Editorial
Revisiting Evangelism
Evangelism and conversion have become hot topics of discussion in India nowadays. Even certain mainstream T.V. channels have taken this up for their prime-time debate with captivating taglines like, ‘Invasion by conversion,’ ‘Toolkit for conversion against…’ etc.
It seems certain people are trying their best to create an impression among the public that preaching the gospel is a hideous thing and even a criminal activity!
As we constantly hear about incidents of atrocities and even legal proceedings against Christians based on fabricated charges, it’s imperative to consider what are the gripping reasons behind the propagation of the gospel of Christ. Consequently, we can prayerfully and passionately continue to communicate the truth of the gospel even in these unfavourable circumstances.
Two Examples
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A healed demonic who proclaimed the message of Christ not only at home but throughout the ten cities of his region, Mark 5:19, 20.
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Two blind men who spread the news about Christ in the entire area, Matt. 9:30, 31
From the gospel narratives we can observe at least four things that moved them to fervently share the message of Christ.
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Obedience to Christ’s command, Mark 5:19
As the Lord Jesus was returning from his area, the transformed demonic wanted to be with Him, but the Lord told him to go home and testify to his family and friends. Obediently and faithfully, he did that even beyond the family circles.
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Personal experience, Mark 5:20
The transformation he experienced by the miraculous intervention of Christ became another motivation to witness. The amazed public listened to him attentively. A changed life is the greatest witness for Christ, Acts 4:20.
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Concern for fellow-beings.
He was aware of the many in that area who followed a wretched lifestyle as he once did.
He wanted them to experience the same changes in their life just as he had.
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Appreciation for Christ’s excellencies, Matt. 9:31
The healed blind men were sternly warned against publishing about Him, for obvious reasons. Disregarding the strict instruction of Christ was definitely a sin. Nevertheless, it’s important to pay attention to what prompted them to do so. It was because of their deep appreciation for the greatness of His person and work. They were so captivated by His love and compassion for them that they could not hold it any more (cf. 1Pet. 2:9).
Let us explore this topic in detail in this issue and find out the best way possible to present our Lord Jesus to whomever we meet.
May the Lord’s name be glorified.
NTK
Outline:
Gospel: - It’s Various Aspects
1. Gospel of God, Rom 1:1 - Planned / initiated
2. Gospel of Christ, Rom 1:16; 2Cor.10:14; Gal.1:7—Executed
3. Gospel of Grace, Act20:24 — the Basis
4. Gospel of Peace, Eph6:15—the outcome: relationship
5. Gospel of Salvation, Eph1:13—the outcome: destiny
6. Gospel of Hope, Col1:23—the outcome: purposeful life
7. Everlasting Gospel, Rev 14:16—Permanence
8. Different Gospel, 2Cori.11:4—Beware of
Anecdote:1
Choosing the Second Best
D. L Moody was once preaching on the story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17—22) and he wanted to make this point quite clear – that it is not enough to know about Jesus, or even believer that Jesus is the Saviour, we must trust Him if we are to have the treasure He offers.
To illustrate the point, Mr. Moody called a small boy up to the platform beside him, and offered him two things from which to choose – an orange, and a crumpled piece of paper. The boy chose the orange and went back to his seat by his father.
Then Mr. Moody opened the crumpled piece of paper and showed that it was a five pound note! The boy was sorry he had made a wrong and foolish choice. The five pound would have bought him many hundreds of oranges. It was the same with the rich young ruler. He chose what he could see and handle and that looked so nice, he lost what was of such a far greater value.
Source: Unknown
Anecdote:2
Preach Christ
An American Christian in London went to hear Dr. Parker in the morning and C.H. Spurgeon in the evening. His morning comment was, “Grand preaching, marvellous pulpit oratory.” His evening comment, “Oh what a wonderful saviour was Jesus!” The preacher is in his right place when hidden behind the Cross.
Source: unknown
Worhty Quotes:
“Evangelism is to Christianity what veins are to our bodies. You can cut Christianity anywhere and it'll bleed evangelism.”
__ Evangelist Vance Havner
“There are two equal and positive errors in to which our race can fall about devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence, the other is to believe and feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them”
