Evangelism 2016 In past lessons We addressed obstacles to winning souls within – Misconceptions – failure to trust God or the gospel, none interested, etc.; faulty attitudes – lack of boldness, discouragement, & faulty motives – prejudice, ignoring the lost, laziness, etc. Obstacles within – worldliness, busyness, our impersonal society, etc.

Obstacles to winning souls Without (2) Evangelism 2016 Obstacles to winning souls Without (2)

Broken lives The world is broken in so many ways! Selfishness, immorality. Broken families, unscriptural marriages, addictions, etc. Many let their problems keep them from God – bitterness toward Him, doubt, despair, etc. But others are searching!

Broken lives There is no easy answer when someone faces such. As Christians let us keep in mind: Continue to be a godly example – Matthew 5:16 Love them – Matt. 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, 18:27, 20:34, etc. Try to be a friend!

Broken lives As Christians let us keep in mind: Be careful in passing judgments - Matthew 7:1-5 Pray for them – James 5:16, Matthew 5:43-44 Be patient – 1 Corinthians 13:4, 1 Thess. 5:14 Colossians 3:12

Religious confusion Too many choices, misconceptions about God Today, fewer believe in Jesus than just a few years ago In 20141 – in America, believers in Jesus (broad definition) declined to 70.8%, from 78.4% in 2007. Unaffiliated increased by 8% and other religions increased to 5.9% from 4.7%. 1.America's changing Religious Landscape, Pew Research, 2015

Religious confusion What we believe DOES matter! 2 John 9 Live the Bible – many conform out of fear cf. John 9:22, Gal. 2:11-13

Religious confusion Learn the Bible – 2 Cor. 10:4-5, 1 Peter 3:15, 1 John 4:1, Eph. 4:14-15

Religious confusion Take time to learn about other religions – truth does not fear investigation. This better equips us cf. John 4:21-26, Acts 17:22-31, Paul dealing with Judaizing teachers The more you know, the less likely you will be to make false claims and accusations (1 Cor. 9:22-23)

Religious confusion Some say, all I need is to know the truth to answer error. While such is sufficient in defending against error – better understanding can help you anticipate what one believes to prepare to answer. An effective debater knows his opponent. 2 Cor. 2:11 Such can also avoid offensive conduct and statements

Casualness We live in a casual society. It’s not dress, but attitude, demeanor and conversations. Affects attitudes toward God and the gospel We need to show that God demands reverence – Hebrews 12:28-29

It’s Unpopular NOTE: There is no place for hateful speech as Christians. We must be KIND in our words and conduct – Col. 4:6, 1 Cor. 13:4 Our society has created an environment where we cannot discuss certain subjects without being labeled. Political correctness has caused many to say nothing!

It’s Unpopular So, God’s word is NOT popular today. Strict adherence to God’s word is villainized. Standing up for truth may result in scoffing, labeling, etc. Accepting truth comes with consequences, Cf. Matt. 10:37-38

It’s Unpopular Realize that such an attitude is not new – 2 Cor. 11:24-28, 1 Cor. 4:13 We must still stand firm for God’s word. Many are looking for such! Show the world that it is worth it! Again be kind and patient! Live with conviction – 1 Peter 3:15-16

When we try and reach the lost… We will face obstacles and objections We cannot pretend they don’t exist There is a proper way to deal with them

The improper way is to do nothing! Let us pray to God to help us do what we can to reach as many as we can!