Evangelization in the Neighborhood
TEACHER
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Lesson 10
BASIC BIBLICAL TEXT
Acts 1.1-8
GOLDEN TEXT
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.
Acts 2.39
AIMS
Recognize the importance that should be shown to your neighbors when referring to the propagation of the gospel;
Understand that the task of announcing the gospel involves your neighborhood;
Use some of the suggestions for evangelizing in the neighborhood.
INTRODUCTION
Before parting, Jesus ordered: Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation (Mk 16.15).
Christ ordered the Church to go to the ends of the Earth
without ignoring Jerusalem (Acts 1.8). This reference to the Holy City may mean that the call to evangelize should start with those that are close, our neighbors.
1. THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE GOOD NEWS
God’s plan for the salvation of humanity includes all people with no exception (Jh 3.16; 1 Tm 2.4). The plan of redemption is characterized by its universality. The gospel is universal because it cannot be limited in any way, be it by geographical space, historical or cultural issues.
Salvation is offered to all of humanity. However, it is only fulfilled when a person, through their own decision, decides to confess with their mouth, the Lord Jesus and believe, in their heart, that God resurrected them among the dead (Rm 10.9,10).
1.1. The universal character of God
in the Old Testament
In the beginning of the Old Testament, God’s universal character can be verified. In the beginning of Genesis, God is presented as the creator of the heavens and the Earth (Gn 1.1). To Abraham, He made a promise that includes every human being (Gn 12.3).
The existence of Israel as a nation occurred to become a crib for the promised Messiah and a model for other nations.
1.2. The universal character of God
in the New Testament
When choosing His 12 disciples, Jesus gave a clear instruction, telling them that, preferably, they should look for the lost sheep in the house of Israel before in others (Mt 10.6). The Lord instructed them in this way because the right moment would come for the gospel to be announced beyond the limits of the nation, reaching the gentiles in every part of the world.
The vision the Lord had of His mission had a universal character.
2. THE INDIVIDUALITY OF THE GOOD NEWS
While the message of the gospel is for all people, it is also for each person individually. God worries about each person in their respective contexts and realities.
2.1. In Jerusalem and to the ends of the Earth
The same way that the disciples would witness in the ends of the earth, in Samaria, in Judea, they would also attest in Jerusalem. The operation of the Holy Spirit is effective independent of the place where the gospel is preached.
There are very motivated people regarding the advancement of the gospel in other cultures and distant places. However, stand idly when it’s about evangelizing their neighbors.
3. MY NEIGHBOR IS A TARGET OF GOD’S LOVE
See below some decisions that may help reach your neighbors with Christ’s message of salvation.
Our responsibility is to get God’s word to their ears. Only God can get the word from their ears to their heart.
Albert Mohler
3.1. Let Christ reign at home
The most effective way of evangelization is personal testimony. Our neighbors always observe our lifestyle and how relationships work in a Christian household.
Therefore, believers need to observe what messages they are producing in their homes.
The great evangelist Dwight L. Moody wrote: If Christ is in your house, your neighbors will notice soon (GOMES G. Bíblia para Pregadores e Líderes, 2017, p. 1492).
3.2. Show worry for the place where you live
The adequate search for solutions to collective problems values relationships and generates respect and sympathy from neighbors. Lucas, the beloved doctor, spoke about the believers of the Early Church: praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2.47).
3.3. Be a prophet of God to your neighbors
A Christian is a messenger of God and of His purposes for the neighborhood. Therefore, it is necessary that
they be aware of their communication methods.
Your neighbor is, at all times, observing the way you speak and behave.
3.4. Demonstrate companionship
in a time of adversity
It is a fact that everyone faces hardships, tribulations, and adversities. Many times, some situations become heavy burdens to support. At that time, the believer should become present to show that, in Christ, there is always hope.
God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does.
Martin Luther
3.5. Keep the house doors open to receive
your neighbors
Every believer should cultivate the habit of inviting their neighbor to lunch, dinner, or afternoon coffee in their home. This is a great strategy to talk about Jesus to them, and can also be the appropriate moment to invite them to go to your Church.
CONCLUSION
It is essential to seek God in order to obtain a proper strategy for this purpose.
Our neighborhoods are waiting on the children of God. Therefore, may the Word be announced without delay (2 Tm 4.2).
We will never change the world by going to church.
We will only change the world by being the Church.
God bless you!
EBD ADVEC
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