It is a common thing to hear from people who believe in Jesus that all they need to do is have faith in Christ and that is it. Nothing else is needed or required from God, for they are saved by grace through faith. But is this what Jesus said? Does He care that we do things for His kingdom after we are saved? Of course, He does. How about reaching the lost? This is important too. And to these people who don’t share their faith, are they not reading the Bible? Because Jesus taught His disciples to “go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:15-18) Does this seem like Jesus doesn’t want us doing anything? Of course not, and any pastor who says this is really a wolf in sheep’s clothing and ought to repent. My friends, what Jesus expects of every believer is that we are not shy about our faith in Christ. So much so that we will do as Jesus said and share the gospel with everyone around us. This can be co-workers, friends, family, and people we come in contact with throughout our life. We should be a shining example of Jesus and what He would be doing if He was here. And in reality, He is, if we are reading His Word daily, praying often, and doing His will. This means getting baptized also, for this is when we obtain the gift of the Holy Spirit and are able to act and speak for God as if He was here.
Now, what is sad is that most people that say they are part of Christ’s church are not evangelists and do not share their faith very often or not at all with people. Why is this? Maybe it is because the importance of evangelizing is not taught in church. This is true in many different churches and therefore, we have members in these congregations who have grown cold in the faith. Jesus knew this would happen, long before his ministry on earth was over. It is recorded that “Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:35-38) So we have the Lord going into every city and village healing the sick and sharing His gospel message with them. However, there were thousands of people and only He was available to help them. That is why He said that the harvest is ripe for people to witness too, but there are only few laborers in the harvest. He says this in our time also. I love to go on the street and share the gospel with others, while praying with them, and caring for their needs. However, I am alone in these efforts and nobody else is there to help me. So, my friends, know this that if you are not allowing God to work through You, then you need to repent. If God was with you, you would want to go out and share His truth with others. The great commission is for everyone in the faith, not just some.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will spark an interest in everyone’s hearts who say they are in the faith to witness their faith with others. It is sad to go on the streets and to never see anyone else witnessing Your truths with others. Too many people are comfortable in what they have been taught and don’t mind worshipping You in church, but sharing their faith is another thing. Lord, I don’t understand this. All I want to do is tell others about You, Jesus, and nothing more. What is happening in sports, politics and the world does not compare to what people need to know about You and being saved. Truly, the best news about people coming to faith and being baptized is not recorded in the news outlets, but only things that they deem are good. How can the world shun You and what is happening in Your kingdom and think it is ok? This is so wrong and will only be fixed when more people desire to join me and others on the streets. We don’t need more protests, which cause riots, but good men, women, and youth to gain courage and become Your witnesses. I would love to reach everybody that passes by me on the streets, but I am only one person. Surely, the harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few. And I am afraid that people don’t care as much either. My heart breaks just saying that, for I cannot even imaging where their faith lies as well if that is where they stand. Lord, I know that when I am shut up in my house and don’t want to tell people about You, my faith was dead,. So I know that many people in this day have a dead faith also. Awaken them of their sleep. Save them, while there is still time. I love You, Jesus. I will go forth and be Your light in this darkened world. Amen.
