"Preach the gospel always, If necessary use words." ~ St. Francis of Assisi.
St. Fransis, God bless his soul, I am sure he has a good heart. Although this famous statement rings true to most believers it is statements like this that cause lethargy in the Christian body. The body of Christ is suffering from a type of Atrophy from not functioning right for many years. Evangelism is a huge part of Christianity and is very dormant for a huge part of the body. Some people live almost perfect lives, doing good, smiling, full joy and compassionate, but never knew Jesus, almost identical to a matured Christians walk. I am not dismantling this quote completely because it is true, our lives should be a living testimony, but biblical you are called to "speak". One man told me recently that people don't care what you have to say until they know how much you care for them. Again that sounds true, but it is the GOSPEL that is the power of God unto salvation. Your good works don't tell the story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Word of God is powerful enough to divide their soul from their spirit in order for them to make a decision to follow Jesus from the heart. It is living and sharper than a two edged sword. Last week I read a pastors blog that said he Literally "Hated" Evangelism. He said we are called to make disciples and not to evangelize. Contextually in the way he was interpreting it was false. Mark 16 says we are to preach the gospel with power. Mathew spoke the latter end of that conversation with Jesus by saying, "Make disciples" (quoted by the evangelism hating pastor). You have to have a converted heart first in order to make a disciple out of them. So let me quote the Apostle Paul for a second.
Romans 10:14
14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
There must be a mouth and there must be Words that are proclaimed out of it in order for people to believe on Jesus, there must be a preacher. Paul didn't live a life before man that was spotless and soooo compassionate that people just got born again watching him do his good works. Paul went into villages and immediately found doors of opportunity to SPEAK of the wonder working power of Jesus Christ. He preached the Word then demonstrated the power of God through the Holy Spirit with many miracles and signs and wonders. People believed and just like today some people didn't believe. Don't let someones man made wisdom become an excuse to grieve the Holy Spirit when He is promoting you to speak to your neighbor. You would be surprised at the anointing that flows from your heart while you obey. Check out this famous quote by one of the wisest authors known to mankind.
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." ~A Carpenter (A sacrifice, The Lamb)
Who is in your circle of influence right now that doesn't know Jesus? Are you afraid they won't listen, they won't receive what you have to say, or you won't have the right words. Look, if you feel a burden in your heart then obey. It is not your problem if they don't receive the light that you are shining upon their sinful souls. Check out this other famous quote from the same previous Carpenter.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light... ~ A Nazarene (can anything good come from Nazareth)
Although Paul was originally Saul and was a murder of Christians he later had no blood on his hands, for he proclaimed the gospel everywhere Christ called him to go. There is an empowering grace to win souls. Pray for great grace in your sphere of influence today. Pray for empowerment and that the Gospel runs swiftly like rivers of living water. Don't be afraid to ask brothers and sisters to pray for you as well, Paul did.
2 Thessalonians 3:1(NKJV)
3 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,
Do not fear but trust God. God will be with your mouth.
Quoted conversation from God & Jeremiah:
6 Then said I:
“Ah, Lord God!
Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”
7 But the Lord said to me:
“Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’
For you shall go to all to whom I send you,
And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Do not be afraid of their faces,
For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.
9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me:
“Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms,
Lord I pray that everyone who reads this, that you will touch their mouths. That you would put your WORDS in them. That you will place your anointed rivers within them. Flow God, flow through them all. Break the dam in their hearts and let them flood the nations with your light. Let them flood their work places with your grace. Lord I pray that great grace will be upon the places their feet tread. Bless them God. Make their feet to be beautiful. Send them to speak in Jesus Name!
Isaiah 52:7
New King James Version (NKJV)
7 How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
written by Rich Cohrs
www.RichCohrs.Blogspot.com
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