Sermons

Why you being fully engaged in your churches preaching, services matters! When was the last time God used you to play part in some one’s coming to salvation? If you can’t remember it’s time to ask yourself some questions.

1. Why do you not see those around you reached and changed by the gospel?
2. Why do you seem to avoid the need people have for Christ?
3. Why do you focus on other religious issues instead of the spiritual condition of those closest to you?

It may be that you are operating under one or two big lies regarding evangelism. The first is that you’re on your own   when it comes to witnessing. This idea is that you must explain and demonstrate what it means to follow Christ as a solo to each person.

The second lie is that we have to have some big event or promotion to get people to come hear anything about Jesus.  The reason church matters and even more so, congregational life matters is that evangelism is the work of the whole community.

You may not know what all to say. You may not be able to meet the unique needs in someone’s life.  You can invite and bring them to gather and listen to the message. They can see how Christians love, fellowship and worship. They can meet different people and find love and acceptance. They can hear the teaching of Christ. Than as they do they may believe and follow Christ in baptism.

You are part of a witnessing community and the main attraction is Christ with His people and in His people. The Church through the ages has not needed anything but the believable presence of Christ in His church.

This Sunday we will learn the for ingredients to being a witnessing community. I want you to imagine what God can do with your family, friends and coworkers if we truly obey Him as witnessing community.
PLEASE MAKE A SPECIAL POINT TO COME TO A PREACHING SERVICE. MAKE SURE YOU REMIND YOUR CLASS MEMBERS OF THE IMPORTANCE TO GATHER AS A CONGREGATION THIS WEEK. BE SURE TO INVITE AT LEAST ONE PERSON TO COME AND LISTEN WITH YOU.

I can’t wait to see you. I am praying for you.

Please pray for me.

Blessings,
Joe

PRAYERFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES AND CONSIDER THE REFLECTION QUESTIONS.

Act 2:38-47 Peter said to them, “Repent”, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

• Why did Jesus command us as a congregation to witness the gospel to every one?
  

  Mat 28:17-20 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

• What holds you back from sharing Christ with those around you at home, work, and school?
• How can inviting and bringing people to church bring a clear and powerful witness?  How can it begin a chain reaction of witness?
  

  Act 2:40-42 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

  Joh 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

• Imagine and describe what it could be like if 3000 of your friends and family members came, heard, believed and where baptized.
• What is the number one reason someone will come to a church service?
• Who do you know that needs the witness of Christ?
• How can we pray for you?