“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Columbus Day (celebrated tomorrow) always serves as a reminder to me that the primary duty of every Christian is to offer Jesus to the least, the last, and the lost of this world. The theological word is evangelism – telling others about Jesus. The Greek word from which evangelism comes is euangelion which means “good news.” And, of course, it is good news! So, why is it we don’t share it? We share good movies we’ve seen, or books we’ve read, but not the good news of Jesus Christ.
I’ve had people tell me they can’t do this because they’re not public speakers, or that they don’t really know the Bible. Some will say they don’t know theology, while others lament that they’re introverted or don’t like to be in crowds and on and on. You know, it doesn’t take any of this to be an evangelist. As a saying goes, evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. Or, to put into Hill Country vernacular, one fisherman telling another fisherman where the fish are biting!
It’s not hard. Really. It’s not about having that great knowledge. Rather, it’s about sharing what God as revealed in and through Jesus Christ has done in our lives. For instance: “I can’t tell you what God might do in your life, but here’s what God has done in mine.” Simple, isn’t it? And where do we find people to whom we can witness (that other great word which comes from the Greek word, marturia, from which the word “martyr” also comes)? Anywhere! Next door. Down the street. In the grocery store, the gas station, the post office, or a restaurant. All persons are in need of a life-giving relationship with God. And God wants to be in a relationship with all.
I keep hearing we need to “get more people to be in the church.” Well, whose job is that? The pastor? Yes. The staff? Yes. While those are true, how about it being the job of all of us, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or whatever. All are called to be “ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us;” (2 Cor. 5:20a). It’s our job to offer Christ to all. It’s our job to be evangelists. It’s our job, period.
At the end of every Yankees game that culminates in a win, the loudspeakers at Yankee Stadium blast out Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” The first line is “Start spreading the news!” I like that. That’s what we as disciples of Jesus Christ should be doing: spreading the good news. So what are we waiting for? Start spreading the news! See you on the evangelism highway!
Grace and peace,
Mike
October 11, 2015