Evangelism
encouragement
I
am encouraged in recent times by the increased interest in evangelism.
To
Timothy Paul wrote :- “do the work of an evangelist” . I discern that Timothy
was a teacher with limited courage, but he was exhorted to step out of his
comfort zone and make known the Gospel to those who needed it most. 2 Timothy
1-4
Interestingly, it is Christian women who
have stepped up, to reach out in Toowoomba. Women from a prayer group now
operate a monthly market stall giving away many Bibles etc. People from many,
many nations attend for their fruit and vegetables. After Six hours of
evangelism they are encouraged.
Others
make blankets for the babies of migrant mothers.
Others
visit the people in their homes, helping with English and citizenship, and
looking for opportunities to speak the truth about Jesus the Saviour and Lord.
Others
teach Religious instruction at state schools
But the question remains – Where are the men?
Seems
as though many hide behind the facade of church and church programs. A few
venture to teach RI. It is not hard to put Gospel leaflets in letterboxes, to
post a Gospel verse on face book, to give a Bible to the many who are seeking
them. Opportunities still exist to connect with the community at markets. And
of course, the Bible way - using
hospitality to befriend and share the Gospel by life and conversation.
But all this is in vain if the motivation is
missing:
-
To love as God loves
John 3:16
-
To be constrained as public ambassadors by the love of
Christ 2 Corinthians 5
There
are plenty of other reasons why we should obey the Lord’s command – the need of
the lost, the command to go, the unifying value of evangelism, the impact on
the community conscience, the restraint upon other religions etc
Isaiah
had it right – “ Here am I send me”
Isaiah 6,
“Present
your bodies a living sacrifice” Romans 12:1
johnmckee@internode.on.net
