Our pastor and his family are passionate about sharing the
gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not a merely theological thing to them. It is not
a burdensome duty. It is an insatiable drive propelling them to speak to people
about the saving grace God offers everyone through Jesus. It permeates every
area of ministry in which they are involved. And their enthusiasm for this
mission is contagious!
As Christians we want to help people in need. We collect canned goods for the foodbank. We donate used shoes and clothing to mission barrels. We take meals to the sick, visit shut-ins at home and in nursing facilities, and occasionally write to a prison inmate. These are all good and necessary ways we can reach out to others. But are we sharing with each person God’s plan for how they can begin a relationship with the One who loves them more than any of us ever could?
I can only speak for myself, but rarely do I engage in Jesus-centered, salvation-aimed conversations. I invite people to come to church. I talk about the wonderful things our church is doing. I brag on the pastor’s preaching. I tell them I will pray for them. But lately God has been saying to me, “That’s not enough. That’s only part of the story—and it’s not the most important part!”
Beans in the pantry and shoes that fit aren’t sufficient in the eternal scheme of life. Companionship and encouragement only go so far. An invitation to church is not the same as an invitation to believe in trust Jesus. What we all need is to hear the Truth. Romans 10:14 says, “But how can they call to God for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed?”
Matthew 28:19-20 shares the foundational mandate for Christians to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." Are we proclaiming that message? Are we sharing that we all need God’s forgiveness for the wrongs we have done? Are we telling others they can have a fresh start with Jesus? Are we offering the gift of faith in God’s plan? It takes more than our pastor and his family to reach the lost. It takes you and it takes me.
Be encouraged!
