Do you attract or repel others when you tell them about Jesus?

In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson explores how our approach to evangelism can either attract or repel those we wish to reach. The discussion centers on a critical shift in understanding: moving from an approach rooted in judgment and justice to one that prioritizes mercy and grace. The message challenges the common mistake of presenting the Gospel with a heavy emphasis on judgment, which often leads to alienation rather than connection.

Drawing from John 12:32, we learn how Jesus promised to draw a people to Himself through His sacrifice. When we live out the Gospel with genuine grace and love, there's no need for forceful evangelism—people are naturally drawn to this authentic expression of Jesus. Examine Matthew 9:10-13, where Jesus associates with tax collectors and sinners, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing mercy over judgment. This approach aligns with our role as a search and rescue team rather than bounty hunters.

A key insight is that "mercy," as described in biblical terms, encompasses kindness, faithfulness, and loyalty. This understanding challenges the role of gatekeeping in the Kingdom of God. Mercy allows for belonging before transformation, urging us to avoid hypocrisy—living authentically rather than as a "stage-player."

The message also addresses the problem of hypocrisy, as illustrated in Matthew 15:7-9 and Romans 2:22-24. Hypocrisy, or living a double life, damages our witness and alienates those we aim to reach. Authenticity is crucial; if our actions don't match our words, it undermines our credibility.

The message concludes with a compelling vision: imagine a world where Christianity is synonymous with compassion. Picture your community or church as a "Kingdom Emergency Room," a place brimming with those who have found healing and love. Revelation 22:17 invites all who are thirsty to come and take the free gift of life, reinforcing the idea of evangelism as an act of invitation rather than imposition.

Listeners are encouraged to assess their own lives and practices: Are we drawing others to Jesus or pushing them away? The call to action is clear: engage in a "search and rescue mission" by praying for those who don't yet know Jesus and actively being a light in their lives. The goal of evangelism is not to be a savior but to introduce others to the true Savior.

Are you losing the lost? Listen to explore how genuine compassion and authenticity can transform your approach to sharing the Gospel.

If we're looking for the lost, what do we do once we have the lost's attention? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how, in light of shorter attention spans, we can make a long story short.

Luke 19:10 "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."

Romans 15:18-19 NIV "I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ."

Paul "fully proclaimed" the gospel three ways: word, deed, and power - through what He said, what he did, and what he displayed

If we want biblical results, we have to do things the biblical way.

Word

1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"

Colossians 4:5-6 "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

A Christian's speech should be full of grace, seasoned with salt. But too many times, our speech is full of salt, seasoned with grace.

The easiest way to share your faith is to share your story.

Deed

Service is doing something for someone else, at no benefit to yourself, that demonstrates God's heart toward them.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

A loving act of service is like a crow bar that pries open someone's heart and so they might receive the gospel.

Power

Demonstrating God's power is the most efficient way to preach the gospel.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 "And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God."

1 Corinthians 4:20 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."

Matthew 10:7-8 "Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!"

Whatever you have received from God, you have the right to give to someone else.

Are you sharing Jesus with the lost in word, deed and power?

Who are lost people? In this series, we're going to talk about who they are, how we are supposed to relate to them, and what we are supposed to be doing about them.

In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how we can look for the lost.

Luke 19:10 Jesus' goal is to seek, not separate from the lost. The lost aren't our enemies, they are the mission. The lost aren't our opponents, they are our objective. The lost aren't the problem, they are the point.

The Great Commission:

Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, (but they aren't Christians!) baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

As Christians, we don't fight against the lost, we fight for the lost.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells three parables about someone finding things that are lost:

Luke 15:1-10

Luke 15:22-24

All three of these stories show the Father's heart toward the lost: He is looking for them, running to them, and when they are found, through their repentance, He rejoices.

How do we look for the lost?

1. Looking for the lost requires that you leave your comfort zone.

They're probably not here. Looking for the lost requires that we take what's in here and export it out there.

Mark 1:16-18

A fisherman doesn't fish in his living room, he goes to a lake—because that's where the fish are. In the same way, the church building is not the primary place where we fish for the lost.

2. Looking for the lost requires that we live a life differently than the lost.

Jesus ate with sinners, not to condone their sinful lifestyle, but so they would no longer be sinners. Seek AND SAVE.

Romans 12:2

We are friends TO the world, but not friends WITH the world.

You cannot affect the world by being like the world. We are supposed to be looking for the lost, but we aren't supposed to be looking like the lost.

3. Looking for the lost requires that we see the inherent value in people.

Luke 15:28-32

4. Looking for the lost requires God's help.

You need a co-laborer to fulfill the great co-mission.

Matthew 28:20 "...And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

God is asking for you to partner with Him in finding the lost.

Evangelism not something you do by FOR God, its something you do WITH God.

Are you looking for the lost?

Homework: Ask the Lord to show you one person and commit to praying for them every day this week.