Evangelism: Things We Can All Do

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22

Evangelism: Things We Can All Do

Evangelism

Speaker: Will Drake

Evangelism

Evangelism Is Not An Option

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: Acts 7

INTRODUCTION:

1. Stephen’s preaching (Acts 7) was both PLAIN and POWERFUL!
2. The crowd’s reaction to it was VIOLENT (vv. 54-58).
3. Still, so many Christians of the first century (and beyond) realize the great importance and obligation of EVANGELISM.

DISCUSSION:  Regarding Evangelism, Christians Do No Have An Option Because--

I. CHRISTIANITY IS TRUE.

1. This is why early Christians went EVERYWHERE preaching the word (Acts 8:4).
2. Many early Christians WITNESSED Jesus RAISED from the DEAD!
3. In Christianity one must start with the FACTS!

II. MANY PEOPLE ARE LOST.

1. In our culture it is not “politically correct” to identify another person’s BELIEFS as being WRONG.
2. The Bible pictures the “lost” as being in a TERRIBLE condition with an even more horrible FUTURE IN STORE.
3. The Bible presents HELL as a real place (2 Thess. 1:7-9; Psa. 9:17; Mt. 10:28; Rev. 21:8).

III. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

1. HEAR (Rom. 1:16; 10:17).
2. BELIEVE (Heb. 11:6).
3. REPENT (Lk. 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19).
4. CONFESS (Rom. 10:9-10).
5. Be BAPTIZED for remission of your sin (Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16).

Conclusion:  “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” (Acts 8:3–4, NKJV)  

THE GOSPEL IS FOR ALL!  Let us get started and stay started preaching the word.

Evangelism Is Not An Option

Evangelism: Amidst White Fields

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: John 4:27-39

INTRODUCTION:

1. It is estimated that an average congregation baptizes only 5% of those people attending services regularly.
2. One survey reveals that an average member of the church gives less than 4% of their estimated annual income to the church.
3. The Institute for Church Growth asked 10,000 “church-goers” the question: “What was responsible for your coming to Christ and to this church?”  79% said it was because a friend or relative invited me.
4. “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35) 

DISCUSSION:

I. REGARDING OUR TEXT.

1. Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John the immerser (Jn. 4:3).
2. The NKJV tells us that Jesus needed to pass through Samaria, while the NASB & ESV us the phrase had to.
3. Jesus wanted to harvest the moment.
4. When Jesus disciples returned, they did not see the harvest.

II. APPLICATION.

1. Without laborers a crop cannot be harvested.
2. The devil and death are tireless in their efforts against men’s souls!
3. We need to ask ourselves if we are searching for solutions or exploring for excuses instead.

Conclusion:  If the Bible is true then we ought to preach it.  If Jesus is the Christ then we ought to serve Him.  If God has a gospel plan of salvation, then we ought to teach it.  In short, if souls are going to hell, we ought to do all we can to save them!

Evangelism: Amidst White Fields

Empathy For Those In A Land Far From God

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

INTRODUCTION:

1. “I went out full and the Lord has brought me home again empty.” (Ruth 1:21).
2. Empathy and sympathy are words closely associated and perhaps often confused.  Both are good elements of Christian character.

DISCUSSION:  

I. SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES.

1. The times were desperate (vv. 1-5).
2. There is always hope (vv. 6-15).
3. The best choice is clear (vv. 16-18).
4. There must be no turning back (vv. 19-22).

II. LEARNING OUR LESSONS.

1. Our times are no less desperate, and the “far country” does not have any real solutions!
2. We live in a world filled with all types of refugees.
3. Sometimes admitting or sharing our circumstances with others can open the door for greater good.
4. We must show people what we know, but also show them how much we care.
5. You can always come home to God (v. 22).

III. AWARE OF OUR APPLICATION.

1. Does little good to learn a lesson, but make no appication.
2. The church is perfect for carrying out the Lord’s work, and one of the most effective mechanisms in the church is for us to care about others.
3. There is a famine in the land, but we should stand amazed and energized by the grace of God our Father!
4. There has never been a greater need for this congregation to nurture current relationships, and foster new ones.  To do so will require greater empathy.

Conclusion:  Ruth made a choice that was very much about God, but her choice had its beginning in an earthen vessel named Naomi.  Naomi empathized with Ruth and Ruth with Naomi, and in the end, both returned to God.  May we be on the lookout for the Naomis and Ruths of our day.

Empathy For Those In A Land Far From God

The Sound of Sinful Silence

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: 2 Kings 7:3-10

INTRODUCTION:

1. Even the “shyest” ones among us have difficulty taming the tongue (cf. James 3).  We simply talk too much.
2. The occasion of our text, is one in where too little was said.

DISCUSSION: THE SILENCE OF THE LEPERS ---

I.      ALARMED BY WHAT THEY FACED (VV. 3,4).

1. Hunger (cf. Mt. 4:4; 5:6).
2. Hopelessness (cf. Rom. 5:1-5; 8:24-25)

II.     AMAZED AT WHAT THEY FOUND (VV. 5-8).

1. Treasure beyond their thinking.
2. Treasure that perfectly filled their needs.
3. Treasure in proportion to their needs.

III.    ABSORBED WITH WHAT THEY HAD IN HAND (V. 8).

1. Suddenly there was a surplus to consume.
2. The sudden abundance led them to covet their treasure (cf. Mt. 6:19).

IV.   ASHAMED BY WHAT THEY DID (V. 9).

1. Selfishness is not a Christian virtue.
2. Silence was not a Biblical option (cf. Ezek. 33:1-9)

V.    ANXIOUS TO TELL (VV. 9-10).

1. They could not, not tell others.
2. Some information is worth sharing, and to fail to share it is to fail!

CONCLUSION:  An ounce of silence may well be worth a ton of explanation, but sometimes some things must be said, and failure to do so is out right sinful.

The Sound of Sinful Silence