Landmark Baptist

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
Questions:
What more is a Christian responsible for in evangelism than to plead to as many unsaved as possible and as often as possible? Is he somehow derelict in his duties if professions are not forth-coming? Is it accurate to say that if few or no souls are being saved that no witnessing is being done? Is there a season of sowing and a season of reaping sometimes separated by much time? Are there communities where due to lack of employment opportunities young citizens move to the cities which results in the churches of that community dying not from lack of evangelism but from a lack of opportunities to evangelize? Does it take longer to establish credibility with a Muslim, Hindu, or some other person of non Christian persuasion than with those who visit scriptural churches and grow up under her teachings? Do missionaries face special hardships that ministers and Christian workers in established churches do not face in evangelism and discipleship? Is salvation of the Lord or of man’s will and device?

Confession:
Down through the years I have said some harsh things about my brothers in the ministry while I was in a very fruitful field of labor. It was easy for me to look down upon my brothers who were not seeing the numbers of professions and baptisms that I was enjoying. After all in self justification, I had started a church from scratch and they had not. Surely, I must be all wise since I had seen a church established in a very short period of time while others suffered disappointment. All the questions about what methods I employed in church growth stroked my ego and I was quick to point out how hard work, planning, and organization paved the way to success. It was easy to become judge and jury over the work of God; to say why others were not enjoying success and if only they would follow the pattern that I had copied they too would succeed. However, in years that followed I learned the truth of the matter. God was doing a great work and He just decided to carry me along for the ride. Should we work hard, plan, organize? I think so. But I will never forget the lesson God taught me, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:13

I hope this will encourage all of us to remain faithful to share the gospel of our wonderful Savior whether or not we are successful in man's eye. What really matters is what Jesus will say to us at our judgment. After all there is really no way to know in this life what the total effect our life had on others. Use tracts, implement door to door witnessing, surveys, and by all means pray for the lost.

Finally, remember this old saying, "everything that glimmers is not gold". You will be safe if you follow the Biblical pattern for evangelism and church growth. Following the glimmer can lead you to "fools gold".

Ricky Knight

Brother Knight:

I have just read your post (above). I could have written it myself it is so close to my history. It is easy to get carried away with programs and a fair show in the flesh. But except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it. There were times that I preached over a hundred times in a sixty-day period. After all, I was pastor of a growing, influencial church, young, energetic, a fairly good pulpiteer and in popular demand for revivals. When warned by those who loved me that I was burning the candle at both ends and would crash. I laughed. Oh, no! said I. I know Jehovah-rophe. He will not allow me to get sick. What Arrogance! Well, I did crash and I have learned so much! I am indeed thankful for each lesson as I know you are. You have gained much because through the experiences of ministerial life you have seen first hand both sides of the evangelical issues. Certainly godliness with contentment is great gain. I appreciate your insight and forthrightness in sharing it with others.
God Bless you!

I see or hear the terms "to evangelize" and "evangelism" often. Exactly, what do these terms mean?

Thanks,
J. L. Looney III

Brother Looney,

My definition of evangelism is the practice of delivering the gospel to willing hearers with the intent to effect repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

RK

My definition of evangelism in the making of disciples i.e., solidifying them as disciples indeed and leading them to the baptismal waters.

Brethren,
I realize I've taken a long time to get back to this.

I appreciate and respect your replies, thank you.

I guess what I am looking for are the Greek word definitions and the contextual variants and how these are applied in their specific contexts. Cutting through the subjectivity as much as possible and going back about two thousand years, with what are we left?

Thank you,
J Looney III