Bible Text: Ephesians 5:15-20 | Preacher: Pastor Steve | Series: Stewardship
The Stewardship of Evangelism
Ephesians 5:15-20 So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Gallup survey noted that the Bremerton-Silverdale area is the #1 least-religious area in Washington
In Kitsap County over half of the residents in Kitsap County consider themselves not religious.
Gallup survey noted that the Bremerton-Silverdale area is the 7th least religious area in the entire country.
Boulder, CO
Manchester-Nashua, NH
Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Eugene-Springfield, OR
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA
//
//
Why do we need to share Jesus in our region?
Time is Running Out!
Jesus said we can only receive salvation while here on earth and after our death there is no second chance
Therefore as believers in Jesus we are responsible to expose evil, not ignore evil or avoid the battle, realizing the time is of the essence
We need to make the most of every opportunity
We are Under Orders to Share the Gospel
Mark 16:15 And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are Christ’s ambassadors…
Atheist Penn Jilliette
How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible, and not tell them that?
Hell is Real
What does the Bible say about Hell?
Matthew 24:41 The King will turn to those on the left and say, away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! (Matthew 24:41-46)
When Jesus warns against unbelief, he is trying to save us from agonizing punishment
Romans 1:18 God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves (Romans 1:18-32)
If by faith we have not identified with Christ, confessing Him as Lord, there will be no hope, no second chance, and no other appeal.
Scriptures on Hell: Job 24:19; Psalms 16:10; Isaiah 38:10; Matthew 5:22; 10:28; 16:18; Mark 9:43; Luke 12:5;
James 3:6; Revelation 1:18; 20:9-20;
Romans 13:11-14 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
We battle spiritual laziness that will lead to death, where sin is tolerated and good works are not pursued, and faith not lived out, this will lead to a spiritual numbness and spiritual paralysis
We must help people find salvation through Jesus: Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light (John 12:36)
We must commit to living the right way. Our conduct, behaviors must reflect our new commitment to Jesus. Christ has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Colossians 1:13)
We must live above with honor above reproach. You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8)
We must shine with God’s grace and love. We are to be …blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe (Philippians 2:15)
We must serve with no compromise. Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)
We Care About People
Because we care we share the Good News of the Gospel!
2 Kings 6:24-25 and 2 Kings 7:3–9
2 Kings 7:9 Then they said to one another, we are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household.
Our Silence is Sin!
We are Responsible to be Stewards of God’s Mission
John 20:21 He spoke to them again and said, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.
Proclaiming the Good News is our Mission.
Jesus gave us Spirit-powered and Spirit-guided mission to preach the Good News about Jesus so people’s sins might be forgiven.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
Although people know that God exists, they suppress that truth by their evil tendencies and blindness thus refusing a relationship with Him. Our job is to compassionately and sensitively expose their error and point them to a new beginning. All people need to be told about Jesus and how, through Him, they can have a personal relationship with God and the gift of eternal life!
Although people may believe there is a God, they refuse to commit themselves to him. We need to convince people who have rejected God of the dangerous consequences of their actions. We help persuade them, through both loving words and caring actions and the testimony of our lifestyle.
1 Corinthians 15:12-13 If there is no resurrection, if there is no heaven or hell, then let’s eat, drink, and be merry. If there’s no judgment, why do I risk my life? Why do I take beatings? Why do I suffer in prison? Why do I do all of this?