God Loves You. Jesus Died for You.

I've spent the last few days at the annual Pulaski Baptist Association Evangelism Conference.
As always, there is some great worship and exceptional preaching. The best part though (at least for me) is getting to visit with the other evangelists that are there.

The Pulaski Association is one of a very few associations that really promotes the use of evangelists in its churches.
With so few churches still having revivals or crusades, the role of the evangelist is changing ... or just fading out. Many small churches feel that they cannot afford to have an evangelist come and most large churches don't seem to feel that they want or need one.

I know that times have changed and that the methods of sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus have also changed.
I know that there are many that wield their Bibles as swords to slay the wicked rather than to share the grace and mercy of God.
I know that some Christians can be judgmental and harsh -- none of us is perfect.
And I know that many Christians are frustrated and feel guilty about how little we have been doing to glorify God...

...But we still have to share the message of salvation.

Vocational evangelists are gifted in different ways to help churches and church members spread the word. Sometimes a word of encouragement or sharing a simple method is all a church needs to get busy ministering to their community. Sometimes it's something more that is needed. I really believe that God has gifted us to be able to serve His people and to equip them to serve others.

Telling people what you believe about eternity isn't supposed to be hard. If you believe that everyone will stand before God in judgment, and if you believe that there is no other way to heaven than by belief in Jesus, then don't you owe it to people to share that with them?

I know that not every situation or conversation will be the right time to engage in a discussion about things as deep as life and life after death. But for people that we care about, shouldn't we find a way to make time to share the simple message that God loves you and Jesus died for you?
Shouldn't we feel good about inviting them to church or a church event?
What's so hard about a simple invitation?
Sure -- they may say "no" but so what? Invite anyway.
We are not tasked with making believers. We are only tasked with sharing the story.
So find a way to share the story -- God loves you. Jesus died for you.

Have a grand week!

John <><