[392 words]
How wonderful it is to be needed! One of the joys of marriage. One of the joys of parenthood. One of the joys of Christianity. There are physical needs, and there are spiritual needs. Everyone has a need for something or someone. True of kings and true of hermits. True of Christ, the world and us. This article will stress the needs involved in personal evangelism.
Christ has revealed His need. He needs “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). He needs “labourers” (Matthew 9:37). He needs “teachers” (Matthew 28:20). His need is perpetual (Matthew 28:20). In the day of judgment, we can’t laugh this off nor argue it away! Without God we can’t convert a single soul; without us God will not (John 15:1-6). Souls need to be coming to Christ in a steady stream. The fields are white unto harvest (John 4:35). The invitation is extended (Matthew 11:28-30). The power of salvation is the gospel (Romans 1:16). Man is powerless to save himself. The gospel is man’s only hope (1 Corinthians 1:21). Personal evangelism coupled with mass evangelism is the way! This is the first century method (Acts 2:46; Acts 20:20). Today’s great need is a first century method with first century power producing a first century result!
It is estimated that 95 percent of church members never win a soul! Think of it! If this is true, 5 percent do 100 percent of the personal evangelism! We can become so busy with “churchianity” that we don’t have time for “Christianity!” This means we may be majoring in the minors and minoring in the majors! No plainer or more emphatic language has been used on any subject (John 15:1-6 and Luke 13:5-9). Must I go and be empty handed? Thus my dear Redeemer meet? Not one day of service give Him, lay no trophy at His feet? O ye saints, arouse, be earnest, up and work while ’tis day, Ere night of death overtake thee. Strive for souls while still you may!
We must put forth a definite effort to persuade a definite person to obey a definite Savior at a definite time! How can we remain idle when we know that the longing in Christ’s heart for the lost to be saved remains unsatisfied?
J.T. Bristlow
Lebanon Road church of Christ
Nashville, TN