Back to Basics: Evangelism – Romans 10:14-16

Every Christian is called to evangelize, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and making disciples. Evangelism is not just for church leaders but for every believer, as part of God’s sovereign plan. The local church exists within its community to reach those who may come to faith. As ambassadors of Christ, evangelism should be a central priority in a believer’s life, rather than an optional practice.

Proclaiming the gospel is a privilege and an act of love toward both God and others. Since the gospel has eternal significance, sharing it glorifies God and demonstrates obedience to His will. Loving our neighbors includes telling them about the good news of Jesus Christ, as this has the most lasting impact on their lives. Evangelism is the greatest expression of love because it offers people the hope of salvation.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of evangelism by posing rhetorical questions that highlight the dire consequences of its absence. The spread of the gospel through evangelists and missionaries has left an undeniable impact across the world. Paul’s message suggests that evangelism is not a part-time endeavor but an integral aspect of a Christian’s daily life. Believers are continually called to share God’s love with those around them.

However, many Christians hesitate to evangelize for various reasons. Some leave it to pastors and church leaders, assuming that only those in ministry are responsible for spreading the gospel. Others feel inadequate, believing they lack the necessary skills or gifts. Yet, evangelism is not about talent but obedience. The Holy Spirit equips all believers to share their faith, and prayerful practice strengthens their ability to evangelize effectively.

New believers may feel unqualified due to limited biblical knowledge. However, evangelism is more about one’s relationship with Christ than intellectual mastery. Spiritual growth deepens passion for God and fuels the desire to share the gospel. Without a strong relationship with the Lord, evangelistic efforts may feel forced or lack conviction. Ray Comfort, who is known for his evangelism outreach ministry, candidly admitted his reluctance toward evangelism, yet he recognizes it as a biblical obligation.

Sharing the gospel is a divine mission given exclusively to Christians. Just as God chose Israel to represent Him among the nations, He has now entrusted believers with spreading His message. Jesus sends His followers into the world with this singular purpose: to proclaim the gospel. Evangelism is not just an act of obedience but a fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Paul also references the Old Testament, where God describes the feet of those who bring the gospel as beautiful. This imagery conveys that the message of salvation is the most valuable gift for those in need. Just as Peter healed the lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful, evangelism provides people with what they truly need—spiritual restoration through Christ (Acts 3:2, 6-8).

Despite the command to evangelize, it is often met with resistance. The world opposes Christ, and believers may face rejection or persecution. Many prioritize physical needs over spiritual ones, failing to recognize their need for salvation. However, the Christian’s role is to faithfully share the message and leave the results to God. Evangelism must be accompanied by prayer, as the Holy Spirit works through those who depend on Him. Ultimately, the goal being discipleship—helping new believers grow in their faith through God’s Word, worship, prayer, and evangelism.

January 26, 2025 0

Back to Basics: Worship – Exodus 20:1-3 & John 4:21-23

Worship is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, yet it is often misunderstood. Many struggle with defining its true purpose and significance. Sunday, as the first day of the week, is set apart for corporate worship, yet worship is not limited to a single day; it is a daily practice that reflects a believer’s devotion to God. Understanding worship requires recognizing its foundation in God and its role in the believer’s life.

At the core of worship is the object of our adoration—either the living God or false idols. Worship directed toward anything other than God is ultimately in vain. Both Greek and Jewish cultures regarded worship as the highest form of reverence, demonstrated through devotion and humility. Worship is not merely an external ritual but a profound act of the heart that acknowledges God’s sovereignty and majesty.

True worship, according to Scripture, begins in the heart. A redeemed heart naturally moves a believer to praise and glorify God. The magi exemplified genuine worship when they sought Jesus with joy and bowed before Him, demonstrating both inward devotion and outward reverence. In the same way, Christians today should approach worship with joyful hearts, preparing throughout the week to honor God on the Lord’s Day. Worship is an ongoing practice that reflects the believer’s gratitude for salvation and reverence for Christ.

In contrast, false worship is revealed by impure motives, as seen in King Herod’s deceptive claim to worship Jesus while secretly plotting to kill Him. This stark difference emphasizes the importance of the heart’s intent in worship. What or whom we worship reveals our true priorities, and misplaced worship leads to idolatry. Therefore, believers must be intentional in worshiping God alone, ensuring that their devotion is genuine and aligned with His truth.

God is worthy of worship because He has revealed Himself through His Word. In biblical times, He spoke directly to the prophets, and today He continues to communicate through Scripture. Unlike mute idols that offer nothing, God is a living and active presence who guides, convicts, and strengthens His people. Worship is a response to God’s self-revelation, acknowledging His power, wisdom, and faithfulness.

As Yahweh, God is both sovereign and personal. He is transcendent, ruling over all creation, yet He is also near to His people through Jesus Christ. This personal relationship with God, made possible through Christ’s sacrifice, deepens the believer’s worship. Salvation is not earned through works but is a gift of grace, received by faith in Christ alone. Worship, then, is an expression of gratitude for this undeserved salvation.

True worship is marked by obedience, integrity, and a forgiving heart. God desires worship from those who live in accordance with His will, demonstrating faithfulness in their actions. A heart unwilling to forgive others hinders genuine worship, as believers are called to reflect God’s mercy. Worship is not just about singing or praying—it is a lifestyle of honoring God through righteous living, humility, and love.

Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman highlights the essence of true worship: it must be in spirit and truth. Worship involves both intellect and emotion, grounded in the truth of God’s Word and fueled by the Holy Spirit. Engaging with Scripture through reading, studying, and meditation strengthens a believer’s passion for worship. Ultimately, worship is an outpouring of a heart transformed by God’s grace, culminating in joyful praise and faithful obedience to Him.

January 19, 2025 0

Back to Basics: Prayer – Romans 12:12

The series focuses on returning to the foundational principles of the Christian life, emphasizing prayer as a central pillar. Building on last week’s discussion of God’s Word, this week highlights how prayer empowers believers to live faithfully. In light of tragedies like the recent fires in Los Angeles, prayer is presented as a vital response to hardship. Through prayer, Christians find hope, strength, and an opportunity to witness God’s work in their lives and the world.

Romans 12:12 serves as a guide to understanding the Christian life, emphasizing ongoing rejoicing in hope, perseverance in affliction, and devotion to prayer. The Apostle Paul’s teachings remind believers that these pursuits are continual and essential. Hope, rooted in salvation and Jesus’ resurrection, provides assurance of a heavenly inheritance. Persevering through trials requires a focus on eternal goals rather than earthly comforts, encouraging believers to trust in God’s plan.

Prayer acts as the connecting thread between hope and affliction, serving as the source of strength for both. It empowers believers to rejoice in hope and endure difficulties. Prayer is described as the “power behind” all aspects of the Christian life, offering the ability to navigate any situation with faith. It is a transformative practice, as essential to spiritual growth as seasoning is to food, bringing life and sustenance to faith.

Contrary to common misconceptions, prayer is not limited to spiritual leaders or the so-called “elite.” It is an essential practice for all believers. Prayer and faith are inseparable, as noted by John Calvin, who called prayer the chief exercise of faith. Biblical examples like Jesus and Elijah demonstrate that prayer is a universal calling, inviting all Christians to approach God with fervor and consistency.

At its core, prayer is about communion with God, a deeper and more personal connection than mere fellowship. Through prayer, believers enter God’s presence and experience His grace and strength. Hebrews 4:16 portrays prayer as a means of approaching the throne of grace, a space where Christians find support and intimacy with their heavenly Father, who holds the universe yet listens to their petitions.

Devotion to prayer requires consistency and humility, recognizing that God is the source of all strength. Christians are encouraged to pray in all circumstances, as exemplified by Stephen, Nehemiah, and Paul, who prayed during moments of crisis. Prayer is not constrained by time or place but is a constant posture of reliance on God. True devotion involves submission to God’s will, ensuring that prayers are heard and answered in His perfect timing.

The lack of prayer among Christians is attributed to ignorance, laziness, self-reliance, and spiritual stagnation. Without a proper understanding of God’s nature and power, prayer is undervalued. Laziness in prayer weakens faith, while self-confidence leads to misplaced reliance on personal abilities. Regeneration through the Holy Spirit is necessary to ignite a passion for prayer, aligning believers with Christ’s example of devotion.

In conclusion, prayer is indispensable to a vibrant Christian life. As Luke 18:1 and other scriptures emphasize, believers are called to pray continually, trusting in God rather than earthly solutions. Prayerlessness is described as a form of unbelief, while consistent prayer deepens faith and produces spiritual fruit. By cultivating a life of prayer, Christians align themselves with God’s will, finding strength, peace, and the ability to impact the world for His glory.

January 12, 2025 0