Points on Evangelism: Being the Salt and Light of the Earth

1. Why is it important to evangelise?
To bring glory to God - He has been kind to us and we need to glorify Him:
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us,Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him." Ps 103:8-11

2. We need to be active
God commands us to do it, but does not expect us to do it on our own:
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen" Mt 28:18-20

3. People are depending on us to preach the Gospel:
"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach):  that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.  For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Rom 8:10-15

This lovely verse reminds me of the old hymn we used to sing in church back in the day:

"How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him
Who brings good news, good news,
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness,
Saying to Zion: Your God reigns,
Your God reigns, your God reigns,
Your God reigns, your God reigns.

He had no stately form, He had no majesty,
That we should be drawn to Him.
He was despised and we took no account of Him,
Yet now He reigns with the Most High.
Now He reigns, now He reigns,
Now He reigns with the Most High!

It was our sin and guilt that bruised and wounded Him,
It was our sin that brought Him down.
When we like sheep had gone astray, our Shepherd came
And on His shoulders bore our shame.
On His shoulders, on His shoulders,
On His shoulders He bore our shame.

Meek as a lamb that's led out to the slaughterhouse,
Dumb as a sheep before its shearer,
His life ran down upon the ground like pouring rain,
That we might be born again.
That we might be, that we might be,
That we might be born again.

Out from the tomb He came with grace and majesty,
He is alive, He is alive.
God loves us so, see here His hands, His feet, His side,
Yes we know He is alive,
He is alive, He is alive.
He is alive, He is alive.

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him
Who brings good news, good news,
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness:
Our God reigns, our God reigns.
Our God reigns, our God reigns,
Our God reigns, our God reigns."

Alleluia, our God Reigns!  

Have a blessed weekend!

   

 

See beyond your circumstances and trust in the promises of God

The affirmation in your mind about something must be stronger than the circumstances you are facing.  Speak to the picture (your belief), not the fact. The children of Israel did not believe the promises of God when they saw the giants in the land.

Take note of the powerful promises of Psalm 103:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
² Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
³ Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
⁴ Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
⁵ Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."

Another promise is found in Romans 4:17:

"...God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did..."

Indeed, He promises us good things - in times of trouble, let us not forget all of His benefits.