Last Saturday, we were blessed to be able to gather as a group of women for the first time in over a year. Masks on and appropriately distanced, we enjoyed a special time of worship, gleaning from God’s word, and sweet fellowship! I think most of us in attendance would have been happy to sit and sing together for hours. It is truly a blessing to be encompassed around those who are like-minded and striving to serve Christ in all things. There is a genuine love among this group of ladies I call my sisters in Christ. Saturday was a beautiful picture of a church family ready to jump in with every unique strength to provide an opportunity for growth and encouragement. We even had a delightful individually packaged lunch. I am certain I do not speak for myself when I say my heart is filled with gratitude to everyone involved in providing a ray of sunshine as we begin to recover from a turbulent storm. Most of all, my heart is filled with gratitude that God has placed me in a fellowship that desires to function according to God’s truths. Following is a copy of our study in the word together. I pray you are encouraged to grow in your understanding of God’s desire for His children to praise Him in all circumstances by sharing the message of His great love.
We would all agree we are living through a unique time in history. Who would have thought one year ago that we would be donning face coverings and keeping a distance of six feet from individuals not in our family? We have adjusted to doing things differently, and have learned to appreciate our outside spaces more than ever.
The Women’s Conference was among the first events to be cancelled in our church body last March. The focus was to be how we are equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work”. God’s word, His Truth, prepares us with everything necessary to carry out the plans He has for us to bring glory to His name. What does this mean? Each of us has at our fingertips all that we need to do His will. You might see the word adequate translated as perfect or complete in your Bible. Through God’s word, we are perfectly suited for every good work.
One of the breakout sessions at the conference was to be how each of us is equipped to evangelize, which is a commission from God to all believers. In John 15:16, Jesus states, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit …”
Matthew 22:37-39, … ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind’. ‘This is the great and foremost commandment. ‘The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’”.
Look at the words above – God chose us, we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind, and we are to love others as ourselves. The only way to love God with our whole being is to obey His commands. And He clearly says that we should go and bear fruit. The best way to genuinely love those around us is to share the message of salvation. Although many things have been altered within the last year, Truth remains constant. God’s word does not change, it is not interrupted by a pandemic, and God’s commands do not adjust to fit the world’s thinking.
We will address the subject of evangelism and consider what it looks like even as we continue to move through the lasting effects of Covid 19. Right now, you are either smiling behind your mask and excited to hear about sharing the Gospel, or you are squirming a little in your seat because sharing the Gospel is something other people do.
But, consider how you were saved. Did someone open their mouth and talk with you? Perhaps a person’s actions, kind words, and care of others attracted you. When you felt your worst, did another individual share the hope of Jesus? Remember the excitement you felt when God chose to open your heart to His Truths. Like many of you, I can picture exactly where I was, there is a defined moment, a snapshot in my mind of when God opened my eyes. I remember how in an instant the weight of the difficulties surrounding me were no longer suffocating me. The circumstances did not change but my focus did. It truly is incredible, and it is undeniable when God transforms a soul.
When we think of going out to share the Gospel, we often picture meeting individuals we do not know. This type of interaction involves a smile and a handshake. Well, for the past year, we have been wearing face coverings, no one can see our smile and our words are muffled with our mouths covered. We have had strong encouragement during the spikes of this virus to stay at home as much as possible, which puts a damper on meeting people, and we have been asked to avoid physical contact which practically eliminates the use of a handshake.
However, few of us are completely isolated. Weather permitting, we can spend time outside. We shop for groceries and put fuel in the car. We use phones and social media. We have friends, family members, and neighbors. There are opportunities!
People are struggling as they deal with uncertainty in the world. Unexpected deaths, the loss of work, weddings either cancelled or guest lists cut to a minimum, and young moms balancing their children’s education at home along with other responsibilities, are circumstances that many can relate to. The answer to every concern and every struggle is Jesus. When you focus on your future in heaven, your perspective changes from being overly concerned with your own circumstances and the current problems in the world, to being consumed with the blessing of your salvation in Christ and your purpose in Him.
Certainly, just being able to gather today as a unit of women who love God and desire to serve Him and each other, is a wonderful blessing. But there are a few goals for our time together.
1st – That you would be greatly encouraged, reminded of your value in Christ and God’s plan for you to be His ambassador. As you grow in your own understanding of the Gospel, your excitement to share the hope you have with those around you will increase.
2nd – That whatever fear you may have of sharing the Gospel would be replaced with boldness so that you would be ready at any moment to share how God is working in your life, and to speak of the peace and certainty He offers.
3rd – That you embrace your responsibility of stewardship in being called a child of God.
The first step in evangelism is the need for your own understanding and acceptance of the Gospel. You are unable to share what you do not possess.
Listen again to 2 Timothy 3:17, which says, “that the man of God may be adequate”. There is a condition – Paul, in writing to Timothy reminds him of his position as a minister of the Gospel – being a man of God. Only those who are righteous before God, who derive their purpose from Him, who are under His instruction, who are united to Him and approved of Him, are complete or adequate for every good work. We can read and learn about many things. Knowledge is literally at our fingertips. But, until information is acted upon, it remains speculation. Real understanding involves comprehension and evidence. Genuine salvation is more than knowledge or memorized scripture or a one-time prayer. It is a heart change orchestrated by God. It is imperative that you personally understand what it means to be saved. Think carefully about the following questions – questions many of you have heard before – and take a moment to write your answers down.
Do you know for certain that when you die you will go to heaven?
If God were to ask you why He should let you into heaven, what would you say?
These questions are important because they help determine the basis of your trust.
Heaven is a free gift – it cannot be earned, and it is undeserved.
It cannot be earned because it is free; it is undeserved because we are unworthy. We are unworthy because we are sinners. This is no surprise as it is not extremely difficult to recognize sin. During the last year, it appears that man’s ability to sin has become magnified in hostility. Rioting at one point was almost expected in many major cities as individual rights were demanded. Although we may not be looking to break windows and damage property, each day we all fight the desire to act selfishly. How often do you fail to do the right thing, to act in a pleasing manner, to say words that encourage, to think thoughts that are uplifting?
Man is unable to save himself from the grip of sin. The best individual we might think of is still imperfect. God alone is perfect.
God loves us, but He is also just. Because He is just, He must punish sin. Sin is anything that goes against God’s perfect will or neglects to do His perfect will. God is perfect and holy and our sin acts as a chasm that will separate us from God for eternity.
We need to stop here for just a moment. Eternal separation from God is huge and needs to be clearly explained. Choosing to believe God does not exist and that you do not need Him does not change the reality of God’s existence and your dependence upon Him. I could choose to believe that Covid 19 does not exist but that would not change the reality of over 2 million deaths worldwide, (collective numbers from CDC, WHO, updated 03/06/21). People may think they are okay without God, so it seems no big deal to talk of separation from Him for eternity. But then, God’s power is not fully understood. He is at this very moment holding the world together, patiently calling His children to Himself. Those who do not recognize their need for God, and even those who reject Him, are the recipients of His general blessings. The air we breathe, the atoms that hold all things together, the sun which provides warmth, and everything good in our lives is from God. He will one day, release those who have denied Him to the full fury of sin and evil. Separation from God is a horror unimaginable. Without forgiveness of our sin, we are destined to this horror.
God is the source of all blessings, all that is good. Consider the fruits of the Spirit listed for us in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The opposites are hatred, sorrow, war, anxiety, cruelty, distrust, pride, and unrestraint. Add to this list, complete and unrelenting darkness in heart, mind, and soul. We are nothing without God and we can do nothing without God.
Man has an incredible dilemma! However, man has an incredible God! God chose to send His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to die for the sin of all mankind. Jesus is the only solution to our problem of sin. Through faith in Jesus, we are promised eternal life in the presence of God. Our penalty has been paid in full through Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. The power of sin’s control no longer reigns in a believer’s life. Instead, Christ reigns, and in Him we have the ability to push off sin and put on righteousness. Knowing the intellectual facts of who God is and what He has done for mankind does not save. Saving faith is not a box of Band-Aids that temporarily fixes things when we lose our way. Saving faith is not one of the puzzle pieces that assures our future in heaven – it is the single key that opens the door. It is not something we combine with our title or accomplishments. Often, God will strip away any identity or trust we have in this world so that we focus on Him alone. Think! How do you desire others to know you? Is it with a title earned on earth or the title given to you by God in heaven as His child?
Saving faith requires a heart of humility, and recognition of need. Saving faith places complete trust, at all times and in all circumstances, in the work of Christ alone.
This is the gospel. This is what we need, and this is what others need to hear. Although it is God alone who saves, we are commissioned as His children to share the gift we have received in Him. We can have complete confidence in God - He is who He says He is; in Christ He has done what He said He would do, and He will fulfill every promise He has made. The result of being called by God to understand and accept His free gift of salvation is absolutely life changing – it is a miracle! When you genuinely understand God’s plan of salvation and its significance to your own eternal destination, you will be compelled to tell others. You will be excited to share your hope.
Psalm 96:2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
Mark 16:15 … Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Most of us get notices for different sweepstakes that offer a variety of prizes including money, mansions, and travel. Consider for a moment if you were to win one of these sweepstakes. Would you tell others? I surmise your excitement would be difficult to contain. If given the opportunity, you would likely be more than willing to publicize your story to all who would listen. Why? Because it is exciting! It is unexpected! It is completely undeserved since you did nothing to earn it!
Think about what you have In Christ – purpose, peace, and the promise of an eternal home in heaven. It is impossible to comprehend the full extent of our blessings. Because of God’s mercy, we have been saved from wrath and showered with unmerited favor. Talk about exciting! Talk about undeserved! How much of your conversation is about the unfathomable riches of Christ? (Ephesians 3:8).
Some of you may hesitate to share the Gospel because you anticipate a negative reaction from others. We readily speak of our families, work, the weather, and even politics, because everyone talks about these things. These things are acceptable points of conversation. But religion, or faith – now we are getting into a touchy area! People who are talkative and friendly will quickly shut down or may even become agitated when the subject of eternal destination is mentioned. Why? Because it is a concern that reaches deep into the mind and heart of man. It is often easier to ignore a problem, pretending it does not exist, than to address it. Do you hold back from proclaiming Christ out of fear of the response you may receive, or because others may think you are strange? This is a valid thought!
If you heard the sermon a few weeks ago, you will remember that Paul was accused of being crazy – literally out of his mind – because he preached the message of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 26:24). Paul’s answer to this accusation is recorded in Acts 26:25; 29, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth. … I would to God that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am”.
If you are saved you are strange! The world is not going to embrace you. You may be labeled crazy! The Bible says you are an alien, not belonging to this world! (Ps 69:8, Phil 3:20). Rewind over forty years ago. I was working back office in a medical practice. The office manager was a young woman a few years older than me. She was nice. Always considerate, spoke positively, never took part in gossip, bad language, or complaining. I was a bit uncomfortable around her because her conversation always reverted to God, her involvement in church, and invitations to join her at some event in her fellowship. (At that time in my life, I distinctly remember thinking what the heck is a ‘fellowship’ – some group in the desert gathering to sing and talk about God? … and here we are!) She was one of those people you hear about who are weird enough to actually knock on doors and speak with strangers about Jesus! (And this I have also done!) Her whole life centered around God. In my mind, she was a ‘religious freak’. To my unsaved soul, she went way beyond personal boundaries. Now I look back at this and think of her testimony. She was one of the first people that God used to begin peeling the blinders off my eyes. Aliens have often been illustrated as little green figures with large bulbous heads and teardrop shaped eyes. I think this is all wrong. I worked with an alien in that office. I suggest that aliens look a lot like you and me. So what do we do with this fear of others thinking we are strange? Choose to embrace who you are in Christ, set apart for His purpose. The KJV of 1 Peter 2:9 calls us “a peculiar people”. You should be markedly different from those around you who do not know Jesus. If someone thinks you are strange or crazy because of your faith, receive it as a compliment! Pray as Paul did, that they join you!
Perhaps we will encounter roadblocks, even hostility when we speak of Jesus. Perhaps relationships will feel strained, perhaps doors will close, but where we see hindrances, God provides opportunities. How can we not share the only real hope available to a world that is fearful, turbulent, and sinking under the weight of sin? We can leave the details to God as He will supply a way for us to follow His charge to evangelize.
The Gospel is the accurate account of who God is, what He did, who man is and what he needs, who Christ is and what He offers. The Gospel does not need to be wrapped up in a pretty package to attract people to its value. It stands on its own. Jesus was not wrapped in a pretty package in order to attract sinners, nor was His message.
If you are God’s child, saved by His grace through faith, you are fully equipped to share the Gospel.
Consider what it means to be equipped for something. Being equipped means you are provided with what is necessary, useful, or appropriate, (WordWeb). All of God’s children are equipped for one purpose – to bring glory and honor to His name. Often, evangelism is thought of as the gift others have, or that special training is needed. I pray you are challenged to think otherwise. You might feel you are too shy, but ponder this question – How many words each day do you speak and how many of those words are about Christ? Evangelism is simply the enthusiastic speaking and advocacy of the gospel. Your words and actions are the vehicles God uses to extol His praise.
Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the [life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me”.
Living for Christ includes telling others of His blessings and forgiveness. We readily speak about those we love, and we promote the things which are most important to us. Nothing is more important than the power of the gospel which is able to save a person from an eternity of evil, suffering, pain, and turmoil in hell. There are programs such as Evangelism Explosion which use an effective outline and in-class training for sharing the Gospel. These classes help build your confidence, but the message is not that you must take a course to speak of Christ. You are absolutely qualified to share the truth of God’s word and you are expected to share it, because you are God’s child. You were created by God’s hand to glorify Him, to share the good news of His grace and mercy in a fallen world.
Every believer is able to speak of the change God has wrought in their life through His Son. This is your testimony. How did God open your eyes and heart to know Him? How has your thinking and purpose changed? Your testimony is irrefutable and can be shared with complete confidence. It is your personal statement of firsthand evidence of God’s work in your life. It is unique to you and carries the value of a saved soul. You do not need a certificate or a specialized degree from a college or university in order to speak of God’s amazing grace. Before the foundation of the world was formed, God chose you to be an heir of His promised kingdom, (Ephesians 1:3-6; 1 Peter 1:3-5). He has gifted you with His Holy Spirit and empowered you with His Truth.
Are you willing to speak about God? We are commanded to share the Gospel, so perhaps a more correct question would be are you willing to obey? When we sincerely pray for God’s will to be carried out in our lives, we can expect His answer. Since God’s purpose is for us to proclaim His glory, He will provide what is needed to fulfill His command. Take a deep breath, trust God’s direction, open your mouth, proclaim His goodness, and be blessed in your obedience. Sharing the hope you have is the greatest offering of love you can give to another individual.
We should be ready at any moment to talk of our testimony, how God is working in our life, and the peace and certainty He offers in an ever-changing world.
Listen to Paul’s exhortation to Timothy, “…preach the word; be ready in season [and] out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. … do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry”, (2 Timothy 4:1-2,5).
To “be ready in season and out of season” literally means when it is convenient and opportunities are present, and when opportunities are not present. This includes when it is inconvenient, unfavorable, unseasonable, and untimely. We can affirm that during this pandemic it is inconvenient, the conditions are unfavorable, and the timing is not the best – at least in our thinking. However, where we might see limitations, God has no boundaries. We are to be ready, literally in an instant, to stand for the Gospel, to respond to opportunities handed to us and to create opportunities with those around us.
John 20:21 – You are God’s ambassador, His representative.
1 Peter 3:15 – You are to be a defender of the faith, making a plea for the gospel.
Matthew 4:19, Luke 5:10 – You are a fisher of men, seeking to take others captive for the gospel.
1 Corinthians 3:9 – You are a laborer for the gospel, a fellow worker for Truth.
Each of these descriptions requires effort, active involvement in sharing what you have because of God’s great grace in your life. There are no exceptions, we are to be bold in our speech concerning Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:12 reads, “Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness in [our] speech”. The translation of boldness means we are to be out-spoken, honest, and straightforward, having confidence in the Truth. Think of your blessings in Christ. The motivation in sharing hope with those around us is a grateful heart desiring to speak of God’s glory!
Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Thy name give glory because of Thy lovingkindness, because of Thy truth.
Our lives are not about us, but about Him. We are not here to focus on ourselves, Christ has called us to care for others. Covid is not an excuse to hide in a corner and forget our purpose. If you are using it as an excuse now, once it is passed, you will replace it with another. In all circumstances we are to be actively sharing Christ.
1Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, [let him speak,] as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, [let him do so] as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
A feeling of dread, hopelessness, and anxiety has settled in many minds during the time of this pandemic. The world offers no concrete solutions. There is a loss of confidence in leaders. We see unrestrained behavior in those who are discontent. But you have the solution – the only solution to calm unrest.
What is more important?
Your friendships on earth or your friend’s eternity in heaven?
Someone thinking you are ‘weird’ because you speak of Jesus, or someone wondering why you did not care enough about them to share about Christ?
Keeping silent because you fear you will not say the right words or choosing to honor God with your best efforts of sharing His Gospel?
1Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;
You have been called by God to proclaim His excellencies – His unconditional love, mercy, wisdom, power, goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Isaiah 43:21 "The people whom I formed for Myself, will declare My praise.
Consider all the things that fill your mind, the people and circumstances you speak of freely. Your family, work, travel, interests, and the many things that comprise your daily life, are all subjects of conversation. In a study published by Scientific American, it was estimated that the average words spoken in a day, is around 16,000, (Gender Jabber, Nikhil Swaminathan, 2007). Out of all the words you speak in a day, how many are about God and what He has done?
Recall the changes in your own life that God has produced as He faithfully reveals Himself to you. The contrast of how you used to think and what used to guide your actions should be as different as night and day. In Women’s Bible Study a few weeks ago I asked the ladies to share two words – one which described them before they were saved and one which describes the change they have seen. We were all encouraged as we heard contrasts like fear turned to peace, and having no direction changed to having a purpose. This transformation of your soul is not of your own doing but a result of God’s love. Because of God‘s choice to seek you, your eyes have been opened to truths you were unable to see beforehand! (Colossians 1:13-14)
Say you were born physically blind. Others could describe a bright afternoon to you, yet if you had never seen light, your ability to understand the true beauty of a sun-drenched sky would be impossible. Then, the most trustworthy and knowledgeable physician in the world chose to perform a procedure on you which gave you sight. You would tell everyone about this great miracle! You would not hesitate to speak of the incredible gift you had been given. Your life would be changed forever, and you would live in gratitude to the physician who had given you the ability to see.
God is our great physician! (Mark 2:17). You were in total darkness – engulfed in the power of sin and destined to a life of misery. You have been delivered to light – the understanding of who God is and what He has done. Sin has no dominion over you. Your life is now filled with trust, faith, comfort, promise, blessing, purpose, and certain hope, because of God’s grace and mercy.
Ephesians 5:8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
Each of these verses speaks of evangelism: Walk as light, let your light shine, and appear as lights in the world.
If you now walk in the understanding of who God is, and your need for Him – you are His possession, He has called you to receive His mercy and favor – not because of who you are or what you have done but because of who He is and what He has done. This understanding should invoke a heart of gratitude. True gratitude, having a right appreciation for something given, leads to action.
Look back to your answers to the questions I asked when we began. Do you have assurance of your eternal future in heaven? Is your soul trust in Christ alone? If none of this has made sense to you and you are bored out of your mind, looking at how you might quietly be able to leave, perhaps your heart is not yielded to Jesus. There is a remedy – admit your need, and humbly ask Him to accept you as His child. Jesus will take your burdens and give you peace. If sin is keeping you from Him, confess your sin, ask His forgiveness, and move on in His grace. There are no magic words to say, only a sincere desire to know and please God. If you do pray that God would enter your heart, please tell someone so we can rejoice with you and encourage you.
If you are saved, your witness is a heart devoted to God, words that proclaim His praise, and a life that testifies of His power. You have been entrusted with the message of the Gospel. Paul tells Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to [you]”, 2 Timothy 1:13-14. The Gospel is the most valuable thing you can possess, and its integrity needs to be guarded. It is not to be kept to oneself, but it is to be represented correctly. As a steward of the Gospel, you have a responsibility. Your words and actions are a powerful message. They can either draw others in to know more about God or push them away.
Right now, at this time in our history, what is the testimony of God’s power in your life? How are your reactions, to a stressful situation, speaking of God’s blessings? As businesses and schools begin to open up again and life begins to return to a sense of normalcy, reports of individuals feeling apprehensive and anxious are surfacing.
You have, in your possession, the news of the most valuable gift available to mankind. It is the only solution that offers true hope – a glorious future, strength to overcome adversities in the world, a calm assurance in the midst of difficulties, and peace that surpasses understanding.
You have been saved, not for your own benefit, but for the purpose of praising God, not for yourself, but to share the miracle of your salvation with others so that they too might sing of God’s glory. The gift of your salvation is not to be hoarded!
Matthew 28:19 says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
You have the incredible privilege of sharing the Gospel. When you move forward in faith to speak of God, you become the recipient of joy and blessing, knowing you have followed your Lord and Savior in obedience.
In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul says, “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
Often, I feel inadequate to perfectly explain the precious truths in God’s word. My understanding and delivery are lacking. The things I could have said, or should have said; what I did not explain well and what I forgot, can easily act as a personal discouragement, and tempt me to be silent. Perhaps you can relate. In spite of ourselves, God will use us. It is His power, His truth and His work that transforms a heart. God will take our meager efforts and use them for His glorious intention. 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as [coming] from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God”.
There is a section of scripture that comes to mind most every time I have the opportunity to speak of God’s gift to mankind. Beginning in Exodus Chapter 3, God called Moses to deliver the Israelites from their oppression under the hands of the Egyptians. Moses questions God’s choice of being able to use him (Ex 3:11). God assures Moses He will be with him. Throughout Chapter 3 and 4, Moses continues to focus on his own weaknesses instead of God’s power. Finally, even after God continually displays His power through miracles, Moses almost begs God to release him of the task set before him. Moses reasons that he is not a good communicator, it is difficult for him to talk. God then reminds Moses that He is well aware of Moses’ deficiencies. Listen to Exodus 4:11-12, And the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes [him] dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? "Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say."
One reason we choose to overlook the command of sharing the gospel is we focus on our inability to know all the answers. We will never have all the answers! But we do have everything we need.
God’s Word – His undeniable truths, which is His complete testimony to mankind of His love, forgiveness, and faithfulness,
The Holy Spirit – who gives us understanding of God’s word, and direction in what to say, and
Our Testimony – the irrefutable and continued evidence of God’s work in our life.
You might feel you do not have the gift of evangelism. However, God calls each of us to share His Gospel. He calls us to trust in His work and His strength as He uses us for His glory. We need to reach out to others, to build friendships with the hope of sharing Truth, and encourage those who are struggling, to set their eyes on Jesus. When we say we can’t, we are relying on ourselves. In Christ, we can.
Colossians 4:5-6 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, [as it were,] with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.
1Peter 3:15 But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always [being] ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
We can allow the fear of how men perceive us to dictate our actions. Rather, we need to have our words and actions guided by our reverence and fear of God. (Isaiah 8:13)
Jesus proclaims in John 14:16, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me”.
Those you love and those you come in contact with, need to hear about Jesus. The world is so desperately lost in its sin and selfishness. I pray that the majority of our 16,000 words each day are about God’s excellencies. You are fully equipped in God’s grace to evangelize. Use your words to testify to His glory. Live your life to bring Him honor. Let the excitement for what God has given you in Christ, fill your heart with gratitude which compels you to share the hope you have with others.
If you are confused, in Christ you will find clarity. If you are hurting, in Christ you will find hope. If you are uncertain, in Christ you will find confidence. In an ever-changing world, Christ remains constant.
“The Gospel is a fact, therefore tell it simply; it is a joyful fact, therefore tell it cheerfully; it is an entrusted fact, therefore tell it faithfully; it is a fact of infinite moment, therefore tell it earnestly; it is a fact about a Person, therefore preach Christ”, Archibald Brown, Spurgeon’s successor.
Love, love, love his creativity! Finally, I think the fig production is slowing down. Fresh figs, preserved figs, dried figs — all are happily in their keeping places now with just a few figs per day (6-8) ripening on the trees. The oat-fig bars I made were soooo good I am told (I’ve completely lost my sense of smell and taste but that’s another whole story and challenge). You can find the recipe I used on my Pinterest account at Sharyn Balogh under sweets. Below are pictures of God’s bountiful produce. Praise God for giving us so many things to enjoy! I remember hearing words that said something like ‘God could have made everything black and white but He chose to give us colors of all kinds to enjoy’. Consider the blessings we have, all so undeserving! On to making cinnamon apple chips with the rest of the apple pickens’, then to finishing a baby quilt, preparing for an overnight with one of our grandsons and meeting with a dear friend. I pray your day is blessed with a heightened sense of God’s love for you. Focus Heavenward!
