E stands for…evangelism

Evangelism is God’s Idea “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” – Matthew 28:19-20 (NIVUK) Great Commission EvangelismEvangelism MissionMission Sharing our faithSharing our faith Making disciplesMaking disciples

Evangelism is God’s Idea “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” 2Timothy 2:2 (NIVUK) “The Lord…is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” “The Lord…is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” 2Peter 3:9 (NIVUK) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16 (NIVUK)

The Gospel is Good News Literally “good news”Literally “good news” Because it outlasts our human lifetime – eternalBecause it outlasts our human lifetime – eternal Evangelism is the name we give to telling others about a loving Father God; a Son who gave His life and a Holy Spirit who enables us to live in powerEvangelism is the name we give to telling others about a loving Father God; a Son who gave His life and a Holy Spirit who enables us to live in power – that’s good news

Jesus’ Mission & Mandate Proclaim good news to the poorProclaim good news to the poor Proclaim freedom for the prisonersProclaim freedom for the prisoners Recovery of sight for the blindRecovery of sight for the blind Set the oppressed freeSet the oppressed free Proclaim the year of the Lord’s favourProclaim the year of the Lord’s favour Luke 4:16-21

5 Reasons we evangelise 1. Remove the obstacles between people and God “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” – Romans 10:13 (NIVUK) “How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them?” “How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them?” – Romans 10:14 (CEV)

5 Reasons we evangelise 1. Remove the obstacles between people and God 2. Proves the church believes what is says “The test of our real belief is our readiness to share it with other people” – Leslie Newbigin

5 Reasons we evangelise 1. Removes the obstacles between people and God 2. Proves the church believes what is says 3. Enables people to come home through reconciliation and restoration

5 Reasons we evangelise 1. Removes the obstacles between people and God 2. Proves the church believes what is says 3. Enables people to come home through reconciliation and restoration 4. Brings people to life “…you may have life in (Jesus’) name” “…you may have life in (Jesus’) name” – John 20:21 “abundant life” “abundant life” – John 10:10 “…the Spirit gives life because of righteousness” “…the Spirit gives life because of righteousness” – Romans 8:10 “new creations…old has gone…new has come” “new creations…old has gone…new has come” – 1Corinthians 5:17

5 Reasons we evangelise 1. Removes the obstacles between people and God 2. Proves the church believes what is says 3. Enables people to come home through reconciliation and restoration 4. Brings people to life 5. Have a new encounter with the living God

The Challenge God equips those He calls – don’t panic! Are we willing to say “Here I am, send me” “When Pharaoh kept the people of God slaves, he instructed them to make bricks but didn’t give them the straw they needed to make them. Our God is entirely the opposite – God charge us with a task then gives us what we need…to enable each of us to live out the most freeing, exciting and life-giving mandates that God offers; to be witnesses to Jesus Christ” – The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury