Pastor Phil Burdoin
June 26, 2022This morning we are going to wrap our series that we called The “E” word. And of course the “E” stands for evangelism. We really don’t ever get excited when we hear that word. We picture uncomfortable conversations with people and we anticipate rejection or ridicule. Last week Pastor Bill, despite being sick, did a great job at explaining that really the best kind of evangelism is done through sharing our story. When it comes to Jesus simply tell what happened and what you know. It’s true. That’s it. It can really be that simple. Just share your story.
But even when it’s that simple I think there is still one thing that stops us from doing that. Fear. Fear of rejection and fear of ridicule. But what would you choose if you knew you couldn’t lose. What if you had the confidence to face that fear of being rejected or ridiculed because you knew it wasn’t yours to lose
Scripture for this morning:
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
John 4:31-38
The disciples were focused in the wrong place.
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”
John 4:31-33
Focus on people not projects
The disciples were focused on going into town to get lunch. That was their project, and they missed what was happening.
Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.
John 4:35
This was a sentiment of procrastination in Jesus’ time. Today it would sound something like this “hey, we’ve got another four months before we have to worry about that.” But Jesus pushed against this. He said you have this saying “the harvest isn’t here yet. But I tell you the harvest is here. Now is the time to share your story. Today, not tomorrow.
The harvest is ready nowJesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 9:35-38
You are not aloneEven now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
John 4:36-38
Bottom Line: What would you choose if you knew you couldn’t lose?Know your storyBut 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.
1 Peter 3:15
Pray for God to open your eyes
