How to Preach Evangelistically (with Garrett Kell) [The Everyday Pastor - Ep. 48]

If you're ready to go deeper in If you're ready to go deeper in theology, Southern Seminary's PhD theology, Southern Seminary's PhD theology, Southern Seminary's PhD programs were built for you with programs were built for you with programs were built for you with flexible formats from fully online to flexible formats from fully online to flexible formats from fully online to modular to in-person. Southern makes modular to in-person. Southern makes modular to in-person. Southern makes serious doctoral-level theological serious doctoral-level theological serious doctoral-level theological training accessible to the pastor called training accessible to the pastor called training accessible to the pastor called to bring the depth of God's word to to bring the depth of God's word to to bring the depth of God's word to God's people. Study with faculty God's people. Study with faculty God's people. Study with faculty committed to strengthening the church committed to strengthening the church committed to strengthening the church and bring that depth back to the people and bring that depth back to the people and bring that depth back to the people you lead. Visit sbts.edu/phd God seems to delight in answering God seems to delight in answering prayers that are oriented around lost prayers that are oriented around lost prayers that are oriented around lost people coming to know him. He loves people coming to know him. He loves people coming to know him. He loves saving sinners. I mean, look who's at saving sinners. I mean, look who's at saving sinners. I mean, look who's at the table, right? Like this is what he the table, right? Like this is what he the table, right? Like this is what he does. And I think [music] the more we does. And I think [music] the more we does. And I think [music] the more we can lean into that and trust him for can lean into that and trust him for can lean into that and trust him for that, that, that, it's it's a joy to watch him work. it's it's a joy to watch him work. it's it's a joy to watch him work. >> [music] >> Welcome back, friends, to the Everyday >> Welcome back, friends, to the Everyday Pastor, [music] a podcast from the Pastor, [music] a podcast from the Pastor, [music] a podcast from the Gospel Coalition on the nuts and bolts Gospel Coalition on the nuts and bolts Gospel Coalition on the nuts and bolts of ministry. I'm Matt Smethurst. [music] of ministry. I'm Matt Smethurst. [music] of ministry. I'm Matt Smethurst. [music] And I'm Ligon Duncan. And we're joined And I'm Ligon Duncan. And we're joined And I'm Ligon Duncan. And we're joined again by our friend Garrett Kell. He's again by our friend Garrett Kell. He's again by our friend Garrett Kell. He's the pastor, one of the pastors at Del the pastor, one of the pastors at Del the pastor, one of the pastors at Del Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria, Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria, Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He's written helpful books. He Virginia. He's written helpful books. He Virginia. He's written helpful books. He hosts a podcast called Counseling Talk.

hosts a podcast called Counseling Talk. hosts a podcast called Counseling Talk. And we're going to be thinking together And we're going to be thinking together And we're going to be thinking together about the topic of evangelistic about the topic of evangelistic about the topic of evangelistic preaching, preaching to lost people preaching, preaching to lost people preaching, preaching to lost people among us, those who know they're lost among us, those who know they're lost among us, those who know they're lost and also those who don't yet know what and also those who don't yet know what and also those who don't yet know what they're lost. Um but let's start with they're lost. Um but let's start with they're lost. Um but let's start with just acknowledging the fact that Sunday just acknowledging the fact that Sunday just acknowledging the fact that Sunday mornings are not meant to be an mornings are not meant to be an mornings are not meant to be an evangelistic pep rally. Who are Sunday evangelistic pep rally. Who are Sunday evangelistic pep rally. Who are Sunday mornings primarily for? God. mornings primarily for? God. mornings primarily for? God. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Yeah. The primary I think Michael >> Yeah. The primary I think Michael >> Yeah. The primary I think Michael Lawrence said that in one of our Lawrence said that in one of our Lawrence said that in one of our episodes. The primary audience on Sunday episodes. The primary audience on Sunday episodes. The primary audience on Sunday mornings is actually not unbelievers or mornings is actually not unbelievers or mornings is actually not unbelievers or believers. It's God. believers. It's God. believers. It's God. >> And Paul in a very evangelistic setting >> And Paul in a very evangelistic setting >> And Paul in a very evangelistic setting in 1 Corinthians, you know, if you're in 1 Corinthians, you know, if you're in 1 Corinthians, you know, if you're looking at 10 to 12 in 1 Corinthians, looking at 10 to 12 in 1 Corinthians, looking at 10 to 12 in 1 Corinthians, he's he's dressed He's clearly got he's he's dressed He's clearly got he's he's dressed He's clearly got edification on his mind as one of the edification on his mind as one of the edification on his mind as one of the top things. So, as a minister, yeah, we top things. So, as a minister, yeah, we top things. So, as a minister, yeah, we want to point everybody's focus on God. want to point everybody's focus on God. want to point everybody's focus on God. We want them to be seeking a We want them to be seeking a We want them to be seeking a word-mediated encounter with a living word-mediated encounter with a living word-mediated encounter with a living God. And then we want to make sure that God. And then we want to make sure that God. And then we want to make sure that we're delivering his word so that they we're delivering his word so that they we're delivering his word so that they can have that word-mediated encounter.

can have that word-mediated encounter. can have that word-mediated encounter. But we're looking to edify his people. But we're looking to edify his people. But we're looking to edify his people. But we're never ever to forget they're But we're never ever to forget they're But we're never ever to forget they're going to be unbelievers under our noses going to be unbelievers under our noses going to be unbelievers under our noses all the time. And I'm I'm prone to all the time. And I'm I'm prone to all the time. And I'm I'm prone to forget that. So, I've been helped by forget that. So, I've been helped by forget that. So, I've been helped by brothers like Mark Dever or Tim Keller brothers like Mark Dever or Tim Keller brothers like Mark Dever or Tim Keller who's have just always said to me, who's have just always said to me, who's have just always said to me, "Ligon, don't forget you've got "Ligon, don't forget you've got "Ligon, don't forget you've got unbelievers under your nose. And you've unbelievers under your nose. And you've unbelievers under your nose. And you've got to bring to bear the word on this." got to bring to bear the word on this." got to bring to bear the word on this." >> And Paul seems to assume it in 1 >> And Paul seems to assume it in 1 >> And Paul seems to assume it in 1 Corinthians 14. Corinthians 14. Corinthians 14. >> And and it's interesting to me, he still >> And and it's interesting to me, he still >> And and it's interesting to me, he still calls them outsiders. So, it's not like calls them outsiders. So, it's not like calls them outsiders. So, it's not like he's trying to remove the distinction he's trying to remove the distinction he's trying to remove the distinction between the church and the world and between the church and the world and between the church and the world and saying, you know, you can you can belong saying, you know, you can you can belong saying, you know, you can you can belong before you believe. No, they're before you believe. No, they're before you believe. No, they're outsiders, but they're there. And preach outsiders, but they're there. And preach outsiders, but they're there. And preach as if they are. as if they are. as if they are. >> Sure. Yeah. Yeah, so glorification and >> Sure. Yeah. Yeah, so glorification and >> Sure. Yeah. Yeah, so glorification and edification, that's the point of of our edification, that's the point of of our edification, that's the point of of our gathering. But like you said, gathering. But like you said, gathering. But like you said, I'm assuming and hoping there's I'm assuming and hoping there's I'm assuming and hoping there's non-believers there. Right? So, one of non-believers there. Right? So, one of non-believers there. Right? So, one of the things that's happening on Sunday the things that's happening on Sunday the things that's happening on Sunday mornings while we're preaching is we are mornings while we're preaching is we are mornings while we're preaching is we are hoping that hoping that hoping that all that our members have been inviting all that our members have been inviting all that our members have been inviting non-believing friends. So, I think one non-believing friends. So, I think one non-believing friends. So, I think one of the things, you know, that that's of the things, you know, that that's of the things, you know, that that's important in this conversation is important in this conversation is important in this conversation is is is preach for the for your your is is preach for the for your your is is preach for the for your your members so that they can feel encouraged members so that they can feel encouraged members so that they can feel encouraged to bring non-believers. Like you want to bring non-believers. Like you want to bring non-believers. Like you want them hearing every Sunday, "Oh, I wish them hearing every Sunday, "Oh, I wish them hearing every Sunday, "Oh, I wish [clears throat] I wish Bob was here. I [clears throat] I wish Bob was here. I [clears throat] I wish Bob was here. I wish wish wish because I this is what I've been trying because I this is what I've been trying because I this is what I've been trying to tell them about the Lord." So, if you to tell them about the Lord." So, if you to tell them about the Lord." So, if you preach in that way, it will it will preach in that way, it will it will preach in that way, it will it will encourage people to bring lost people.

encourage people to bring lost people. encourage people to bring lost people. It will It will It will it will equip them. So, we should be it will equip them. So, we should be it will equip them. So, we should be preaching in such a way that when I'm preaching in such a way that when I'm preaching in such a way that when I'm talking so during a sermon, I'll I'll talking so during a sermon, I'll I'll talking so during a sermon, I'll I'll I'll say, "If you're here and you don't I'll say, "If you're here and you don't I'll say, "If you're here and you don't know Jesus yet, first of all, we're know Jesus yet, first of all, we're know Jesus yet, first of all, we're really thankful that you're here. really thankful that you're here. really thankful that you're here. >> Mhm. Uh once you know everybody in this >> Mhm. Uh once you know everybody in this >> Mhm. Uh once you know everybody in this room started that way. Nobody's born a room started that way. Nobody's born a room started that way. Nobody's born a Christian. That's why Jesus says you Christian. That's why Jesus says you Christian. That's why Jesus says you have to be born again. So, we think have to be born again. So, we think have to be born again. So, we think God's doing something in your life. But God's doing something in your life. But God's doing something in your life. But if you're here today, I want you to hear if you're here today, I want you to hear if you're here today, I want you to hear this or think about this or here's a this or think about this or here's a this or think about this or here's a question that you might want to wrestle question that you might want to wrestle question that you might want to wrestle with or if somebody brought you, talk to with or if somebody brought you, talk to with or if somebody brought you, talk to them about this." So, I'll talk to them them about this." So, I'll talk to them them about this." So, I'll talk to them and that does so many things. It makes and that does so many things. It makes and that does so many things. It makes them feel welcome and seen. them feel welcome and seen. them feel welcome and seen. >> You're honoring them by by saying you're >> You're honoring them by by saying you're >> You're honoring them by by saying you're important enough for me to pay attention important enough for me to pay attention important enough for me to pay attention to. Yeah. And I'm also training the to. Yeah. And I'm also training the to. Yeah. And I'm also training the church of how this is how you talk to an church of how this is how you talk to an church of how this is how you talk to an unbeliever. unbeliever. unbeliever. You know, cuz so it's those things are You know, cuz so it's those things are You know, cuz so it's those things are all happening in those moments. And I all happening in those moments. And I all happening in those moments. And I think that's part of our responsibility think that's part of our responsibility think that's part of our responsibility as gospel preachers. as gospel preachers. as gospel preachers. >> Yeah, so it's a false dichotomy that >> Yeah, so it's a false dichotomy that >> Yeah, so it's a false dichotomy that we're we're only edifying or only we're we're only edifying or only we're we're only edifying or only evangelizing. You know, we we edify as evangelizing. You know, we we edify as evangelizing. You know, we we edify as we evangelize, we evangelize as we we evangelize, we evangelize as we we evangelize, we evangelize as we edify. edify. edify. Or as I've thought about it, you know, Or as I've thought about it, you know, Or as I've thought about it, you know, yes, we gather for worship and scatter yes, we gather for worship and scatter yes, we gather for worship and scatter for witness. But the worship is witness for witness. But the worship is witness for witness. But the worship is witness and the witness is worship.

and the witness is worship. and the witness is worship. And so, when we think about evangelistic And so, when we think about evangelistic And so, when we think about evangelistic preaching, preaching with a view to lost preaching, preaching with a view to lost preaching, preaching with a view to lost folks, Garrett, I love what you've folks, Garrett, I love what you've folks, Garrett, I love what you've already said. What are some other already said. What are some other already said. What are some other things you're thinking about in the things you're thinking about in the things you're thinking about in the process of sermon preparation process of sermon preparation process of sermon preparation that help you in this regard? I think that help you in this regard? I think that help you in this regard? I think the most important thing is that you as the most important thing is that you as the most important thing is that you as a pastor develop an evangelistic a pastor develop an evangelistic a pastor develop an evangelistic lifestyle. lifestyle. lifestyle. You can tell when somebody loves lost You can tell when somebody loves lost You can tell when somebody loves lost people. Mhm. And when they're they know people. Mhm. And when they're they know people. Mhm. And when they're they know they should love lost people and they're they should love lost people and they're they should love lost people and they're trying. You know, I think there's a trying. You know, I think there's a trying. You know, I think there's a there's just a there's a difference. there's just a there's a difference. there's just a there's a difference. So, one of the biggest things I want to So, one of the biggest things I want to So, one of the biggest things I want to encourage pastors to do is to to not encourage pastors to do is to to not encourage pastors to do is to to not forget that you should be prayerfully forget that you should be prayerfully forget that you should be prayerfully seeking opportunities to engage with seeking opportunities to engage with seeking opportunities to engage with lost people. So, there's there's prayers lost people. So, there's there's prayers lost people. So, there's there's prayers there's prayers that I I pray regularly there's prayers that I I pray regularly there's prayers that I I pray regularly and I share this with the congregation. and I share this with the congregation. and I share this with the congregation. I tell them to pray the same sorts of I tell them to pray the same sorts of I tell them to pray the same sorts of things. Lord, things. Lord, things. Lord, give us give us eyes to see lost people give us give us eyes to see lost people give us give us eyes to see lost people like you do. Help us to see that the like you do. Help us to see that the like you do. Help us to see that the people we're around are spending an people we're around are spending an people we're around are spending an eternity either with Christ or apart eternity either with Christ or apart eternity either with Christ or apart from him in hell. Show me that. We don't from him in hell. Show me that. We don't from him in hell. Show me that. We don't think naturally We don't we think think naturally We don't we think think naturally We don't we think naturally, not supernaturally. Give us naturally, not supernaturally. Give us naturally, not supernaturally. Give us open our eyes. Secondly, open doors.

open our eyes. Secondly, open doors. open our eyes. Secondly, open doors. This by the way is one of It seems to be This by the way is one of It seems to be This by the way is one of It seems to be like the Lord's favorite prayer request like the Lord's favorite prayer request like the Lord's favorite prayer request to to answer is Lord, would you open to to answer is Lord, would you open to to answer is Lord, would you open doors for the gospel this week? Do it doors for the gospel this week? Do it doors for the gospel this week? Do it for me. Do it for us. for me. Do it for us. for me. Do it for us. >> Mhm. And I mean, I remember I did that a >> Mhm. And I mean, I remember I did that a >> Mhm. And I mean, I remember I did that a a few few months ago and sure enough I a few few months ago and sure enough I a few few months ago and sure enough I got a flat tire got a flat tire got a flat tire and and the person who stopped by to and and the person who stopped by to and and the person who stopped by to help me was a Muslim gentleman who had help me was a Muslim gentleman who had help me was a Muslim gentleman who had been around some other Christians and been around some other Christians and been around some other Christians and started reading the Bible and he had started reading the Bible and he had started reading the Bible and he had some questions. And I was just like, some questions. And I was just like, some questions. And I was just like, "Well, isn't it just like the Lord to "Well, isn't it just like the Lord to "Well, isn't it just like the Lord to answer you know, Flat tire, Garrett. You answer you know, Flat tire, Garrett. You answer you know, Flat tire, Garrett. You got it. got it. got it. >> Praise the Lord. So, open doors however >> Praise the Lord. So, open doors however >> Praise the Lord. So, open doors however you want to do that, Lord. Um Thirdly, you want to do that, Lord. Um Thirdly, you want to do that, Lord. Um Thirdly, open my mouth. Give me courage. So, if I open my mouth. Give me courage. So, if I open my mouth. Give me courage. So, if I see him rightly, I'm going to have see him rightly, I'm going to have see him rightly, I'm going to have compassion, but I need courage cuz I'm compassion, but I need courage cuz I'm compassion, but I need courage cuz I'm I'm a fearful coward, right? But God I'm a fearful coward, right? But God I'm a fearful coward, right? But God help me to have courage to speak and help me to have courage to speak and help me to have courage to speak and then open hearts. Lord, would you save then open hearts. Lord, would you save then open hearts. Lord, would you save people? Like we want to see lost people people? Like we want to see lost people people? Like we want to see lost people come to know the Lord. And so, our come to know the Lord. And so, our come to know the Lord. And so, our church, we have a a week of prayer and church, we have a a week of prayer and church, we have a a week of prayer and fasting twice a twice a year and those fasting twice a twice a year and those fasting twice a twice a year and those are some things that we tell people to are some things that we tell people to are some things that we tell people to be praying. Pray those things for be praying. Pray those things for be praying. Pray those things for yourselves, for our church. God, do yourselves, for our church. God, do yourselves, for our church. God, do this.

this. this. It it begins to create a culture of It it begins to create a culture of It it begins to create a culture of evangelism in the church. Cuz this is evangelism in the church. Cuz this is evangelism in the church. Cuz this is you want the congregation realizing that you want the congregation realizing that you want the congregation realizing that this is this is this is this is what you're about. We are this is what you're about. We are this is what you're about. We are disciples who make disciples. And so, we disciples who make disciples. And so, we disciples who make disciples. And so, we want to be evangelistic. That's the want to be evangelistic. That's the want to be evangelistic. That's the first part of the disciple-making first part of the disciple-making first part of the disciple-making process. Who are the people that God's process. Who are the people that God's process. Who are the people that God's put around you who don't know the Lord put around you who don't know the Lord put around you who don't know the Lord yet? Tell them about Jesus. Like that's yet? Tell them about Jesus. Like that's yet? Tell them about Jesus. Like that's the normal thing. This is what the normal thing. This is what the normal thing. This is what Christians do. Christians do. Christians do. And then once they come to know him, you And then once they come to know him, you And then once they come to know him, you know, help help them follow him more know, help help them follow him more know, help help them follow him more deeply. So, if that's if we're creating deeply. So, if that's if we're creating deeply. So, if that's if we're creating that culture through prayer, through that culture through prayer, through that culture through prayer, through talking about it, it it changes just the talking about it, it it changes just the talking about it, it it changes just the whole environment that that happens in whole environment that that happens in whole environment that that happens in in a congregation. So, I think first of in a congregation. So, I think first of in a congregation. So, I think first of all, you want to be living an all, you want to be living an all, you want to be living an evangelistic lifestyle. evangelistic lifestyle. evangelistic lifestyle. Um I think secondly, you want to be Um I think secondly, you want to be Um I think secondly, you want to be praying that God would help you to to praying that God would help you to to praying that God would help you to to even be courageous in your preaching. Um even be courageous in your preaching. Um even be courageous in your preaching. Um because sometimes the seeker-sensitive because sometimes the seeker-sensitive because sometimes the seeker-sensitive churches seeker-sensitive churches churches seeker-sensitive churches churches seeker-sensitive churches sometimes will water down some sometimes will water down some sometimes will water down some theological truths theological truths theological truths in a way to try to make them the meeting in a way to try to make them the meeting in a way to try to make them the meeting more palatable and it just does a more palatable and it just does a more palatable and it just does a disservice for everybody. It dis disservice for everybody. It dis disservice for everybody. It dis dishonors the Lord. It doesn't help your dishonors the Lord. It doesn't help your dishonors the Lord. It doesn't help your members figure out how do you talk about members figure out how do you talk about members figure out how do you talk about hard thing?

hard thing? hard thing? And then it doesn't help people wrestle And then it doesn't help people wrestle And then it doesn't help people wrestle with real things. So, for instance, with real things. So, for instance, with real things. So, for instance, there's somebody who visits our our there's somebody who visits our our there's somebody who visits our our church pretty fairly regularly who's church pretty fairly regularly who's church pretty fairly regularly who's wrestling with some some gender identity wrestling with some some gender identity wrestling with some some gender identity confusion. confusion. confusion. And I don't regularly teach about that. And I don't regularly teach about that. And I don't regularly teach about that. If the text provides an opportunity and If the text provides an opportunity and If the text provides an opportunity and it seems like the right application, I it seems like the right application, I it seems like the right application, I would and I had it as part of my would and I had it as part of my would and I had it as part of my application for this particular Sunday. application for this particular Sunday. application for this particular Sunday. And I looked up about a you know, 30 And I looked up about a you know, 30 And I looked up about a you know, 30 seconds before I'm about to get into it seconds before I'm about to get into it seconds before I'm about to get into it and I saw this person there. and I saw this person there. and I saw this person there. I preached thousands of sermons. I've I preached thousands of sermons. I've I preached thousands of sermons. I've I've done all this kind of stuff and I I've done all this kind of stuff and I I've done all this kind of stuff and I felt the oh my goodness. Do I do I not felt the oh my goodness. Do I do I not felt the oh my goodness. Do I do I not talk about this right now? Because talk about this right now? Because talk about this right now? Because they're here and I don't want to they're here and I don't want to they're here and I don't want to And I was like, "No, I just got to trust And I was like, "No, I just got to trust And I was like, "No, I just got to trust this is God's providence." So, went this is God's providence." So, went this is God's providence." So, went ahead, tried to handle it carefully, ahead, tried to handle it carefully, ahead, tried to handle it carefully, thought about it. thought about it. thought about it. Um but it helped me to know that Um but it helped me to know that Um but it helped me to know that somebody who is wrestling with that was somebody who is wrestling with that was somebody who is wrestling with that was there there there because they don't become some kind of because they don't become some kind of because they don't become some kind of straw man that I'm bashing or that kind straw man that I'm bashing or that kind straw man that I'm bashing or that kind of stuff. I'm I'm talking in a way that of stuff. I'm I'm talking in a way that of stuff. I'm I'm talking in a way that I hope they hear compassion and truth. I hope they hear compassion and truth. I hope they hear compassion and truth. And I'll tell you what, after the And I'll tell you what, after the And I'll tell you what, after the service, that person caught up with me service, that person caught up with me service, that person caught up with me and they said, "Hey, um I want to let and they said, "Hey, um I want to let and they said, "Hey, um I want to let you know I heard what you said today and you know I heard what you said today and you know I heard what you said today and I appreciate I needed to hear it."

I appreciate I needed to hear it." I appreciate I needed to hear it." And you just never know what God's doing And you just never know what God's doing And you just never know what God's doing in in somebody's life. And so, your job in in somebody's life. And so, your job in in somebody's life. And so, your job is, like you said, please the Lord by is, like you said, please the Lord by is, like you said, please the Lord by proclaiming his word faithfully, proclaiming his word faithfully, proclaiming his word faithfully, clearly, compassionately, tenderly clearly, compassionately, tenderly clearly, compassionately, tenderly and trust in him to to to do the work. and trust in him to to to do the work. and trust in him to to to do the work. >> We should speak in a way that makes it >> We should speak in a way that makes it >> We should speak in a way that makes it clear we remember what it was like to be clear we remember what it was like to be clear we remember what it was like to be lost, too. Right. lost, too. Right. lost, too. Right. >> is a kind of evangelism >> is a kind of evangelism >> is a kind of evangelism >> Right. which says, "I'm right, you're >> Right. which says, "I'm right, you're >> Right. which says, "I'm right, you're wrong and I would love to tell you about wrong and I would love to tell you about wrong and I would love to tell you about it." [laughter] it." [laughter] it." [laughter] Yep. But that's that's that's not the Yep. But that's that's that's not the Yep. But that's that's that's not the aroma of of Christ. aroma of of Christ. aroma of of Christ. >> Yeah. Yeah, I think so the way we talk >> Yeah. Yeah, I think so the way we talk >> Yeah. Yeah, I think so the way we talk to unbelievers is really important, but to unbelievers is really important, but to unbelievers is really important, but also the way we talk about them. Cuz also the way we talk about them. Cuz also the way we talk about them. Cuz there's there's some Christian circles there's there's some Christian circles there's there's some Christian circles who have that kind of who have that kind of who have that kind of we wouldn't say it like this, but it's a we wouldn't say it like this, but it's a we wouldn't say it like this, but it's a self-righteous attitude of like, "Hey, self-righteous attitude of like, "Hey, self-righteous attitude of like, "Hey, we we're smarter than them" and all this we we're smarter than them" and all this we we're smarter than them" and all this and and and I kind of learned this lesson a really I kind of learned this lesson a really I kind of learned this lesson a really hard hard way. So, when I was um um hard hard way. So, when I was um um hard hard way. So, when I was um um right after I became a believer, I was right after I became a believer, I was right after I became a believer, I was at Denton Bible Church and I was the at Denton Bible Church and I was the at Denton Bible Church and I was the evangelism pastor there for evangelism pastor there for evangelism pastor there for um for a couple years and we would do um for a couple years and we would do um for a couple years and we would do these Saturday trainings with how to these Saturday trainings with how to these Saturday trainings with how to share the gospel with you know, Mormons share the gospel with you know, Mormons share the gospel with you know, Mormons or Muslims or Jehovah's Witnesses and or Muslims or Jehovah's Witnesses and or Muslims or Jehovah's Witnesses and did this one on on on how to share the did this one on on on how to share the did this one on on on how to share the gospel with with um with Mormons. And at gospel with with um with Mormons. And at gospel with with um with Mormons. And at one point in there, I started talking one point in there, I started talking one point in there, I started talking about, you know, here come the guys in about, you know, here come the guys in about, you know, here come the guys in the black and white shirts on the bikes the black and white shirts on the bikes the black and white shirts on the bikes and kind of making some jokes and and kind of making some jokes and and kind of making some jokes and everybody in there started laughing and everybody in there started laughing and everybody in there started laughing and I was young, immature and kind of, you I was young, immature and kind of, you I was young, immature and kind of, you know, went with that a little bit and know, went with that a little bit and know, went with that a little bit and and played it up a little bit and all and played it up a little bit and all and played it up a little bit and all this kind of stuff. And well, anyway, this kind of stuff. And well, anyway, this kind of stuff. And well, anyway, after the the thing was uh was over, um after the the thing was uh was over, um after the the thing was uh was over, um I was kind of feeling pretty good about I was kind of feeling pretty good about I was kind of feeling pretty good about my my my my ministry and I was walking back and my ministry and I was walking back and my ministry and I was walking back and there was a couple that was standing there was a couple that was standing there was a couple that was standing there. I don't remember their names.

there. I don't remember their names. there. I don't remember their names. But they kind of waited till everybody But they kind of waited till everybody But they kind of waited till everybody was gone. I could tell they wanted to was gone. I could tell they wanted to was gone. I could tell they wanted to talk to me and walked over to them and talk to me and walked over to them and talk to me and walked over to them and said, "Hey, how you guys doing?" They said, "Hey, how you guys doing?" They said, "Hey, how you guys doing?" They said, "Hey, we want to thank you so much said, "Hey, we want to thank you so much said, "Hey, we want to thank you so much uh for today's um ministry. It was uh for today's um ministry. It was uh for today's um ministry. It was really helpful." really helpful." really helpful." Uh we've been we have some gospel we Uh we've been we have some gospel we Uh we've been we have some gospel we have some some Mormon friends we've been have some some Mormon friends we've been have some some Mormon friends we've been trying to share the gospel with and uh trying to share the gospel with and uh trying to share the gospel with and uh but if I can, I just want to say but if I can, I just want to say but if I can, I just want to say I'm so glad we didn't bring them today. I'm so glad we didn't bring them today. I'm so glad we didn't bring them today. Mhm. Because the way you talked about Mhm. Because the way you talked about Mhm. Because the way you talked about them them them I think would have pushed them away from I think would have pushed them away from I think would have pushed them away from Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And man, I needed to hear that. It was And man, I needed to hear that. It was And man, I needed to hear that. It was such a helpful corrective moment in my such a helpful corrective moment in my such a helpful corrective moment in my pastoring ministry. Just you never know pastoring ministry. Just you never know pastoring ministry. Just you never know who's there. who's there. who's there. Um and you want to be really careful to Um and you want to be really careful to Um and you want to be really careful to make sure that make sure that make sure that our our gospel is is pleasing the Lord our our gospel is is pleasing the Lord our our gospel is is pleasing the Lord and and and and meets everybody where and and and and meets everybody where and and and and meets everybody where they are and we don't we don't use straw they are and we don't we don't use straw they are and we don't we don't use straw men and be condescending and men and be condescending and men and be condescending and self-righteous and tear people down. self-righteous and tear people down. self-righteous and tear people down. That's that's not what this is about. That's that's not what this is about. That's that's not what this is about. >> Yeah, that's so good. Yeah, I'm reminded >> Yeah, that's so good. Yeah, I'm reminded >> Yeah, that's so good. Yeah, I'm reminded of Titus 3:2 which says, "Slander no of Titus 3:2 which says, "Slander no of Titus 3:2 which says, "Slander no one, avoid fighting, be kind, always one, avoid fighting, be kind, always one, avoid fighting, be kind, always showing gentleness to all people." I showing gentleness to all people." I showing gentleness to all people." I think another translation says, "Show think another translation says, "Show think another translation says, "Show perfect courtesy to all people." And in perfect courtesy to all people." And in perfect courtesy to all people." And in an age of outrage and and disrespect and an age of outrage and and disrespect and an age of outrage and and disrespect and slander, that's a needed word. Yeah, slander, that's a needed word. Yeah, slander, that's a needed word. Yeah, social media doesn't disciple you in social media doesn't disciple you in social media doesn't disciple you in that. It disciples you in in a worldly, that. It disciples you in in a worldly, that. It disciples you in in a worldly, ungodly, tear down sort of like dunk on ungodly, tear down sort of like dunk on ungodly, tear down sort of like dunk on people people people kind of thing. Similar text uh 2 kind of thing. Similar text uh 2 kind of thing. Similar text uh 2 Timothy, Timothy, Timothy, uh Paul says, "The Lord's servant must uh Paul says, "The Lord's servant must uh Paul says, "The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but kind to not be quarrelsome, but kind to not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently everyone, able to teach, patiently everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents

enduring evil, correcting his opponents enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant with gentleness. God may perhaps grant with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading them to a them repentance leading them to a them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth that they may knowledge of the truth that they may knowledge of the truth that they may come to their senses and escape the come to their senses and escape the come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil after being captured snare of the devil after being captured snare of the devil after being captured by him." by him." by him." I mean, even there you can hear Paul, I mean, even there you can hear Paul, I mean, even there you can hear Paul, he's like, "They're they're ensnared by he's like, "They're they're ensnared by he's like, "They're they're ensnared by Satan." Satan." Satan." Like be gentle, be clear, be truthful, Like be gentle, be clear, be truthful, Like be gentle, be clear, be truthful, love them with the gospel. The pastor who goes deeper in theology The pastor who goes deeper in theology doesn't just become a better thinker, he doesn't just become a better thinker, he doesn't just become a better thinker, he becomes a better shepherd. Southern becomes a better shepherd. Southern becomes a better shepherd. Southern Seminary's PhD programs are forming Seminary's PhD programs are forming Seminary's PhD programs are forming pastor theologians, men who have pastor theologians, men who have pastor theologians, men who have wrestled seriously with the great wrestled seriously with the great wrestled seriously with the great tradition of Christian thought and who tradition of Christian thought and who tradition of Christian thought and who bring that depth back to the people they bring that depth back to the people they bring that depth back to the people they love and lead. What you gain in your love and lead. What you gain in your love and lead. What you gain in your study, your congregation receives. And study, your congregation receives. And study, your congregation receives. And Southern Seminary's faculty are here to Southern Seminary's faculty are here to Southern Seminary's faculty are here to support you in your work to strengthen support you in your work to strengthen support you in your work to strengthen the church. the church. the church. Southern's PhD program is built to fit Southern's PhD program is built to fit Southern's PhD program is built to fit alongside your ministry offering alongside your ministry offering alongside your ministry offering flexible formats from fully online to flexible formats from fully online to flexible formats from fully online to modular to in-person so you can pursue modular to in-person so you can pursue modular to in-person so you can pursue the kind of rigorous theological the kind of rigorous theological the kind of rigorous theological training that will change how you pastor training that will change how you pastor training that will change how you pastor without stepping away from your church.

without stepping away from your church. without stepping away from your church. If you're ready to go deeper, Southern If you're ready to go deeper, Southern If you're ready to go deeper, Southern Seminary's PhD program is where that Seminary's PhD program is where that Seminary's PhD program is where that begins. begins. begins. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Visit sbts.edu/phd Yeah, it it a ser- there's a way to Yeah, it it a ser- there's a way to preach a sermon that feels like a preach a sermon that feels like a preach a sermon that feels like a screed, just a long scolding and there's screed, just a long scolding and there's screed, just a long scolding and there's a way to preach a sermon that feels like a way to preach a sermon that feels like a way to preach a sermon that feels like a prison break. a prison break. a prison break. Um and and people are ensnared, they're Um and and people are ensnared, they're Um and and people are ensnared, they're captive by the devil. And again, we want captive by the devil. And again, we want captive by the devil. And again, we want to preach to preach to preach >> And people can smell your contempt for >> And people can smell your contempt for >> And people can smell your contempt for them. them. them. Mhm. You know, and I I mean, you talk Mhm. You know, and I I mean, you talk Mhm. You know, and I I mean, you talk about social media, uh there are a lot about social media, uh there are a lot about social media, uh there are a lot of voices out there that ooze contempt. of voices out there that ooze contempt. of voices out there that ooze contempt. People can people can pick that up. And People can people can pick that up. And People can people can pick that up. And it's very interesting, the follow-up it's very interesting, the follow-up it's very interesting, the follow-up passage in Titus 3 gives the why. Why? passage in Titus 3 gives the why. Why? passage in Titus 3 gives the why. Why? Because because God was kind to you when Because because God was kind to you when Because because God was kind to you when you were a sinner, when you were a rebel you were a sinner, when you were a rebel you were a sinner, when you were a rebel against his will. He was kind to you, so against his will. He was kind to you, so against his will. He was kind to you, so you show kindness to all men. And so, you show kindness to all men. And so, you show kindness to all men. And so, we've got a gospel motivation we've got a gospel motivation we've got a gospel motivation to not be contemptuous towards people to not be contemptuous towards people to not be contemptuous towards people that are dead in their trespasses and that are dead in their trespasses and that are dead in their trespasses and sins, to treat them as human beings in sins, to treat them as human beings in sins, to treat them as human beings in the image of God that we want to be won the image of God that we want to be won the image of God that we want to be won into the blessing of communion with the into the blessing of communion with the into the blessing of communion with the living God, not that we hate, not that living God, not that we hate, not that living God, not that we hate, not that we want to be see them ground into dust.

we want to be see them ground into dust. we want to be see them ground into dust. We want to see them won to Christ. We We want to see them won to Christ. We We want to see them won to Christ. We want them flourishing in the glory that want them flourishing in the glory that want them flourishing in the glory that God intended for them to experience in God intended for them to experience in God intended for them to experience in communion with him. And you you can tell communion with him. And you you can tell communion with him. And you you can tell when a person is deadly serious about when a person is deadly serious about when a person is deadly serious about sin, deadly serious about hell. sin, deadly serious about hell. sin, deadly serious about hell. Yes. Yes. Yes. But also deadly serious about their love But also deadly serious about their love But also deadly serious about their love for you and their longing to see you be for you and their longing to see you be for you and their longing to see you be brought into the enjoyment of the sons brought into the enjoyment of the sons brought into the enjoyment of the sons of God. Mhm, that's good. of God. Mhm, that's good. of God. Mhm, that's good. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] One of the things you just mentioned One of the things you just mentioned One of the things you just mentioned about about hell about about hell about about hell um um um >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> you know, I think >> you know, I think >> you know, I think it's it's a doctrine that doesn't people it's it's a doctrine that doesn't people it's it's a doctrine that doesn't people don't like preaching on. I think if you don't like preaching on. I think if you don't like preaching on. I think if you like preaching on hell, that's an issue. like preaching on hell, that's an issue. like preaching on hell, that's an issue. Like if it's your favorite thing to talk Like if it's your favorite thing to talk Like if it's your favorite thing to talk about, you probably need about, you probably need about, you probably need counseling or something. But like counseling or something. But like counseling or something. But like I There's this podcast I There's this podcast I There's this podcast >> [laughter] >> But it it it is a very real reality. >> But it it it is a very real reality. And I think the way that we we we And I think the way that we we we And I think the way that we we we communicate the realities of hell communicate the realities of hell communicate the realities of hell um I think it was Moody who it's, you um I think it was Moody who it's, you um I think it was Moody who it's, you know, what the exact quote was, I'm not know, what the exact quote was, I'm not know, what the exact quote was, I'm not sure, but it's something like I I sure, but it's something like I I sure, but it's something like I I I can't listen to a man preach on hell I can't listen to a man preach on hell I can't listen to a man preach on hell who does not weep while he does it, who does not weep while he does it, who does not weep while he does it, right?

right? right? >> there's a famous conversation between >> there's a famous conversation between >> there's a famous conversation between it's either Horatius Bonar or Andrew it's either Horatius Bonar or Andrew it's either Horatius Bonar or Andrew Bonar and Robert Murray McCheyne where Bonar and Robert Murray McCheyne where Bonar and Robert Murray McCheyne where maybe it's McCheyne says the Bonar says, maybe it's McCheyne says the Bonar says, maybe it's McCheyne says the Bonar says, "What did you preach on?" "Well, I "What did you preach on?" "Well, I "What did you preach on?" "Well, I preached on hell." And the response is, preached on hell." And the response is, preached on hell." And the response is, "Did you preach it with tears?" "Did you preach it with tears?" "Did you preach it with tears?" So, similar kind of thing to the Moody So, similar kind of thing to the Moody So, similar kind of thing to the Moody quote you just shared. quote you just shared. quote you just shared. >> And and you don't want to you don't want >> And and you don't want to you don't want >> And and you don't want to you don't want to like make that up. to like make that up. to like make that up. >> Right. That's where it comes back to, >> Right. That's where it comes back to, >> Right. That's where it comes back to, "Lord, help me to see lost people like "Lord, help me to see lost people like "Lord, help me to see lost people like you do." you do." you do." >> Right. Like think think of the people >> Right. Like think think of the people >> Right. Like think think of the people among you who don't know the Lord yet. among you who don't know the Lord yet. among you who don't know the Lord yet. And And And and and preach it with sobriety. I know and and preach it with sobriety. I know and and preach it with sobriety. I know one of the mistakes I made as a young one of the mistakes I made as a young one of the mistakes I made as a young preacher was when that tension of a preacher was when that tension of a preacher was when that tension of a heavy heavy word like that was happening heavy heavy word like that was happening heavy heavy word like that was happening I would make a little comment that's I would make a little comment that's I would make a little comment that's kind of, you know, sidebar, a little kind of, you know, sidebar, a little kind of, you know, sidebar, a little funny, trying to light the mood. I just funny, trying to light the mood. I just funny, trying to light the mood. I just want to encourage, please in an age of want to encourage, please in an age of want to encourage, please in an age of flippancy where we we we try to like flippancy where we we we try to like flippancy where we we we try to like self-medicate with humor, like don't self-medicate with humor, like don't self-medicate with humor, like don't don't do that around hell. Hell is never don't do that around hell. Hell is never don't do that around hell. Hell is never anything to joke about. anything to joke about. anything to joke about. It is real, it is sobering, it is It is real, it is sobering, it is It is real, it is sobering, it is serious and it is the eternal destiny of serious and it is the eternal destiny of serious and it is the eternal destiny of of man. It feels [clears throat] of man. It feels [clears throat] of man. It feels [clears throat] either mean either mean either mean or comical to our culture. And so, you or comical to our culture. And so, you or comical to our culture. And so, you don't want to do anything that feeds don't want to do anything that feeds don't want to do anything that feeds into either that. You're not over there into either that. You're not over there into either that. You're not over there relishing it on the one hand, nor are relishing it on the one hand, nor are relishing it on the one hand, nor are you, as you say, lightening it up, make you, as you say, lightening it up, make you, as you say, lightening it up, make it There's nothing funny about it. It's it There's nothing funny about it. It's it There's nothing funny about it. It's it's deadly sober, earnest truth and you it's deadly sober, earnest truth and you it's deadly sober, earnest truth and you want to talk about it in such a way that want to talk about it in such a way that want to talk about it in such a way that conveys that. You want to make what conveys that. You want to make what conveys that. You want to make what seems unreal to people in our culture be

seems unreal to people in our culture be seems unreal to people in our culture be deadly real to them and realize that deadly real to them and realize that deadly real to them and realize that you're not gleefully talking about this, you're not gleefully talking about this, you're not gleefully talking about this, glibly talking about this, that it glibly talking about this, that it glibly talking about this, that it impacts you when you think about it. impacts you when you think about it. impacts you when you think about it. Yeah. Well, our Lord Jesus talked about Yeah. Well, our Lord Jesus talked about Yeah. Well, our Lord Jesus talked about hell more than anyone. And yet, it also hell more than anyone. And yet, it also hell more than anyone. And yet, it also says he looked out on the crowd and he says he looked out on the crowd and he says he looked out on the crowd and he had compassion on them because he saw had compassion on them because he saw had compassion on them because he saw them as harassed and helpless like sheep them as harassed and helpless like sheep them as harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. without a shepherd. without a shepherd. So, an example of how we might do that So, an example of how we might do that So, an example of how we might do that in a sermon, recently we did a series on in a sermon, recently we did a series on in a sermon, recently we did a series on Micah and there was um Micah and there was um Micah and there was um one of the themes, you know, justice one of the themes, you know, justice one of the themes, you know, justice shows up, right? So, shows up, right? So, shows up, right? So, um a couple things here. One is I want um a couple things here. One is I want um a couple things here. One is I want to always try to preach we're preaching to always try to preach we're preaching to always try to preach we're preaching the gospel and we want to find the gospel and we want to find the gospel and we want to find creative ways to get to the gospel. You creative ways to get to the gospel. You creative ways to get to the gospel. You never get creative with the gospel. The never get creative with the gospel. The never get creative with the gospel. The gospel it is the message. We don't we gospel it is the message. We don't we gospel it is the message. We don't we don't mess with that. But how do we get don't mess with that. But how do we get don't mess with that. But how do we get there? So, it there? So, it there? So, it we don't we're not just talking about we don't we're not just talking about we don't we're not just talking about like at the end, "Oh, by the way, here's like at the end, "Oh, by the way, here's like at the end, "Oh, by the way, here's your 30-second Jesus commercial. If your 30-second Jesus commercial. If your 30-second Jesus commercial. If you'd like to believe, today's the day." you'd like to believe, today's the day." you'd like to believe, today's the day." kind of thing. kind of thing. kind of thing. But rather, how can you weave in But rather, how can you weave in But rather, how can you weave in you know, something that's there in the you know, something that's there in the you know, something that's there in the text. And so, we're talking about text. And so, we're talking about text. And so, we're talking about justice and be like, "Now, this is this justice and be like, "Now, this is this justice and be like, "Now, this is this is important moment for us to to is important moment for us to to is important moment for us to to consider. This this justice that Micah's consider. This this justice that Micah's consider. This this justice that Micah's crying out for crying out for crying out for there's going to be justice in his day, there's going to be justice in his day, there's going to be justice in his day, but there's there's an ultimate day of but there's there's an ultimate day of but there's there's an ultimate day of justice that is coming, right? And so, I justice that is coming, right? And so, I justice that is coming, right? And so, I want everyone to hear this.

want everyone to hear this. want everyone to hear this. Um particularly if you're here today and Um particularly if you're here today and Um particularly if you're here today and and you you don't know the Lord and you you don't know the Lord and you you don't know the Lord I want you to know you're you're going I want you to know you're you're going I want you to know you're you're going to hear this this moment, you're going to hear this this moment, you're going to hear this this moment, you're going to see again. to see again. to see again. There is a last day coming when everyone There is a last day coming when everyone There is a last day coming when everyone will stand before God and give an will stand before God and give an will stand before God and give an account for every moment, every word, account for every moment, every word, account for every moment, every word, every thought, every deed. You'll give every thought, every deed. You'll give every thought, every deed. You'll give an account for how you receive or an account for how you receive or an account for how you receive or dismiss this message right now. So, dismiss this message right now. So, dismiss this message right now. So, please hear. please hear. please hear. We live in a day where everybody cries We live in a day where everybody cries We live in a day where everybody cries justice, justice. And that's a good justice, justice. And that's a good justice, justice. And that's a good thing. God is a just God. thing. God is a just God. thing. God is a just God. But on that last day But on that last day But on that last day what people will cry for is mercy. what people will cry for is mercy. what people will cry for is mercy. Mercy, mercy. And I want you to know the Mercy, mercy. And I want you to know the Mercy, mercy. And I want you to know the only way to get mercy is through Jesus. only way to get mercy is through Jesus. only way to get mercy is through Jesus. >> Yeah. And then point them to the cross >> Yeah. And then point them to the cross >> Yeah. And then point them to the cross where Jesus received the just wrath of where Jesus received the just wrath of where Jesus received the just wrath of God in our place and then went into the God in our place and then went into the God in our place and then went into the grave, which we're all going to. But grave, which we're all going to. But grave, which we're all going to. But then 3 days later, he rose from the dead then 3 days later, he rose from the dead then 3 days later, he rose from the dead and he rose and with that authority and he rose and with that authority and he rose and with that authority he wants to give mercy. Mhm. he wants to give mercy. Mhm. he wants to give mercy. Mhm. Turn to him. Today is the day of Turn to him. Today is the day of Turn to him. Today is the day of salvation. And like you just talk to salvation. And like you just talk to salvation. And like you just talk to people like that. And that can feel people like that. And that can feel people like that. And that can feel uncomfortable maybe, but but it does so uncomfortable maybe, but but it does so uncomfortable maybe, but but it does so many things. It serves them.

many things. It serves them. many things. It serves them. It keeps you honest and it helps the It keeps you honest and it helps the It keeps you honest and it helps the congregation say, "Okay congregation say, "Okay congregation say, "Okay when I'm talking to people about Jesus, when I'm talking to people about Jesus, when I'm talking to people about Jesus, I need to be able to get to the fact I need to be able to get to the fact I need to be able to get to the fact that you need to make a decision. The that you need to make a decision. The that you need to make a decision. The gospel is not just an option that hey, gospel is not just an option that hey, gospel is not just an option that hey, this is what works for me. This is it's this is what works for me. This is it's this is what works for me. This is it's a it's a call to repent and to believe. a it's a call to repent and to believe. a it's a call to repent and to believe. And you want to help them to to to see And you want to help them to to to see And you want to help them to to to see how to communicate that. how to communicate that. how to communicate that. >> Yeah, and and what you did there, you >> Yeah, and and what you did there, you >> Yeah, and and what you did there, you you connected you connected you connected before you confronted. You you found before you confronted. You you found before you confronted. You you found that moral intuition that is in so many that moral intuition that is in so many that moral intuition that is in so many people today by God's grace. Um but you people today by God's grace. Um but you people today by God's grace. Um but you also showed how it's a mistaken also showed how it's a mistaken also showed how it's a mistaken intuition apart from Christ. Um and that intuition apart from Christ. Um and that intuition apart from Christ. Um and that that's good contextualization. There that's good contextualization. There that's good contextualization. There there there are bad ways to there there are bad ways to there there are bad ways to contextualize, but but [clears throat] contextualize, but but [clears throat] contextualize, but but [clears throat] real contextualization, biblical real contextualization, biblical real contextualization, biblical contextualization is not, you know, contextualization is not, you know, contextualization is not, you know, [snorts] uh dressing up the message to [snorts] uh dressing up the message to [snorts] uh dressing up the message to make it cool. It's it's breaking it down make it cool. It's it's breaking it down make it cool. It's it's breaking it down palatable. Right. You're not trying to palatable. Right. You're not trying to palatable. Right. You're not trying to make it palatable. Exactly. make it palatable. Exactly. make it palatable. Exactly. >> you're wanting it to land harder. >> you're wanting it to land harder. >> you're wanting it to land harder. Absolutely. But not in a comical or a Absolutely. But not in a comical or a Absolutely. But not in a comical or a stereotypical stereotypical stereotypical uh sort of way. You you you you actually uh sort of way. You you you you actually uh sort of way. You you you you actually want to catch them a little bit off want to catch them a little bit off want to catch them a little bit off guard while you connect with that moral guard while you connect with that moral guard while you connect with that moral sense sense sense >> You want to make the offense of the >> You want to make the offense of the >> You want to make the offense of the cross more clear. But the way you get to cross more clear. But the way you get to cross more clear. But the way you get to that is is often by kind of drawing them that is is often by kind of drawing them that is is often by kind of drawing them in. And and two books that I would in. And and two books that I would in. And and two books that I would commend to to listeners that I think do commend to to listeners that I think do commend to to listeners that I think do this well. Um one is I think an this well. Um one is I think an this well. Um one is I think an underrated book Tim Keller wrote called underrated book Tim Keller wrote called underrated book Tim Keller wrote called Making Sense of God. So his first best Making Sense of God. So his first best Making Sense of God. So his first best seller was The Reason for God. And a few seller was The Reason for God. And a few seller was The Reason for God. And a few years later, he wrote what he called a

years later, he wrote what he called a years later, he wrote what he called a prequel to that. Because he realized prequel to that. Because he realized prequel to that. Because he realized that that even within the span of a few that that even within the span of a few that that even within the span of a few years, some of the classic traditional years, some of the classic traditional years, some of the classic traditional objections to the faith that he was objections to the faith that he was objections to the faith that he was tackling in The Reason for God were no tackling in The Reason for God were no tackling in The Reason for God were no longer really the thing that was keeping longer really the thing that was keeping longer really the thing that was keeping people from considering a life with people from considering a life with people from considering a life with Christ. So he it's a book about things Christ. So he it's a book about things Christ. So he it's a book about things like justice, identity, meaning, like justice, identity, meaning, like justice, identity, meaning, morality, freedom, hope, and showing how morality, freedom, hope, and showing how morality, freedom, hope, and showing how those natural intuitions um that people those natural intuitions um that people those natural intuitions um that people have, which of course is not natural, have, which of course is not natural, have, which of course is not natural, it's because we're we're living in the it's because we're we're living in the it's because we're we're living in the wake of the Jesus revolution. Um can wake of the Jesus revolution. Um can wake of the Jesus revolution. Um can lead us to the gospel. And the And the lead us to the gospel. And the And the lead us to the gospel. And the And the other book is Glen Scrivener's The Air other book is Glen Scrivener's The Air other book is Glen Scrivener's The Air We Breathe. And he does the exact same We Breathe. And he does the exact same We Breathe. And he does the exact same thing um in a in a disarming kind of thing um in a in a disarming kind of thing um in a in a disarming kind of way. He challenges the skeptic to way. He challenges the skeptic to way. He challenges the skeptic to recognize the fact that their moral recognize the fact that their moral recognize the fact that their moral values they're they're operating on values they're they're operating on values they're they're operating on borrowed capital. They are trying to saw borrowed capital. They are trying to saw borrowed capital. They are trying to saw off the branch they're sitting on when off the branch they're sitting on when off the branch they're sitting on when they uh when they attack Christianity they uh when they attack Christianity they uh when they attack Christianity with the very intuitions Christianity with the very intuitions Christianity with the very intuitions Christianity gave them. So gave them. So gave them. So uh enlightenment, consent, again, uh enlightenment, consent, again, uh enlightenment, consent, again, identity, freedom, progress, all of identity, freedom, progress, all of identity, freedom, progress, all of these things that are unbelieving these things that are unbelieving these things that are unbelieving friends, family, neighbors take for friends, family, neighbors take for friends, family, neighbors take for granted actually are coming to you from granted actually are coming to you from granted actually are coming to you from a Jesus worldview. And I I I I think a Jesus worldview. And I I I I think a Jesus worldview. And I I I I think reading and relationships are the two reading and relationships are the two reading and relationships are the two ways that help you cuz people say, ways that help you cuz people say, ways that help you cuz people say, "Well, how do I find that gospel "Well, how do I find that gospel "Well, how do I find that gospel springboard, you know?"

springboard, you know?" springboard, you know?" Well, reading good books like that that Well, reading good books like that that Well, reading good books like that that help you see it. help you see it. help you see it. But then be around non-believers. But then be around non-believers. But then be around non-believers. And what are the questions that they're And what are the questions that they're And what are the questions that they're asking? What asking? What asking? What >> What are the things they're they're >> What are the things they're they're >> What are the things they're they're they're wrestling with? What are you they're wrestling with? What are you they're wrestling with? What are you discipling your members? So one of the, discipling your members? So one of the, discipling your members? So one of the, you know, creating a culture of you know, creating a culture of you know, creating a culture of evangelism, one of the questions we'll evangelism, one of the questions we'll evangelism, one of the questions we'll try to ask people regular like, who are try to ask people regular like, who are try to ask people regular like, who are the lost people in your everyday life the lost people in your everyday life the lost people in your everyday life and and how how's it going with engaging and and how how's it going with engaging and and how how's it going with engaging them with the gospel? What questions are them with the gospel? What questions are them with the gospel? What questions are they asking? What are you thinking they asking? What are you thinking they asking? What are you thinking through? So we want to make that the through? So we want to make that the through? So we want to make that the normal air. But then as you're helping normal air. But then as you're helping normal air. But then as you're helping them answer those questions and you're them answer those questions and you're them answer those questions and you're studying for your Sunday sermon, you're studying for your Sunday sermon, you're studying for your Sunday sermon, you're like, "Oh, if that person comes on like, "Oh, if that person comes on like, "Oh, if that person comes on Sunday, here's how I could show them the Sunday, here's how I could show them the Sunday, here's how I could show them the the the gospel." the the gospel." the the gospel." One other thing you mentioned a second One other thing you mentioned a second One other thing you mentioned a second ago was about we want to make the ago was about we want to make the ago was about we want to make the offense of the gospel more clear. offense of the gospel more clear. offense of the gospel more clear. And um this is where And um this is where And um this is where uh ecclesiology is really helpful. Um so uh ecclesiology is really helpful. Um so uh ecclesiology is really helpful. Um so one of the things that we've seen one of the things that we've seen one of the things that we've seen probably five or six people now come to probably five or six people now come to probably five or six people now come to know the Lord know the Lord know the Lord by by by is the way we fence the Lord's Supper. is the way we fence the Lord's Supper. is the way we fence the Lord's Supper. So it's been So when we do the Lord's So it's been So when we do the Lord's So it's been So when we do the Lord's Supper um at our church, we do it every Supper um at our church, we do it every Supper um at our church, we do it every other week, so twice a month. And we other week, so twice a month. And we other week, so twice a month. And we encourage the pastors to use something encourage the pastors to use something encourage the pastors to use something from the sermon as a springboard into from the sermon as a springboard into from the sermon as a springboard into the supper. The supper is a first the supper. The supper is a first the supper. The supper is a first application um for for us after we hear application um for for us after we hear application um for for us after we hear it.

it. it. And then And then And then we want to be really clear about who we want to be really clear about who we want to be really clear about who this is for and who it's not for. this is for and who it's not for. this is for and who it's not for. And we've had multiple people. I'm And we've had multiple people. I'm And we've had multiple people. I'm thinking of one sister now in particular thinking of one sister now in particular thinking of one sister now in particular who she says, "I sat there and I heard who she says, "I sat there and I heard who she says, "I sat there and I heard them say this is not this is not for me them say this is not this is not for me them say this is not this is not for me and it and it and it bothered me. It irritated me. But when bothered me. It irritated me. But when bothered me. It irritated me. But when the when the plate the elements came by, the when the plate the elements came by, the when the plate the elements came by, she deep down thought, 'I'm I must not she deep down thought, 'I'm I must not she deep down thought, 'I'm I must not take this.' And she goes, 'I don't know take this.' And she goes, 'I don't know take this.' And she goes, 'I don't know where that came from.' And we know it's where that came from.' And we know it's where that came from.' And we know it's the Holy Spirit was working on her. But the Holy Spirit was working on her. But the Holy Spirit was working on her. But like how important it was and then that like how important it was and then that like how important it was and then that ended up to conversations to where she ended up to conversations to where she ended up to conversations to where she says, 'I I think at the Lord's Supper I says, 'I I think at the Lord's Supper I says, 'I I think at the Lord's Supper I I felt welcomed here, I felt welcomed here, I felt welcomed here, but I felt like I'm in I don't feel like but I felt like I'm in I don't feel like but I felt like I'm in I don't feel like I'm here. Like what what is that?' And I'm here. Like what what is that?' And I'm here. Like what what is that?' And then it just provided good opportunity then it just provided good opportunity then it just provided good opportunity >> We actually had the exact same >> We actually had the exact same >> We actually had the exact same experience. College student hadn't grown experience. College student hadn't grown experience. College student hadn't grown up in a Christian environment. And for up in a Christian environment. And for up in a Christian environment. And for whatever reason, the comment that I made whatever reason, the comment that I made whatever reason, the comment that I made at the Lord's table, something to the at the Lord's table, something to the at the Lord's table, something to the effect of this is a meal for those who effect of this is a meal for those who effect of this is a meal for those who know their need for a savior.

know their need for a savior. know their need for a savior. And if you're not there yet, we'd And if you're not there yet, we'd And if you're not there yet, we'd encourage you to, you know, we we pass encourage you to, you know, we we pass encourage you to, you know, we we pass the plates around, we'd encourage you to the plates around, we'd encourage you to the plates around, we'd encourage you to let the elements pass by and take the let the elements pass by and take the let the elements pass by and take the next few moments to consider your need next few moments to consider your need next few moments to consider your need for Christ. The Lord used that to awaken for Christ. The Lord used that to awaken for Christ. The Lord used that to awaken his heart and his heart and his heart and >> Praise the Lord. That's encouraging. So >> Praise the Lord. That's encouraging. So >> Praise the Lord. That's encouraging. So good. good. good. That So that it membership is also an That So that it membership is also an That So that it membership is also an opportunity, you know, if you if you if opportunity, you know, if you if you if opportunity, you know, if you if you if you have people that are coming into you have people that are coming into you have people that are coming into membership of the church, same thing as membership of the church, same thing as membership of the church, same thing as the Lord's Supper. That's an opportunity the Lord's Supper. That's an opportunity the Lord's Supper. That's an opportunity to say this is not a group of people who to say this is not a group of people who to say this is not a group of people who are good and they're good enough. And in are good and they're good enough. And in are good and they're good enough. And in fact, I will I will often say the only fact, I will I will often say the only fact, I will I will often say the only people who can join First Presbyterian people who can join First Presbyterian people who can join First Presbyterian Church Church Church are are bad people. With the first vow are are bad people. With the first vow are are bad people. With the first vow you make is that you're not good to join you make is that you're not good to join you make is that you're not good to join this church. So if you're good, please this church. So if you're good, please this church. So if you're good, please don't join First Pres because you're not don't join First Pres because you're not don't join First Pres because you're not allowed here. And so to just help people allowed here. And so to just help people allowed here. And so to just help people think about this is not about a group of think about this is not about a group of think about this is not about a group of us who are morally superior to you us who are morally superior to you us who are morally superior to you gathering around the table. We're we're gathering around the table. We're we're gathering around the table. We're we're people who were dead in our trespasses people who were dead in our trespasses people who were dead in our trespasses and sins and were it not for the mercy and sins and were it not for the mercy and sins and were it not for the mercy of Christ, were it not for the work of of Christ, were it not for the work of of Christ, were it not for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we'd still the Holy Spirit in our lives, we'd still the Holy Spirit in our lives, we'd still be dead in our pres- trespasses and sins be dead in our pres- trespasses and sins be dead in our pres- trespasses and sins and we'd be under the judgment of God.

and we'd be under the judgment of God. and we'd be under the judgment of God. But by his grace, we're able to come to But by his grace, we're able to come to But by his grace, we're able to come to this table. And so you're making it this table. And so you're making it this table. And so you're making it clear clear clear in a way you're talking to the rich in a way you're talking to the rich in a way you're talking to the rich young ruler. There is no one good except young ruler. There is no one good except young ruler. There is no one good except God, Jesus will say. So if you if you're God, Jesus will say. So if you if you're God, Jesus will say. So if you if you're trying to get to God by being a good trying to get to God by being a good trying to get to God by being a good person, Jesus says there aren't any. person, Jesus says there aren't any. person, Jesus says there aren't any. Jesus says, I don't say it. The church Jesus says, I don't say it. The church Jesus says, I don't say it. The church doesn't say it. Jesus says there are no doesn't say it. Jesus says there are no doesn't say it. Jesus says there are no good people. You're going to have to good people. You're going to have to good people. You're going to have to trust in me if you want to get to God. trust in me if you want to get to God. trust in me if you want to get to God. And so to make people, you know, who may And so to make people, you know, who may And so to make people, you know, who may have sort of a low-grade moralism, I'm have sort of a low-grade moralism, I'm have sort of a low-grade moralism, I'm trying to be good enough. I mean we've trying to be good enough. I mean we've trying to be good enough. I mean we've we've heard that in public life we've heard that in public life we've heard that in public life >> And they come in to church assuming >> And they come in to church assuming >> And they come in to church assuming that's our message. that's our message. that's our message. >> Right. And I think I think that's where, >> Right. And I think I think that's where, >> Right. And I think I think that's where, you know, another thing that we can do you know, another thing that we can do you know, another thing that we can do is is think through you mentioned is is think through you mentioned is is think through you mentioned apologetics. So apologetics should be apologetics. So apologetics should be apologetics. So apologetics should be part of our preaching, I think. Um part of our preaching, I think. Um part of our preaching, I think. Um apologetics are not the gospel, but they apologetics are not the gospel, but they apologetics are not the gospel, but they they can assist people in in seeing it. they can assist people in in seeing it. they can assist people in in seeing it. So um So um So um I think we were in the Gospel of John I think we were in the Gospel of John I think we were in the Gospel of John somewhere talking about, you know, Jesus somewhere talking about, you know, Jesus somewhere talking about, you know, Jesus died for the world and say, you know, if died for the world and say, you know, if died for the world and say, you know, if you were to go out right now and you you were to go out right now and you you were to go out right now and you were to just ask, so this is part of a were to just ask, so this is part of a were to just ask, so this is part of a sermon, if you just go out and and ask sermon, if you just go out and and ask sermon, if you just go out and and ask anybody on the street, hey, how how do anybody on the street, hey, how how do anybody on the street, hey, how how do you how do you get to how do you get to you how do you get to how do you get to you how do you get to how do you get to heaven? Most a lot of people would say heaven? Most a lot of people would say heaven? Most a lot of people would say either you're a good person or they either you're a good person or they either you're a good person or they would say, "Well, all all roads lead to would say, "Well, all all roads lead to would say, "Well, all all roads lead to God." I don't see we I want to be really God." I don't see we I want to be really God." I don't see we I want to be really clear with you. All roads lead to God.

clear with you. All roads lead to God. clear with you. All roads lead to God. That's 100% true. That's 100% true. That's 100% true. But only one of them leads to God as But only one of them leads to God as But only one of them leads to God as Father. All the others lead there as Father. All the others lead there as Father. All the others lead there as judge. judge. judge. So you just got to know that Satan wants So you just got to know that Satan wants So you just got to know that Satan wants you to believe half lie or half truths. you to believe half lie or half truths. you to believe half lie or half truths. And the half truth is that all roads do And the half truth is that all roads do And the half truth is that all roads do lead to God, but there's only one that lead to God, but there's only one that lead to God, but there's only one that will lead to him as Father and that's will lead to him as Father and that's will lead to him as Father and that's Jesus says he's the way, the truth, and Jesus says he's the way, the truth, and Jesus says he's the way, the truth, and the life. So you can you figure out how the life. So you can you figure out how the life. So you can you figure out how to weave those little things in. to weave those little things in. to weave those little things in. >> right. Um there's there's a lots of >> right. Um there's there's a lots of >> right. Um there's there's a lots of those. Or you how do you engage with those. Or you how do you engage with those. Or you how do you engage with somebody from from other faiths? So um somebody from from other faiths? So um somebody from from other faiths? So um we were um we were um we were um we were talking about like I think this we were talking about like I think this we were talking about like I think this was in the Gospel of John and we were was in the Gospel of John and we were was in the Gospel of John and we were talking about Jesus being the Son of talking about Jesus being the Son of talking about Jesus being the Son of God. And this is this is distinct God. And this is this is distinct God. And this is this is distinct between every other presentation of him between every other presentation of him between every other presentation of him in in every other religion. I said so in in every other religion. I said so in in every other religion. I said so for instance the other day I was in a for instance the other day I was in a for instance the other day I was in a Uber uh going somewhere and the um the Uber uh going somewhere and the um the Uber uh going somewhere and the um the driver asked him where he was from. He's driver asked him where he was from. He's driver asked him where he was from. He's from a Middle Eastern country and I said from a Middle Eastern country and I said from a Middle Eastern country and I said I said, "Oh, I said, well, our church I said, "Oh, I said, well, our church I said, "Oh, I said, well, our church regularly prays for your for your regularly prays for your for your regularly prays for your for your country. Are you are you Christian or country. Are you are you Christian or country. Are you are you Christian or Muslim?" Cuz we know we know friends Muslim?" Cuz we know we know friends Muslim?" Cuz we know we know friends from from there who are both Christian from from there who are both Christian from from there who are both Christian and Muslim. And he said, "Well, I'm and Muslim. And he said, "Well, I'm and Muslim. And he said, "Well, I'm Muslim." I said, "Okay." I said, "Well, Muslim." I said, "Okay." I said, "Well, Muslim." I said, "Okay." I said, "Well, I'm I'm Christian." Uh and he said, I'm I'm Christian." Uh and he said, I'm I'm Christian." Uh and he said, "Well, we we believe the same thing." I "Well, we we believe the same thing." I "Well, we we believe the same thing." I said I said, "No, I said, we believe in said I said, "No, I said, we believe in said I said, "No, I said, we believe in Jesus." And he And I I was I wanted him Jesus." And he And I I was I wanted him Jesus." And he And I I was I wanted him to say this. "Oh, we believe in Jesus, to say this. "Oh, we believe in Jesus, to say this. "Oh, we believe in Jesus, too." And I was like, "Oh, but we don't too." And I was like, "Oh, but we don't too." And I was like, "Oh, but we don't we don't believe in the same Jesus." He we don't believe in the same Jesus." He we don't believe in the same Jesus." He goes, "Oh, it's the same. It's the goes, "Oh, it's the same. It's the goes, "Oh, it's the same. It's the same." I said, "No, to be clear, we same." I said, "No, to be clear, we same." I said, "No, to be clear, we think that Jesus was the Son of God who think that Jesus was the Son of God who think that Jesus was the Son of God who was born of a virgin, who was crucified, was born of a virgin, who was crucified, was born of a virgin, who was crucified, literally died on the cross, physically literally died on the cross, physically literally died on the cross, physically went to the grave, and then he rose 3 went to the grave, and then he rose 3 went to the grave, and then he rose 3 days later." And he goes, "Oh, that's days later." And he goes, "Oh, that's days later." And he goes, "Oh, that's very bad."

very bad." very bad." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And you know, I was like >> And you know, I was like >> And you know, I was like and but I told that story during the and but I told that story during the and but I told that story during the during the sermon to to help highlight during the sermon to to help highlight during the sermon to to help highlight be like, you know, he's he's a be like, you know, he's he's a be like, you know, he's he's a well-intended, well-intended, well-intended, you know, person who's thinking through you know, person who's thinking through you know, person who's thinking through things, but he's things, but he's things, but he's he's got a wrong view of Jesus. Our job he's got a wrong view of Jesus. Our job he's got a wrong view of Jesus. Our job is to help people see Jesus rightly. is to help people see Jesus rightly. is to help people see Jesus rightly. Yeah. Well, that Sunday afterwards um Yeah. Well, that Sunday afterwards um Yeah. Well, that Sunday afterwards um there was a several uh Muslims who had there was a several uh Muslims who had there was a several uh Muslims who had who were visiting with some some friends who were visiting with some some friends who were visiting with some some friends and they they said, "I heard what you and they they said, "I heard what you and they they said, "I heard what you said about the story. It was said about the story. It was said about the story. It was interesting. I'd like to talk more about interesting. I'd like to talk more about interesting. I'd like to talk more about that." Yeah. And you just never know that." Yeah. And you just never know that." Yeah. And you just never know what it's going to do for people. what it's going to do for people. what it's going to do for people. >> And again, in sharing that story in your >> And again, in sharing that story in your >> And again, in sharing that story in your sermon, you were training your people in sermon, you were training your people in sermon, you were training your people in how to have a conversation like that. how to have a conversation like that. how to have a conversation like that. And it's it it it also shows And it's it it it also shows And it's it it it also shows un- again, the difference between good un- again, the difference between good un- again, the difference between good contextualization and bad contextualization and bad contextualization and bad contextualization. If if you're if contextualization. If if you're if contextualization. If if you're if you're always trying to eliminate the you're always trying to eliminate the you're always trying to eliminate the distinctions distinctions distinctions in people's minds, you're not serving in people's minds, you're not serving in people's minds, you're not serving their souls. That, you know, he had to their souls. That, you know, he had to their souls. That, you know, he had to heighten the distinction. No, we're heighten the distinction. No, we're heighten the distinction. No, we're we're not exactly alike. We don't we're not exactly alike. We don't we're not exactly alike. We don't believe in the same God. We don't believe in the same God. We don't believe in the same God. We don't believe in the same thing. And and by believe in the same thing. And and by believe in the same thing. And and by the way, when you do that, you're not the way, when you do that, you're not the way, when you do that, you're not dishonoring the uh internal testimony of dishonoring the uh internal testimony of dishonoring the uh internal testimony of of Muslim religion. If you really of Muslim religion. If you really of Muslim religion. If you really understood it, that one of their key understood it, that one of their key understood it, that one of their key points is that they're not like us and points is that they're not like us and points is that they're not like us and that we and that we are actually guilty that we and that we are actually guilty that we and that we are actually guilty of heresy, the worst kind of heresy, of heresy, the worst kind of heresy, of heresy, the worst kind of heresy, when we say that we believe that Jesus when we say that we believe that Jesus when we say that we believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he died on is the son of God and that he died on is the son of God and that he died on the cross. That's heresy. And so you're the cross. That's heresy. And so you're the cross. That's heresy. And so you're you're helping somebody think clearly.

you're helping somebody think clearly. you're helping somebody think clearly. You're not just agreeing with them, You're not just agreeing with them, You're not just agreeing with them, you're not coddling them, but you're you're not coddling them, but you're you're not coddling them, but you're dignifying them, you're you're taking dignifying them, you're you're taking dignifying them, you're you're taking them seriously. Yeah. And them seriously. Yeah. And them seriously. Yeah. And I think people I think people I think people tend to respond well to being taken tend to respond well to being taken tend to respond well to being taken seriously. Yeah. And even if they're seriously. Yeah. And even if they're seriously. Yeah. And even if they're going to finally disagree with us, at going to finally disagree with us, at going to finally disagree with us, at least they least they least they you know, it's been said that being you know, it's been said that being you know, it's been said that being listened to is so close to being loved listened to is so close to being loved listened to is so close to being loved that most people can't tell the that most people can't tell the that most people can't tell the difference. People want to feel like difference. People want to feel like difference. People want to feel like you've listened to them, you've kind of you've listened to them, you've kind of you've listened to them, you've kind of tried to climb into their experience, tried to climb into their experience, tried to climb into their experience, which is why I'm glad you mentioned Hey, which is why I'm glad you mentioned Hey, which is why I'm glad you mentioned Hey, it's it's important to read books it's it's important to read books it's it's important to read books but we also need to be having but we also need to be having but we also need to be having conversations and friendships with conversations and friendships with conversations and friendships with people who don't yet know the Lord. Any people who don't yet know the Lord. Any people who don't yet know the Lord. Any final thoughts on this topic of final thoughts on this topic of final thoughts on this topic of evangelistic preaching, Garrett? I just evangelistic preaching, Garrett? I just evangelistic preaching, Garrett? I just want to encourage brothers to to not want to encourage brothers to to not want to encourage brothers to to not assume that just because you may not assume that just because you may not assume that just because you may not have many visitors that everybody who's have many visitors that everybody who's have many visitors that everybody who's there on a Sunday morning are are there on a Sunday morning are are there on a Sunday morning are are believers. I can't tell you how many believers. I can't tell you how many believers. I can't tell you how many times we've heard stories of somebody times we've heard stories of somebody times we've heard stories of somebody who they just learned how to do the who they just learned how to do the who they just learned how to do the culture and they said the right things culture and they said the right things culture and they said the right things and you know, drank their beer at the and you know, drank their beer at the and you know, drank their beer at the right time and all this kind of stuff.

right time and all this kind of stuff. right time and all this kind of stuff. Like they just they just learned how to Like they just they just learned how to Like they just they just learned how to to put on the show. to put on the show. to put on the show. So I think just preach the gospel and So I think just preach the gospel and So I think just preach the gospel and preaching the gospel evangelistically preaching the gospel evangelistically preaching the gospel evangelistically will also it's you know, build it and will also it's you know, build it and will also it's you know, build it and they will come. they will come. they will come. I think it creates a desire for I wish I think it creates a desire for I wish I think it creates a desire for I wish my unbelieving aunt or uncle would come my unbelieving aunt or uncle would come my unbelieving aunt or uncle would come and hear this. So I would just say and hear this. So I would just say and hear this. So I would just say >> Yeah, preach for those who you want to >> Yeah, preach for those who you want to >> Yeah, preach for those who you want to be there. be there. be there. >> be there. And and I think that is is >> be there. And and I think that is is >> be there. And and I think that is is something that and and pray and pray and something that and and pray and pray and something that and and pray and pray and pray. God pray. God pray. God God seems to delight in answering God seems to delight in answering God seems to delight in answering prayers that are oriented around lost prayers that are oriented around lost prayers that are oriented around lost people coming to know him. He loves people coming to know him. He loves people coming to know him. He loves saving sinners. I mean, look who's at saving sinners. I mean, look who's at saving sinners. I mean, look who's at the table, right? Like this is what he the table, right? Like this is what he the table, right? Like this is what he does and I think the more we can lean does and I think the more we can lean does and I think the more we can lean into that and trust him for that into that and trust him for that into that and trust him for that it's it's a joy to watch him work. it's it's a joy to watch him work. it's it's a joy to watch him work. >> Matt, I'd also say don't set >> Matt, I'd also say don't set >> Matt, I'd also say don't set evangelistic preaching over against evangelistic preaching over against evangelistic preaching over against expository preaching. That expository expository preaching. That expository expository preaching. That expository preaching will open the door for you in preaching will open the door for you in preaching will open the door for you in 30,000 different ways to be evangelistic 30,000 different ways to be evangelistic 30,000 different ways to be evangelistic in your preaching. You don't have to be in your preaching. You don't have to be in your preaching. You don't have to be stereotyped. If you're doing good stereotyped. If you're doing good stereotyped. If you're doing good expository preaching, you're going to expository preaching, you're going to expository preaching, you're going to come at the gospel from a bunch of come at the gospel from a bunch of come at the gospel from a bunch of different angles as you work through the different angles as you work through the different angles as you work through the passage. And again, my friend Mark Dever passage. And again, my friend Mark Dever passage. And again, my friend Mark Dever has taught me a lot about that. He has has taught me a lot about that. He has has taught me a lot about that. He has an article called evangelistic an article called evangelistic an article called evangelistic expository preaching in the the book for expository preaching in the the book for expository preaching in the the book for Jim Boyce called Give Praise to God. And Jim Boyce called Give Praise to God. And Jim Boyce called Give Praise to God. And that's a very And then re we talked to a that's a very And then re we talked to a that's a very And then re we talked to a while ago about his messages on the Old while ago about his messages on the Old while ago about his messages on the Old Testament and New Testament. If you look Testament and New Testament. If you look Testament and New Testament. If you look at those at those at those sort of sermon length overviews of Bible sort of sermon length overviews of Bible sort of sermon length overviews of Bible books, he finds different ways of books, he finds different ways of books, he finds different ways of getting at the gospel as he's working

getting at the gospel as he's working getting at the gospel as he's working through different kinds of biblical through different kinds of biblical through different kinds of biblical material and it'll give ideas to pastors material and it'll give ideas to pastors material and it'll give ideas to pastors as they're working through that material as they're working through that material as they're working through that material on how they can get to the gospel. Yeah, on how they can get to the gospel. Yeah, on how they can get to the gospel. Yeah, and sometimes it's more drawn out, three and sometimes it's more drawn out, three and sometimes it's more drawn out, three or four minutes addressing the or four minutes addressing the or four minutes addressing the unbeliever. Sometimes it's just a unbeliever. Sometimes it's just a unbeliever. Sometimes it's just a passing comment to unsettle their passing comment to unsettle their passing comment to unsettle their unbelief unbelief unbelief >> Yes. a little bit. >> Yes. a little bit. >> Yes. a little bit. >> 100%. Well, there's so much more we >> 100%. Well, there's so much more we >> 100%. Well, there's so much more we could talk about in this regard, but could talk about in this regard, but could talk about in this regard, but what a privilege we have week in and what a privilege we have week in and what a privilege we have week in and week out to proclaim [music] Christ to week out to proclaim [music] Christ to week out to proclaim [music] Christ to those who know him and need him afresh those who know him and need him afresh those who know him and need him afresh and those who don't yet know him. and those who don't yet know him. and those who don't yet know him. Yeah, praise God. Thanks for joining us Yeah, praise God. Thanks for joining us Yeah, praise God. Thanks for joining us for this conversation on the everyday for this conversation on the everyday for this conversation on the everyday pastor. We hope it's been helpful for pastor. We hope it's been helpful for pastor. We hope it's been helpful for you and we'd encourage you to share it you and we'd encourage you to share it you and we'd encourage you to share it with a friend in ministry so that we can with a friend in ministry so that we can with a friend in ministry so that we can continue being faithful from the pulpit continue being faithful from the pulpit continue being faithful from the pulpit and helping one [music] another find and helping one [music] another find and helping one [music] another find fresh joy in the work of ministry.