INTRODUCTION.

1. Some Key Terms for our new Sermon Series:

● Topic (Discipleship & Evangelism): "Discipleship" - following Jesus by faith in obedience to God’s word, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and thru the fellowship of the Church (a disciple is a learner, follower).  "Evangelism" - "Evangel" means “the gospel or good news” (Mk 1:1; Rom 1:1; 1Co 15:1); from the Greek word euangelion (good news).  "Evangelist" means “messenger/preacher of the gospel” (Eph 4:11).  "Angel" means “messenger” in Greek (Lk 2:9-10) (hence "ev 'angel' ist").  "Evangelism" means “proclaiming or preaching the gospel” (Mt 11:5; 1Co 15:1). "Evangelical" means “characterized by the gospel” (the evangel).

● Theme (Engaging the Culture and Preaching the Cross):
"Engaging the Culture" (see 1Cor 9:19ff) - Becoming all things to all people through all means for the purpose of leading sinners to saving faith in Christ.  "Preaching the Cross" (see Rom 1:16ff; 1Co 1:18 – 2:5) - Proclaiming the gospel as God’s power to save & transform sinners thru the cross (and His choosing the lowly of the world). The message of the cross is offensive to a spiritually blind and rebellious world (the cross is a stumbling block and foolishness to those who refuse to believe, due to its intrinsic humility, weakness, shame, surrender, suffering and death).    

2. Today’s Scripture in Context (Matthew 9:9-13):

● “The Gospel according to Matthew” – written by the Apostle (and Evangelist) Matthew probably in the 50’s – 60’s A.D.; possibly to the church in Antioch (Jewish-Gentile membership).  Matthew (Levi) was a Jewish tax collector in Israel, who left everything to follow Jesus.

● Mth 1 – 4: Introduction to Jesus Christ and the Gospel;

● Mth 5 – 7: Discipleship/Kingdom living defined (Sermon on the Mount);

● Mth 8 – 9: the Kingdom is Expanding:
→ thru the Messiah’s Authority & Power (showing Jesus as the Messiah);
→ thru Jesus’ Healing & Compassion (for the social outcasts);
→ thru the Cost/Call of Discipleship (disappointing & unexpected).

● Mth 10: Missionary Mandates (for the Apostles; to Israel/the World).
THE RADICAL CALL OF DISCIPLESHIP.

1st, is Unexpected & Life-transforming (v9);




2nd, is for Social Outcasts: and it is Experienced thru Jesus’ Compassion (v10);




3rd, is Offensive to the Rebellious: but Good News for helpless Sinners (vs11-13).




CUTTING-EDGE EVANGELISM

1st, Rises out of Radical Discipleship: in which we Follow Jesus wholeheartedly as a way of life;

2nd, is Lived out Incarnationally [Christ became one of us & lived among us (loving us sinners) – Let us follow in His example]:

● as we Meet People on their Turf;

● as we Love and Reach out to Social Outcasts;

● as we Open up our Homes to the Lost;

● as we Introduce People to Jesus Christ;

● as we Share the Gospel with Sinners.