyone to reach out and restore those who are missing or have strayed.
I concluded by acknowledging that we all have faults and need God's grace. I urged the congregation to duplicate themselves by reaching out and bringing more people into the fold. I emphasized that every sheep is important to the shepherd, and we must be diligent in seeking out those who are lost.
Key Takeaways:
- The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin teach us about God's relentless pursuit of the lost and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. As followers of Christ, we are called to share in this divine search and celebration, recognizing that every individual is precious in the eyes of God. Our mission is not just to attend church services but to actively participate in the rescue of the lost. [01:13:03]
- Technology is a tool that can be used for the Kingdom of God. We must harness the power of modern communication to reach out to the lost and share the gospel. This requires creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to engage with the world in new and effective ways. [59:09]
- True discipleship involves nurturing and guiding others, just as a shepherd cares for their sheep. We must be vigilant and protective, ensuring that we are not only looking after those within the church but also seeking those who have wandered away. Our responsibility extends beyond our immediate circle to the broader community where lost sheep await our outreach. [48:24]
- The condition of our hearts is crucial when approaching evangelism. We must not be driven by self-righteousness or judgment but by genuine concern and love for those who do not yet know Christ. This humility allows us to connect with others authentically and opens doors for the Holy Spirit to work through us. [01:11:26]
- Evangelism is not a solitary endeavor but a collective mission. We are called to work together as the body of Christ to reach the lost. This means supporting one another, sharing resources, and uniting in prayer and action to fulfill the Great Commission. Our unity and collaboration are powerful testimonies to the world of God's love and purpose. [01:12:33]
God bless you today. I pray that something has been lit in your spirit to understand that when it comes to finding sheep, we have to make ourselves available. It's not about me. It's about who else can I go find to tell the good news of this gospel.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 15:1-10 (Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin)
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two parables mentioned in Luke 15:1-10, and what do they have in common?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the shepherd counting his sheep and realizing one is missing? [45:03]
3. How did the pastor describe the use of parables by Jesus, and why are they effective? [35:12]
4. What modern tools did the pastor suggest we use to reach out to the lost? [30:19]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the pastor emphasize the importance of attending events like the Worker's Conference and the National Convocation? How do these events contribute to the mission of seeking the lost? [29:23]
2. How does the parable of the lost sheep illustrate the nature of God's love and concern for each individual? [45:03]
3. What role does humility play in effective evangelism, according to the sermon? [33:05]
4. How can modern technology be harnessed for evangelism, and what are some potential challenges? [30:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are you actively seeking out the lost in your community? What steps can you take this week to reach out to someone who has strayed from the church? [49:33]
2. How can you use technology, such as text messages or social media, to encourage and uplift others rather than for gossip or harm? [56:03]
3. Think of someone who used to attend church but no longer does. What can you do to reach out to them and show them they are missed? [52:47]
4. The pastor mentioned the importance of being humble servants of the Word. How can you cultivate humility in your approach to evangelism? [33:05]
5. Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What specific action can you take this week to share the gospel with them? [57:09]
6. How can you support and collaborate with others in your church to fulfill the Great Commission? What are some practical ways to work together in evangelism? [30:19]
7. Reflect on the condition of your heart when approaching evangelism. Are there any attitudes or judgments you need to change to connect authentically with others? [33:05]
God bless you today. I pray that something has been lit in your spirit to understand that when it comes to finding sheep, we have to make ourselves available. It's not about me. It's about who else can I go find to tell the good news of this gospel.
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Pursuit of the Lost
The relentless search for the lost mirrors heaven's joy over repentance. This divine pursuit is not merely a heavenly activity but a mandate for every believer. It is a call to action, to step out of the comfort of the familiar and into the unknown, where the lost await. The joy of one sinner's repentance is a cause for celebration, not just in heaven but within the community of faith. This joy should fuel the passion for outreach, reminding believers that each person is a treasure to God, worthy of every effort to bring them back into the fold. The parable of the lost sheep is not just a story; it's a blueprint for action, a reminder that the search is never in vain and that every soul is worth the effort. [01:13:03]
Luke 15:4-6 (ESV)
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'"
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who has wandered away from faith, and how can you begin to lovingly engage with them this week?
Day 2: Technology as a Kingdom Tool
Modern communication is a powerful tool in the hands of those committed to spreading the gospel. It is an invitation to innovate and adapt, to find new ways to share an ancient message. Believers are called to harness technology not as an end in itself but as a means to reach the lost, to cast the net wider than ever before. This digital outreach requires creativity and a willingness to embrace new methods of evangelism. It's about stepping out of comfort zones and into the digital mission field, where countless individuals spend their time and where their attention can be captured for Christ. [59:09]
1 Chronicles 16:24 (ESV)
"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"
Reflection: What is one digital platform you can use this week to share a piece of your faith journey or an encouraging scripture?
Day 3: Shepherd's Heart for Nurturing
True discipleship is akin to shepherding, where nurturing and guiding are paramount. It's a vigilant and protective role, extending beyond the church walls to seek those who have strayed. This shepherding heart is not content with the status quo but is always looking to bring back the one that is missing. It's a call to be proactive, to not only care for those within reach but to go out and find those who are lost. The shepherd's heart is one of compassion and responsibility, recognizing that every individual is part of a larger flock that needs tending. [48:24]
Ezekiel 34:16 (ESV)
"I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice."
Reflection: How can you embody the shepherd's heart in your community this week, looking out for someone who may feel lost or disconnected?
Day 4: Humility in Evangelism
Approaching evangelism with humility is essential. It's not about self-righteousness or judgment but about genuine concern and love for those who are yet to know Christ. This humility opens the door for authentic connections and allows the Holy Spirit to work through believers to touch lives. It's a reminder that the heart's condition is crucial when reaching out to others, as it sets the tone for the interaction and the potential for transformation. [01:11:26]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate humility and love in your interactions with non-believers this week?
Day 5: Collective Mission of Evangelism
Evangelism is a collective mission, a symphony of diverse parts working in harmony for the Great Commission. It's about unity and collaboration, supporting one another, sharing resources, and uniting in prayer and action. This collective effort is a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and purpose. As the body of Christ, believers are called to work together, each playing their part in the grand design of reaching the lost. [01:12:33]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV)
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to the collective mission of your church community this week?
Quotes
1) "We got text. We got phone. We got cell phones... Nowadays, we can't leave home without it... But how do we use the technology that we have? We use it to text and to gossip and to do more derogatory things to hurt people than to lift them up... My responsibility is to help to find those lost sheep and bring them back into the fold." [56:17]
2) "Because someone is missing... I'm a messed up person. But for the grace of God. I am totally not. Don't have it all together. Not at all. But for the grace of God. I have to duplicate myself. And get up and go get those sheep... Because that is the mandate. Not to go to church every Tuesday. And every Thursday. And every Sunday... But where's the sheep?" [01:12:33]
3) "The shepherd has a love for the sheep. I want you to understand this. The responsibility of shepherding. Is not only to the pastor. Or to the leader... Every sheep is important to Jesus Christ. Every sheep is important to the shepherd. If one goes missing. Don't take it lightly." [01:07:56]
4) "The shepherd counted his sheep and realized, glory to God, that there was one sheep missing... It's time to get up. It's time to get up. It's time to move out. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. It's time to go out together... We've got to bring souls into the kingdom of God because that is the mandate for all of us." [53:49]
5) "The technologies that we have currently present can be used, glory to God, to glorify his name and to bring souls into the kingdom, to reach souls worldwide, glory to God. And when we are focused on that one thing, which is to bring souls into the kingdom, glory to God, it will happen." [59:09]
6) "The parable that Jesus used in this case was reflecting on a man that had a lost sheep. By using parables, the teaching of Jesus remains timeless despite most of our cultural changes... For example, these two parables convey commonly understood concepts like grace, gentleness and concern... it still conveys a conviction that convicts the heart up until today." [42:01]
7) "The shepherd protects the sheep. Hallelujah. We in turn have to go out and get those sheep and protect them. The shepherd. Hallelujah. We know that sheep will wander... But the Bible said and the song was that my sheep knows my voice... Are we responding to the voice of God to go out and to find that lost sheep?" [51:27]
8) "What are you doing? Somebody is missing from your pew. Somebody is missing from Sunday school. Somebody is missing from the men's department. Somebody is missing. And if they're not, if there's nobody missing, the harvest out there is plenteous. Enough sheep are out there. We need people that care to go find them." [01:15:07]
9) "God bless you today. I pray that something has been lit in your spirit to understand that when it comes to finding sheep, we have to make ourselves available. It's not about me. It's about who else can I go find to tell the good news of this gospel." [01:16:07]
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