1. Saving our souls is a matter of utmost importance. 2. Jesus emphasized this point in Matthew 16:26. 3. Because our souls are so valuable and saving them is so important, we have been studying Bible subjects that relate to "the salvation of our souls." 4. We have studied 9 subjects: the grace of God, the death of Christ, hearing God's Word, believing that Jesus is the Son of God, repentance, confession, baptism, faithfulness, and joy. 5. In this lesson we are concentrating on "evangelism." 6. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. GOD HAS ALWAYS WANTED HIS PEOPLE TO BE EVANGELISTIC
A. (Proverbs 11:30b) Solomon indicated that evangelism is a wise activity. B. (Matthew 10:5-7) Jesus taught the apostles to be evangelistic when He gave them the limited commission. C. (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16) By giving the Great Commission, Jesus wants evangelism to be practiced until the world ends. D. "Evangelism" [teaching the Gospel of Christ] results in souls being saved.
II. IN THE BIBLE WE READ ABOUT MANY PEOPLE WHO WERE EVANGELISTIC
A. Some of them were able to lead great crowds to the Lord, including: 1. Jonah (Jonah 3:4-5) 2. Peter (Acts 2:37-41) 3. Philip (Acts 8:12). B. Others were able to lead one soul to the Lord, including: 1. Andrew (John 1:40-42) 2. Philip (John 1:43-46). C. By examining these Bible characters, we see that the Lord: 1. can use people from different backgrounds to practice evangelism 2. needs people who can influence great crowds, and He needs people who can teach 1 person -- BOTH ARE IMPORTANT!
III. TO BE EVANGELISTIC WE MUST POSSESS CERTAIN CHARACTERISTICS
A. We must first be devoted followers of Christ (Matthew 4:18-20). B. We must have hearts of compassion (Matthew 9:36). C. We must maintain a positive outlook for the harvest (John 4:35b). 1. Jesus knows how it feels to lose followers (John 6:66). 2. Although losing these followers bothered Him, Jesus did not allow it to prevent Him from finding others who would follow Him. 3. We would do well to follow the Lord's example. D. We must be willing to become all things to all men (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). E. We must have convictions about the eternal destiny of the soul. 1. Those who: a. do not obey the Gospel will be lost (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) b. fall away will be lost (2 Peter 2:20-22). 2. Those who obey the Gospel and remain faithful to the Lord will be blessed with a home in heaven.
Conclusion:
1. (2 Corinthians 4:7) "We have this treasure in earthen vessels." 2. If we will allow ourselves to be used as vessels in the Lord's service, He can accomplish much through us (Ephesians 3:20 - "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us"). 3. We are assured in 1 Corinthians 3:6 that God will give the increase if we plant and water the seed.
