Heaven’s Only Carry-Ons

1. One Conversation That Changed the World

In the 1800s, a quiet Sunday School teacher named Edward Kimball became concerned about one of the young men in his class—a shoe clerk who attended church but seemed uncertain about salvation.

Kimball felt strongly that he needed to talk to him personally about Christ.

After wrestling with fear and hesitation, Kimball finally walked into the shoe store where the young man worked. He found him in the back room stocking shoes and simply shared the Gospel—speaking about Christ’s love and the need to trust Him personally.

That young shoe salesman surrendered his life to Christ that day.

His name was Dwight L. Moody.

Dwight L. Moody eventually became one of the most influential evangelists of the nineteenth century. He preached to millions of people in America and Great Britain.

Through a chain of influence:

• Moody then inspired evangelist Wilbur Chapman

• Chapman mentored Billy Sunday

• Sunday’s ministry influenced Mordecai Ham

• Ham’s preaching helped lead Billy Graham to Christ

Billy Graham then preached the Gospel to hundreds of millions worldwide.

All of that can be traced back to one Sunday School teacher willing to talk to one shoe clerk about Jesus.

All of that spiritual impact began with one nervous Sunday School teacher willing to speak to one person about Jesus.

2. It reminds us of a profound truth: The only thing we can take to heaven is other people.

3. Evangelism is a call for priorities – people are more important than things.

4. Luke 15:7

I. Heaven Values People Above Possessions 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20

19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

A. Paul did not say his joy was his achievements or ministry statistics. His crown was people standing with him in the presence of Christ.

[When we travel, airlines limit how much luggage we can bring. You must decide carefully what is worth carrying. When we leave this world, everything stays behind:

• Houses

• Cars

• Bank accounts

• Achievements

Only souls enter eternity.

B. Heaven measures success differently than Earth does.

II. God’s Plan for Reaching the World Is Personal Witness

A. God Works Through People for People Romans 10:14–15 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

1. God did not assign angels to preach the Gospel.

2. He entrusted the mission to ordinary believers.

[A relay race depends on passing the baton. If a runner holds it instead of passing it, the race is lost.

B. The Gospel is a message meant to be shared.

1. Andrew met Jesus and immediately went to find his brother Peter (John 1:41).

2. That one invitation led to Peter preaching to thousands.

3. Principle: Evangelism is usually one person reaching another.

III. Leading Others to Christ Has Eternal Impact

Daniel 12:3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

A. Those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.

B. Heaven celebrates every single conversion. Luke 15:7

[Dropping a stone into water creates ripples that spread far beyond the point of impact.

Evangelism works the same way. Edward Kimball probably never imagined the ripple effect of speaking to Moody.

C. Principle: We may never see the full results of our witness on earth.

IV. Love for Christ Compels Us to Share the Gospel

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

A. The love of Christ:

1. His love for us motivates believers to care about eternal destinies.

2. Our love for Him motivates believers to care about eternal destinies.

[If you saw someone trapped in a burning house, you would shout warnings and try to rescue them.

Evangelism is spiritual rescue.

B. Principle: When we truly grasp eternity, silence becomes difficult.

Practical Applications

1. Pray daily for specific people who need Christ.

2. Look for natural opportunities to share your testimony.

3. Invite someone to church or Bible study.

4. Live a life that reflects the Gospel visibly.