When Things Go Missing

Methods of Evangelism

Evangelism can take many forms, adapting to the audience and the individual:

Personal Witnessing: Sharing personal experiences of faith and the teachings of Jesus in one-on-one conversations.

Public Preaching: Delivering sermons and messages to larger groups, often within churches or religious gatherings.

Media and Literature: Using various media and written materials to communicate the gospel message to a wider audience.

Missionary Work: Engaging in evangelistic activities, particularly in different communities and regions, to spread the Christian message.

The Purpose of Evangelism

To share the truth: To inform people who may be confused about the truth of the gospel.

To build God’s kingdom: To bring people into God’s kingdom on earth and welcome them into heaven.

To encourage personal faith: To persuade individuals to respond personally to the gospel and place their trust in Jesus.

Key principles

Show value: Demonstrate respect and care for all people.

Be real: Be honest about life’s challenges and the concept of sin.

Be patient: Don’t pressure people. The results are not up to you.

Engage in hospitality: Open your home and life to others.

The phrases “lost sheep,” “lost coin,” and “lost son” refer to three parables from the Bible (Luke 15) told by Jesus to illustrate God’s love and joy over finding those who are lost. Each parable depicts a different way of being “lost” and the immense value the owner places on what was found: a shepherd risks a flock for one sheep, a woman searches tirelessly for a single coin, and a father welcomes his wayward son home with open arms. 

The parables in context

Setting: Jesus told these stories after being criticized by religious leaders for associating with “sinners”.

Purpose: To show that God actively seeks and rejoices over the return of those who repent and turn to Him, not just the righteous.

The three parables

Lost Sheep: A shepherd leaves 99 sheep to search for one that is lost. When he finds it, he rejoices and carries it home.

Lost Coin: A woman loses one of ten silver coins. She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches diligently until she finds it, celebrating with her friends and neighbors.

Lost Son (Prodigal Son): A son leaves home and squanders his inheritance. He eventually returns in humility and is welcomed back joyfully by his father, who throws a celebration because his son was “lost and is found”.

Underlying meaning

Lost Sheep: Can represent those who stray from faith without fully understanding their sin.

Lost Coin: Can represent a sinner who is lost through carelessness or has lost their value.

Lost Son: Can represent a sinner who rebels and chooses to turn away from God, but ultimately repents and returns.

Overarching Theme: God rejoices when even one sinner repents, and this joy is greater than that over many who are already righteous.