Category Archives: evangelism

the religious need evangelism

Romans 2:17-3:8.   Paul had been devoted to the religion of Judaism.  It was through Judaism that he learned knowledge and truth about God.  But he found that this knowledge was only enough to confirm his own inner sinfulness.  He reaches … Continue reading

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the self-righteous need evangelism

Romans 2:1-16.  Even those who look down on the blatant sins of the self-condemned need evangelism,  because their righteous acts cover up a sinful nature that is just as repulsive to God’s holiness.  That is why God’s grace sends the … Continue reading

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the self-condemned need evangelism

Romans 1:18-32.  Rome (and everywhere else) contained two types of people: the self-righteous who thought they were better than others, and the self-condemned who were in such bondage to sin that they continued practicing evil – even though they knew … Continue reading

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set apart for evangelism

Romans 1:1-17.   Paul’s desire to go to Rome emerged from his sense of purpose.  He knew the gospel of Jesus Christ, and felt obligated to share it with people like himself: Jews (to whom the gospel first came) and with … Continue reading

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the Holy Spirit: power to proclaim the gospel

Luke 24.  Luke tells three final stories before briefly mentioning the ascension (which he describes in more detail in Acts).  These stories emphasize that Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures by his death and resurrection (46), and that believers will fulfill the … Continue reading

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the Holy Spirit is there

Luke 23:26-56.   This passage records the worst human tragedy ever: the Son of God mocked, tortured and killed as a criminal.  The Holy Spirit was there.  Even in such a horrible place and the very worst of times, God’s Holy … Continue reading

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the business of the Holy Spirit

Luke 18:31-19:27.   In the parable Jesus told, the wicked servant is condemned by the nobleman because he did not do business with what was left with him.  What was this business, and why did Jesus condemn this generation for refusing … Continue reading

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the Holy Spirit, the law, and the gospel

Luke 16:1-17:10.   The rich men of Jesus’ day had created a religion that mocked the purposes of God.  They narrowly defined the law into traditions amenable to the rich alone, then forced strict obedience to that narrow tradition.  But Jesus … Continue reading

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the Holy Spirit draws the lost

Luke 15.   In a series of three parables, Jesus responds to those who object to his acceptance of the tax collectors and sinners.  In each parable, someone seeks something lost [a sheep (3-7), a coin (8-10), and a son (11-32)].  … Continue reading

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the Holy Spirit’s other gifts

Luke 11:1-36.  Jesus told his disciples to expect the Father to give them the Holy Spirit.  He is not reluctant, but eager to do so (5-13).  From this gift of an intimate relationship with God flows other gifts – and … Continue reading

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