Category: Evangelism

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

A concise verse, establishing several important truths:

1. Judgment is universal. It says “we must all appear before the judgment seat.  The word “all” is inclusive. No one will escape judgment.
2. Christ is the judge. We are thankful that the one who “died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Romans 8:34) is the one who judges us.
3. We will receive at judgment exactly what we deserve. “whether good or bad.”
4. The judgment has a standard by which we will be judged. “The things done in the body.”

Finally, Paul writes of the consequence of these truths found in this verse. Our purpose should be His.  We should make it our aim “to be well pleasing to him” (9). It makes no sense to offend the one who is our judge.  Our primary purpose in life it to please Him. Because we know the “terror of the Lord” we do as He desires. His desire is that we persuade men, cf. Mark 16:15; Romans 1:15.

Seek to please Him in your life.  It matters!

Paul’s final farewell to the Ephesian elders reveals much about his goals and values as an apostle of Jesus Christ. As we seek to imitate him (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1), we would do well to examine them and adapt them to our own lives and efforts as Christians.

First, he “served the Lord with all humility” (19). Humble service is a requisite to the Lord’s approval. The Lord “resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). It is when we humbly submit to God that we are assured of His acceptance. Continue reading “Paul’s Mission Statement” →

Acts 16 details the decision Paul made to take a young man named Timothy with him on his preaching journey. Timothy was the “son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was a Greek” (1).

The scripture says that since Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, he had this 50% Jewish man circumcised.  The reason given in the passage, “because of the Jews there in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek” (3). Continue reading “Accommodation and Principle” →

Ananias, the preacher whose message brought Saul to obedience exhibited great faith to go to Damascus to share the gospel with him.

Saul of Tarsus quickly established his name as a chief persecutor of Christians. He was present at the stoning of Stephen. We are told that he “made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison” (Acts 8:3). In Acts 9, shortly before Ananias met him, we are told that Saul was “still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1) as he came to the city of Damascus.

And now, a disciple in Damascus was told to go to where Saul was staying to preach to him.

We might think, well of course he would go, this was a vision from the Lord. However, there are examples in the past where men either questioned and equivocated (Moses) or even disobeyed (Jonah) such a message from God.

Not Ananias. He told the Lord that he was aware of Saul’s reputation, and even his purpose in Damascus (Acts 9:13-14). But, at the Lord’s insistence, “Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ’Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you cam, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 9:17).

We rightly champion Saul who became a great apostle. But, Ananias deserves our praise and thanksgiving as well.

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The lesson deals with the Corinthian’s carnal tendencies, and the call to preach to the lost.

• Audio
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon (Note: About 6 minutes of video was lost due to streaming glitches. For full lesson, please listen to the audio).

(A discussion of Acts 16). When the gospel falls on good hearts, fruit is borne, despite any opposition.

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• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Justin shares some practical considerations as we seek to share the gospel of our Lord with those who need it.

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• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Breaking news: We have been in the midst of a worldwide pandemic for more than two years now! (Duh!) This is the first worldwide pandemic that we have experienced in our lifetimes. This is fortunate, but I would have appreciated another 30 or so years before it happened (let the kids and grandkids deal with it).

Some experts are cautiously predicting that the pandemic is almost over. They say the best case scenario to hope for is for the COVID virus to become endemic. Pandemic, endemic, what is the difference?

Pandemic is defined as a disease that is, “prevalent in a country or the world.” A disease that is endemic is one that is regularly found in the population, (like colds or the flu). In other words, the COVID virus will always be around, but we are getting a handle on it.

How about a spiritual application? In our world is faith a pandemic or is it endemic? Well, true faith is certainly not prevalent in the world today — would it were so. It is more accurate to consider it endemic in society. It is always there, it is around, but it doesn’t particularly effect the majority of society.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were able to “[turn] the world upside down” (cf. Acts 17:6)? That’s what the Thessalonians accused Paul of doing. Our expressions of faith and efforts to preach the gospel should have an unsettling effect on our society. Are you doing your part to “spread” the faith of our Lord to “infect” those you meet day to day?

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Acts 17 shows a remarkable spectrum of responses to Paul’s teaching, ranging from open animosity, to dismissiveness, to belief and acceptance. What was behind such responses? How do men’s hearts differ?

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• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

A discussion of Philip’s evangelistic efforts, and the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch, as found in Acts 8.

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• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

A textual study of Acts 4 & 5 revealing the zeal, and boldness of the apostles in preaching despite threats of persecution.

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• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Paul gave a serious charge to his ward Timothy, to preach the word! The charge was serious because it was made, “before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:1).

Without forgetting in the context that Timothy was a young evangelist, I would like to emphasize how important it is to the Father and Son for disciples to share the gospel of our Lord. It is not worded as a suggestion, or even a plea. It is a charge!

The Almighty God in heaven, and His Son, to whom He gave the right to judge is giving an order to “Preach the word! Be ready in season, and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (4:2).

The world frowns upon any Christian who has the temerity to “proselytize.” However, that is exactly what God requires of us. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Simply put, we take our marching orders from the Lord. And, as our general, He has been given absolute authority over us. We are to do His will, without hesitation or question. His marching orders are to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Are we heeding the charge of our Lord?

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JR Bronger from Blue Springs, MO preached a wonderful series of gospel sermons for the West Side congregation, May 1-6, 2021:

Saturday PM: The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9)

• A discussion of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. A religious terrorist who became a wonderful example of the saving power of God’s grace.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Sunday 1st Service: Evangelizing the World

• In the first century, Christians were able to spread the gospel throughout the known world, despite opposition and challenges. If we have the same mindset today, we can be just as successful!
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Sunday Class: Successful Marriages

• Foundational teaching on the subject of marriage. Principles which, if followed, will guarantee strong marriages existing in accord with God’s desire.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Sunday 2nd Service: The Hate of Christ and Christians

• The world hated Jesus Christ because of His mission and righteousness. He promised that the world would hate his followers as well. In our day such hate is prominent.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Monday PM: Christians Are Running a Race

• A runner himself, brother Bronger uses the Hebrew writer’s imagery in Hebrews 12:1-2 to establish a few important truths regarding the race the Christian runs.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Tuesday PM: A Rebel Returns

• A powerful lesson on rebellion and redemption, based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Young people need to hear this message!
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Wednesday PM: Do You Want to be Made Well?

• If you really wish for spiritual healing, you must stop thinking of yourself as a victim, stop blaming others for your failings, free yourself from fear and recognize the difference between wanting relief, and wanting a cure.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Thursday PM: Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart

• There were three responsible parties in the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. God Himself with His demands. The wicked court magicians. And most prominently, Pharaoh himself.
• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

Speaker: David Hightower

This short invitation lesson is David’s first effort. David is a fine young Christian, and his lesson on the importance of Evangelism as a work of every Christian is worth a listen and viewing!

• Audio
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved” (Philippians 4:1).

The apostle Paul had a wonderful relationship with the church in Philippi. A faithful group, the brethren there had great affection for the apostle, and they showed that love through diligent care.

They sent Epaphroditus to Rome with a gift for Paul. Because of their support, his incarceration was easier to bear. Paul acknowledged their support in his letter, showing his appreciation for their generosity.

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity” (4:10).

“Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities” (4:14-16).

Because of their love for him, Paul loved them in return. He was invested in their spiritual welfare. His primary concern, as seen in (4:1), was for them to “stand fast in the Lord.”

Who do you love? Who is most important in your life? Have you told them that you are concerned for their soul? Have you let them know how important it is for them to “stand fast in the Lord.” Have you shown them how to do that? If not, why not?

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