"The Great Commission/ Personal Evangelism,"

preached by Pastor James Lee of CrossLife Bible Church in Irvine, CA @ 11/06/13 to CCM Irvine.

This past Wednesday's Bible study was so edifying and simple that I decided to share it with you, o reader!

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THREE STEPS TO PERSONAL EVANGELISM FOUND IN THE GREAT COMMISSION
(Matt. 28: 18-20)

1. Die to yourself. Are you ready to die? Die to your pride, your fears, your self-absorption and preoccupation with looking "intelligent" (or, more biblically stated-- "wise") or cool. Are you afraid of rejection? Seriously? That fear of rejection demeans the gospel and the "ALL AUTHORITY" that Christ trumpets before giving this loving commandment to His church-- do you seriously doubt the POWER OF GOD, the gospel of Christ and Him crucified? Is the hand of God too short to save? God the Father presents God's "foolishness" and God's "weakness" (us and the gospel) to triumph over the "strong wisdom" opposing the Christian church. 

2. Love others. Is your heart that hardened? Do you demean the eternity God placed in the hearts of men, the existence of a life beyond the grave? Does the presence of God's terrible wrath NOT scare the hell out of you? Does the presence of God's terrifying love that condescends and longsuffers and prepares places in heaven for the redeemed NOT burn your heartstrings? This is a new way to be human--one which conforms to the Object of its desire, (the God-man), and thinks the thoughts He thinks and loves the things and beings He loves. Do you not realize that God's merciful withholding of judgment is arbitrary towards the ungodly, reserving wrath only because of His purpose? 

3. Live for God. Do you forget the purpose of creation, being for the glory of God? He is glorified through all creation because He's worthy-- the best thing deserves the place of honor. God's the best, and you are SAVED FOR A PURPOSE: to advance the kingdom of God, that the knowledge of God would cover the world like a flood. "Kiss the Son, lest He be angry" and "Blessed are all they who take refuge in Him." Have you forgotten the great riches of the wisdom of God? Have you strayed from the Lord who bought you at a great price? Live your life consonant to your Father's house-rules. 

HIMYM S9E8

Ted: It was breath-taking. And I wasted it. I mean, how many places have I ruined forever by being there with the wrong girl?

Lily: So come back with the right girl!

Ted: I don't know. I'm starting to think that a person gets a certain allotment of "lighthouses" per lifetime.... I've used all mine up. 

Narrator/Future Ted: And that, kids, is the kind of stupid thing you say before you've met the person who hits the reset button on the world. Who makes everything new again. Who makes it seem ridiculous you ever considered settling.
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Lots of Christians scoff at romantics who (like me!) go a bit overboard when they start isogeting Christ in everything. However, the principle taught here by Ted Mosby, the romantic of the TV sitcom How I Met Your Mother, holds true for the object of our spiritual worship and affections also.

Don't give up. Jesus makes all things new. Don't settle for less, worshiping idols or men in futile reasoning.