Evangelism: mission impossible? “Most people don’t care; just want to be left alone” “Some who care are biased” “Others are downright hostile” Don’t be discouraged; you’re not the only one

Babylonian sieges 606 BC, Dn.1:1-3 597 BC, Ezk.1:1-3 586 BC, Jeremiah Destroyed Jerusalem, temple; took captives (except sick & elderly)

I. Ezekiel’s Mission

Ezk.1, God gets his attention Bush, Ex.3 Questions, Job 38-42 Past Calling, Is.6 Miracle, Lk.5:8 Universe, Ps.19 Word, Ps.19 Present Deliverance, 1 T.1:13-17 Prayer, Ja.5

Ezk.1, God gets his attention Ezk.2-3, God gives him assignment Meal: Word (eat it), 2:8-3:3 (Mt.4:4) Mission1: Word (explain it), 3:4-11 Misery: Wayward people, 3:6-7 Might: Wonder of Lord, 3:12-15 Mission2: Watchman, 3:16-27

II. Lessons From Ezekiel’s Mission I. Ezekiel’s Mission II. Lessons From Ezekiel’s Mission

1. God impressed him with His divine glory What would sustain him? Constant awareness of . . . Glory Power God Majesty Sovereignty 2 Co.3:18

2. God called Ezekiel in difficult circumstances (1:1-3) Did not shield him from harsh & dangerous conditions of the time Enemy rule. No Temple Saul, Ac.9:13-16

3. God blessed disobedient people with a prophet (2:5) He urged their repentance – a blessing! 2 Co.2:12-16, a favor!

4. God called Ezekiel to obey Him (2:6-7) Ph.2:15; 3:18-19 Ezekiel, like Jeremiah, was alone (w/o earthly support). Mt.26 2 Pt.1:1

5. God called Ezekiel to faithfulness, not “success” (3:5-7) What would “Church Growth” experts think of Ezekiel? Temptation to compromise Some even “find” support in Scripture: Ac.17–1 Co.2:1-5

Ac.14 = Ac.17 In both, Paul adapted message to Gentile audience (Ro.1; 2:14-15) Ac.17 hits Athenian pride as hard as 1 Corinthians hits Corinthian pride Ac.17:28 quotes Aratus 1 Co.15:33 quotes Menander

6. God called on Ezekiel to obey despite difficult audience (3:8-9) If you find yourself in a difficult place of service, you’re in good company. Hb.12:1-4 Indifferent Rebellious Hard-hearted

7. God gave Ezekiel only two weapons (3:10-11) Prayer; preaching. They were enough Not much has changed in 2600 years. 2 Co.10:3-5