Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
C. BY ALL CHRISTIANS...
1. Evangelism is sharing the gospel, by all Christians and not just evangelists
2. As mentioned following the persecution at Jerusalem - Ac 8:5
3. For our duty as the people of God is to proclaim His praises - 1 Pe 2:9-10
4. Thus we should be ever prepared to give a reason for our hope in Christ - 1 Pe 3:15
D. BY CHURCHES SENDING...
1. Evangelism is sharing the gospel, by churches sending forth preachers
2. Preachers need to be sent that others may hear - Ro 10:11-15
3. Just as the church in Antioch of Syria sent Barnabas and Saul - Ac 13:1-3
E. BY CHURCHES HELPING...
1. Evangelism is sharing the gospel, by churches helping those who are preaching
2. Paul received help time and again from churches like Philippi - Ph 1:3-5; 4:15-16
3. They helped Paul preach elsewhere “without charge” - cf. 2 Co 11:8
F. BY CHRISTIANS HELPING...
1. Evangelism is sharing the gospel, by individual Christians helping those who preach
2. As John praised his beloved Gaius for doing - 3 Jn 5-8
3. In this way they become “fellow workers for the truth”
[Perhaps we see why the gospel spread so far and fast in the first century. Not just preachers, but all
Christians both collectively (churches) and individually were involved in evangelism, either sending,
helping, or going themselves! Finally, allow me to suggest a few thoughts as to...]
III. WHY EVANGELISM IS IMPORTANT
A. WHEN EVANGELISM CEASES...
1. Christians wither, and are cut off for not bearing fruit - Jn 15:1-8
2. Churches are removed from their relationship with the Lord, and die - cf. Re 2:1-5; 3:1-2
B. THUS EVANGELISM IS THE SPIRIT OF THE CHURCH...
1. Just as the body without the spirit is dead - cf. Ja 2:24
2. So Christians (and churches) without evangelism are dead!
CONCLUSION
1. Evangelism is therefore essential...
a. Not just for the saving of souls who need the gospel of Jesus Christ
b. But for the saving of souls who have the gospel of Jesus Christ!
2. What is your role in evangelism...?
a. To share the gospel of Jesus Christ!
b. Perhaps by going to other countries to tell others, or helping and sending those willing to go
Whether at home or abroad, let’s make sure that both as individual Christians and as congregations that
we never lose our heart for evangelism in all its forms...!
Topical Sermons 375