Presenting The Gospel

Presenting the Gospel (Mark 6:1-13) Are special credentials needed to share the Gospel? (John 7:15) Do people/you judge the value of a message by the credentials of the messenger? Are “celebrities” more worthy of our attention? Do they get more of our attention? Jesus did not appear to be anything special (Mark 6:2-3, John 4:44, 6:42, Matt. 13:55-57, Luke 4:2224, Isa. 53:2) Leonard Bernstein's father, had not given his son very much encouragement in his musical career. Later in life, after Leonard had become famous, someone asked his father why he had been so unwilling to encourage his son's musical talents. The father replied, "How was I to know that he would grow up to become Leonard Bernstein?" Leonard was too familiar to his father. He could not see the greatness in his own son. Yet His words amazed (Mark 6:2) Why didn’t Jesus approach people in power and majesty? (John 14:22) Yet must first learn the truth in order to share it. How? We need to depend upon God’s guidance, protection & provision in doing so (Mark 6:8-9, Matt. 6:31-34, Luke 22:35, Phil. 4:19). How? We need to remain focused on the mission and not on personal comfort/benefit (Mark 6:10). As much as 75% of the churches in America have pastors that have to work 2 jobs in order to pay bills. It is often difficult to preach to those to whom you have long been familiar (Mark 6:4). Why? The Gospel once presented will get positive & negative responses Sometimes surprising Need to be prepared to respond to either type Those who accept the truth will be blessed by it (Matt. 11:6, Luke 7:23) With faith comes power Humility is a key to acceptance Ot sometimes hard to risk making things “awkward” by sharing the gospel. Why? Requires boldness (Acts 4:13)

We must act based on the right motivate(s) A writer for a great newspaper once visited India. While there, he met a missionary nurse who lived among the lepers and ministered to their needs. He noticed how tender and loving she was to these poor souls. Looking at her in amazement, the reporter commented, "I would not wash their wounds for a million dollars." She responded by saying, "Neither would I, but I’d gladly do it for my Savior. The only reward I am looking for is his smile of approval." Love Service Obedience Being all things to all people The power of 2 (Ecc. 4:9, Mark 6:7) Encouragement Refinement Correction On the wall of a Cathedral somewhere in Europe are these words: You call me Master and Obey me not. You call me Light and See me not. You call the Way and Walk me not. You call me Life and Desire me not. You call me Wise and Follow me not. You call me Fair and Love me not. You call me Rich and Ask me not. You call me Eternal and Seek me not. You call me Gracious and Trust me not. If I do not Bless you, Blame me not.