Evangelists and Evangelism: The Church That Fishes

1. Jon Wright 5th March 2006 Evangelists and Evangelism: The Church That Fishes

2. Second in a Series of Sermons from Ephesians 4:11 & 12 • 11It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up • 11他所賜的，有使徒，有先知，有傳福音的，有牧師和教師, 12為要成全聖徒，各盡其職，建立基督的身體，

3. What is an evangelist? • From the Greek word meaning announcer of good news • Generally used to describe someone who proclaims the gospel in places or to people who have not heard it before • But its also someone who should be teaching, Ep 4:12 “to prepare Gods’ people for works of service”

4. Philip The Evangelist Acts 8:26-40, Acts 21:7-9 • Prompting of the Holy Spirit (v29), but Philip was only lead one step at a time but they were specific • Boldness (v30), Philip approached the Ethiopian – this was a person of great standing • The importance of the Bible (v30), Isaiah is about prophesising the crucifixion of Jesus - so our question to people can be similar ‘Do you know Jesus?’

5. Philip The Evangelist II • Working from a body of believers, Philip was a member of local body of believers - all evangelists should work from within a local body of believers • Jesus Christ is the son of God (v37*), the evangelist takes people to the place where they can recognise and believe in Jesus • After the Ethiopians’ acceptance Philip left (v39), the role of the evangelist is now done, at this point he starts to be the responsibility of the Pastors/Teachers

6. Philip - The Holy Spirit was in charge • He inspired the book of Isaiah, • He caused the calling of Philip • He spoke to Philip to go down to the road • He arranged for Philip to be beside the chariot • He told Philip to talk to Ethiopian • He convicted the Ethiopian about his need for water baptism, • He took Philip away for his next appointment

7. Standing Up & Sitting Down • Time for something a little different

8. That’s the evangelist - what about us? • ~90% of people are saved not through evangelist meetings or events but through their family, fellow workers, friends – that’s you and me! • All are called to evangelize - The Great Commission Matthew 28:18-20 • Jesus has all the authority in heaven and earth and he is with us Matt 28:18-20

9. So why are we not doing it (enough)? • One word – SHAME • Many Christians are embarrassed or hesitate to say they are Christian to their friends/worker • Many Christians are ashamed of where they came from – their own testimony • Many Christians use the lie about the Evangelist is the only person to evangelize to cover up their shame

10. What does the Bible say about being ashamed of Jesus? • Harsh words really: Mark 8:38, Luke 9:26 • Lk 9:26If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. • LK 9:26凡把我和我的道當作可恥的，人子在自己的榮耀裡，並天父與聖天使的榮耀裡降臨的時候，也要把那人當作可恥的 • Disowning Jesus is even worse (Matt 10:32-33)

11. God is the God of 2nd chances • If you are ashamed of Jesus today, you can repent • Psalms 107 repeats the words ‘15Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men,” • 15但願人因耶和華的慈愛和他向人所行的奇事都稱讚他； • Your testimony is yours, it’s a gift from God to you, it is one of the best evangelism tools you have - use it wisely and never be ashamed of it.