Series Details
“I don’t have the gift of evangelism.” “I’m not a preacher.” “I don’t have enough time.”
Let the passion of teachers Chuck Swindoll and Greg Laurie ignite a fire in your church—and your own life—to get out of the pews and into the streets to reach others with the good news of Jesus Christ. No more excuses!
“I don’t have the gift of evangelism.” “I’m not a preacher.” We’ve all used these excuses to avoid sharing our faith. In this powerful series, Chuck Swindoll and Greg Laurie challenge us to move beyond our comfort zones and into our communities. Passion for the Gospel is a call to action, reminding us that the mission of reaching the lost belongs to every follower of Christ. Through biblical instruction and practical insights, you’ll discover how to trade your excuses for a burning compassion for those who do not yet know the Savior.
Message 1: “Mr. Smith, Meet Your Substitute”
Sermon Summary At the heart of the Gospel is the concept of substitution. Just as a substitute teacher or athlete stands in for another, Jesus Christ stood in for us on the Cross. This message dives into Romans 3 to explain the mechanics of salvation: how a holy God can justify sinful people through the sacrificial work of His Son. Understanding the depth of this “great exchange” is the first step in developing a passion to tell others about it.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Necessity of a Substitute: Exploring why our own efforts can never satisfy the requirements of a holy God.
- Justification by Grace: Understanding that our right standing with God is a gift received through faith, not earned through works.
- The Reality of Sin: Facing the truth of our condition to fully appreciate the magnitude of the Cure.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Romans 3: A deep look at God’s righteousness and the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Message 2: Interview: Chuck Swindoll and Greg Laurie
Sermon Summary In this unique conversation, Pastor Chuck Swindoll sits down with evangelist Greg Laurie to discuss the “why” and “how” of modern evangelism. They share personal stories and pastoral insights on what it takes to maintain a heart for the lost in a culture that is increasingly indifferent or hostile to the message of Christ.
Key Facts & Themes
- Overcoming Fear: Practical advice on moving past the anxiety of being rejected.
- Cultural Relevance: How to present timeless truths in a way that resonates with a modern audience.
- The Role of the Local Church: Why every congregation should be a “sending” station for the Gospel.
Message 3: How Can I Become a Christian?
Sermon Summary Before we can share the Gospel, we must be certain of it ourselves. This message strips away religious jargon and complicated rituals to explain the simple, biblical steps to salvation. Chuck outlines the path of recognizing one’s need, turning from self-sufficiency, and placing total trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Key Facts & Themes
- The ABCs of Salvation: A clear, step-by-step explanation of the conversion process.
- Repentance vs. Regret: Distinguishing between feeling sorry for sin and turning away from it toward God.
- Assurance of Salvation: How to know for sure that you belong to Christ.
Message 4: How Can I Begin the Christian Life?
Sermon Summary Answering the call to follow Christ is the beginning of a journey, not the end. This message focuses on the crucial first steps of the Christian life. From the importance of God’s Word to the necessity of Christian fellowship, Chuck provides a roadmap for the new believer to grow deep roots and build a life that reflects the glory of God.
Key Facts & Themes
- Spiritual Nourishment: The role of the Bible in the growth of a new believer.
- Foundational Habits: Establishing prayer and worship as central pillars of life.
- Identity in Christ: Understanding who you are now that you have been born again.
Message 5: No Compassion—No Harvest
Sermon Summary Why is the “harvest” so small in many of our lives? Often, it’s because we lack the compassion that Jesus felt for the crowds. In this final message, we look at the heart of the Savior—who saw people as “sheep without a shepherd.” Chuck reminds us that without genuine love and empathy for the lost, our evangelism will be hollow and ineffective.
Key Facts & Themes
- Seeing as Jesus Sees: Training our eyes to see the spiritual needs beneath the surface of people’s lives.
- The Cost of Compassion: Why reaching out requires us to be “interrupted” and inconvenienced.
- The Urgency of the Mission: Recognizing that the time to share the Gospel is now.