The Biblical Mandate for Evangelizing in light of
HUMANKIND’S PURPOSE, CONDITION AND DESTINY
I. THE PURPOSE GOD HAS WITH HUMANKIND
A. Reflect God’s image.
~ Gen. 1:26-27; Rom. 8:29, Eph.
4:13; Col. 1:28; 1 John 3:2.
B. Live in peaceful fellowship.
~ Followship with
- God (Gen. 1:26, 27)
- Man/woman (Gen.
2:21-24)
- The rest of creation. (Gen. 1:28-30; 2:15,19-20; Eph. 1:10; Col.
1:20; Is. 11:6-9).
C. Glorify God.
~ Eph. 1:6,12,14; Rev 4;
5:11-14.
II. HUMANKIND’S TERRIBLE CONDITION AFTER THE FALL
A. Humankind suffers under the
power of Satan.
What kind of power
is it?
1) It’s a spiritual power, stronger
than the power of flesh (Eph. 6:10-12).
2) It’s a power that makes blind (2
Cor. 4:4; 1 John 2:11).
3) It’s a power that deceives and
leads astray (2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rev 13:14; 19:20).
4) It’s a power that traps and
takes captive (2 Tim 2:25-26).
5) It’s a power that kills and
destroys (John 10:10).
B. Humankind suffers under the
consequences of sin.
1) The distorted image of God leads
to painful death.
Something very powerful destructive forces
operate within man causing him to feel deep anxieties, unnamed fears,
irrational terrors, jealousies, depressions, inferiority complex, emotional
insecurity. When the person cannot handle these traumas there is an explosion
of temper or wild fear or anger or even violence.
For
example: AIDS. God only made man and woman into his image (not
animals), and intended that only they have sexual relationship among themselves
within marriage. Man/woman disobeyed and lives today with the consequences of
sin.
2) The broken fellowship leads to
physical and eternal death.
- Broken relationship with creation: Man was made
as the crown of God’s creation, and told to manage the earth but his recent
history has show signs of terrible mismanagement of the natural resources of
the earth. In the name of “progress”, “civilization” and “industrialization” he
has disregarded the environment, polluted the air and the waters, denuded the
forests resulting in destruction of fish, birds and wild life... etc.
- Broken relationship with human beings leads to:
- Envy, strife and death among family members: Cain
& Abel (Gen 4); Esau & Jacob (Gen 27); David & Bathesheba (2 Sam
11-12); Amnon &Tamar (2 Sam 13)
- Injustice, corruption and oppression within
society: Ahab & Naboth (1 Kings 21); (Amos 2:6-7, 4:1, 5:7-24); the early
Christians (James 2:1-9; 5:1-6).
- Broken relationship with God leads to
self-destruction and eternal death (Rom 1:26-32; 3:23; 6:23). Although,
man/woman lives, he/she already is dead (Eph. 2:1-3).
3) The disregard of God’s glory leads to
darkened hearts (Rom 1:18-25). Sin wins total power over man/woman.
MAN IS LIKE A CRACKED MIRROR
Why should I preach the Gospel? The simple answer
is becaue people need Jesus Christ more than they realize.
III. HUMANKIND’S ETERNAL DESTINY
A. Man/woman
has only one lifetime.
1) Man/woman dies only once (Heb 9:27).
2) Man/woman has no opportunity to go back to
life (Luke 16:19-31).
B. Humankind’s
existence does not end with death. -
1) After death there is judgment (Matt. 25; Heb
9:27; Rev. 20:11-15).
2) After judgment there is an eternal destiny:
- Eternal condemnation (Matt 25:41-43,46; Rev
21:8).
- Eternal salvation (Matt 25:44-46; Rev. 21-22).
C. Humankind’s
eternal destiny is decided during lifetime. (John 3:16, 36;1 John 5:12). 1)
Believing in Christ gives eternal life already during life on earth.
2) Not believing in Christ determines
condemnation already during life on earth.
CONCLUSION
Does
your life reflect God’s image, a peaceful fellowship with God, humankind and
creation? Does it glorify God? Remember: your life speaks louder than your
words when you evangelize!
May
God grant us eyes that see and hear beyond the physical realities