As I reflect on some of the lessons I have done this year, there is something that has been gnawing at me, maybe you have felt it in some manner. In Acts 8, while faced with enormous adversity, as Saul “made havoc of the church” they responded by going “everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Or how the early church “endured a great struggle with sufferings” (Hebrews 10:32) yet “joyfully accepted” it “knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven” (Hebrews 10:34). How they were exhorted to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1st Peter 3:15). What is it that moves the ordinary people of this world to do extraordinary things?
When we consider the topic of evangelism, we can discuss the how’s and why’s of this crucial aspect of the Lord’s church. Some time ago we did a study on Friendship Evangelism, how we might more effectively influence others for Christ through our relationships. Then, there are the countless study tools at our disposal to help direct others through the sharing of the gospel. But who truly uses their day to day relationships with coworkers, neighbors, friends as an opportunity to talk to someone about Christ? How many of us have taken the time to try and learn how to use the study tools that can guide us in sharing the gospel? We know what God yearns for us to do. We know, at least intellectually, that people are lost and need a Savior. So, why do we struggle with sharing with others the marvelous story of Christ? The story of redemption.
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love…” (Colossians 1:13)
Evangelism is one person sharing with another person his story of deliverance! Deliverance from what? The power of darkness! Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, “For you were once darkness…” (Ephesians 5:8). The writer of Proverbs says, “The way of the wicked is like darkness…” (Proverbs 4:19). One commentator writes, “The power exerted over us in that dark kingdom to which we formerly belonged – the kingdom of Satan.” We were once God’s enemies (Romans 5:10)! Does this darkness describe where you were prior to Christ? It should! Through the work of the Son of God on the cross, God “delivered”; that is, rescued us from that dreadful place. Through Christ He provided the means by which all who are in darkness can be “conveyed”; that is, transferred to a much better place. This idea speaks of the transplanting of races, and the settlement of them in a new home. That new home is the kingdom of the Son of His love. It is the church, the ekklesia or called out. This invitation to leave the darkness and be placed into Christ’s kingdom is the work of the gospel being proclaimed (2nd Thessalonians 2:13-14). Now here, there is so much more to be thankful about.
“…in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:14)
Evangelism is one person sharing with another person the story of redemption! I can hear the song, “Redeemed how I love to proclaim it…” Paul said something similar to the church in Ephesus, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Redemption! Its cost? Death! Sins consequences is death, either mine (Romans 6:23) or Christ’s, for “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). John writes, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1st John 2:2). Christ appeased God the Father on our behalf. One person writes, “The cost of redemption cannot be overstated. The wonders of grace cannot be overemphasized. Christ took the hell He didn’t deserve so we could have the heaven we don’t deserve.” That price (1st Corinthians 6:20), rendered our sin debt: “PAID IN FULL,” and opened the doorway to forgiveness. This is where all the sinful acts done while we were wandering in darkness are erased. Freedom from the debt of my sins! What I could never pay He paid in full! Simply amazing.
If you are in Christ, then you have a story to tell. It is one about deliverance and redemption. It is a story of a new kingdom which Christ has made you a part of through the gospel. It is a story of forgiveness, where all of your past sins have been cleansed and genuine freedom has been found. Evangelism is not about having all the answers. It is about sharing the One true answer to mankind’s sin problem. Jesus! It is the message someone shared with us and it is the same message we need to share with others. Redeemed how I love to proclaim it. Be blessed beloved.
Biddeford Church of Christ 