Sermon INTRODUCTION

If you want to know what it means to live as a Christian then you shouldn’t go to the Bible to find out. “DISCIPLE”

EXALT EXPRESS EQUIPEQUIP ENCOURAGEENCOURAGE EMBRACE

Stott – “The cross is the blazing fire at which the flame of our love is kindled, but we have to get near enough for its sparks to fall on us. “

EMBRACE EXALT ENCOURAGE EQUIP EXPRESS EXHIBIT

Religion and irreligion or legalism and antinomianism. More common terms could be moralism and relativism

EXPRESS – To Communicate The Reality Of Christ Through Word And Deed- Col 4:4-6; 1 Pet 3:15

2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. [3] At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— [4] that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

[5] Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:2-6 ESV)

[15] but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)

Before there can be evangelism, there must be an experience and an embracing of the EVANGEL – the good news. - Michael Horton

I know my spiritual gifts in ministry. I am engaged in ministry that utilizes my gifts I see my neighborhood and workplace as my mission field. I glorify God by working hard at whatever I do.

Can I say (with Luther) that when I do my work (commercial, industrial, agricultural, corporate, household, education, etc.) that God is at work in the world through me? Do I treat with dignity the clients/customers/patients that I serve and see myself as God’s servant to them?

Do I see my work as a gift from God and a means of my growing in grace? I have taken steps to be equipped / prepared to make a defense for the hope I have in Christ. I am praying regularly for specific people to come to know Christ.

I have unchurched friends that I am seeking to influence for Christ. I share the gospel with lost people in appropriate situations.

Simple tips for outreach Let people around you know you are a Christian (in a natural, unforced way) Ask friends about their faith – and just listen! Listen to your friends problems – maybe offer to pray for them

Share your problems with others – testify to how your faith helps you Give them a book to read Share your story Answer objections and questions

Invite them to a church event Offer to read the Bible with them Take them to an exploring Christ course

If you want to grow in the area of Expressing your faith, draw near to Jesus. He is the ultimate evangelist and He is the Evangel

EXHIBIT – Life Changing Transformation Is Becoming Evident - Gal 5:22 … 2 Cor 5:17-21 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

[24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:22-26 ESV)

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. [18] All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation

[20] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. [21] For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ESV)

I am investing my time, talent, and treasure in a way that honors God and His eternal values. 1 Cor 10:31 I’m growing in Christ centered love for believers and the lost. Jn 13:35

I’m pursuing the use of my spiritual gifts for the encouragement and growth of the Body of Christ. There is evidence that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is growing in my life: I take the initiative to be reconciled in relationships.

I realize that I have a continual need for a heart posture of repentance I’m less defensive than I used to be I’m more compassionate than I used to be I’m more forgiving than I used to be

I don’t boast or try to build my record before God and others as much as I used to. I’m more apt to see my sin in relationship to others and to seek forgiveness than I used to.

I am less inclined to base my relationships on status and what will make me look good. I am more involved with loving and serving the poor and marginalized

If you want to grow in the area of Exhibiting your faith, draw near to Jesus. He is the ultimate Exhibit of grace and of Holy Spirit empowered godliness. “Discipleship is built entirely on the supernatural grace of God” – Oswald Chambers

The key to transformation from the heart isn’t to look at ourselves, but rather to keep looking to Christ - who He is and what He has done for us.