To inspire and equip the congregation to engage in personal evangelism by highlighting its biblical basis, importance, and urgency.
- Emphasize the compassion of Jesus: Expand on the passage from St. Matthew 9:36-38 and highlight how Jesus was moved with compassion for the lost and the need for personal evangelism to reach them. Support this idea with Luke 19:10, where Jesus states that He came to seek and save the lost.
- Highlight the Great Commission: Include Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. Explain how personal evangelism is an essential part of fulfilling this commission and spreading the Gospel.
- Discuss the power of personal testimony: Share examples from the Bible, such as the woman at the well in John 4 or Paul's conversion in Acts 9, to illustrate the impact of personal testimonies in evangelism. Encourage your congregation to share their own stories of faith and how they have experienced God's transformation in their lives.
- Address common barriers to personal evangelism: Acknowledge that many people feel hesitant or fearful when it comes to sharing their faith. Offer practical suggestions on how to overcome these barriers, such as praying for boldness (Acts 4:29), relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance (Luke 12:12), and seeking opportunities to engage in conversations about faith (Colossians 4:5-6).
- Discuss the urgency of personal evangelism: Highlight passages like 2 Corinthians 6:2, which emphasizes that now is the acceptable time for salvation, and Hebrews 9:27, which reminds us that everyone will face judgment. Encourage your congregation to recognize the urgency of sharing the Gospel and not delaying in reaching out to others.