Baptists Preaching is a column from the Baptist Standard. It is not an effort to advance any one theology or style but to present what a collection of Baptists considers a word from God. Likewise, Baptists Preaching offers a repository of Baptist preaching for future study and research. To recommend a sermon to be featured in Baptists Preaching, please contact eric.black@baptiststandard.com.
Jim Heiligman: Sharing Jesus (Luke 15:1-10)
Jim Heiligman, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Bryan, summarized his church’s intentional rekindling of its relationship with Christ over a six-week period. The six weeks culminated with Jesus telling his followers to take his message into the whole world.
Jesus didn’t say his followers would be his “Bible study-ers” or his “pray-ers;” he said they would be his witnesses, Heiligman declared. Being a witness of Jesus’ message is imperative because heaven and hell are real, he continued, and not all roads lead to salvation.
We speak about what we believe, Heiligman contended, giving examples of the things we tell others they should experience—restaurants and TV shows. He challenged his hearers, “Do you believe what we’re talking about today?”
Heiligman examined Jesus’ parables recorded in Luke 15 to make the point God cares deeply for every person. When we believe that, we will be compelled to share Jesus with everyone we meet.
This sermon was delivered Oct. 9, 2022, for the morning worship services of First Baptist Church in Bryan. It is the last of a sermon series and church-wide emphasis titled “Rekindle” on revival and spiritual disciplines.
A sermon script is available here.
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