WEDNESDAY May 31, 2023
Church Evangelism
Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
Acts 11:19-21
Now we see the groundwork for the Church at Antioch. Here they needed to prepare for a universal Gospel. That is, the Church had begun in Jerusalem and continued to spread to Judea, Samaria, and further––to the uttermost places of the world. At this time, the Gospel message had reached Antioch––a diverse group of people, both Jews and Gentiles.
Antioch was a Roman city. This area was very much like Las Vegas, San Francisco, or Hollywood, today. The Romans had come into the city and polluted it with all manner of sin. You could say it was a “sin city,” with crowds of prostitutes, and people who like to party all night––drinking, fornicating and gambling. This was a place that needed the Gospel! A sinful place where God could pour out His love, mercy and grace. God could do a great work among all the immoral people there.
After the persecution of Stephen, we see that some Christians scattered and preached the Gospel exclusively to the Jews; but others spoke boldly of the Gospel to the Hellenists––those who were half Jewish and half Greek. A great number were saved.
Interestingly, Christian evangelism in Antioch was carried out by ordinary people. They were not elders or pastors; they were just common folk who had a willing heart to share the Word of God to others. Seriously, you do not have to be a well-known evangelist, such as Billy Graham, D.L. Moody or even Charles Finney, to share the Gospel. Step out by faith and obedience to share the Gospel, and God will use your life. Share God’s Word with simplicity. God wants to use your life!
One of the greatest priorities of the church today is to mobilize the laity to do the work of evangelism.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
