Although I haven’t been able to sit in the class for the recent series on doctrine, I believe it has given a wonderful foundation for the series we will begin this coming Sunday on Evangelism.  Understanding the rich doctrines of the faith prepares us well to be able to proclaim them with joy and confidence!

It seems from some of the things which were said during the sermon this past Sunday that Pastor Whipple is aware of an upcoming series on Evangelism in the Builders class!  Remember, one of the points he made was:  Renewing your focus on the message of the cross calls you to get serious about coming judgment.  He then spoke very clearly and passionately about the sense of brokenness this type of renewal of focus would bring in our lives…producing a compassionate heart for lost people.  He then spoke (again clearly and passionately!) about the sobriety we as believers need because the end is near!  Therefore, we need to be both clear-minded and self-controlled which will lead us to prayer…for the lost around us and for the courage and boldness we, as God’s people need to proclaim the good news as we ought.

As I have the privilege to meet with you for the first time this coming Sunday, we will talk about Why We Don’t Evangelize ? (And How Can We Get Better At It!).

To prepare for Sunday, you can pray and ask the Lord to use this series of lessons to do what Mark Dever talks about in the introduction to his book, The Gospel and Personal Evangelism, “I pray that as you come to evangelize more, you will help your church to develop a culture of evangelism” (p. 17).  I won’t hide from you, this is one of my goals in the next several weeks: to continue to develop a culture of evangelism in the Builders class.

To further prepare, you can read over the following passages of Scripture:

• Ephesians 3:14-21
• Philippians 1:1-2:18
• 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
• 1 Peter 2:8-10

Looking forward to studying together with you on Sunday!