Why we don’t evangelize

I may be wrong, but chances are most Christians will agree that we are supposed to evangelize. The Lord’s final words were in essence marching orders (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). The Bible compels us to tell others about the gospel of Jesus Christ which is the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16). Yet, with all this truth in mind, our gospel proclamation is not what it should. We know we should evangelize, but we do not, and we often excuse, justify or rationalize why we do not tell our unbelieving loved ones and strangers about the gospel. Let me suggest five reasons why we do not evangelize.

We are afraid God will have compassion

This may seem strange, but we are sometimes guilty of Jonah’s attitude and fear. Jonah resisted going to proclaim repentance to Ninevah because he feared the Lord would have compassion and save them from their sins. We like Jonah know the power of the gospel and the heart of God to save sinners, but sadly we have a prejudice towards sinners that, if we were honest, we do not desire for them to be saved.

We are not persuaded of the sinfulness of the people

We believe people are bad and no one is perfect. Moreover, we may even use the word sinner, but we are not convinced of the hopelessness and helplessness of those who do not believe. We have been conditioned to think lightly of the wickedness of man. In fact, we blame people’s sinfulness on culture, circumstances and their relationships. In addition, because of this deficiency in our view of the sinfulness of people, we do not see the urgent need of the gospel. We are not compelled to plead with people to be reconciled to God.

We cannot clearly state the gospel

We have heard the gospel mentioned hundreds of times. We claim to believe it, but many evangelicals cannot clearly articulate what the gospel is. Invariably we are hesitant to tell people about it. Are you able to explain the gospel when called upon without planning? Can you summarize it in a minute or two?

We doubt the wrath of God

Do you believe in hell? Are you convinced that non-believers are under the wrath of God (Ephesians 2:3)? Part of the urgency of the gospel is the miserable condition that unbelievers are in and the sentence of judgement from God which is upon them. When we doubt the wrath of God, we lose the urgency of the gospel. 

We are too preoccupied with self

Many things preoccupy our attention. In addition, they seem more important and urgent. We have family, school, work and social responsibilities and commitments. Intentionally talking to people about the gospel is simply not high on the priority list or that important and urgent. 

So what is a Christian to do in light of these truths? For starters, it is clear evangelizing does not come accidentally; it calls for a deliberate effort on our part. Let me offer five ways we can cultivate a heart for evangelism. 

1.      Pray for the salvation of the lost with fellow Christians. 

2.      Apply the gospel in your life on a daily basis; the transforming power of the gospel should be evident in your life. 

3.      Talk about the power and impact of the gospel in your life with fellow believers. 

4.      Practice hospitality and invite people into your home with the goal of talking about the gospel with them. 

5.      Seize opportunities and be willing to take risks for the sake of the gospel. 

Facing a task unfinished

That drives us to our knees

A need that, undiminished

Rebukes our slothful ease

We, who rejoice to know Thee

Renew before Thy throne

The solemn pledge we owe Thee

To go and make Thee known[1]

---

[1]               https://store.gettymusic.com/us/song/facing-a-task-unfinished-song/

10 Traits of a Godly Man

A lot is said of what it means to be a man in our times. In addition, it seems to me with each passing year there is a growing despise for men or manly qualities. There also seems to be a decline of men with manly qualities. However, the Scriptures couldn’t be more emphatic in its call and demand of men. Be on alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). This past week I asked a group of men in our church to give a portrait of a godly man. Here are their ten traits with their one-sentence descriptions.

Relational: A godly man relates with others by accepting, forgiving, encouraging and admonishing them (Rom. 15:7)

Bold: A godly man takes a stand for his beliefs and is not ashamed of them (Prov. 28.1)

Responsible: A godly man takes responsibility for his actions without explanations or justification (Exodus 32:15-35)

Courageous: A godly man is willing to risk injury or insult to protect the vulnerable and to stand for the truth (Ps. 82:3)

Leads: A godly man leads the way and leads by example. If it means saying sorry when necessary he must do so. He leads his family spiritually. (Eph. 5:23-25)

Selfless: A godly man puts the interest of others first by serving them sacrificially. (Phil 2: 5-10)

Self-controlled: A godly man has the Spirit’s fruit of discipline over his appetites and temperament (Gal. 5:22-24)

Prayerful: A godly man prays confessing sin, confessing faith in God and dependence upon Him, sorrowing over sin and making resolution against it. (1 Tim 2:8)

Provides and Protects: A godly man labours to provide for the needs of those under his care and is alert to protect them spiritually, physically and emotionally. (1 Tim. 5:8; Prov. 4:10-15)

Fears God: A godly man fears God. This make s all other traits possible. (Prov. 1:7)

Biblical manhood is a high and hard calling. At its heart are the expectations to lovingly lead, selflessly provide and courageously protect those who are our relations and under our care. This is only possible by the grace that God provides, and Christ is our example. Dear Christian men, act like men, be strong!

Five Lessons from the Crisis

The COVID-19 crisis has been with us for a while now. It has wreaked havoc and changed the way we live our lives albeit temporarily. Like every crisis, it has evoked a wide range of reactions throughout the world. Every challenge comes with opportunities, and in this case, we have many lessons to learn. Let me propose five lessons we can learn from the COVID-19 crisis.

1. We are not in control

It is remarkable to think of the number of people and organizations, small and great, whose plans have been shattered. Events and programs that took years to plan for and that cost enormous amounts of money, in an instant, have been called off. If ever there was an illustration of how man is not in control of his affairs, COVID-19 is exhibit A. Hence, the Bible admonishes us in James 4 that our plans are subject to the will of Almighty God. If any among us was beginning to think highly of himself, this is coming as a much-needed dose of humility.

 2. We are fragile

The Bible reminds us of the frailty and brevity of our lives. It does not take much for us to lose the life we have now. We are here today, and we are a memory tomorrow. Thousands of lives have in the last four months gone just like that. They no doubt had plans and dreams, but they are no more. Dear Christian, what is your life? It is here today and gone tomorrow. 

3. We should seize opportunities 

The frailty and uncertainty of life should propel us to seize the opportunities. We cannot afford to live life with the handbrake on. It is pointless to go through the years and end up with lots of regrets. Tomorrow is not a guarantee; soon, our day will come when we breathe our last; our desire must be to hear these words “well done good and faithful servant.”  Until then, seize every minute you get to labour for your master. 

4. We should be responsible 

We are not in control, but that does not negate responsibility. We do not live in fear, but we should not be careless either. This period calls for us to evaluate our habits and observe some basic hygiene. We should take care of ourselves but also look out for our neighbour. That is called responsibility. The biblical principle is stewardship. May we be found faithful. 

5.  We should not despair 

A crisis is an opportunity to have our faith tested. It reveals what we believe, and in whom we trust. It shows us where one’s anchor lies. Many have responded to this crisis with fear and anxiety, and that soon leads to despair, a state of hopelessness. Yes, there is a pandemic, and we need to take it seriously, but no, we do not need to despair. We trust in God and commit the circumstances into his hands, and that is our source of comfort and assurance. 

What lessons have you learnt in the last few months? Do not waste this crisis. Make the most of it by learning as much as you can and seizing the opportunities.