The One Sermon That Every Christian Needs To Hear

The Urgent Call: Why Every Christian Needs to Hear This Message

Have you ever felt the weight of someone’s eternal destiny on your shoulders? Imagine standing by as a person burns alive, paralyzed by inaction. It’s a horrifying thought, yet as Christians, we often find ourselves in a similar position spiritually. We’re surrounded by people separated from God, heading towards eternal judgment, while we remain silent bystanders. This realization hit me hard as I reflected on my very first sermon 45 years ago, where I preached from Ezekiel 33 about the watchman’s duty to warn others. Today, that message is more critical than ever.

The Alarming State of Evangelism

Recent trends in church growth paint a sobering picture:

Only 3-5% of American churches are growing through conversion growth.
Church closures are outpacing new church plants three to one.
Evangelism is on “life support” in most churches, with 99% of pastors saying their church is ineffective in community outreach.

These statistics should shake us to our core. As I often say, “When evangelism is on life support, folks, the church should be alarmed because it’s going to be a dying church.”

Understanding the Condition of the Lost

To grasp the urgency of our mission, we must first understand the true condition of those without Christ. Romans 3:10-12 paints a stark picture:

“As it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.'”

The Bible describes the lost as:

Separated from God (Ephesians 2:1)
Blinded by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Without hope (Ephesians 2:12)
Under God’s judgment

This isn’t just theological jargon – it’s the reality for our neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones who don’t know Jesus. Does this trouble your soul?

Christ: The Only Way

In our pluralistic society, it’s increasingly unpopular to claim exclusivity in matters of faith. Yet, Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” We must hold firm to this truth, even when it’s countercultural.

A 2020 survey found that only 35% of American adults believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone. If we truly believe Jesus is the only way, it should radically impact how we live and interact with others.

Responding to the Call of the Harvest

Jesus looked at the crowds with compassion, seeing them as “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). He then told His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37).

This statement is just as true today. The problem isn’t a lack of people who need to hear the Gospel – it’s a lack of Christians willing to share it. We must ask ourselves: What opportunities has God given me to share my faith? How often do I pray for open doors to talk about Jesus?

Obeying the Great Commission

Evangelism isn’t optional for believers – it’s a command. Matthew 28:19-20 says:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

This isn’t just for pastors or missionaries – it’s for every follower of Christ. As William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, powerfully stated:

“Not called!’ did you say? ‘Not heard the call,’ I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity and listen to its pitiful wail for help.”

Relying on the Holy Spirit

While we’re called to share the Gospel, we must remember that salvation is ultimately God’s work. We plant and water, but God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). This should both relieve pressure and motivate us – we’re simply called to be faithful in sharing, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in people’s hearts.

Putting It Into Practice

Pray for opportunities to share your faith this week.
Invite someone to church – studies show 82% of people would attend if invited!
Practice evangelism by sharing your testimony and the Gospel message.
Look for ways to serve and show Christ’s love in your community.

Remember, you have more influence than you realize. Your coworkers, neighbors, and friends may be more open to hearing about Jesus from you than from a pastor. Don’t let fear or complacency make you a bystander in the greatest rescue mission of all time. The harvest is plentiful – will you be a laborer?