Biblical Lessons Concerning Evangelism, Part 2 Series

BIBLICAL LESSONS CONCERNING EVANGELISM

PART 2

Acts 10:1-48

INTRODUCTION:

A. Last week we began this message entitled Biblical Lessons Concerning Evangelism.

1. As I thought about it I wondered how many of us consider ourselves to be evangelists?

a. The Greek word translated “evangelist” is only used 3 times in the New Testament

b. The word means 1) a bringer of good tidings, an evangelist; 2) the name given to the NT heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles

c. And in our context it would mean anyone of us who give out the good news of Jesus Christ – the gospel

2. However, in the church today we seem to have given the work a capital “E” thus saying that we should leave the propagation of the gospel to those who are in the called “profession” with the duty to proclaim.

a. They have been armed with a program and statistics.

b. They have all the answers.

c. Not us.

3. This is quite unfortunate because it was not the way of 1st century church nor was it ever intended to be that way.

4. The spreading of the gospel is a wonderful opportunity for all Christians to express the greatness of our God and the love he has extended unto all.

B. As noted last week, the task of evangelism is not to be dependent upon programs, statistics, and the ability to have all our questions answered

1. In fact, we found that in order to be truly effective at evangelism we have to have the Holy Spirit active in all our efforts.

2. God does the work of drawing lost sinners to himself yet He has chosen to use us as the messenger of His great plan.

3. And God has given us some insight into evangelism in Acts 10.

4. In this chapter we can find 4 Biblical Lessons Concerning Evangelism

a. Last week we looked at the first two

1) Lesson 1: God Prepares the Heart – it is God who prepares the heart of the sinner to receive the gospel and it is God who prepares the heart of the saint to present the gospel.

2) Lesson 2: God’s Messenger Follows God’s Leadership

- It is up to the messenger of the gospel to follow God’s leadership if the gospel is going to be presented to the lost

- Having our hearts prepared to give the gospel we must follow God’s leadership to be ready when He affords the opportunity.

b. This week we will look at the final two lessons:

1) Lesson 3: God’s Messenger Presents God’s gospel

2) Lesson 4: God Saves The Lost

C. When it is all said and done, evangelism is a God thing from start to finish and we have the privilege and blessing to be a part of God’s plan in spreading the gospel to every living creature!

PRAY

Knowing that God prepares the heart and having follow God’s leadership in providing the opportunity to give the gospel we come to

I. LESSON 3: GOD’S MESSENGER PRESENTS GOD’S GOSPEL, Acts 10:34-43 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: [35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. [36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) [37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; [38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. [39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: [40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; [41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. [42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. [43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

A. Wow – God’s Messenger Presents God’s Gospel - Peter Presents The Gospel – notice a couple of things

1. Peter begins by being careful to note that God does not give the gospel with respect to persons

a. If Peter’s heart had not been prepared for this situation he might have let his personal prejudices get in the way, but God having dealt with him, showed him that it was not just a salvation for the Jews, but for Gentiles as well