The Problem of Evangelism
A Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Scripture
5for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sakes.
5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Sermon Description
Does the passing of time necessitate a change in one’s method of evangelism? Does it mean the Christian must change the ways they communicate with a lost world? In this sermon on 1 Thessalonians 1:5 titled “The Problem of Evangelism,” Dr. Martyn-Lloyd Jones give an emphatic “no” in response to these questions facing the church today. Dr. Lloyd-Jones takes the listener to the apostle Paul’s words to the Thessalonians regarding evangelism and the power of the gospel. The problem Paul and the early church faced is the same problem before the church today. It is the problem of people worshipping idols rather than the Creator. It is the problem of people facing the wrath and judgment of God. But as Christians consider how to share the good news of Jesus who can redeem such a people, they must reject the modern idea that changing methods of evangelism is the solution. They must reject the idea that power, money, and advertising are necessary for gospel influence. When Christians proclaim the gospel, they do so out of confidence in the gospel to save. Be encouraged as Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that the New Testament shows all the necessary elements for effective evangelism today: preachers who proclaim truth and the testimony of changed lives. This is how the gospel was spread centuries ago and how it spreads today.
Itinerant Preaching
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.