Sermon Notes

Making the Second Effort – Four Part Series on Evangelism

Avoiding a Spectacular Failure – Prioritizing ‘Oneness’ and the Church

November 16 , 2008 – Pastor Dave Scherrer

Acts 19:8-12

And he (Paul) entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God . But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.

Rev. 2:1, 4-5

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands . . . I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Acts 2:42-47

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and any wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Notes:

A Brief History of Ephesus

Oneness and Community . . .

. . . Come from God not programs

. . . Are not one of the things God does – they are ‘essentially' the only thing God does

. . . Require ‘total commitment and total mobilization'

Understanding ‘Oneness and Community' as the Foundation for Church Evangelism