The Importance of Perspective in Effective Evangelism
In today’s church, many find themselves discouraged by the seeming ineffectiveness of evangelism efforts. Often, this discouragement stems from a flawed perspective where we expect to reach all sects and individuals, much like trying to teach a hardened Pharisee or a corrupted ruler. The reality is that not everyone is receptive to learning. By recognizing this, we can adjust our expectations and find the courage to continue sharing our message. We must remember that even Jesus faced rejection, yet He persisted in His mission. Change in perspective can lead to renewed zeal in evangelism.
The Importance of Perspective in Effective Evangelism
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Presentation Transcript
A Needle In A Haystack Having The Right Perspective In Evangelism
Unknown Author “One of the Problems With the Church Today Is That The Saved Are Only Teaching The Saved.”
Common Trends In Evangelism • Excitement Is Quickly Turned Into Discouragement (Ezk 2). • We Get Discouraged Because We “Fail” So Often. • We Get Discouraged Because So Many Don’t Want To Learn. • We Start To Think It Is Our Fault So We Stop Evangelizing.
The Problem Could Be “Perspective” • Would You Ever Try To Teach A Pharisee? • Matt. 23:2ff • They Rejected Jesus and His Words. • They Were Filled With Pride and Wouldn’t Change. • They Couldn’t Answer Jesus So They Decided They Would Kill Him.
The Problem Could Be “Perspective” • If You Expect To Convert All The Pharisees Then You Will Get Discouraged! • Nicodemus? • John 3:1 • John 7:50 • John 19:38-39 (A Pharisee & Council Member) Acts 6:7
The Problem Could Be “Perspective” • Would You Ever Try To Teach A Roman Soldier? • Luke 3:14 – They Took Money By Force. • Matt. 27:27 – They Spit On Jesus. • Luke 23:36 – They Mocked Jesus On The Cross. • Matt. 28:12 – They Took Bribes to Lie About Jesus.
The Problem Could Be “Perspective” • If You Expect To Convert All The Soldiers Then You Will Get Discouraged! • Cornelius? Acts 10 • The Centurion With A Sick Slave? Matt. 8:8-10 • The Centurion At The Cross? Mk. 15:39
The Problem Could Be “Perspective” • Would You Ever Try To Teach Caesar and His House? • Most Caesars Were Corrupt With Power and Influence. • They Were Murderers and They Perverted Justice. • Nero Not Only Persecuted Christians, He Blamed Them For Burning Rome. • They Were Gods Themselves!
The Problem Could Be “Perspective” • If You Expect To Convert All Of Caesar’s Household Then You Will Get Discouraged! • Phil. 4:21-22 – The Saints of Caesar’s Household. • Luke 8:3 - The Wife of Herod’s Steward. • Sergius Paulas? Acts 13:12
Surely Jesus Didn’t Have This Problem • Jesus Did Get Discouraged. • Jesus Didn’t Convert Everyone He Taught – John 6:60.66