I was teaching a workshop on evangelism. The first thing I wanted to do was make sure we were all on the same page. So I asked three questions:
1. “How many of you believe the entire Bible is the complete Word of God?”
2. “How many believe Revelation 21:8 is true – that ‘all unbelievers will have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur, which is the second death?'”
3. “How many believe Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations’ is a command for us as the body of believers, and not just for pastors and missionaries?”
I was pleased to see that with each question asked, every hand went up. I said, “If we believe these things are true, are we not compelled to do all we can to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?
“Remember John Wesley? He was an 18th century British evangelist who once said, ‘We have one business in life, to save souls.’
“When I first read his words I wondered, ‘Is this correct? Is not the Holy Spirit the One who saves souls?’ So I did some research and found several Scriptures that supported his statement:
1. “How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?” 1 Corinthians 7:16
2. “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22b
3. “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:16
4. “Save others by snatching them from the fire.” Jude 1:23a
If we just think of The Golden Rule we know it’s true: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12
If I were drowning, I would want someone to save me. If I were lost, I would want someone to seek and find me. It’s simple, really. Do we care about others? Really care? Then we need to tell them.
- Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15
- So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12
SONG: WE HAVE ONE BUSINESS IN LIFE – by Kathleen
You have wonderful and encouraging stories.
Thank you, Larry. I know you share my passion for evangelism!
good story and great song too!
Thanks Mark. Glad you liked it!
Thank you Kathleen. We go out in His strength. How beautiful when He opens the door for witnessing and the message is surrounded with His peace.
Thank you Liana! It’s amazing how often the door IS open and we don’t notice it and walk through it. My prayer is that God will make me alert for those opportunities and then wise to move on them.
Kathleen, this is something I have found a lot of resistance to with many of my Christian friends. Some tell me they leave the work of evanglism to the evangelist, and are content to give money to them so they can do the work of reaching the lost. The argument usually goes like this, “I’m not an evangelist, I don’t have that gift.” So, I tell them we are all required to be a witness, regardless of our gifting. But the scriptures you share here should be shouted from every pulpit. Thank you for these insights and for your encouragement. Bless you!
Linda, I so agree! In 2 Timothy 4:5 Paul told Timothy to “…do the work of an evangelist.” In 2 Tim 1:7-8, Paul encouraged Timothy not to be timid, not to be ashamed of Gospel, and chap. 2:1 to be strong. Would anyone have to urge Billy Graham to be strong and not to be timid and not to be ashamed of the Gospel?
No! I really believe Timothy was just an ordinary person, like each of us. It’s about obedience, really, and simply having a passion for the lost.
Kathleen, you have touched on a subject that is dear to the heart of God. He sent His only Son to die a barbaric death on the cross to save sinners. All of heaven rejoices when a sinner repents. Lord, help us to become more passionate about reaching the lost.
Thank you, Frank. I think of the many Christians who study and know the Bible, yet are timid about sharing with others. It’s not easy to get out of our comfort zones, but it’s important to God that we make the effort.
Kathleen, I am more inspired. I share the same passion. We all need to be more proactive and committed in this area. It is the responsibility of all; all believers. Nothing brings fulfilment to our lives and ministry than doing the will of the father, our God.
Thank you, Richard. I’m glad you share the same passion. I agree, we all need to become more proactive in this area. Moreover, there is no greater joy!