The Heart of our Faith               4. Evangelism

Our Church Mission Statement says that we must have a heart for God and a heart for God’s world. The first way that we show  we have a heart for God’s world is through evangelism amongst our neighbours. Jesus said “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1.

1.    We are called to share the Good News in our own world (Jerusalem) – which for us is the place we live and work. Mission starts at home.  Do we lack confidence? Do we think people are not interested? Well, we are not called to be experts or spin doctors – just witnesses of what we have seen and heard in our own experience. God changes lives – not us!

2.    We are called to share the Good News beyond our own world.  Judea was nearby to Jerusalem, and its people were similar. Samaria was very different, and its culture was foreign, its people enemies. We are called to “cross-cultural” mission, as well as mission to those who are “like us”. Where would Jesus be, if he was here on earth today? He would be caring for the poor and needy and the outcasts…so must we!

3.    We are called to share the Good News with the whole world!  We will look at World Mission another week.

Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you – because of us?  Are you using your time here on earth for the purpose God has given it to you?  You cant say God without saying “Go”. You cant say Gospel without saying “Go”. It is our task to “go and tell”.

Try using this prayer:   “Dear Lord, thank you so much that Jesus came to die for me, and that I know I am your precious child. Forgive me for keeping that Good News to myself. Help me to share it with everyone that I can this week. Give me opportunities to speak a few words for you to someone close to me this week. Use me to bring others closer to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”.