“Growing the Local Church” – Evangelism and Church Growth (Pastor Jason Montgomery)

My notes verbatim from “Evangelim and Church Growth” by Jason Montgomery: (remember, my words, NOT JASON’s  :-)  )

Did Jesus have to die for the Church to grow?  (first question)

This is a question that needs to be considered by every faithful preacher of the Word of God.
The Gospel is absolutely unexpected.
The Word of the Gospel should not be received by anyone in the World.  This is foolishness to the World.
-    the world depends on its own word

If you want something that works, preach the Gospel!
-if you wanna be innovative, PREACH THE GOSPEL!!!

God takes nobodies and makes them into somebodies in his own economy.
The Gospel is not some amazing sign that the world is expected to be enamored with.
-    we are in danger of operating out of an understanding of the Gospel, as well as an understanding of people that are taught in the Word of God.
-    People DON’T LIKE JESUS
3 Observations from the Passage (1 Cor. 1:18-2:5)
“The Gospel of the Cross of Christ arrives in unexpected offense”
“The Gospel of the Cross of Christ delivers un unexpected impact”
“The Gospel of the Cross of Christ in proclaimed in unexpected weakness”

The Gospel of the Cross of Christ arrives in unexpected offense
-The Gospel not only lacks cultural sensitivies
-In fact, it has cultural insensitivities
-it is counter cultural!
-it is folly to those who are perishing
-we go into the world to destroy unbelief
-man does not tell God what Truth is
-man fancies himself a god in his own right until they see God
-no man can stand before God and say that He did not make His Truth available
-His glory HAS been made available!
-you want Drama?  Set the Gospel on stage.
“What men are wanting us to do is come and stroke their idols”

The Gospel of the Cross of Christ delivers an unexpected impact
God uses the foolish things!
“From the world’s perspective we are no prize.  Yet from a heavenly perspective, these are the kinds of people God endeavors to save”
God does not target the world’s elite with His Gospel

The Gospel of the Cross of Christ is proclaimed in unexpected weakness
Paul’s logic warns us against separating the message from the methods
Celebrity evangelism shows that we are in danger of losing sight of the power of the Spirit driven Gospel

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