Sermon Notes

These are just for me. Move along.

Part 1: 5 Reasons for being. Sunday August 30th

1. My Mission is to bring Jesus to others.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

We are called to be a witness for Christ. A witness merely gives an account of what he has seen. (Vs. An attorney who argues his points)

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? – Romans 10:14-15a

2. My Message is good news.
People generally don’t share Jesus because they don’t know what to say and/or they are afraid.

Often it seems we forget how good the good news truly is.
Three things the Christian faith has to offer are also three things people are constantly looking for.
1. Fulfillment

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:10

2. Freedom
3. Forgiveness

3. My Motive
Love. Because God has yet to make a person he doesn’t love. In fact, God loves people so much that He was willing to sacrifice for them. If He is sacrificing, shouldn’t I?

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9

4. My Method is to show it and share it.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Col. 3:17

I have to show it. This doesn’t mean that I’m perfect all the time, but it should mean that I’m not messing up as much.

Fredrick Niche summed this up nicely when he wrote: “If I am to believe in your Redeemer, you will have to look more redeemed.”

Reality check for the Christian: Could anybody potentially point to you as a reason why they won’t come to Christ?

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. – Col. 4: 2

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, – 2 Timothy 1:7-8