OUR TASK TO SHARE THE GOSPEL - Matt. 28:19

I recently read a stirring book on World Evangelism by Oswald J. Smith entitled, “The Cry of the World.” Below is a portion from the chapter “Why has the Church failed to Evangelize the World?” I also included his answers to that question; along with my thoughts.

In referring to God’s command to go and make disciples of all nations, Smith writes, “God’s commands are always accompanied by His enablement. We could have done it. He would not have mocked us by asking us to do the impossible. “The Gospel MUST be published among ALL nations. Why then has it not been done?”

1) Because of the Enemies of the Gospel
There are a number of enemies to the spread of the Gospel. They are real and powerful. Two are primary. First and the one most talked about, Satan, the author of evil. He mounts attacks against the spread of the Gospel through persecution, hard hearts, and alternant religions. Second a most hidden enemy, self – that is you and me. My soul resists sacrifice. I don’t want to give up my comforts for the advance of the Gospel.

2) Because of our Emphasis on Education
Education is important. Education can also be an excuse for not engaging in ministry and evangelism which is difficult. It is always easier to talk about ministry and evangelism in the classroom. At some point the classroom stops serving to advance the Gospel. I believe it is important to be trained just enough, then go practice what you’ve learned. With this foundation, you can continue to grow as you practice ministry.

3) Because of many Closed Doors
I don’t have much to say here except there are still many closed doors to the Gospel. This would refer to countries and people groups who are antagonistic to the message about forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

4) Because we have not sent out a sufficient Number of Missionaries
There are not enough people willing to sacrifice by leaving the comforts of home behind to preach the Gospel through words and actions. There are also not enough people willing to sacrifice by living on a lower household income so that more can be given to support those willing to go.

5) Because we have not Followed the Pauline Methods
Paul’s method of evangelism was to go and disciple, to go and disciple, and to go and disciple. He never got too comfortable in one place very long. We are in the habit of getting comfortable. I am in the habit of getting comfortable. As a missionary, Paul never stayed in one place very long – maybe two years. He focused on establishing local leadership and then moved on to a new town.

6) Because we have not been Convinced that the Heathens are Lost
This one hurts a little. Are we really convinced that people who have not surrender their lives to Jesus Christ will not be in heaven forever but instead eternal punishment and alienation from God. People who don’t know Jesus – really are lost. Their thinking is corrupt. Their morals are broken. Their ethics are bent in a self-serving direction. This doesn’t mean Christians are perfect – but Christians are no longer slaves to being lost.

So in conclusion, are we going to get the job done? These roadblocks are insignificant in comparison to the power of Christ. It is said of him, “all authority in heaven and on earth [are given to him].” (Matt. 28:18)

We should respond, “YES, I will go, give and pray!”

MY OWN HEART FIRST - Ez 3:10

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)

It is so easy to see what is wrong with someone else. I’m a profession at making recommendations, a novice at making personal changes. I’m working to focus on self improvement – but it concerns me, I need to focus. It requires no effort to fix my friends or family.

There is a great saying, “Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes before criticizing them.” This statement was proved true again this past week while I working in my middle son’s classroom. I’ve never been tempted to criticize his teacher because she seems to be doing a great job – but working with 26 First and Second Graders for 4 hours will help you resolve to never think remotely critical again.

However, this fresh realization was not the most illuminating discovering that day. It was actually a walk back from recess alongside another teacher carrying the only two four-square balls to be shared by 400 children. I asked her if my son could bring a ball to be shared by his classroom because he was not certain he could. She said, “Yes, but also went on to say how she was applying for a grant to buy balls for the school.” A grant for purchasing balls, are you serious? In America, we need to apply for a grant to buy balls for children attending school. As I thought about it, another question came to mind, "Do we really want our teachers writing grants to purchase balls?" It’s weird and so unrelated to their primary function. The reality: few of us really understand the pressure and demands on American teachers from writing grants for play equipment to helping emotionally troubled children, and to teaching second-language learners.

Jesus said, “Don’t judge.” If you do judge, then you will be judged by the same measure you lay down on someone else. He challenges us to start by inspecting our lives, pointing us to remove the log in our lives before confronting our fellow brothers and sisters to remove their speck. The big idea: God wants me to deal with My Own Heart First.

This is the topic for my next Sunday sermon. Let his Word sink deep into your heart before you go out to challenge the world. Let his Word transform you before you confront evil face to face. If you don't deal with Your Heart First, then you are positioned to fail.