Missions and Evangelism (PTOM 4)
May 8, 2009
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Posted by Ray Fowler
(This week and next I am sharing my Personal Theology of Ministry. Click here for more posts from the Personal Theology of Ministry series.)
The church is called to serve the world in love:
Therefore the church must be active in missions and evangelism. Our lives must be characterized by both the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). As a pastor I will actively share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others, and I will encourage and equip other believers to do the same. I will encourage our church to be salt and light in the community in which we live so that others will be drawn to Christ by our message and example. I will also encourage the church to support missions around the world through prayer, financial support and personal involvement whenever possible.
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Categories: Evangelism, Ministry, Missions
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Good Afternoon,
You wrote that believers do not tell their friends the gospel for two reasons only; they either don’t truly believe in the gospel or they don’t love that person. I do not agree. That is a terrible assumption. Some do not directly share the gospel because we think they will shut down and not understand. It is okay to plant seeds and show the love of Jesus and shine his light without explaining the death and resurrection as long they know that you are a believer that Jesus is Lord. When your friends get to know you then they will wonder why you are different and then you can invite them to a Bible Study or to a church service. I have tried talking to friends about the death and resurrection and I get blank stares. Many in America know the gospel and they just do not believe it. We have to be his hands and feet by shining his Love and Light. That is the best way to convert a friend. The Holy Spirit of God, of Jesus will do the work and lead them to Truth. If the friend is ready to hear the gospel then it will be known that it is the right time to share the gospel.
Blessings Always,
May the Peace and Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus, Yeshua Messiah be with you always.
Brooke – I agree. We can’t always share the full gospel with people all the time. The quote you reference comes from a pastor in England answering the question, “Why don’t we evangelize more frequently?” It’s not meant to cover every circumstance with every friend, but to help us think why we don’t share the gospel more often. I still think it’s a good quote, especially if we find that we rarely share the gospel with others. I agree we need to plant the seeds in a relationship first, but unless we eventually get around to sharing about Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have not truly shared the gospel. Thanks for your comment! Blessings, Ray Fowler