The Work of Evangelism

I. Introduction

II. Impetus for Evangelism
   A. Message needing promotion
      1. Matthew 28:18-20
      2. Matthew 9:10-13
   B. Responsibility to promote message
      1. If we do not preach it, who will?  
      2. Ezekiel 3:17-21, 33:1-10
      3. not fully realized in NT, but principle should give us 
         pause
      4. 1 Corinthians 9:17-23
      5. Consider again Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-27

III. Means of Evangelism
   A. Personal evangelism most successful
      1. Nature of personal evangelism
      2. Reasons why personal evangelism is viable
   B. Evangelism initiatives
      1. Door knocking
      2. Bible correspondence course
      3. Bulletin mailout
      4. "Business" cards
      5. Fair
      6. Other promotions
  
IV. Results of Evangelism
   A. Recognition of source of success
      1. 1 Corinthians 3:5-11
      2. For all the work we do, we cannot claim the ultimate 
         success
      3. We are called to water and plant-- God will give the 
         increase!
      4. Hence, promotion of the message-- the message will 
         convert (Hebrews 4:12)
   B. Defining "Success"
      1. Conversions?  Ideal!
      2. Bible studies, etc.?  Excellent!
      3. But if we receive no contact, have we failed?
      4. 1 Corinthians 15:58
   C. Proper definition of success
      1. We must change our mentality!
      2. We should feel successful when we have carried out our 
         obligation-- promotion of the message, the "planting 
         and watering"
      3. Increase is a bonus from God, not the yardstick

V. Conclusion
   A. God is clear: the message must be spread
   B. What are we doing to spread the message?
   C. Do we understand our proper role and therefore when we 
      have succeeded?
   D. For what will we be judged on the Judgment day?
   E. Let us strive to promote the Gospel!
   F. Invitation/songbook