FROM THE PASTOR:
The work of evangelism is never far from the minds of many believers. It is a topic for discussions at denominational meetings. It is often the point of sermons, Bible studies, and conferences. In fact, the church probably talks about evangelism more than any other topic, but for all of our talk it seems few are actually engaged in the work.
“Work” is the appropriate word to describe evangelism because, if nothing else, evangelism is hard. A quick scan of 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 makes it clear that evangelism is more than just hard work, it is a demanding lifestyle. A biblical approach to this work involves more than a memorized spiel or a clever diagram, which probably explains why so many talk about evangelism but so few do it.
Effective witnesses carry out their work in the right way with the right motives. They speak with a boldness that comes from God. They are determined to avoid flattery or any means of manipulation. They approach their work with the caring compassion of a mother’s heart and with the hopeful expectation of a father’s vision.
Biblical evangelism grows out of a sense of responsibility before God. Consistent Christian witnesses know they have been entrusted with God’s only Word to the world. Along with this sense of duty there is a sense of honor and privilege of having been approved by God to speak for Him. These two factors combine to compel the witness to act and speak for God’s glory, and not for his own.
An effective evangelist works hard, going to whatever lengths are required to deliver his God-given message. He is determined to avoid any practice or habit that could be used to dull or inhibit the effective communication of the message of God in Christ “reconciling the world to Himself.” (2 Corinthians 5:19). It is for this same reason that he will endure hardship, suffering, deprivation and persecution if he must. He strives to remember that if such difficulties come his way, he is not alone because “all who would live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12).
It may sound as if only a few are singled out by God for this work of evangelism and, while it is true that in the church there is an office of “the evangelist” (Ephesians 4:11), all believers are commissioned as witnesses. Each of us have been entrusted with the good news of Jesus Christ. None of us is exempted from this work. So, the time has come for us to recognize that the work is hard and that God’s message will not always be welcomed by those who need it. It’s time for us to stop blaming our circumstances, our personalities, age, physical limitations, or anything else and start doing instead of talking. It is time for us to stop substituting a witness to the lost with prayers for the lost. It’s time for us to understand that Christlikeness isn’t being nice; it is “seeking and saving the lost.” (Luke 19:10) It is giving our lives “as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) It is carrying on Christ’s work of calling “sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)
Let’s declare “the favorable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:19) and get to work!
Love,
David