The church was winding down a series entitled “Go” in reference
to the call to missions. And as I typically do, I had to step in and rock the
boat a little bit. My conclusion while preparing for my message was one that I come
back to over and over: the title should be “Going” in order to be Biblical.
In a nutshell I reminded the church that all believers
are “called” to share the Gospel (Mt. 28:18-20 / Mk. 16:15) and that all
believers are “Ambassadors” for Christ. I simply stated that we have made
excuses for far too long for not sharing the Gospel as we are “going” through
our lives.
The church is partially to blame. Leadership began at
some point in our history telling their congregations that their job was to
invite people to church instead of leading people to Christ. Maybe it was
because they thought the pressures of life were so great that the Gospel needed
professionals to help face the adversary. (Or maybe it just helped fill pews
with more butts…)
Basically we viewed evangelism like the powers-that-be
viewed the Olympics back in 1992 when they decided that we needed to use
professionals in order to be able to win at basketball.
The Olympic powers had the right idea. Basketball is
based upon the players’ abilities and athleticism, and quite frankly the world
was catching up in hoops in both categories to the point that it was difficult
for our college players to compete. In today’s hoops world many of the
international squads boast multiple NBA players. (And I personally still love
to watch our pros put a whipping on the other countries’ teams.)
Yet the error of church leadership is in ever thinking
that evangelism is based upon the abilities or strengths of the “players.” The
power of evangelism is found solely in the message of the Gospel itself. (See
Romans 1:16)
Church Team, it is time to fulfill our duty to be
missionaries in this world. As a believer your mission trip began at the point
you trusted Christ as Savior. It is time to stop letting the “pros” take our
place. It is time for action! Even the “average Joe” is called and will be used
by God. (Remember that Christ’s Dream Team of Apostles were not
anything special – just average Joes.)
1 Thessalonians 2: 4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel,
even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.
Share John 3:16!
Share Romans 3:23, 5:8, and 6:23!
Share Ephesians 2:8-9!
There is power in those verses!!!!!!!!
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