Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Evangelism by the Book

Evangelism: When We Scatter. I call this lesson Evangelism by the Book. Last time I reviewed several methods used by many people that simply are not evangelistic. This week, we turn to the Word of God to see how we should go about this holy task. Paul’s letter to the Colossians helps.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person (Colossians 4:2-6).

With Paul’s persistent desire to take the gospel to all the world, he asked a gathered group of God’s people to pray for him to have the open way to keep on proclaiming the gospel. Wanting the saints at Colossi at Arpelar to work with him in this endeavor, he told them and us to be wise in how we engage lost people, always speaking truth with grace to each person. We are ambassadors of His gospel not one of our own choosing; we should seek to honor Him as we scatter to take His message to our area and the world.

(Note: While listening to myself, I noted that about 11 minutes into this I said "God saves God from God." Stupid tongue. That should have been "God saves His people from Himself." Sorry about that, chief!)

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Subscribe in a reader / Sermons are hosted here. Barring the intervention of our Lord, 31 Aug was my last Sunday as pastor of Gowen Baptist Church. The deacons requested a meeting with me Sunday evening to tell me they had discovered I was Calvinist in my beliefs. They revealed to me that they are free will fundamentalists with a touch of neo-orthodoxy regarding their view of the Bible. They asked me to resign - I told them I had done nothing wrong and would wait on the business meeting scheduled as its usual day, which will be this Wed, 3 Sep. Pray for me and them.