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As my wife and I sat and listened to one of the oldest members of the Lord’s
church in the Ohio Valley, we were shocked to hear what came from her mouth. I
knew this woman possessed a personal reverence for God, a respect for His Word,
and a true love for the church. However, we were amazed to learn of her
evangelistic spirit.
I’m sure each one of us can find limitations in our. own abilities that make it
tough on us to evangelize the world. However, many of our perceived limitations
are truly invalid excuses. If we are honest we will admit that it is not a lack
of ability that keeps us from evangelism but an abundance of laziness and
timidity.
What impressed us so much about this aged woman was, despite her obvious
physical limitations, she still possessed a great willingness to do what she
could for the Lord. She humbly informed us she had been praying regularly for
additional opportunities to reach another woman she is in contact with daily. It
immediately made us question what our attitude would be at her age and in her
physical capacity. Would we still have the motivation to share the Gospel with
others? Or, would we allow Satan to feed us excuses that would limit our
influence?
Jesus says, “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, 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” (Matt.
28:19-20). Where in this passage did Jesus say one retires from evangelism?
_ Where did it point out exceptions for certain individuals? We must realize
this is not simply a suggestion. This is a direct command from our Lord!
When we refuse to evangelize, we are disobeying our Lord. And, the Scriptures do
not speak lightly of disobedience to the Lord's commands (1
John 3:4). Let us take the mission of evangelism seriously. Let us take the
Gospel to the lost right here in our own neighborhoods, schools, and jobs.
“ If the souls all around you are living in sin, If the Master had told you to
bid them come in, If the sweet invitation they never have heard, Oh will you not
tell them the cheer bringing Word”. Oh, will you not tell it today?
-- Chip Pugh --
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