2025-01-26 THE ABC's OF OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF EVANGELISM

Overcoming Fear: Embracing Love and Sharing the Gospel

Have you ever felt paralyzed by fear? Maybe it's the fear of flying, speaking in public, or even sharing your faith with someone. You're not alone. Many of us struggle with fear, especially when it comes to evangelism. But what if I told you that fear isn't the real problem? What if the key to overcoming fear lies in love? In this blog post, we'll explore how understanding and embracing God's love can help us conquer fear and boldly share the gospel with others.

Imagine being 100 feet below the ocean's surface, surrounded by the beauty of marine life, only to be gripped by the sudden fear of not being able to breathe. This was my experience while scuba diving, and it taught me a valuable lesson about fear. Just as there are techniques to overcome the fear of diving, the Bible provides us with ways to overcome the fear of sharing our faith. Let's dive into the ABCs of overcoming fear in evangelism.

Acknowledge the Real Problem

The first step in overcoming fear is to acknowledge the real problem. Fear is not the issue; it's a lack of love. As 1 John 4:18 reminds us, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." When we are filled with God's perfect love, fear loses its grip on us. So, the question is, how is your love for God and others? If fear is holding you back from sharing the gospel, it might be time to examine your love for God and deepen your relationship with Him.

Believe the Gospel of Grace

Next, we need to believe the gospel of grace. 1 John 4:19 tells us, "We love because he first loved us." Our ability to love others and share the gospel is rooted in God's love for us. Reflect on the incredible grace God has shown you through Jesus Christ. Remember that He loved you first, not because of anything you've done, but because of who He is. By focusing on God's grace, you'll find the courage to share His love with others.

Commit to Authentic Obedience

Finally, commit to authentic obedience. 1 John 4:20-21 challenges us to love our brothers and sisters genuinely. If we claim to love God but don't love others, we're missing the mark. True love for God is demonstrated through our love for others, including sharing the gospel with them. Ask yourself, are you willing to let fear keep you from introducing someone to Jesus? Commit to stepping out in faith and sharing the good news, even when it's uncomfortable.

In conclusion, overcoming fear in evangelism is not about eliminating fear altogether but about allowing God's love to drive it out. By acknowledging the real problem, believing in the gospel of grace, and committing to authentic obedience, you can conquer fear and boldly share your faith. So, what will you do this week to let God's love lead you in sharing the gospel? Remember, without taking this step, you might miss out on what Jesus wants for you and for those around you.

Let's pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect love that casts out fear. Help us to grow in our love for You and others, so that we can boldly share the gospel. Give us the courage to step out in faith and trust in Your grace. May our lives be a reflection of Your love, drawing others to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2025-01-19 SERMON _ TO SPEAK OR NOT TO SPEAK

To Speak or Not to Speak:

Finding Boldness in Sharing the Gospel

Have you ever felt hesitant to share your faith because you didn't feel bold enough? You're not alone. Many of us struggle with the fear of speaking up about our beliefs. But what if I told you that boldness isn't something you have to muster up on your own? In Acts 4:13-31, we find a powerful story of Peter and John, two ordinary men who became extraordinary witnesses for Christ. Their secret? They had been with Jesus. This blog will explore how spending time with Jesus can transform your life and give you the courage to share the gospel, even in the face of opposition.

Peter and John were not the most educated or trained by the world's standards, yet they amazed the Jewish leaders with their boldness. Why? Because they had spent time with Jesus. Just like a lamp needs to be plugged into a power source to shine, we need to be connected to Jesus to be bold in our faith. So, how much time are you spending with Jesus each day? Is your Bible reading vibrant? Is your prayer life active? If not, it might be time to refocus and plug into the true source of boldness.

But let's be real—boldness doesn't come without challenges. Peter and John faced arrest and threats from the Sanhedrin, the religious leaders of their time. You might face opposition too, whether it's from a coworker, a boss, or societal norms. The key is to share the gospel with wisdom and rest in God's sovereignty. Remember, it's not your job to change hearts; that's God's work. Your role is to be a faithful messenger, trusting that God desires everyone to come to faith.

So, what's the secret to maintaining this boldness? Prayer. In Acts 4:24-31, the disciples prayed for more boldness, and God answered by filling them with the Holy Spirit. Prayer is the foundation of evangelism. When you pray, start by acknowledging God as He has revealed Himself in Scripture. Use His names and attributes to guide your prayers. Incorporate Scripture into your prayers, and submit to God's sovereignty, trusting that His plan is bigger than any opposition you face. Finally, pray for the lost, asking God to reveal Himself to them and to give you the courage to share His word.

As you reflect on this message, consider how you can incorporate these practices into your life. Spend time with Jesus daily, face challenges with wisdom, and make prayer a priority. What steps will you take this week to be bold in sharing your faith? Remember, without taking this step, you might miss out on the incredible ways God wants to use you.

Let's pray: Lord, thank You for the example of Peter and John, who showed us that true boldness comes from being with You. Help us to spend time in Your presence, to face challenges with wisdom, and to pray fervently for the lost. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we can speak Your word boldly. Amen.