A Gospel for All People: Pray

Dr. Joseph Shimko, D.Min.

A Gospel for All People • Sermon • Submitted 6 years ago

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A Gospel for All People

ESV

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

PRAY

Sadly, for many churches we are like the guy who simply walked out in front of traffic and was clueless to the cars going through the intersection. He was in the crosswalk but it was no longer his time to walk. All the cars had to come to a screeching holt just to miss him. He didn’t even look up or acknowledge them. A simple thank you would’ve been nice. Yet, most churches today are doing ministry like this man. We have our heads down doing what we were taught and doing church within the parameters of our crosswalk that we say is what Scripture says. However, it doesn’t.

We’ve gotten stuck in the doing of church and forgotten the true meaning of what this is all Church thing is all about. God sent His son into this world to save it. That means you and mean and for all those who may never set foot inside a church building.

I will remind you of this thought later, but I want you to wrestle with it while I speak to you…The thought is, we have to be willing to change our perspective of church in order to communicate the Gospel to the many hurting and lost cultures who are living around us.

Culture what is it? Is it something to be smelled or touched. Can you see it. And then when you cross cultural what do you get? Is it just a racial or ethnic thing? Is it a merging of two different ideas and making them one? Or is it two distinct ideas who can appreciate where each other comes from and realizes they can influence each other. A definition could be simply stated, “relating to different cultures or comparison between them.”

I remember in college a J-term class on Cross Cultural studies and it was all about learning about different people groups and different lifestyles from other parts of the world. Even today, the appreciation for other cultures and countries is influencing our lives daily. But I ask you, are we influencing them? How are you doing?

I’m not here this morning to talk to you about other countries or the racial issues in the U.S. What I do want to share this morning about is the example the Apostle Paul was and how he challenged Timothy as he led the church which had been entrusted to him in Ephesus.

There was a cultural struggle taking place. This thriving port in the first century, situated on the only major east-west road system in the area. Nearly a century had passed since it had last been invaded. The Roman capital city of Asia Minor. The city was proud and prosperous, with a tremendous religious influence regarding the Greek god’s and goddess especially Artemis (Diana), the daughter of Zeus and twin sister of Apollo. This goddess of wild animals, wilderness, childbirth and virginity was the center of many religious practices. In fact, there were so many idol makers that felt their livelihoods threatened by the Christian faith they threatened Paul’s life as he was ministering there. There was even a large Jewish population residing in the area. It was a cultural epicenter of its day.

It was very similar to most cities in the U.S., but I think it relates well to the state of our society as a whole regarding diversity of faiths and perspectives.

You maybe asking yourself what J.J. really doing here this morning. I came to hear a sermon from Pastor Selby. Why is he sharing we have a culture problem in our lives? You may say to yourself, “It’s not my problem it’s theirs’!” Say to your neighbor besides you, “It’s your problem!”

We have multiple cultures sitting right before us today in our churches and living and driving by just outside these walls. Look around you. We have multiple-generations in our midst this morning from infants to those of an elderly age. From the Greatest Generation to Gen Z, we have a tech savvy culture to those of us who still prefer to have landlines for phones. Some who don’t dare let the carpet get stained or the walls get marked on. It will cost money to repair. Yet, we have many competing cultures just within the church who see life and ministry vastly differently:

· an unchurched culture (those who don’t really worship regularly and never really seen themselves as church-goers)

· de-churched culture (those who have been burned and abused by a church and the people in their past)

· traditional culture (those who prefer more expository verse by verse preaching, with organ music, and more of a solemn holy style of worship, with a visit from their pastor at least 3-4x/year)

· modern culture (which maybe a little louder, who like LED lighting and possibly smoke machines, with preaching that is geared toward life application, and where the ministry of the church isn’t done by one person but by many who have been trained and equipped by the leaders of the church to serve)

These are all different competing cultures in our presence today. I believe I’m here to help you prayerfully consider what is the best way to relate the Gospel of Jesus to these cultures and the next generation you will be entrusting the mission of the church to in the near future. They are listening and watching. I will give you a word of encouragement. They are hungering for more. They are desperate for your prayers and your faith stories of brokenness and doubts so that they will come to a greater understanding of the Gospel.

There is a reason Sears, Bon-Ton, Toys R Us, and Montgomery Ward are all out of busy or going out.

Maybe you heard of Blockbuster? Did you know at their peak in 2004, Blockbuster had 60,000 employees, 9,000 stores worldwide, and an annual revenue of $5.9 billion. At the time only 4% of households in America had broadband connection. Key fact. But that number sky rocketed to 68% by 2010. In other words, the game changed, and the name of the game was video streaming.

Blockbuster ultimately filed for bankruptcy, but it didn’t have to end that way. If only they hadn’t turned down the opportunity to buy the DVD mailing company called Netflix for $50 million in 2000. That might seem like a steep price but it represented only three days of revenue for Blockbuster. Netflix’s value in 2016 was $32.6 billion, exceeding the value of CBS.

Blockbuster missed an opportunity and they have plenty of company. Yahoo turned down the opportunity to acquire Google and Friendster turned down the opportunity to buy out Facebook.

Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church, in his book Chasing the Lion says, “all this in business speak is opportunity cost.” He goes on to say, “

“It’s the loss of potential gain when an opportunity isn’t seen or seized. But it’s the loss of forfeiture of possibilities; the collateral damage can be devastating. Counting the cost is a biblical principle, but doesn’t mean just the actual cost. That’s the easy part. The hard part is calculating the opportunity cost (Chase the Lion, 137-138).”

These companies were all unwilling to change or properly evaluate the opportunity cost with the culture they were serving. They blew it calculating the opportunity cost. Times are a changing and approaches to people and even organizations in the 21st culture is something the church is fighting against instead of studying and being open to new ways and approaches.

Whether you care to admit it or not, methods of ministry have changed significantly in the last 5-10 years. Are we willing to ask the tough questions of what it will take to draw people unlike ourselves into our worshipping communities? It is scary because it will cost each of you something. It’s going to take being a living example of a life all in for Jesus Christ as well as seeking in prayer as Paul challenges Timothy and his ministry to the people of Ephesus.

These are tough choices and it won’t make everyone happy. But who are you making the changes for, the loyal customers and committed members, or for those who do not know Christ? Is ministry being practiced like Jesus died for the unbeliever as well as yourself?

Does you know why Mountainview exists? Your website says we’re here to provide a foundation to our region.

How about the vision at Mountainview Community? To become a family where anyone can experience Freedom and Confidence through Jesus.

The mission? To provide environments where anyone can encounter Jesus. Are these things really happening?

Finally, how about your uncompromising core values?

FOLLOWING GOD - We follow Jesus daily, prayerfully depending on God, and living according to His scriptures

SPIRIT-LED MINISTRY - Each of us plays our part to accomplish God’s vision, joining God in what He is doing.

SHARING THE GRACE GOD HAS GIVEN US - We intentionally sacrifice for others.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE - We welcome anyone, no matter who they are or what they believe.

FORGIVENESS & RECONCILIATION - We do not gossip but we forgive, working through problems face-to-face.

ADVOCACY - We intentionally prioritize caring for the underprivileged.

MUTUAL SUBMISSION - We respectfully yield to the leaders God has given us, and we lead by being servants.

KINGDOM PARTNERSHIPS - We partner with other like-minded churches and organizations.

LEADERSHIP - We multiply disciples, leaders, groups, & churches and teach them to do the same.

HONORING GOD - We aim to do everything with excellence.

To reach people unlike you (unbelievers) you have to do things that will not be easy for you. We are reminded by Paul’s challenge who the Gospel is for…All People.

Scripture is full of clashes of cultures. I can think of several…

· Joseph, the Dreamer, with his brothers.

· David, the Shepherd Boy, with his brothers and the Israelite Army.

· Jonah, the Evangelist, with the Ninevites.

· Jeremiah, the Prophet, with the nation of Judah.

· Shadrach, Mishach, and Abindego, the Defiant Ones, with Nebechadnezzar

· Jesus, the Messiah, with the Pharisees, Samaritan woman, the woman caught in adultery, and the thief on the cross.

· Peter and Paul, the great Apostles or sent ones, with the Gentiles.

I’m sure you could probably think of a few more. In these instances and more we can be certain of a few things…

1. Jesus came for the lost.

ESV

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

- For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

, We all are like sheep going his own way.”

Jesus continually challenged His Disciples even up to the end to love (agape, sacrificial love) ‌his sheep.

ESV

2. We all were SINNERS.

Don’t lose perspective of where you came from.

ESV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

3. God sacrificed His only Son for us.

Be encouraged and rejoice because of what has been done for us. Though we didn’t deserve His love, He loved us anyway. We didn’t deserve His forgiveness, yet He forgave us anyway.

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ESV

4. We all have a CHOICE.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ESV

5. This salvation isn’t just for ME.

ESV

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

“Paul urged Timothy to lead the Ephesians to pray for all people, particularly those in positions of leadership. These prayers would help believers to live in godliness and commitment and would also help unbelievers come to know the God who delights in the salvation of the lost (The New Testament: Its Background and Message, 2nd edition Prayer for All People (2:1–7))”

6. Our GOALS must change.

ESV

This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

a) Are we willing to pay the price?

b) Have you made it?

Some are living as if they know all there is to know and experience of God.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ. ESV

c) Are you really doing your part to press on toward the goal?

Remember when you take a stand for Jesus even the Pharisees won’t like it. They of all people should know the truth. However, they will grow impatient and deny the truth that is right in front of them. They won’t listen to those who know and are experiencing transformation in their midst. The Pharisees’ perspective is warped by their own wants and desires.

ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant.

Jesus spent time with people not only listening to them but demonstrating how much he loved them and cared about them.

I wonder how many here have been critical of the new goals at work in the ministry of Mountainview. Have you been supportive and prayerfully involved for the Lord to show you what He is doing and He cares?

Have you surrendered your wants for the cause of Christ set before you in this community? Are the communities surrounding Mountainview here for this church or Mountainview is here because God placed it and you here to serve, love, and sacrifice for the community.

You know the needs in this community better than me. Ministry has changed so much in the last 10 years. People are desperate to see the church not only in action but also providing places where evidence of attitudes have changed. Are we providing places for spiritual conversations to be fostered and questions without you knowing the answers are allowed to be asked?

BIG IDEA

So again, I want to remind all of us…we have to be willing to change our perspective of church in order to communicate the Gospel to the many hurting and lost cultures who are living around us. Do you notice them? I want each of us to pray for God to reveal what sacrifices we must make individually as well as corporately regarding our attitudes, methods, and goals of what God has called this church to be in this area.

SO WHAT?

So what will it take for you Mountainview Community Church to reach its full potential in communicating and displaying the Gospel to all people?

1. Pray for all people - Every morning and evening Jesus spent time with the Father. Spend more time praying for the lost than the healing of those who trust in the name of the Lord already!

2. Go to all people - Must spend time with those not like yourself (learn to love the sinner). Get out of your comfort zones.

3. Invite all people - Jesus gave people an opportunity to respond to His Father’s love. If you love me, my Father will love me and I will reveal myself to you. Lifeway research says 70-80% of people will respond to an invitation to go to church if invited.

4. Instruct all people - Provide a loving and modern environment to discuss and learn how scripture applies to their everyday lives. Are you expecting guests? If so, prepare yourselves and the facility. Are you really thinking of others in regards to providing a place that unbelievers can hear and experience the Gospel of Jesus Christ or is it only with you those already here in mind?

WARNING: This is going to require a sacrifice on each of our parts. A sacrifice will be required in order for the next generation of believers to come to know the Lord and receive the Good News that the Holy Spirit has been already at work sharing with them. It won’t be easy. In fact it may cost some of you your lives, will maybe not that extreme, but

· give up your seat in the sanctuary

· give up your parking space

· give some extra time of preparation before worship

· give up knowing everyone who comes to worship

· allow newer songs to be sung

· trust the leadership (support and encourage)

Honestly, it will be so worth it one day when those who we have been praying for to experience the grace of God, and repent of their sins, and accept His forgiveness He freely gives in response, and experience the power over sin and death in this life. No longer will the consequences of sin hold them back from the abundant life God created each of us for.

Say to your neighbor, “I’m going to do whatever it takes to share the Gospel with all people!”

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