The Priority of Evangelism-Matt28:19

I. The Priority of Evangelism – Matt. 28:19; Rev.20:11-21:5 by Bill Valley

Intro: George Barna, Christian statistician in his 2013 study on evangelism in the church, said that Evangelical Christians make up 7% of Americans and 2/3 evangelicals have not shared Christ with an unbeliever in the last year. Reasons not to share: (1) Fear of Rejection Jn.15:18 or (2) “It is not my gift. The Truth is, that we are lazy and comfortable. Rev.18:4; Read Rev.20:11-21:8. We need to wake up! Know this, He calls every Christian to share the gospel, Matt.7:24,25

I have been preaching in prisons and jails for 23 years but I have realized that by wearing the “Trust Jesus” T-shirt and willing to become a billboard for Jesus that my ministry of evangelism has expanded. This ministry was started by Christ through my wife, Terri, who is even more bold than myself in her desire to reach others for Christ, she hands out tracts wherever she goes. Consider these facts:

1. We are surrounded by a world system that does not believe in the presence of Hell or accountability for our sins. Our world affects the way we think. Especially today with the media we experience.

2. We do not want to believe in Hell, because we believe that we are basically good people and Hell is too strict of a punishment for man. Evangelism requires that we consider the word of God in this matter. The soul of man, the Old Sin Nature rebels against the theology of hell. We cannot conceive of a punishment for sin for eternity. Our nature cries out, it is just not fair.

3. It is not “in vogue” to teach or preach about hell today. We are then lumped in with the Hell fire and brimstone preachers of the 1800’s and 1900’s. That is strange because Jesus talked more about hell than about heaven, to warn them and to tell them of His love to save them from such a terrible punishment. Our nature cries out, it is not fair! But

A. Hell is Hot! (v.8,9) – Some people make jokes about hell. Some people doubt the existence of Hell, but scriptures do not. Jesus talked more about hell than about heaven. He warns us against it. Where men and women who reject Christ will be held accountable to suffer for all of their sins for eternity. (Rom.1:18; Matt.25:30; Matt. 25:41; Matt. 25:46; Mark 9:43; Mark 9:48; Luke 16:22-24; Luke 16:28; Rev.14:9-11; Rev.19:3; Rev.20:10)

1. It is a place of eternal conscious punishment for the wicked. (Luke 16:22-24,28)

2. Where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. (Mark 9:48)

3. Created for fallen angels, who have no redemption. (Rev.20:10; Matt.25:41)

4. Where evil is unrestrained and continues. (Rev.22:11)

5. The existence of eternal Hell shows us the seriousness of sin and evil. It shows us that because of our sinful nature we do not see sin as God views it. It shows how serious sin is in God’s eyes, that it should result in such a terrible punishment.

6. It demonstrates the ultimate justice and power of a Holy God who triumphs over all opposition. (Rom.9:17, 22-24)

7. It reveals the depths of Mercy of God’s towards repentant sinners that recognize that by God’s grace they avoided such a horrible punishment. (Rom.9:23,24)

8. It provides us with a motivation to spread the Gospel as Jesus and the Apostles did.

Conclusion: Regardless of what the world says, Don’t doubt this - Hell exists. The Word says it so I believe it. That settles it.

A. Heaven is sweet (v.10) Rev.21; 22;

1. A Holy City (21:2)

2. No more death, mourning, crying or pain. (21:4)

3. We can drink from the fountain of the water of life without cost. (21:6)

4. It is a city which has the glory of God, it’s radiance like a rare jewel, like a diamond, as clear as crystal. (21:11)

5. It is an immense city, 1500 miles each side and 1500 miles high. (21:6)

6. It will be free from all evil, only those who are written in the Lambs book of life. (21:27)

7. We shall have positions to rule over the entire creation, for they shall reign forever and ever. (22:5)

8. More important than: All the physical beauty of the heavenly city; or fellowship that we will enjoy with all of God’s people from all nations throughout history; or freedom from pain, sorrow and physical suffering; or reigning over God’s kingdom; More important than all of these is being in the presence of God, enjoying unhindered fellowship with Him. (21:3,4).

9. We shall dwell continually in His presence with rejoicing. (Jude 1:24; Rom.3:23; 8:18; 9:23; I Cor.15:43; II Cor.3:18; 4:17; Col.3:4; I Thess. 2:12; Heb.2:10; I Peter 5:1; 5:4; 5:10)

10. When we look into the face of the Lord, He looks back at us with infinite love, we will see in Him everything that we know to be good and right and desirable in the universe. We will see the fulfillment of all the longing we have ever known; perfect love, peace, joy, to know truth and justice, holiness, wisdom, goodness, power, glory and beauty. (Ps. 16:11; Ps.27:4; Rev.4:8)

B. Judgment is certain – (v.8,9) Rev.20:11-15; II Cor.5:10; Acts 17:30,31; Matt.10:15; 11:22,24;12:36; 25:31-46; I Cor.4:5; Heb.6:2; II Pet.2:4; Jude 6

1. Jesus is the Judge. II Tim.4:1; John 5:26,27

2. Believers will also help judge.

a. The disciples will judge the 12 tribes of Israel. Matt. 19:28

b. The world and angels – I Cor. 6:2,3; II Peter 2:4; Jude 6

3. Unbelievers will be held accountable for the deeds done in our body. Matt.25:31-46

4. All of us will suffer judgement. Heb. 9:27

a. The unbeliever at the great white throne from the book of the lamb (Rev.20:11); at the end of the millennium.

b. The believer at the bema seat for reward (I Cor. 3:12-15; Rom.8:1)

5. It satisfies the need for justice and demonstrates the righteousness and justice of a Holy God. Col.3:25

6. It enables us to forgive others freely, knowing that justice will be served in the end. Rom.12:19.

7. It provides a motive for righteous living. Matt.6:20;

8. It provides a great motive for evangelism. II Peter 3:9

9. There will be degrees of punishment. Luke 12:47,48

10. Judgment will bring glory to God. Rev.19:1,2

C. Salvation is ONLY through Jesus Christ. Jn.14:6

1. Opposes the political correctness of the day, believing all men and women are basically good and will go to heaven. Are you going to believe this world or the word of God?

2. Salvation message is both repentance and faith. Mark 1:15

3. Salvation is given to the humble of heart. Luke 18:10-14

In Conclusion:

Jesus said, Matt. 28:18-20 – “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 [a]Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you [b]always, even to the end of the age.” (Go as you are going)