Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction - Breathe Illustration

People often try to keep the Gospel a Secret.

Motivations for being secretive

Contrast between Paul and the Other Leaders.

Paul was - Poor/Tentmaker, Suffering/Prison, Unimpressive Speaker.

Other Leaders - “Well off!”, “Successful”

To Make a Buck

To not Offend - (ie. to gather more people)

To feel privilaged.

Why might we be secretive?

The Popularity of making your voice heard on facebook.

We are swayed by what people might think of us.

We look at Paul, and we don’t want to be Poor, Suffering, Unimpressive.

People may ridicule us.

We do not want to offend anyone.

Paul has a different approach

The Gospel is meant to be spoken openly.

Paul’s Way of Life - of service and suffering is Jesus’ life and authentically represents the crucified & Risen Jesus.

What this Doesn’t Mean....

Skit Guys - The Skinny On Evangelism

Trying to navigate the Church without the lights on - Mike use your cell phone.

Because the Gospel is the best news ever.

One Begger telling another Begger where there is food.

Is Christianity Arrogant?

- We are Slaves.

We do not proclaim ourselves - We proclaim Jesus.

- It is not from our smarts.

Because the Gospel has changed our lives.

The Gospel itself calls for Honesty.

It is offered to everyone - Preach to every creature - Vs.

15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

So we all have some fears of sharing the Gospel.

Facing our fears of sharing the truth.

“Paul’s Point is not to be impressive, but to point people to the one who is, Jesus.” - Paul and the Apostle’s are slaves to Jesus.

It does take courage - That is how you know the Holy Spirit is breathing through you

You do not have to be impressive.

You do have to know everything - Tell what you know, research what you do not know.

If the reject it, remember they are not rejecting you, and you do not have to reject them with your love.

- There is a stronghold that is blinding them, holding them back.

Love them all the more.

And we do not need to use gimmicks.

Conclusion:

Who are you Willing to Share the Gospel Honestly and Openly With?

Maybe it is open and honest to invite them to Church.

- Big Day.

Reference the Reformed Confessions: The Reformed Confessions are statements of faith written to clarify the Gospel at times when the Church was in crisis.

Heidelberg Chatechism: Q&A 22,65, 66, 67 Belgic Confession: Articles 29 Canons of Dort: Head I, Articles 3-5; Head II, Article 5; Head III and IV, Article 6-9, 17; Head V, Article 14