EVANGELISTIC OPENINGS We often hear of congregations that are searching for a gospel preacher to come labor with them. Preachers sometimes refer to such a situation by saying, "There is an opening at _________." However, in this article, we are not talking about evangelists finding a church with which to labor. What we have in mind are different openings – things that need to be open in order for our evangelistic efforts to be as productive as they can be. Consider a few of these: 1. Open Minds – We need to accept the truth that those that are outside of the Christ and have not obeyed the gospel are lost in their sins (2 Timothy 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). That is true for males and females, rich and poor, and those of all races. We need to be open-minded to the truth that Jesus wants His followers to preach the gospel to every person on the planet (Mark 16:15). Some well-intended saints have "stuck their foot out" in an effort to discourage faithful evangelists and their families from moving to other countries to preach the way of salvation to lost people. We must keep our minds clear on the mission of the church: seek and save the lost like Jesus did! (Luke 19:10). Where? Everywhere! 2. Open Hearts – We need to be people of compassion, being moved by the horrible thought of precious souls being lost and being eternally separated from the God of heaven. May each of us let the following two Bible statements about Jesus sink down in our souls: "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things" (Mark 6:34). We all need to be imitators of Jesus, demonstrating our compassion for the lost by trying to teach them the gospel. 3. Open mouths – It is no secret: lost people need to hear the gospel in order to learn God’s way of salvation (Romans 10:13-17). That is where our open mouths must come in. We must communicate the gospel to the lost. "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus" (Acts 8:35). When he had arrived at the house of Cornelius, "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said . . ." (Acts 10:34). Paul requested the saints in Ephesus to pray for him, saying, ". . . that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesus 6:19). Yes, our open minds and open hearts must lead us to open our mouths and teach. 4. Open Doors – We need to beseech the Lord of heaven and earth to provide us with open doors, that is, opportunities to teach the gospel to the lost. "Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds" (Colossians 4:3). "Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 2:12). After Paul and Barnabas completed their preaching trip together, they gathered the church at Antioch of Syria and "rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27). 5. Open Pocket Books – The work of spreading the gospel requires funds. Purchasing Bibles, distributing tracts and other literature, radio programs, transportation of gospel preachers, these and many more evangelism-related matters require money. When a sound brother or church approaches us about giving financial assistance to an evangelistic effort, I refuse to label them as "beggars." The work of the church is to be funded by the contributions of God’s children, and He wants us to give cheerfully (1 Corinthians 16:1,2; 2 Corinthians 9:6,7). Thus, there is no room for getting "bent out of shape" and begin calling out "beggars" when good brethren approach us to help them do what the church is supposed to do: preach the gospel. This great work requires open pocket books. Brothers and sisters, we need to get excited about teaching the gospel to the lost! We need to be relentless in our effort to find those honest and good hearts that are willing to receive the truth. For this great work of saving souls we need some open items: open minds, open hearts, open mouths, open doors, and open pocket books. Let’s get to work. -- Roger D. Campbell
Posted on: Sun, 06 Oct 2013 05:08:35 +0000
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