ARTICLES
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ARTICLES
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MAKE 2001 A YEAR TO EVANGELIZE
Perhaps the greatest duty of being a Christian is seeking the lost. Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19-20 to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” While there are many methods one may chose to evangelize, all evangelism requires us to perform that simple verb “go.” While a single article cannot grasp every issue involved with evangelism, courage cannot be overlooked. Noteworthy is the fact that Paul took courage with him on his way to Rome (Acts 28:15).
Courage, described in several accounts, is an important element to the Bible. While every account may not directly pertain to evangelism, we can easily make a spiritual application. When we strive after Bible-based courage, we can overcome our fears of evangelism. Many obstacles stand in the way of Christians when evangelizing, including a lack of knowledge, embarrassment and persecution. While the list of obstacles could undoubtedly fill this and many other pages, we’ll look at these examples.
Many claim that they don’t know enough in order to evangelize. While I contend that 99% of those claiming such do know enough, it’s a topic worth considering. Some worry about not having scripture memorized or being able to find the right verse at the right time. If that is a concern, carry a pocket-sized reference with you or write references on the inside cover of your Bible. Try asking a Christian friend for help. Beware though, the person you’re trying to teach may feel “ganged up on” if you bring a friend so ask that person first! Also, don’t think you have to have every answer with you at all times. If you don’t know an answer, tell the person you’ll find a Bible answer and get back to them. Last, don’t forget to continue studying God’s word to show yourself approved (2 Tim 2:15), preferably daily (Acts 17:11).
Perhaps one will be embarrassed teaching the gospel, especially to those they don’t know well. Remember Paul’s words “I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation” (Rom 1:16). Teaching isn’t easy but remember your tool (the Bible) is the best you can have. Moses worried about his public speaking skills, saying he was slow of speech and of slow tongue (Ex 4:10). God told Moses that He would teach him what to say (v. 12). He has done the same for us in giving us His complete divine revelation – the Bible! Some may wish they had miraculous abilities as the apostles did, thinking that would make teaching easier. Notice Luke 11:31-32. Jesus states that something greater than Solomon and Jonah is here. What caused the Ninevites and the queen of the south (Sheba) to repent? 1 Kings 10:3 tells us that Solomon told the queen of Sheba answers to her questions. Likewise, the Ninevites responded to the words of Jonah (Luke 11:32). Truly the word of God is powerful!
Some worry about being persecuted or laughed at when teaching the gospel. It is indeed courageous to live a godly life since those that do shall suffer persecution (2 Tim 3:12). We may rejoice with persecution because it can help spiritually strengthen us (1 Peter 1:5-6) and help us glorify God (4:16). Acts 5:42 reveals that some continued to teach about Jesus after suffering persecution. Realize that not everyone will respond to the gospel. Christ saw plenty of failures, including seeing some of His disciples leave (John 6:66). This surely didn’t stop Christ because He had a mission. We too have a mission and must not stop. When others fail to respond to our teaching, realize that their hearts aren’t right. Christ related sowing to teaching the gospel and stated that some hearts aren’t ready, some too stony and some filled with thorns (Mat 13:19-22). Only when one’s heart is right will the word prick their heart (
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Courage is vital to spreading the gospel
Ezra displayed great courage when taking a journey (Ezra 8:22-23). Ezra knew God would help those that are serving Him. Psalm 27:14 tells us to, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!"
The Lord expects Christians to be courageous:
1 Cor 16:13 – we’re told to be brave and strong
Phil 1:27 – we are to stand fast, striving for the faith
I urge everyone to demonstrate courage. How can we do so in today's world? Seeking first the kingdom of God (Mat. 6:33). Make the decision to attend Bible classes/assemblies, teach the gospel to others, deny yourself in order to foster Christian growth. Faithfully follow Christ (Mat 10:22). Make the decision to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts (Titus 2:12). It can creep in when we let our guard down by many vehicles: music, television, movies, magazines, etc. Endure persecution (2 Tim 3:12). Make the decision to stand in defense of the gospel (Phil 1:27) even in the face of your coworkers, family or friends. Suffer temptation (1 Peter 1:5-6). Our Father wants us to seek Him when faced with temptation. These trials help strengthen us as a stressed muscle grows stronger. An easy life wouldn’t prompt us to follow God.
I urge everyone to earnestly contend for the faith once for all delivered (Jude 3). It takes a courageous man/woman to admit they have sinned and have fallen short of God’s glory (Rom 3:23). It takes a courageous man/woman to decide to go forward to be baptized into Christ (Rom 6:3-4) or to be restored to the body of Christ.
Christian life isn’t easy but the reward is eternal life with God! We can, as a Christian, stand on the promises of God as He cannot lie (Titus 1:2). Paul stood on such promises during His ministry (Acts 28:15).
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Q: Does God put a course of action on our hearts?
A: Some claim that God “guides” us to salvation and to do what is right. Many will claim the Holy Spirit is responsible for their intuition, hunches, inspiration, etc. These people do not understand that the Holy Spirit influences Christians today through the word of God - the Bible. Does God put a “course of action” on our hearts? If the answer is yes, our salvation is by “unconditional particular election.”
2 Thes 2:14 tells us that the gospel calls us to salvation. 1 Tim 2:4 tells us that God desires for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Acts 17:30 tells us that God calls all to repent.
The truth is God does not put “a course of action” on our hearts because he is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). Actually, the Bible tells us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). The Bible affirms God has universal love for everybody and is impartial with reference to the whole human family. There is no special treatment for skin color, economic status, cultural background, etc and there should not be any by our part (James 2:2-9). Psalm 145:9 reads, “The Lord is good to all; and his tender mercies are over all his works.”
Obeying the gospel in the 1st century produced a Christian, which was a member of the Lord’s church even among Jews or Gentile. Obeying the gospel today does the same thing. We read in Acts 2:38 that Peter told those that realized Jesus was the Son of God to “...repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...” Verse 39 is important too. Peter stated that God’s promises are “...unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
If you have not obeyed the gospel call to salvation, please do so to receive the same promise of God that Peter stated 2000 years ago. Having faith and having repented of your sins, confess Christ and be baptized in order to put on Christ and become a child of God (Gal 3:26-27). We need not to wait for our "course of action" because God is not a respector of persons.
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