1. PERSONAL EVANGELISM The Excuses of Moses (and us) Exodus 3:10-4:17

2. Moses at the burning bush Exodus 3:10-4:17 Moses is 80 years old ( Ex. 7:7, Acts 7:30 ) and tending the sheep of Jethro He sees a burning bush that is not consumed The Lord commissions Moses to deliver His people

3. Moses at the burning bush Moses begins making excuses Who am I? ( Ex. 3:11-12 ) What shall I say? ( Ex. 3:13-22 ) What if they don’t believe ( Ex. 4:1-9 ) I am not eloquent ( Ex. 4:10- 12 ) Please send someone else ( Ex. 4:13-17 )

4. Moses at the burning bush Excuses and evangelism. Some of the excuses we make to keep us from reaching others are similar to those of Moses on that occasion.

5. Excuses and Evangelism Who am I? Moses lacked confidence. Many today lack confidence You can do something! “I will be with you” – 1 Pet. 2:9-10, Matt. 28:20, 2 Cor. 3:5-6, Phil. 4:13

6. Excuses and Evangelism What shall I say? Many today fear questions they cannot answer. Don’t know what to say Let the word of God speak – 2 Pet. 1:3, Jude 3 Know and speak first principles – 1 Cor. 15:1-4

7. Excuses and Evangelism What shall I say? In my experience, most people do not know much of scripture. Find the answer! How long is this excuse valid? Will we work to be more proficient? 2 Tim. 2:15, 1 Peter 3:15

8. Excuses and Evangelism What if they don’t believe me? While we don’t have miracles like Moses, we have the word Let it speak! Rom. 1:16, 10:17, John 20:30-31 There are resources available “What is that in your hand?” Don’t take rejection personal! Just move on - Luke 9:3-5, John 15:20 Your job – Ezek. 3:16-21, 1 Cor. 3:5-8

9. Excuses and Evangelism I am slow of speech Some don’t think they are good orators. Can’t defend the truth! Again, let God’s word speak! 1 Cor. 2:1-5 Moses was given Aaron. We have seasoned brethren who can help! Just ask! Cf. Acts 10:24, 33

10. Excuses and Evangelism I don’t want to go Closer to the real reason. This angered God. It did not excuse Moses. He still had to go! So do we. We have responsibilities Eph. 4:16, Titus 2:14 We will stand before God and answer!

11. If you don’t go, will God accept your excuses?