EVANGELISM
INTRODUCTION
A. Read Eph 4:11-16
B. The lesson will probably be review for many, but that’s okay. Peter did it near the end of his life 2 Pet 1:13-16
C. Since you have agreed to consider me one of your elders, my perspective has changed a little.
I. Now more than ever, I feel a sense of responsibility for the welfare of each of you.
II. I also think more of the future of the church. We who are older, practice certain things so regularly that they become natural. We cannot see a scriptural church doing things any other way. Meanwhile, the younger and new Christians may continue these practices out of respect for us or as a matter of tradition. But at some point they might rightly decide to abandon tradition for a new practice, but they must not abandon the truth.
D. In the verses read from Ephesians, the work of the church is presented and the equipment available to do these works is given. I believe that God never authorized the church to do something for which he did not equip it. Examine carefully any work someone wants of the church for which you cannot find the necessary equipment.
I. Perfecting the saints - Evangelism,
II. Work of the ministry - Benevolence
III. Edifying the body - Edificationiv. In this lesson we will focus on Evangelism I believe this is the church’s prime responsibility and the only one directed to people without the body. To do this work we have been properly equipped.
DISCUSSION
A. Individuals are to evangelize Mt. 28:18-20
I. Begun by the disciples of John. Jn 1:35-47