By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton
Focal Passage: Matthew 28:18-20; II Corinthians 5:16-21
We could make a case that our subject for today ought to be the most natural thing we do as followers of Christ.
And yet, we can make a case that there is nothing else that creates more fear and intimidation as this activity. Accelerated heart rates. Nervous sweats. Fear of fumbling over our words. Worry that an unanswerable question may be asked of us. And the list goes on. And so must we.
This second study will focus on how to share Christ. Sometimes, I think we talk more about evangelism than we practice evangelism.
Don’t get me wrong, however, we need to study deep into the meaning of evangelism. That study, though, should create a thirst in us to practice what we have learned.
As you hear on Alistair Begg’s radio program, “Where the learning is for living,” may we venture into a partnership to become more faithful evangelists.
Michael Julian
Matthew 28:18-20: In the context leading up to this passage, Jesus had instructed the eleven to meet Him in Galilee.
This was not their first encounter with the resurrected Christ, but this time He would clearly outline how they were to continue after His departure. Matthew brings us full circle, back to the call by the Sea of Galilee to follow Him so He could make them fishers of men. Our going depends upon the closeness of our following.
When we talk of the Great Commission, we often begin with the command to go and make disciples. Actually, it begins with the words, “all authority.” Our power and ability to make disciples flow from the reality of Jesus possessing all authority.
He promised He would build His church. And now He assures us that His unmatchable, unstoppable authority will accompany our mission. We are fulfilling the Lord’s desire. What can be more rewarding or motivating than pleasing our God?
II Corinthians 5:16-19: Now that we understand that Jesus commands us to make disciples as we are going about our lives, and that He brings us full circle to fulfill His Word to make us fishers of men, and that He will not leave us alone in this endeavor, we are better served to follow Him.
This passage teaches us to focus on what Christ has accomplished in our lives. Personal testimony of a changed life leaves little room for serious refutation. Especially, when our actions bear out this changed life.
People may walk away disbelieving what you have experienced, but it is nigh impossible to prove that your experience wasn’t real.
We must remember, however, to ground our experience in the Word of God. His Word is the filter by which we judge our experiences, and not the other way around.
II Corinthians 5:20-21: We are struck here by the awesome privilege of becoming ambassadors for Christ. We should be struck even harder by the urgency of the mission. God desires to make His appeal through us. When we evangelize do we speak presenting a plan of salvation, or do we earnestly plead with people to be reconciled to God?
Honestly, I tend to present more than plead. The time has arrived for more faithful pleading. Join me in this glorious mission. B&R
