The message of the gospel has been watered down in recent years as we live in a world that increasingly fears offense. In effort to avoid challenging the false gods of self and desire, evangelism has tried to appeal to the “natural” inclinations of the heart, and in doing so we’ve drifted away from the message first given by the Apostles.
Acts 5:42
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”
Observations & Conclusions:
Who does the message of the resurrection focus on in evangelism?
- The Resurrection dignifies Jesus
– Resurrection is the central theme of Jesus’ Lordship
– Resurrection reveals Jesus’ triumph over death
Why does the message of the resurrection help in evangelism?
- The Resurrection defines Jesus
– Resurrection is the ultimate proof of power and ability
– Resurrection reveals the exclusivity of Jesus
How does the message of the resurrection help in evangelism?
- The Resurrection delivers Jesus to us
– Jesus’ resurrection becomes our resurrection
What does the message of the resurrection do for us in evangelism?
- The Resurrection of the dead depends on Jesus
– Resurrection is the fact and the hope of our faith
Application: How should I use the message of the resurrection in evangelism?
- Pray
- Let us prioritize the correct message of evangelism and not necessarily the outcome of evangelism
- Let Jesus’ resurrection be the reason for your passion
- Let the resurrection of the dead be the hope of your proclamation and your proclamation of hope
Acts 4:18-20
“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Acts 5:42
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”
Revelation 1:18
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 3:19
“Therefore repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out.”
Acts 5:31
“God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.”
Acts 10:43
“All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Colossians 3:1-4
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
1 Corinthians 15:13-20
“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
Acts 23:6
“Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.”
Acts 24:14-15
“However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.”
Acts 26:6-8
“And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?”
Acts 5:40-42
“They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”