Tag Archives: Evangelism

Who Shares the Gospel of God?

Church Bulletin, Evangelism, ,

The gospel of God (Romans 1:2) is the best news anyone has ever heard. It is a declaration of freedom to a world bound up in sin and its consequences. It is a message of freedom. It is an expression of love from the source of love. Indeed, words fail to describe its breadth and magnitude against the affairs of mortal man. Although the gospel reaches deep into the heart and mind of our Creator, its message is stunningly simple: “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15).

The gospel is a critical message to all lost people. Without it, they remain lost and have no hope beyond this present life. Because the gospel is something to be obeyed (Romans 10:16, 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17), it is imperative that the message be spread among all people. So who will spread the gospel of God?

Will Jesus Spread the Gospel of God?

Yes, but  no, at least no directly. That may be an unexpected answer for some. The gospel does not exist without Jesus. His blood paid the price for our sins and purchased the church wherein the saved are placed by God (Acts 20:28; Acts 2:47). His entire life’s work was to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17), which he did. He came to call men to himself for through Jesus alone is salvation (John 14:6). But Jesus gave the responsibility for spreading the gospel – evangelism – to his disciples. He gave to the apostles the keys to the kingdom so that they could set forth terms and conditions already decided in heaven (Matthew 16:19). Jesus told them to “make disciples,” to go and teach, baptize and teach the lost (Matthew 28:18-20).

Even when he confronted Saul on the road to Damascus he did not there tell him how to be saved but sent him into the city where Ananias taught him (Acts 9:17-19; Acts 22:10-16). Later Paul, speaking of the gospel, said it was a treasure in “jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:1-12, note esp. verse 7) which is a reference to the mortal body of man.

The coming of the church on Pentecost was marked by great signs from the Holy Spirit. But it was through the voices of men that the gospel message was preached (Acts 2:14). Our simple minds might think that an appearance of the recently resurrected Lord would be a great boost to the kingdom. But our wisdom is not God’s wisdom. The message was preached, with power, through men. It is the responsibility of men to carry the gospel to the world.

Will I Spread the Gospel of God?

Every Christian is charged with spreading the gospel of God. A man who ignores a burning building and fails to warn those inside is despised and ridiculed. We know we are to sound the alarm and warn others when trouble comes. Likewise, we ought warn others of impending doom.

It was the relatively unknown Andrew who brought his brother Peter to Christ (John 1:40-41). Peter then did great things for the Lord. ((No doubt Andrew did many great things too but they are not recorded in Scripture.))

There are many excuses offered for failing to warn and teach others. But that is all they are: excuses. We will soon examine some of those excuses here at PSB but it is sufficient to remind that someone loved you enough to teach you the gospel of God. Won’t you do the same for someone else? Do you love someone enough to share a message of liberty with them? Would you discomfort yourself to save man from eternal destruction?


Rejection

Daily living, Evangelism, Hosea,

It can be painful to reach out to someone caught up in sin. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, they reject us and our plea for Christ. It’s doubly hurtful when that person is a dear family member; maybe a son or daughter who has gone astray draws even further away after our pleadings. Their rejection causes us to plead even more earnestly and they draw even further away. It becomes a cycle of encouragement and rejection.

A preacher once reminded me that not even Jesus saved all those he reached out to. Scores walked away from Jesus as soon as his divine commands become too hard or too controversial (John 6:66). One of his chosen ones, Judas, betrayed him to his enemies (John 18:1-11). The Lord himself says most will be lost (Matthew 7:13-14). It is not what people say but what they do that matters (Matthew 7:21-23) and even those who invoke the name of Jesus may not be true followers. If a man rejects Jesus we can be assured that some (many) will reject our overtures.

The frustration of reaching out only to seemingly push people away is not limited to mankind.

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me. They  sacrificed to the Baals  and they  burned incense to images.” (Hosea 11:1-2 NIV).

“My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the most high, he shall not raise them up at all” (Hosea 11:7).

Those are God’s words and reflect how he felt about Israel’s rejection.  I see a couple of lessons here and you may see others. First, God didn’t give up on them. Hear his tender words just a few verses later.

“How can I give you up, Ephraim?  How can I hand you over, Israel?  How can I treat you like Admah?          How can I make you like Zeboiim?  My heart is changed within me;  all my compassion is aroused.  I will not carry out my fierce anger,  nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.  For I am God, and not man—  the Holy One among you.  I will not come in wrath” (Hosea 11:8-9 NIV).

Although Israel had rejected him and his encouragements, he would not give up on them. He loved them immensely and always sought their redemption.

We mustn’t give up on people. Our hearts ache when children reject the faith that saves. We are pained when friends persist in unrighteousness. But let us always work to bring them home (Galatians 6:1).

A second lesson is harder to accept. God allows people to make their own choices and decisions. In the case of Israel, God blessed them, he punished them, he sent prophets and he pleaded with them. Yet God did not remove their own ability to choose.

His choice persists from Eden. There God allowed Adam and Eve to either obey or reject him (Genesis 2:16-17). Joshua called upon Israel to choose the Lord (Joshua 24:1-15). Today, people have similar choices. No one is forced to follow. No one is compelled to serve.

While God surrounds all of us with magnificent blessings he always leaves the decision to us. It’s hard to watch a loved one choose a life of sin. But we must allow them the same choices God allows. We never give up and we always plant good seed. But ultimately each makes his own decision. It gives me some strength to know that even our heavenly father knows the pain of rejection.

Talk About Jesus – Please!

Church Bulletin, Evangelism

Two men, who do not know one another, are walking through the fishing department at Bass Pro. As they shuffle through the lures and examine the latest gear they begin to talk…about fishing.

A young woman is at Barnes and Noble looking at the latest fiction offerings. Another woman approaches and they begin to talk…about the book’s author.

Two strangers step out of a Chinese restaurant at the same time and see that it has begun to rain. They quickly begin a conversation…about the weather.

People like to talk. It builds a sense of familiarity and removes uneasy feelings of awkwardness and lessens feelings of isolation. But generally our conversations, especially with strangers, are kept at a minimal level. We don’t want to open up too much and we don’t want to ask too many questions for fear of seeming to pry. Sometimes that fear becomes so paralyzing that Continue reading Talk About Jesus – Please! →

Speaking in Muscatine, Iowa

Bible General, Bible Lectureships, Church, Missions, , ,

I am blessed to be in Muscatine, Iowa this week to teach the adult class for their Vacation Bible School and then to preach for them on Sunday. I was with the brethren there some years ago and was warmly received by them. I look forward to seeing them again. I also have a string family connection in Muscatine. My cousin Clyde Evans and his family are all located in that area so I will get to see them soon.

Muscatine is a small city on the banks of the Mississippi River just opposite Illinois. There is a rich heritage in the area which I hope to sample while there.

I will return Sunday night to Birmingham, Alabama where I will rejoin my family for Indian Creek Youth Camp in Walker County, Alabama. I will be working with Clark Sims to run the camp for almost 250 campers, counselors and staff. This is our sixth year and I am sure it will be the best!

Later this summer I will be in Tuscaloosa, Alabama speaking at the Cottondale church of Christ. I travel to Guyana to teach in the Guyana Christian University in late September, I speak on the Summer Series at the Robertsdale church of Christ in October and then I am scheduled in a lectureship in McMinnville, Tennessee. It’s a great deal of traveling but I look forward to every opportunity. Please keep me in your prayers.

Power at Bellingrath Road

Church, Evangelism, ,

A dozen Christians from Eastern Shore made the 30 mile jaunt over to the Bellingrath Road church of Christ last night to support the evangelism efforts and their current Gospel Meeting. Preaching last night was Bill Davis, a former ordained minister in the Assemblies of God church. Davis left the AOG in February of this year and is now attending the North West Florida School of Biblical Studies in Milestone.

Bill’s message was entitled, “The church of Christ is the church that Jesus built.” He carefully set forth the defining characteristics of Christ’s church and then made precise application to the religious world today. In my view, his reasoning was unassailable.

Thanks to the Bellingrath preacher, Cade Sommers, and all t he good people there for making us feel welcomed.

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7 Opportunities for the Gospel

Church, Church Bulletin, Evangelism

Change is certain and often unexpected. Most like the stable daily lives that we lead and are perfectly happy to avoid any change. However we should notice that change very often represents and opportunity for growth. Change is constant and may prove helpful to us. Change also brings opportunities to teach the gospel.  Paul and Barnabas said the Lord had opened a “door of faith” in their preaching (Acts 14:27). Jesus told the Christians in Philadelphia that he had opened a “door which no one can shut” (Revelation 3:8). Consider the following opened doors for evangelism: Continue reading 7 Opportunities for the Gospel →

Making Contacts

Daily living, Eastern Shore church of Christ

Let’s call it what it is — an excuse. It’s the idea that we can’t teach anyone the Gospel because we don’t have any good contacts. We reason that we just don’t know anyone and therefore we are somehow exempt from the Great Commission. That’s not what Jesus taught is it?

I noticed this morning that before I even got to the office, I had already made face-to-face contact with three people who are not members of the Lord’s church. An appointment this afternoon to see the dentist guarantees at least three more people that I will come into contact with. Add to that number a couple of people you see at the local market and maybe one or two of your neighbors and suddenly you have made 10 contacts in one day!

So much with having no contacts uh?

So what’s the problem?

The problem is not a lack of contacts, it is a lack of action. Think about the impact you alone could have if you touched only two people with God’s word this week. By cultivating and harvesting that relationship you suddenly fight yourself at the head of a whole army of hungry men and women who want to know the truth. It only takes stepping out of your shell.

Here are some ideas to help you develop those contacts.

  • Remember names and call people by their names. There is no sweeter music to the hear than to hear one’s name called. It lets people know that you value them enough commit their name to memory.
  • Remind them of your faith. Sometimes we only have a few precious seconds in which to speak with people. Let them know again and again that you are a Christian and that you attend at Eastern Shore.
  • Ask for action. Most people want to please others. Ask them to visit worship with you. A follow-up call a day or two later will remind them of their commitment and let them know that you were serious when you invited them. If they fail to show, go back and ask again.
  • Don’t stop with a visit. If they visit worship with you, press ahead and discuss the worship service. Ask them to study the Bible in a systematic way. There are several here who will help.

These points should help you reach souls for Christ. Whatever you do, don’t stop!

New Container Shipping for Guyana

Missions, ,

Jerry Davidson tells me that a new container of clothing and supplies will be shipping this month for the church in Guyana.The items are then distributed through the church to those in great need throughout the country.

Preparing to distribute medications in Guyana
Preparing to distribute medications in Guyana

Your donations make it possible for those in Guyana to have useful items which they could hardly buy themselves. Their gratitude is evident each time you visit with them.

Students receive intense Bible training at Guyana Christian University
Students receive intense Bible training at Guyana Christian University

Also underway is a second year of studies at the Guyana Christian University in Lethem. Eleven students will complete their studies next summer and begin full time work as gospel preachers among their own communities and tribes. Churches in the U.S. support the students while in school and will support them in their local work. Teachers from American churches of Christ complete three week tours of teaching throughout the year.

Jerry’s work, under the oversight of the Summerdale church of Christ elders, is making great inroads into the denominational teachings prevalent in the Carribean. Hundreds of new Christians are added to the church by the Lord every year through his work.

You can be a part of the work in Guyana by contacting us here. If you have items to send to Guyana or are willing to go and teach on participate in a campaign, contact us through the contact page here at the blog.

Saving Souls Everywhere

Eastern Shore church of Christ, Evangelism

Evangelism occurs in many ways. Sometimes a teacher and student sit across from one another with an open Bible between them. Sometimes people listen to recordings or watch videos which teach the Gospel.

Phylis Gill and Karen Dees grade Bible Courses
Phylis Gill and Karen Dees grade Bible Courses

At Eastern Shore, we have an active Bible Correspondence Course program. Well over 1,000 people have studied the Bible through the courses we offer. Most enter the program through our website or through personal requests from students.

When courses are returned, they are graded and questions answered. It represents a significant work and expense but it is well worth it.

Evangelism is essential to serving our Lord. His whole reason in coming to earth was to save men from their sins. He has instructed us to tell that beautiful story and we must use every tool in our arsenal to do so.

We appreciate our Bible Correspondence course teachers and are thankful for the good work they are doing!

Discipleship Revisted II

Culture, Evangelism

Yesterday I wrote in a [cref 31 post] that we need to keep two things in mind always. We need to check if our deeds are always in line with what Christ wants and to constantly examine how we evangelize to see if we are doing the best we can. Since that post talked about conforming to Christ’s command to evangelize, I though I would talk now about how we accomplish effective evangelism. As always, your comments are welcomed.

Our world is changing and we must be prepared to meet those changes. In the past, we sought to teach and convert people from the denominations. We ought continue to reach out to those with the plea of genuine New Testament Christianity.

But we ought not overlook what used to be a great minority: the non-believers. Today, even small towns are filled with Muslims, Buddhists, wiccans and the agnostic/atheists.

Peter said we are to always be ready to give an answer to those who ask about our faith (1 Peter 3:15). That group surely includes our non-believing neighbors. We no longer have the luxury of teaching people who already know and believe in Jesus Christ. We must be prepared to start from nothing and teach them of God’s love.

Paul discovered a similar situation in Athens when he spoke at Mars Hill. Paul observed that the people of Athens were very religious although they knew nothing of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:22). Paul’s lesson to Athenians began with Creation and resulted in conversions to Jesus Christ (Acts 17:24; Acts 17:34).

Like Paul, we ought be ready to seek out and teach the non-believers. Jesus died to all, let us take the Gospel even to those who do not believe.