I just asked a highly committed young disciple what he thought the Great Commission meant for him personally. His response: “to shine for the Lord where I live.” It is certainly true that the Lord desires that we function as lights where we are. But how does “where I live” relate to going “into all the world”? If each of us stays where we are, how will they see the light in areas still in the dark?
This does not mean that everyone is called across the world, but I think it does mean that everyone is called at least across the street—maybe even across their city, state or province.
There has clearly been a retreat from the idea that every person in the world is either a missionary or a mission field. Many Christians feel that it is not their gift; only certain specially-equipped individuals are qualified for this work of evangelism. Let them do it; I’m not cut out for it, we say.
Some valiantly show up for neighborhood “cold call” door knocking with all the joy of a dental patient submitting for root canal surgery. Others haltingly leave a tract or two behind at restaurants or perhaps feel their obligation is fulfilled by attending a weekly gospel meeting.
Of course the Lord will find a way to use every little bit done for Him, but is this enough?
Some assemblies, feeling collective guilt over a lack of personal gospel work, may invite a dynamic evangelist to show them how to do it. And this can be very helpful—if the evangelist doesn’t give the impression that everyone must be a fearless frontline combatant like he is. Instead he should let them know that there is room for everyone on the team. There are unlimited possibilities.
Not every believer in New Testament days was a gifted evangelist, nor did everyone do it the same way. But notice, “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). The commission to go “into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15) includes you and me. We are not all evangelists, but we are all to be witnesses. If we are willing to be involved, God will give us each a custom-designed way to fulfill it.
There are sisters in Belfast who send a comfort card and gospel literature to every bereaved family listed in the obituary columns of their newspapers. An aged “retired” missionary in Cardiff sends greetings to local Muslim families with an offer of a Bible course. There are jail ministries, hospitals and senior homes to visit, evangelistic Bible studies, radio and local public access TV (often for free). There are neighborhood kid’s clubs, after-school outreaches, and a million more opportunities. For those already involved, our prayer for you is that you might be “…fruitful in every good work” (Col. 1:10).
And for those not yet involved? Note the words of Ephesians 6:15, “…your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” How do we prepare our feet for taking the gospel? For “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:15).
Do you believe your neighbors and workmates are lost? Then make a prayer list of those you want to see saved. Surely this is the first evidence that we care about their plight. Then buy some good gospel tracts or get an audio tape with a good gospel message to hand out. Write out your testimony, simply, clearly, with as little “Christianese” as possible, to give away (have it proofread first). Ask the Lord every day for boldness (Acts 4:29), for “utterance” (Eph. 6:19), i.e., the right thing to say, and for God-arranged opportunities. Go into the day thinking of something you especially enjoy about God’s salvation (Now That’s Amazing Grace by William MacDonald or Key Bible Concepts by David Gooding and John Lennox will help you) and ask the Lord to let someone bring up the subject. He can and will do it! I know; I’ve asked Him.
Death to excuses and the desire that the lost think well of us! People in hell hope you’ll witness to their relatives (Lk. 16:27-28). Don’t wait till you have all the answers; by then you’ll be in heaven. No one needs the gospel there.
Barring unusual circumstances (eg., all in your assembly have been struck dumb), can you claim to be a New Testament church if the Christians in your local fellowship are not being taught how nor expected to share the gospel every day? That’s what Acts Christianity looks like!