25th August, 2024
[New New For All (NLFA) Sunday]
Speaker: L/Pst. D. Balewa
Text: Exodus 3:1-6
Topic: The Holiness of Evangelism
Introduction:
Holiness and evangelism are deeply interconnected in the Christian faith. Holiness refers to the state of being consecrated or set apart for God, while evangelism, derived from the Greek word "Evangelion," means "good news." When we engage in evangelism, we are sharing the message of God's love and salvation through Christ.
The Starting Point of Evangelism:
Both John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministries with a call to repentance (Matthew 3:2, 4:17). Repentance, a change of mind and heart, is the first step in evangelism because it confronts the reality of sin and opens the door to salvation.
Four Reasons for Evangelism:
1. Separation from God: Sin separates humanity from a holy and righteous God.
2. God's Hatred of Sin: God is just and expresses His wrath against sin (Psalm 7:11).
3. Inevitability of Judgment: Death and judgment await everyone (Hebrews 9:27).
4. Human Inability: Humanity is incapable of saving itself from this predicament.
The Holiness of God in Evangelism:
Modern evangelism often misses the mark by neglecting God's holiness. Isaiah's vision (Isaiah 6:3) highlights that God’s holiness is central to understanding His hatred of sin and His righteous anger towards it. We must convey this truth when we share the gospel, emphasizing that God's holiness demands justice, but His love offers salvation.
Salvation through Jesus Christ:
The good news of evangelism is that Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice, bridged the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. He took on our sins so that we could stand before God as new creations, cleansed and holy (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
The Call to Evangelism:
Ephesians 4:11-13 explains that God has given the church various gifts, including evangelists, to equip believers for ministry. Jesus' command in Matthew 10:7-14 urges believers to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven, heal the sick, and share the gospel freely.
How to Participate in Evangelism:
Personal Evangelism: Share your faith with others directly.
- Prayer: Support missionaries and evangelists with your prayers.
- Financial Support: Contribute to the work of missions.
- Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and others to spread the gospel.
- Literature Evangelism: Distribute Christian literature.
Barriers to Evangelism:
- Sin (Romans 3:23): Sin hinders the message of the gospel.
- Finance: Evangelism requires resources.
- Cultural Barriers: Understanding and respecting different cultures is crucial.
The Way Forward:
To overcome these barriers:
* Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
* Live a holy life (1 Peter 1:16).
* Pray continually (Luke 22:46).
* Practice obedience (1 Samuel 15:22).
* Persevere in trials (2 Timothy 4:5).
The Power of Evangelism:
Paul emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is not just in words but in power (1 Corinthians 4:20). The gospel is powerful and transformative for those who believe (Romans 1:16). As evangelists, we must handle the word of truth with care and integrity, knowing that the Kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
-
© COCIN LCC Yelwa Tsakani Media & Publicly Unit
0 Comments