I enjoy reading books on church growth. I enjoy going to lectureships dealing with evangelism and some how to lessons. I can learn new approaches and new techniques. I learn what has worked and what seemed to fail. But I have a strange approach to all of our material on evangelism.

How many of you have recently gone to a movie? How many of you have sat there and laughed during a movie? How many of you have sat there and cried during a movie? What caused the difference in your emotions? Do you believe it was the seasoning on the popcorn? Of course not; it was what you were putting into your mind.

I compare successful evangelistic efforts to popping popcorn. You dont really have to have a special technique. You dont have to know all of the methods for popping corn. You dont really have to know all of the whys and hows about evangelism. If you just put enough heat to the popcorn, it will pop!!!!

In Galatians 2, we find Peter unwilling to eat with the Gentiles… BECAUSE... he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. (v. 12) Peter was rendered useless and ineffective for the cause of Christ!

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be Gods will, than to suffer for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:14-17) Highly privileged

I believe the chief reason why so many saints fail to teach lost souls is because of fear! Fear that we might offend our friends Fear that we might offend our friends Fear that well be labeled fanatics Fear that well be labeled fanatics Fear that well be inadequate for the task Fear that well be inadequate for the task

We Have Certain Responsibilities To God, To Our Brethren, And To Our Fellow Man And fear must not keep us from these responsibilities!!!

God reminds us that fear has no place in His scheme of redemption when He says, Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matt 10:28) Lets not let fear keep us from reaching the lost

The Wise Man Said The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30)

And I cant stop! If I say Ill never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. Its like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in! Jeremiah 20:9 (Quick Verse Life Application Bible) We need the passion of Jeremiah

How do we develop this passion of Jeremiah? How do we develop this burning in our hearts?

#1 When we recognize the worth of man How do we develop this burning in our hearts?

9 And departing from there, He went into their synagogue. 10 And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. And they questioned Him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?in order that they might accuse Him. 11 And He said to them, What man shall there be among you, who shall have one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it, and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:9-12) And departing from there, He went into their synagogue. 10 And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. And they questioned Him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?in order that they might accuse Him. 11 And He said to them, What man shall there be among you, who shall have one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it, and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

Psalms 8:4-6 4 What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him? … 5 Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than God, And dost crown him with glory and majesty! 6 Thou dost make him to rule over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet

25 For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. 26 For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:25-26) One Soul Is Worth More Than The Entire Material World Jesus recognized the value of the soul

The Soul Is Valuable Because Of Its Divine Origin then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. (Eccl. 12:7)...For we also are His offspring (Acts 17:28) Dont You See Your Value?

#2 When we recognize the immortality of the soul How do we develop this burning in our hearts?

Paul Said 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better (Phil. 1:21-23)

#3 When we recognize what God has done to save the soul How do we develop this burning in our hearts?

God showed how precious a soul is by the giving of His Son For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

#4 When we recognize that our salvation depends on our efforts to save others How do we develop this burning in our hearts?

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Gods own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Gods own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

Who We Are -- Our Divine Origin The Price Paid For Humanity -- Jesus Christ And That God Has Allowed Us to Participate In the Greatest Work Known To Man – The Saving of Souls

We dont really have to have a special technique. We dont have to know all of the methods. We dont really have to know all of the whys and hows about evangelism. We just simply need the passion of Jeremiah and let His word burn in our hearts. If we just put enough heat to the popcorn, it will pop!!!!