SATURDAY February 5, 2022
Evangelism
And he [Paul] went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 19:8-10
The church of Colosse would never have been mentioned in the New Testament, but for the presence of believers who became a strong influence in the area––as salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). The church was an outgrowth of Paul’s work in Ephesus. As believers effectively evangelized all over Asia Minor, both Jews and Greeks heard the gospel.
The church of Colosse received an inspired letter from the great Apostle Paul. He had heard of their faith, but had never seen them personally. Even though the believers in Colosse had not met Paul face to face, he made it a point to always to pray for them (Colossians 1:4, 9).
The Gospel of Jesus Christ unites believers even though they may not have met. I have the oversight of many churches in South America. In the last twenty years, I have met all the pastors, but I have not met all the people in their congregations. Like Paul, I write letters to them and pray for the believers in these churches.
Calvary Chapel operates in order to touch the whole world for Christ. Our vision is to preach the gospel from our Jerusalem (our local church) and to reach beyond into the surrounding communities––Samaria and Judea––and through missions, reach the uttermost parts of the world.
In the 70’s, thousands of people became saved, and the Church grew rapidly. Under the power of the Holy Spirit, everyone did the work of an evangelist. Make it your aim to be effective witnesses––evangelize!
The church that does not evangelize will fossilize.
~Oswald J. Smith~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
