His Grace Bishop ANTONIUS MARKOS
Coptic Orthodox Bishopric African Affairs
Tentmaker Missionary 1966
Began to Full-Time mission in Africa in 11 Jan 1976
MOTIVATION �FOR �EVANGELISM
Why Evangelism?
EVANGELISTIC� �COMMANDMENTS
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Matthew 28:19
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Evangelism does not constitute a part of the spiritual responsibility within the Church; rather, it is Her (the Church’s) pillar; it is Her backbone; it is Her foundation.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Not all those who serve within the Church may be called evangelists, missionaries or apostles but it is possible to redirect the Church from the broad ways to the narrow; from the settled “modality” to the militant “sodality”, which brought us the message of the Gospel and which goes out evangelising.
Need to Spread an Evangelistic Mind within the Coptic Orthodox Church
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Although evangelism appears now to be firm in the hearts of many, a change from an exclusively pastoral focus is required to include an evangelistic one, as well; an ongoing revival of the mission mind in the Church is required.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Between Pastoral Care and �Evangelism
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
The huge concern over pastoral care of the Church’s sheep, including those who have left the fold, often spells neglect and loss of evangelistic activities.
Uncommon types of servants, who need special convictions, preparation and worthiness to accept the apostolic cloak - such as those that existed in our early, apostolic, evangelistic Church up until the seventh century - are highly needed.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
During that time, thousands of souls were converted and many churches were established in various countries, as they were demarcated in the world of those times. Many bishops, priests and servants were ordained, while the Church offered faith, tradition, doctrine, liturgy, prayers and the history of saints in many languages in Pentapolis, Nubia, Eritrea, Ethiopa, Ireland and Switzerland.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Evangelism is a Sign of Life and Growth in the Church
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Evangelism provides signs of life and growth in the Church- pollinating, germinating and bearing new fruits.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
New fruit can be produced in two ways:
1) Through biological growth, which is known as “natural” growth;
2) Through evangelism, involving a great spiritual work by the Church in the heart of those who are far from Her.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Evangelism
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Aims at salvation of the individual soul from every tribe (ethnicity), tongue and nation in the whole world;
Strives for all to become a real living part of the divine body of Christ in the Holy Church;
Sees all souls as priceless resources for whom our Lord Jesus Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice on the Cross.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Evangelism: �An Obligation of the Coptic Orthodox Church�
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
The Apostolic Christian Church, which was born on the day of Pentecost through the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem, is an expanding, evangelistic, missionary, active, growing, living Church that can never be limited by any barriers, bonds, timing or ages.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
The Lord has given Her great energies, abilities, and gifts of tongues, boldness, courage and spiritual powers in the hearts of our fathers the Apostles.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
John Chrysostom expresses that the responsibility of the bishop, as the head in the evangelistic Church, has one service with three facets:
These were the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
John Chrysostom added: the pastoral bishop views his diocese as his world while the evangelist bishop sees the world as his diocese.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
We have a full Christ for our salvation; we have a whole Bible for our teaching; we have a whole Church for our fellowship; we have a whole world for our mission (our diocese).
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Do not say that you are unable to influence others, for, as long as you are a Christian, you are able to influence others because this is the essence of Christianity.
It is a contradiction to say that you are a Christian but you are unable to do anything for others; this is like saying the sun is unable to give light.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
If yeast is incapable of leavening the dough, is it possible to call it ‘leavening’?
How can the perfume be fragrant if its aroma does not permeate the surrounding air?
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Is a Christian, who does not work for the salvation of others, a Christian?
Christianity and serving others are inseparable, like the sun, which cannot be called a sun if it does not radiate light; Christianity cannot exist without love for the salvation of the human race.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
We have one ultimate goal, which is above all goals: to save those at risk.
We do not mean the type of risk felt by our senses; this is not a risk at all; we mean the risk of true danger inflicted by Satan on the human race.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
If you saw a blind person, who was about to fall into a pit, would you not rush to extend a helping hand? How then can we see our brothers falling into similar dangers without reaching out, when they are about to fall into the eternal pit?
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
Treat the souls of your brethren, who are suffering from sin and who are laden with the shackles of paganism the same way you seek treatment for yourself, knowing that our transient life is only brief; if we do not win over these souls, there will be no salvation for our own souls.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
We are committed to struggle for the salvation of our brethren, so that on judgment day we can meet Christ with joyful faces, offering our generous and unsurpassed gifts: the souls of the sinners, the pagans and the non-believers whom we restored to Him through our evangelism and preaching.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
There are many nations, and millions of souls across the universe, who live in spiritual famine- in the darkness of ignorance and paganism.
If we embrace the evangelistic thought, we shall be able to reach the whole world and to look at all these people with eyes of love, concern and responsibility.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
We will be able to offer them all that was handed to us by our Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles, and share with them one communion, ‘in one hope of your calling; one LORD, one faith, one baptism
(Ephesians 4:5)
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
The Holy Spirit, through Saint Paul, poses the following questions for us:
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
(Romans 10:13)
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
GO !
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: GO!
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Matthew 28:19-20
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; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: GO!
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Mark 16:15-16
�And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: GO!
Luke 10:3
Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.
Acts 5:20
“Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” �
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: GO!
Luke 9:60
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 10:7
And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: GO!
John 20:17
Jesus said to her, “... Go to My brethren and say to them...
Luke 15:4
“What man of you...does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: GO!
Acts 8:26-38
Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south ... So he arose and went... Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. ...And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: GO!
Jeremiah 1:7-9
But the LORD said to me: “ Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, �And whatever I command you, you shall speak... “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
Isaiah 6:9
And He said, “Go, and tell this people...
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: GO!
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: THE BLESSINGS OF GOING
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: THE BLESSINGS OF GOING
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Matthew 19:29
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
Mark 10:30 ... receive a hundredfold now in this time - houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions - and in the age to come, eternal life.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: THE BLESSINGS OF GOING
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Luke 18:30 ...who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
Matthew 10:10 ...nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.
Matthew 10:11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:THE BLESSINGS OF GOING
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Matthew 10:19-20 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Luke 22:35 And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” So they said, “Nothing.” �
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: THE BLESSINGS OF GOING
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Mark 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:18 ...they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Mark 16:20 ... And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
I SEND YOU, GO FOR MISSION
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: I SEND YOU!
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: I SEND YOU!
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John 20:19-23 ... Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: I SEND YOU
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2 Corinthians 3:2-3
You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: I SEND YOU
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Luke 4:43-44
...“I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: I SEND YOU
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Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?
Acts 22:21
Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’”
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: I SEND YOU
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Acts 7:34
I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.”’
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: I SEND YOU
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Exodus 3:10 Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”
Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “ Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM: I SEND YOU
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Jeremiah 1:7 But the LORD said to me: “ Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
John 3:28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
I SEND YOU
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Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.
Luke 10:3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.
Acts 1:24-25 ... show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, ...
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
I SEND YOU
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Galatians 2:8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles),
1 Corinthians 9:2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
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BE�MY WITNESSES!
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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Deuteronomy 19:15 ...by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.
Acts 1:8 ... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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Acts 1:21-22 ...of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
John 3:11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESS
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John 21:24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
Acts 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
Acts 5:32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.
Acts 13:31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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Luke 24:47-48 … repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.
John 1:34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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John 3:26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified - behold, He is baptizing, ...”
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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John 18:37 ...“You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
John 1:15-16 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’” And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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John 1:19-20
Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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John 1:32-34
And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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John 19:35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.
Acts 8:25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Acts 2:40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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Acts 10:43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
Acts 14:3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Acts 18:5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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Acts 20:22-23 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
Acts 23:11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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Acts 20:20-21 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 22:14-15 Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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Acts 22:14-15 Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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1 John 1:2-4 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us - that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. ... these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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1 John 4:14-15 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
3 John 1:12 ... And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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2 Thessalonians 1:10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
2 Timothy 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
BE MY WITNESSES
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1 John 5:8-12 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
PROCLAIM, PREACH
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
PROCLAIM, PREACH
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
PROCLAIM, PREACH
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Evangelism:
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
PROCLAIM, PREACH
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
PROCLAIM, PREACH
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Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
PROCLAIM, PREACH
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Matthew 26:13, Mark 14:9 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
Luke 24:46-47 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, ...Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations ...
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
PROCLAIM, PREACH
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Mark 3:14-15 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:
Mark 6:12-13 So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
PROCLAIM, PREACH
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Acts 10:41-42 ... who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.
Matthew 10:7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM:
PREACH, PROCLAIM
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Luke 9:2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Luke 8:1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
Romans 10:14-15 ... And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? ...
REQUIRED CAPABILITIES�FOR �EVANGELISTIC MINISTRY
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
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MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
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1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
MOTIVATION FOR EVANGELISM
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Homework
1. 2 Co 4 : 1 – 13
Problems that Faces Evangelism
Guiding points:
+ Some problems that faces the evangelist himself
(e.g. doubt, sense of failure, …….)
+ Some problems that faces the service itself
(e.g. surrounded by problems, oppression, ….)
the ways of dealing with problems.
Guiding points:
+ Previous experiences, problem analysis,
practical solutions, ... etc.