The twelve disciples of Jesus were revolutionaries. All of them reflected Christ in the best possible way through which people found Christ. Then we learn how the disciples carried the gospel to different continents and countries until martyrdom became their destiny. The life of Jesus was such a strong influence among all who encountered Him that people were willing to reflect Christ in the best possible manner even in adverse scenarios.
The gospel of Christ is so compelling that when truly experienced none could stop themselves from talking about it. As years passed by, now we hear Churches emphasizing much on Christian ethics and spiritual attributes without equipping them to be a disciple maker. Jesus called people to be a disciple (Mark 1:17), commanded to preach and make disciples (Matthew 28:19) and to be a witness of the gospel that transformed them (Acts 1:8). Somehow this is water-downed today by a ritualistic Sunday gathering with too many religious obligations in most cases. We preach heartwarming sermons making people feel better about themselves and make them disengaged towards Christ’s mission. What believers reflect now is more a title and a religious tag, “Christian” than a witness of the gospel.
Francis DuBose beautifully puts this, “The Church does not create mission; mission creates the Church. In mission, the church has its identity and purpose.”. Studying about the life of Paul, throughout the epistles Apostle Paul emphasized on the need for the gospel presentation. In 1 Corinthians 1:23 he states, “We preach Christ crucified” and in Romans 1:14-16: "under obligation" to preach, declaring that he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation. In Philippians 1:12-14: Paul explains that even his imprisonment has served to "advance the gospel". 2 Timothy 4:2: Paul’s overarching charge to Timothy is to "preach the word" in and out of season. In Ephesians 6:15 (ESV) “And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” 2 Timothy 4:5 (ESV) “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” Philemon 1:6 (ESV) “And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.”
Paul who demonstrated the lifestyle of evangelism therefore states in Philippians 4:9, “Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me and the God of peace will be with you.”. Paul became a role model. A man who had only one goal, to make Christ known to all. Questions for the believer, “Who is your pastor? Or who is your mentor? What is the most important thing you see him do or hear him say? Is your Pastor/leader/mentor exemplifying sharing the gospel? If your answers to these questions do not culminate to reaching souls and saving souls in any case, then something is drastically wrong with the pastor and the Church. Informative sermons and bible teachings are great but if it is not culminating to gospel presentation and reaching the dying souls then it is time to rethink about your church itself. Paul had an audacity to challenge the people to “Imitate him” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
What else is your goal if it is not saving your unreached family members, friends or colleagues(Mark 5:19)? All your life building your career, making your living to eat and never be satisfied is such a deplorable life to lead. No wonder Apostle Paul warns people by saying this, “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19). Empty words and mere inspirational speech you can get from any platform, including books. What you need to do is be desperate to reach souls. Jesus’ goal was to seek and save the lost, not to make the kind of Church we define today. The reflection of a lifestyle of evangelism should be stronger than words and worth imitating.
You may read the last blog HERE