New Testament Churches and Evangelism Evangelism 2015

Reaching the Lost In discussing reaching the lost, we have emphasized the individual responsibility. If souls are to be won, it will be because Christians teach others ( cf. 2 Tim. 2:2 ) Evangelism 2015

Reaching the Lost Yet, the church has a vital part in reaching the lost Churches depend on evangelism for posterity and growth Have we lost our desire to reach the lost? Evangelism 2015

First Century Churches They grew Jerusalem – Acts 2:41, 47; 4:4, 5:14, etc. Wherever the gospel was preached, churches were established Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas Acts 8:40, 18:22 Philip in Caesarea Corinth 1 Cor. 14: Thessalonians 1:8 Evangelism 2015

First Century Churches When Christians teach, churches grow, because the church is the saints that make it up ( cf. Phil. 1:1 ) Conversely, the church builds up the body so that they can teach others. Collectively, the church supports the teaching of the gospel Evangelism 2015

First Century Churches Built up the body Ephesians 4:11-16 The emphasis was soundness of doctrine When every part does it share in this, the body grows Evangelism 2015

First Century Churches Sent out preachers Acts 11:22 Acts 13:3 Acts 15:3, to clear up doctrinal error Evangelism 2015

First Century Churches Supported the preaching of the gospel 1 Corinthians 9:14 Paul received support from other congregations 2 Corinthians 11:8-9, Philippians 1:3-5, 4:14-18 Evangelism 2015

First Century Churches Had located preachers Paul was in Ephesus at least 3 years, Acts 20:31, In Corinth, 18 months Acts 18:11 Philip was in Caesarea for many years (Acts 8:40, 21:8) Evangelism 2015

First Century Churches Prayed for opportunities and those preaching and teaching The church at Antioch Acts 13:3 Colossians 4:2-4 Ephesians 6:19 Jesus taught us to pray about such things Luke 10:2 1 Tim. 2:1-2 Evangelism 2015

First Century Churches Did NOT… Provide recreation, social services, athletics, benevolence to create opportunities to teach No “praise teams” or material attractions to “buy” visitors Create para-church organizations or surrender their autonomy to another congregation to do their work Evangelism 2015

First Century Churches Christians, did engage in some of these things (and can), but not as the corporate body. One of the best ways for Christians to teach others is by being a good example and a good neighbor. We must care about others. BUT, what the church can do is limited (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8, 16) Evangelism 2015

As the Lord’s church here, how interested are we in reaching the lost? Are we ready to receive new members into our number and build them up?