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Evangelism Begins with Prayer
Reference book: B.L.E.S.S. by Dave and Jon Ferguson
Prayer is not “all we can do” when it comes to evangelism. Prayer is the best thing we can do! It is like launching long-range missiles into enemy territory. —Ed Stetzer (Comeback Churches)
Big Idea: Prayer won’t always change the other person, but prayer can always change me.
I cannot change the world. You cannot change the world. Even prayer alone doesn’t change the world. Only God can change the world! However, God uses prayer to change us, and then God uses us to change our world. —Dave and John Ferguson (B.L.E.S.S.)
Big Question: In evangelism, how can prayer change me?
Main Scripture: Acts 10:1-11:18
In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. 3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. 4 Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! 5 Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.” —Acts 10:1-6
The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, 10 and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. —Acts 10:9-10
But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” 16 The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven. —Acts 10:15-16
Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. 20 Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.” —Acts 10:19-20
In evangelism, how can prayer change me?
1. Prayer can open my eyes.
Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.” —Acts 10:28-29
In evangelism, how can prayer change me?
1. Prayer can open my eyes.
2. Prayer can soften my heart.
Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. —Acts 10:34-36
And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. 43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” —Acts 10:42-43
But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said. —Acts 11:2-3
In evangelism, how can prayer change me?
1. Prayer can open my eyes.
2. Prayer can soften my heart.
3. Prayer can embolden our spirits.
Are we making anyone mutter about the lost people that are being reached in our churches? If so, rejoice! You are in good company! —Ed Stetzer (Comeback Churches)
❇︎ When will you pray?
❇︎ Who will you pray for?
❇ ︎Unreached of the Day app
❇︎ How will you get prepared?
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