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Sep 17, 2017

Risky Evangelism

Risky Evangelism

Speaker: James Gallaher

Series: Love Thy Neighbor

Category: Sunday Morning

If we are willing to take a risk and reach out to others, we can be sure that God will be there no matter the results.

Life is moving at a faster pace now than it ever has. Unfortunately, this has become the reason most believers cite for not being more engaged in the work of the Gospel.

Opening Scripture:
Psalms 37:23    The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.

If the “he” here is us, then it would see that even in chaos, “we” would delight.

Maybe the problem isn’t with my schedule but with my understanding. On Friday, I did what we have been learning in our neighboring Sunday school class, I went across the street and gave care to a neighbor whose husband is dying.

Purpose changes perspective.

Do you believe that our ways are ordered by God so that we might delight in His ways?

I worry because it appears that most Christians are just hanging on, trying to preserve what is left rather than increasing what they have.
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Read Matthew 25:14-28   The story of the talents

Jesus called the third servant “wicked.” It seems to become more about what he didn’t do than what he did. He didn’t capitalize on what he was given and as a result hd even what he was given taken away.

When it come to time, are you capitalizing on the investment?

My concern is that evangelism has become more about preserving the image of Christ rather than increasing the presence of Christ.

But like the stewards, increasing Christ’s presence requires risk, a risk that we may fail, be misunderstood, or rejected.

Throughout Scriptures, the kingdom of God advanced through great risk with no guarantee for success.

These men had no guarantee that God would show up:
- Abraham as he went to sacrifice Jacob
- Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego being thrown into the fire
- Jonathan and his armor bearer

1 Samuel 14:6-7   Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few.” His armor bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire.”

There was no guarantee for these guys; they all took a risk. Without risk, the kingdom will not advance.

Why did the first 2 servants risk when the third did not?

Matthew 25:24-25   “And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’”

The third guy didn’t trust his master’s goodness. The other two saw a different master: one who was gracious and able to handle mistakes made in pursuit of risk.

“Every great risk in God’s name begins with confidence in the goodness and trustworthiness of God. “

What you believe about God determines how you will respond to Him.

Verse 25 shows that he was afraid. Fear will always keep you from taking risks.

1 John 4:18   There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

The first two guys believed their master loved them.

What would you risk if you believed in that kind of love, the real catch-me-if-I-fall kind of love?

God’s trust in you began when He called you; He trusted you because He loves you.

Redeem the schedule; be busy with purpose and allow purpose to change your perspective.

We need people who are willing to take a risk for the kingdom.