If we’re looking for the lost, what do we do once we have the lost’s attention? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how, in light of shorter attention spans, we can make a long story short.
Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Romans 15:18-19 NIV “I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.”
Paul “fully proclaimed” the gospel three ways: word, deed, and power – through what He said, what he did, and what he displayed
If we want biblical results, we have to do things the biblical way.
Word
1 Peter 3:15 “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”
Colossians 4:5-6 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
A Christian’s speech should be full of grace, seasoned with salt. But too many times, our speech is full of salt, seasoned with grace.
The easiest way to share your faith is to share your story.
Deed
Service is doing something for someone else, at no benefit to yourself, that demonstrates God’s heart toward them.
John 3:16 “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.”
A loving act of service is like a crow bar that pries open someone’s heart and so they might receive the gospel.
Power
Demonstrating God’s power is the most efficient way to preach the gospel.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 “And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 4:20 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
Matthew 10:7-8 “Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”
Whatever you have received from God, you have the right to give to someone else.
Are you sharing Jesus with the lost in word, deed and power?