Canceled Services?
Canceled services! Why would Pastor do such thing! No doubt you have consistently heard the biblical reality of our purpose. We, as a church exist to equip the believers to evangelize unbelievers. Weekly, we as the body of Christ meet for the edification through gospel ministry to take that very same gospel to unbelievers. With extra opportunity via holidays and “time off,” do we utilize the opportunity to be a witness to the lost around us?
Perhaps we struggle because we overcomplicate outreach. What do I say? How do I say it? What will they think of me?
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - 1 Pe 2:9–10.
1 Peter 2:9 helps develop perspective regarding outreach. Peter expresses the great joy that we have to be a part of God’s people, yet our purpose is clearly defined in the latter portion of the passage. As those who have obtained mercy, our purpose is to show forth the praises of Him who has redeemed us from the darkness of this world. This thought of “shewing forth” means to report or proclaim. The root is angellos(angel) and the idea behind the word is promoting a message or being a messenger.
There is an expectation that believers would regularlypromoteJesus Christ. God expectsit, and we should desireto follow his command as a regular part of our Christian life.
I was challenged with this thought this past week. There is a distinct difference between those who are lost and those that are unreached. People in Turkey can be just as lost as those here in Beavercreek. Someone from Thailand can be just as lost as your neighbor who lives right next door. While there may not be as many churches or Christians in Turkey, Thailand, or Tasmania; we speak of those in our work office, school, or grocery store as unreached. In our world, there are people who are unreached and these people groups have never heard the name of Jesus. They have no concept of what a Christian is. There is no access to the Word of God, tracts, preaching services, or podcasts. They have no introduction to a “Jesus follower.” They are not lost, but rather unreached. While we may never meet the men or women who are unreached, can I challenge you to engage the ones who are lost.Do you realize that the family member or friend who is without Christ, has you?
Christ-follower, I implore you, do not let an opportunity to show forth the praises of Him who has redeemed us from the darkness of this world go by. Let’s not miss an opportunity to lift up Christ during these times.
-Bro Jordan