Hey, Can We Talk?

The Big Idea: God wants to use your voice to reach those close to you but far from Him

TEXT: MARK 1:1-8

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.  It began 2 just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
    and he will prepare your way.
3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
    Clear the road for him!’”

4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 5 All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

[01]   Jesus is God’s plan to save humanity

• GOSPEL (EUANGELION) = GOOD NEWS

• MESSIAH = ANOINTED ONE (Son of God)

• see Acts 4:12

[02]  God uses people to reach people

• see Mark 16:15

• “God’s plan for enlarging His kingdom is so simple—one person telling another about the Savior.” – Charles Stanley

• the kingdom isn’t about us, but it does take us

[03]   “turn to God—Jesus is coming soon”

• every person in our lives right now will someday stand before God to be judged

• MYTH— people go to heaven

• TRUTH— people go to heaven

• see Galatians 2:16 and Galatians 2:21

• reaching the lost involves your mouth, but begins in your
• see Matthew 9:36  Romans 9:1-3

• you don’t have to be a Christian to talk to others about Christ
• see John 4:39-40

• if you can’t get theological, then just be (invite)
• see Mark 2:14-15

• ask God to help you love people’s souls more than your
• see Acts 20:25-27

• “God’s plan for enlarging His kingdom is so simple—one person telling another about the Savior. Yet we’re busy and full of excuses. Just remember, someone’s eternal destiny is at stake. The joy you’ll have when you meet that person in heaven will far exceed any discomfort you felt in sharing the gospel.” – Charles Stanley