We just Wraped up with part 3 of this RESOLVE series. Remember that this series was not called “Resolutions.” It was called “Resolve.” Because there is a fundamental difference in making a resolution and being resolved to do something. Resolutions consist of check marks and to do lists…resolve speaks of a new mindset. So rather than “making resolutions” about things we want to do, we have hopefully ‘resolved ourselves’ to certain realities like 1. resolving to soak ourselves in the Word of God 2. Resolving to place our identity in Jesus and 3. Resolving to be apart of sharing the gospel.
I believe cultivating evangelism in the local church is one of a pastors most important responsibilities and most difficult challenges.
Isn’t it amazing that we have trouble sharing such wonderful news about a loving God perusing us despite our sin, despite our shortcomings. I mean, Who wouldn’t share such wonderful news? Who wouldn’t want to tell their friend about their recent promotion at work? What doctor wouldn’t want to tell their patient that the tests came back negative? Who wouldn’t share the news that someone in your family just was crowned homecoming queen or valedictorian or captain of their team? Good news is fun to share (for everyone!) Especially those close to you…
I can remember winning swimming ribbons and wanting to show them to all my friends, displaying them in my room-only to find out that the most colorful ribbons weren’t for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place but for only “participating” in the event 
Why is it when we have the best news in the world, that we are so slow to tell others?
Jesus told us to tell all the nations the good news, but we haven’t… Jesus calls people to be fishers of men… but we prefer to watch. Peter says to always be ready to give a reason for the hope we have, but we are not ready… Solomon says, he who wins souls is wise, but we flunk his class.
If you are anything like me…your probably not quite so blunt about your failures in evangelism. I love to erase my mental records. In fact, even at the time when I’m not witnessing or sharing my faith, I am busy spending my time justifying, rationalizing and explaining to my conscience why it was really wise and kind NOT to share the gospel with a particular person at that time and in that situation.
Maybe we think we don’t know the gospel well enough. Maybe we think its someone else’s job (pastor, missionary or lunatic on a box) Or perhaps we think we are evangelizing when we really are not. Maybe you have been apart of knocking on doors, handing out tracts or preaching on street corners and felt the fear of being embarrassed, rejected or persecuted…fear of feeling awkward.
I don’t know if you are like me or not, but I want you to resolve at the end of this message to start building more intimate relationships so that we can have more intentional conversations that have eternal significance.
IF you have been going to this church for any period of time, you know that all of our ministries here at the Summit serve this message (message of reconciliation, the gospel). ALL things point to this…and we want to partner with YOU!
Here a some resources I have found to be helpful in my own life when it comes to evanglism…
The Gospel & Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever
Questioning Evangelism by Randy Newman
Remember:
Our job is to display the gospel and to share the gospel…it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to save. Our part also is to pray for the lost. Go to the lost. Speak with the lost about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our part is to witness, Our part is to simply tell the good news, Intentionally, willingly, joyfully, courageously, faithfully, obediently and prayerfully. Explain. Reason. Testify. Preach. Persuade. Demonstrate. Teach. Proclaim and warn! We must believe that God is able and willing to save!.
Bottom line: If you are not sharing, you have forgotten the Gospel.
I had a great time sharing with you all on Sunday, thanks for the oppurtunity. Get ready for our new series next week: EPHESIANS: mystery & clarity!