Being the Church in our Generation Evangelistic

Being the
Church in our Generation – “Evangelistic”

                                                     Acts 2:1-4, 36-42    

The local church is meant to be....

I.       An assembly of regenerate disciples

Titus 3:5 - He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration…

~The local church is an assembly for truly “regenerate individuals” who are being “equipped”
to be “sent” out as reproducers & anyone that God is truly drawing to Himself.  The church is not for the purpose of “attracting or retaining unbelievers”.

II.   Joyfully tenacious in evangelism

Acts 2:36-47      

1. The early church knew that God’s sovereignty in salvation & our human responsibility are both
true & that these truths “compel” us to share the Gospel.

A. God’s sovereignty:

John 6:37 - (Jesus said) "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” 

John 10:16  - (Jesus said ) "I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; 

I must bring them also, & they will hear My voice; & they will become one flock with one
shepherd.”                 

Mark 13:20 - Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.”   

Romans 9:11, 13-16 - For though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good
or bad, so that God's purpose according to His choice would stand, not
because of works but because of Him who calls…

Just as it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."  

• (“Loved”- agapao-chose to love, take pleasure in)
• (“Hated” -Miseo-disfavored, set against, passed over)  

“…There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

So then it does not depend on the man who “wills” or the man who “runs”, but on God who has mercy.   

• (“Wills” - Thelo-  desires, decides or chooses)
• (“Runs” -Trecho – strive or make effort)

B. Human Responsibility:

2 Thessalonians 3:1 - Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread
rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you 

John 8:24 – (Jesus said) "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

2. Summary - God’s sovereignty & our human responsibility are an “ANTINOMY” in our minds yet clearly taught in Scripture. If we go to heaven it is because of God's grace & if we do not it is our sin & our refusal to believe.

Matthew 22:1-14          Page#983

3.  Why should God’s regenerate people, pray, preach, suffer, sacrifice &
live godly lives in order to see others trust in Jesus Christ?

a.   Commanded

Mt. 28:19-20 - "Go therefore & make disciples of all the nations…”

b.  Instrument in His hands

Acts 9:15 -The Lord said, he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name…

c. Blessed

John 13:17 - "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”  

Acts 4:14-22, 29, 10:43