WEBVTT 00:04.520 --> 00:08.085 [SPEAKER_00]: Today we'll explore the concept of evangelism. 00:08.886 --> 00:12.831 [SPEAKER_00]: There are so many fears and misconceptions wrapped up in this topic. 00:13.472 --> 00:18.379 [SPEAKER_00]: And my hope today is that we'll simplify and get straight to the heart of the issue. 00:19.320 --> 00:25.869 [SPEAKER_00]: As we assess our hearts, maybe we remain soft and open to the commands and will of God for us. 00:26.911 --> 00:29.194 [SPEAKER_00]: Welcome to the first 15 podcast. 00:43.332 --> 00:44.011 [UNKNOWN]: Thank you. 00:59.870 --> 01:14.031 [SPEAKER_00]: Our Scripture for today comes from Mark chapter 16 verse 15, Scripture says, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 01:17.774 --> 01:32.641 [SPEAKER_00]: The idea of evangelism has always been terrifying to me, going up to someone and interrupting their day to tell them about Jesus, no matter how real and good I know him to be, has never been comfortable for me. 01:34.003 --> 01:39.613 [SPEAKER_00]: But you can't read Scripture and escape God's command to share the gospel. 01:39.593 --> 01:51.369 [SPEAKER_00]: You can't read through the New Testament and discount the reality that the disciples gave themselves entirely to the point of death that the world might come to know Jesus. 01:53.631 --> 01:58.418 [SPEAKER_00]: Versus like Mark 16, verses 15 and 16, couldn't be more clear. 01:59.619 --> 02:07.710 [SPEAKER_00]: Jesus commands us, go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 02:08.028 --> 02:19.081 [SPEAKER_00]: Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 02:19.102 --> 02:22.926 [SPEAKER_00]: Evangelism is meant to be a part of our normal lives. 02:23.847 --> 02:25.409 [SPEAKER_00]: It's not just for the few. 02:26.370 --> 02:30.135 [SPEAKER_00]: It's not just for pastors or the intensely extroverted. 02:30.175 --> 02:32.618 [SPEAKER_00]: It's for you and me. 02:33.762 --> 02:40.475 [SPEAKER_00]: when I assess my own heart, I discover that my fears related to evangelism are entirely selfish. 02:41.738 --> 02:50.255 [SPEAKER_00]: In fact, I don't know if I could do something more selfish than hold back the one hope for the world, just to protect my own image. 02:51.477 --> 02:55.365 [SPEAKER_00]: Jesus is clear in Mark 1616 that those 02:59.176 --> 03:10.930 [SPEAKER_00]: It's like I contain the cure for a deadly disease and rather than sacrificing my image to love them by sharing the one cure I just let them continue to suffer. 03:12.972 --> 03:20.080 [SPEAKER_00]: In pondering my own heart, I realize that the way to engage in evangelism isn't fixing myself. 03:20.561 --> 03:22.083 [SPEAKER_00]: It's getting over myself. 03:23.424 --> 03:28.390 [SPEAKER_00]: Is my image really so important that it's worth condemnation for another 03:29.669 --> 03:41.346 [SPEAKER_00]: are the opinions of others really so important to me that I would withhold from them eternal, abundant life, with a God who loves them relentlessly and perfectly. 03:43.469 --> 03:45.712 [SPEAKER_00]: I am made to share God's light. 03:47.134 --> 03:51.300 [SPEAKER_00]: I have been commissioned by my keen to go out and share His heart. 03:52.782 --> 03:56.447 [SPEAKER_00]: It's time that we obey God's command in Philippians 2-3. 03:57.328 --> 03:59.271 [SPEAKER_00]: Do nothing from selfish and 04:01.529 --> 04:05.693 [SPEAKER_00]: humility, count others more significant than yourselves. 04:08.615 --> 04:10.978 [SPEAKER_00]: Sure, people might think I'm weird. 04:11.958 --> 04:14.160 [SPEAKER_00]: Sure, it might be a little awkward. 04:15.201 --> 04:20.386 [SPEAKER_00]: But God is after the hearts of His creation, and He's called me to help. 04:22.168 --> 04:30.135 [SPEAKER_00]: May we be those who set aside our pride, seek humility, and love others whatever the cost. 04:31.448 --> 04:48.349 [SPEAKER_00]: May we be so bold as to set our eyes on heaven and sacrifice this life for the sake of eternity and may the world change around us as we humbly and courageously proclaim the goodness of our heavenly Father. 04:50.051 --> 04:56.038 [SPEAKER_00]: Open your heart as you enter guided prayer. 05:09.468 --> 05:35.847 [SPEAKER_00]: As we begin, meditate on God's call for you to engage in evangelism. 05:36.940 --> 05:43.635 [SPEAKER_00]: Second Corinthians 5, 20 says, Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ. 05:44.757 --> 05:47.603 [SPEAKER_00]: God making His appeal through us. 05:49.066 --> 05:54.358 [SPEAKER_00]: We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 06:35.075 --> 06:35.697 [SPEAKER_00]: and next. 06:36.739 --> 06:39.807 [SPEAKER_00]: What are your fears in regard to evangelism? 06:41.251 --> 06:47.447 [SPEAKER_00]: What holds you back from telling others about the good news of God's unconditional love? 07:27.607 --> 07:28.348 [SPEAKER_00]: and last. 07:29.370 --> 07:33.015 [SPEAKER_00]: Take time to humble yourself before God and others. 07:34.538 --> 07:37.943 [SPEAKER_00]: Ask him for grace to love others above yourself. 07:39.566 --> 07:44.333 [SPEAKER_00]: Set your eyes on him and open your heart to receive his affection. 07:57.256 --> 07:58.492 [UNKNOWN]: Thank you. 08:25.387 --> 08:35.080 [SPEAKER_00]: In Jesus' conclusion of the Great Commission, He tells His disciples, and behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 08:36.983 --> 08:40.728 [SPEAKER_00]: Our power for evangelism is that God is with us. 08:41.990 --> 08:43.732 [SPEAKER_00]: He doesn't send us out alone. 08:43.772 --> 08:52.204 [SPEAKER_00]: His love, power, and presence are fully available to us when we seek to share the gospel with others. 08:53.348 --> 08:58.555 [SPEAKER_00]: When you tell others about Jesus, don't speak of Him as if He's not with you. 08:58.595 --> 09:02.881 [SPEAKER_00]: Don't pray as if He doesn't move and work miracles. 09:04.203 --> 09:11.553 [SPEAKER_00]: Instead, share the reality of God's nearness with the world that needs to be touched by a revelation of His love. 09:12.895 --> 09:21.347 [SPEAKER_00]: May you be empowered to share the gospel with someone today that they might come to know the power and presence of God. 09:40.514 --> 09:43.198 [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much for listening to today's devotional. 09:43.238 --> 09:45.481 [SPEAKER_00]: I'm Josh Miller with verse 15. 09:46.262 --> 09:55.035 [SPEAKER_00]: As you go about your day today, think of one person you can share your story with that you don't believe has a real connected relationship with God. 09:55.776 --> 09:59.581 [SPEAKER_00]: Maybe it's a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or family member. 10:00.483 --> 10:07.753 [SPEAKER_00]: And as this episode finishes, pray that God gives you a path to that meaningful conversation today. 10:07.733 --> 10:13.466 [SPEAKER_00]: And if God has used this space in a meaningful way in your life, would you consider supporting this ministry? 10:14.208 --> 10:23.970 [SPEAKER_00]: We are reaching millions of people around the world through podcasts like this one, emails, our app, website, all because of generous donors. 10:23.950 --> 10:28.117 [SPEAKER_00]: If you already support first 15, thank you for making all of this possible. 10:28.698 --> 10:40.638 [SPEAKER_00]: And if you'd like to help with either a one-time gift or by becoming a first 15-monthly partner, head over to supportfirst15.org, that's supportfirst125.org. 10:41.420 --> 10:42.261 [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much. 10:42.862 --> 10:47.410 [SPEAKER_00]: Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you see Kim.