Putting It All Together - Pastor Dan Cravillion

Putting It All Together

2014-09-28

Eph. 2:1-10

2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

In review:

Christian: evangelism is not your primary purpose…Glorifying God is. 1 Cor 10:31

·      Gives Jesus Christ great glory & the Christian joy when the Gospel is shared with the lost.

o   Everyone is called to share their faith, not everyone has gift of evangelism. Mt 28:19, 2 Cor 5:20, Eph 4:11-12, Rom 10:14, 1 Pet 2:9

Evangelism includes verbally sharing our testimonies & presenting Gospel

·      Testimonies are the stories told by Christians about what God has done and is doing in their lives...Like an eyewitness account in a courtroom.  1 Cor 2:1-5

o   3 components: Before Conversion, Conversion, After Conversion.

·      Ryan explained what the Gospel with the G.R.A.C.E. acronym.

o   God, Rebellion, Atonement, Conversion, Eternal Life

Many times Pastors present information & then tell congregation WHAT to do .

·      Today: Show you HOW to practically share Gospel.

o   First, quickly, to get general idea, then pull it apart & explain why.

§  For you theologians: this does not contain minutia of every point but it is understandable to lost people.

·      It creates a foundation that can be built upon.

§  For you legalists: You don’t have to say these exact words.

·      Don’t use religious “God-talk”...Word, born again, Gospel.

§  For you note takers: the information will be posted online in today’s sermon notes.

Quickly share testimony & paper illustration.

·      NOTE: Find 4 pieces of paper anywhere…clean but not necessarily white. Bring/borrow pen.

·      Finish quick paper illustration

God and All People

·      Review paper illustration

Jesus and You

Conclusion

Lost people matter to God. 

• The focus of the 3 parables in a row recorded (Luke 15) was the love of God coming into world to rescue lost—then & now.

• Be like Jesus, who not only welcomed sinners but sought them.

In Acts God did not drop people at front door ready to receive gospel & join church.  

·      People were added through believers faithfully sharing testimony & preaching gospel.

·      Live a life that glorifies God, verbally share your Christian testimony with the Gospel & trust God for results. 2 Pet 2:12,  Mt 5:16

o   Ultimately salvation is a work of the Holy Spirit not a clever presentation.