In this year of evangelism, we are encouraging one another to spread seed.  The seed is the Word of God.  This past week did you have any opportunity to give a Biblical perspective on anything?  How did people respond?  Are we effectively raising the level of awareness of God and His word in our community?

                This week I want to talk about evangelism.  Evangelism is a term that describes “good news.”  When we bring this task of spreading the word of God, of spreading seed and narrow it down to this idea of evangelism, we need to fix in our head that we are sharing “good news.”

                It is sad that so many view the Christian message as “bad news.”  I am often asked, “Are you one of those hell, fire and brimstone preachers?”  My answer is that though I believe in hell, fire and brimstone, I am called to be a preacher of good news.  That is what evangelism means, it means to share good news!

                What is the good news?  What is the core of this gospel, this good news?

                Let me explain the point of evangelism.  We are asking people to believe in Jesus Christ.  If someone were to ask you, “Why are you so concerned about me?” a simple answer would be, “Because I want to give you the chance to believe in Jesus. 

                In a nutshell, Jesus is the good news!  Everything good about the good news revolves around Jesus.  We are not promoting the church as a building or an organization; we are promoting Jesus.  We are not talking about theology or philosophy; we are talking about a person, Jesus. 

                Don’t misunderstand me.  The purpose of theology is to systematically study who Jesus is.  And if we focus on Jesus, then our focus is right.  We study our Bible to discover Jesus.

                Jesus is the good news.  In various ways, we are encouraging people to trust Jesus.

                Peter tells the people, “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sin.”  Repent of what; their rejection of Jesus.  Why be baptized; because Jesus asks you to do so.

                Paul tells us “If we confess with our mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in our hearts God raised him from the dead, we shall be saved.” 

                If people believe in Jesus, why is that good news?  What is the good news about Jesus?

• The good news about Jesus is that he is God’s son…. We can know God! “

“3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3, NIV.

“31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31, NIV.

• The good news about Jesus is that he died on the cross for our sins…We are forgiven!

“22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” 23 So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no-one can enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. 28 I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” 30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an evil spirit.”” Mark 3:22-30, NIV.

• The good news about Jesus is that he will give us eternal life…We can know we will be in heaven when we die!

“16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIV.

• The good news about Jesus is that his way of living will give us a better life…God has made a better way!

“10 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, NIV.

“31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31, NIV.

What are we to do? 

Believe in Jesus. 

Don’t believe in yourself.

Don’t believe in your church

Don’t believe in your parents

Believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

                That is evangelism.  That is what we call people to do.  Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.  That is what was said to the Philippian jailer.  “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house.”  That is what Peter said, “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.”  Repent of what; their attitude towards Jesus.  Paul said, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.”  What is under this?  He is calling you to trust Jesus.  If you believe that Jesus rose again and that Jesus is Lord, what will you do?  Obey him when he says, “Confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord.”  The confession reveals the faith hidden inside you. 

                Jesus said to people, “Come, follow me.”  I want to encourage you to tell people good news.  Tell them what he had done for you.  Are you sure of heaven because of Jesus?  Tell the story.  Are you breathing a sigh of relief because your sins are forgiven?  Tell the story.  Has Christ helped you in your personal life, your family life, in giving you peace, purpose, and joy?  Share the story.

                Our hope is that in sharing the story of Jesus, others will come to believe in Him and find the good news that he will bring.