We are all called to be evangelists, so what is holding you back? In this episode, Jeff addresses some of the common reasons people use to avoid evangelization. He offers Scripture and advice on how to overcome fears and hurdles to evangelization.
Snippet from the Show
God’s power is demonstrated in our weakness.
Shownotes
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Separating the Body of Christ from the Head
Heb 10:4-5 “Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired, but a body hast thou prepared for me.”
1 Cor 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
Rom 12:5 “so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
Eph. 1:22 “And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all.”
Romans 8:17 “Members of the Body of Christ share Christ’s inheritance.”
1 Cor 12:4 “Members of the Body of Christ possess a diversity of gifts suited to particular functions.”
It’s Not My Gift!
2 Cor 12:10 “When I am weak, then I am strong.”
1 Cor 1:27-31 “but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God…Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
God Doesn’t Speak to Me. Who said that?
He speaks through
- his word (2 Tim 3:16)
- nature/creation (Rom 1:20)
- music
- circumstances
- his Spirit
- prayer
- our conscience
1 Tim 1:5 “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
I’m Not Good at Speech/Don’t know Enough
Ex 4:10-12 (Read it)
Luke 21:15 “for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”
Luke 12:11-12 “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Ps 45:1 “My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”
1 Peter 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”
Acts 1:8 “but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem…”
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Don’t allow a lack of knowledge to keep you from evangelizing.
- Start to read the Bible (TGA)
- Start to read the CCC (Four Pillars)
- Study big issues like suffering, hopelessness, fear, and loneliness.
Check out the The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation study HERE.
Fear
Fear expresses itself in different manners.
- Rejection
- Failure
- Loss of the relationship
- Lack of knowledge as I face tough questions.
2 Tim 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline.”
1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”
Resources
- Email us at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com
- Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get added to Jeff’s shownotes email list
- Visit Jeff’s website at www.jeffcavins.com
- The Great Adventure Bible
- Listen to The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Pilgrimages with Jeff
- Jeff’s Daily Gospel Reflections with Jonathan Roumie: www.hallow.com/jeffcavins
Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.
Meet Your Host: Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins is passionate about helping people understand Scripture and become disciples of Jesus Christ. Though he was born Catholic, Jeff went to Bible school and served as a protestant minister for twelve years before reverting to the Catholic Faith. Jeff then received his MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Since then, he has become a leading Catholic evangelist and author.
Jeff created The Bible Timeline learning system, which revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for millions of Catholics. Since its introduction, Jeff has developed The Great Adventure series of Bible studies to help people better understand Sacred Scripture and its meaning for their lives.
