Church of the Nazarene East Rock
Your Un-Churched Neighbor Part 4:TeachingWhile telling someone about your faith and the Gospel might not come first, something may be wrong if it never happens.
Welcome back to our summer teaching series “Your Unchurched Neighbor”Through this series we are seeking to be more informed, better equipped, and yes, even challenged to reach the lost and seeking hearts all around us.
Today as we continue in our teaching series, it’s the moment some of you have been waiting for- and for some, it might be the moment you were afraid was coming in this series…The time when we un-pack the need to tell others about our faith and hope in Jesus.
While telling someone about your faith and the Gospel might not come first, something may be wrong if it never happens.
We can’t escape the fact that disciples making disciples was the last thing Jesus taught before ascending to Heaven.
Matthew 28:16-20
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
It’s easy for us to see the realities of declining church attendance and the ever-increasing tensions in our world and think we have no part to play in sharing the good news any moreOr maybe we think that its only for Pastors or evangelists.
The truth is- we all share in the call to tell others about Jesus.
1 Peter 3:13-16
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Peter highlights a few things for us to consider:
First, he assumes there will be opportunities for all believers to speak up about Jesus.
Secondly he addresses fear
Next, he moves to being prepared.
To give an answer implies a conversation or dialogue-Hope is the defining characteristic of the Christian- We have a steadfast confidence in our God and his plan- we aren’t limited to live by what we see or hear in the world.
Peter says finally that all of these interactions are to be done with gentleness and respect
Are you are part of the Kingdom of God right now, saved by faith, because someone told you about Jesus?
Whether it was a parent, teacher, pastor or friend…Your Father loved you so much that He called someone into your path…someone with the courage to tell you the Truth…And now you’re the one He’s calling.