Last week, we discussed a streaming series called The Chosen. It’s fame is worldwide, judging from the response to the message. People from all over the world viewed that message.
From the United States and the rest of the Americas, to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Island nations and even China – we’ve never had so many hits and views of a message.
The Chosen is a wonderful, and famous evangelism tool. As I said, I know of people who have come to Christ through this program. “Come and see” has proven to be a good tagline to hook viewers coming back, and the seeds are planted for a bountiful harvest of souls.
One of our members is an investor in The Chosen’s “Pay It Forward” program in a big way. There are many small investors which have enabled two seasons – sixteen quality episodes – to be produced. They’re halfway funding a third season, and they’d love to get eight seasons funded.
There are no corporate sponsors, just people “paying it forward” – planting seeds – to bring in the harvest.
But you don’t need fame or fortune to evangelize. I know a pastor who had good instruction for his people, “You got a mouth, darlin’”. He’s right – God gave us a voice and a mouth, and He expects us to use them!
Being disabled, God has brought caregivers into our home to assist me with everyday things that most take for granted, like showering and getting dressed, getting meals ready and helping with our puppy, Micah.
“So, this has what to do with evangelism?” you ask.
All of these caregivers came to us, I believe, unsaved. God brings divine appointments to us, giving us a chance to do our jobs. I truly believe that God sent these people to Come and See Christ through us. To hear about Jesus through our devotions in the morning between my wife and I.
One of these caregivers would show up early – unpaid, just to join us during our devotion time, which we normally started before caregivers got there. This person came to Christ at our dining room table.
Not every seed grows, but you plant them in the hopes that they will, and if they’re well tended, one of those seeds grows. We are in contact with this caregiver, even though she’s no longer with us. Satan has batted her about mercilessly, trying to destroy her faith, from finances, to family health, to family circumstances – but she’s held tight onto Jesus. We’re here to cheer her on, to minister to her and to give godly advice when she needs it.
Most pastors aren’t famous and pastor mega churches. Most don’t want to be. I sure don’t – I get proud too easily, and we all know where that leads.
Most people would get a big head and puffed up when held up to that kind of esteem. Been there, done that. It tanked me – I never want to deal with that again.
There are pastors, evangelists and missionaries out there who lead large missions and churches who don’t put their name on the ministry, and who’ve done great work. They keep in the background and let the message do the work.
Some who do – have their names on their ministries – not all, but many – also have multimillion dollar mansions, multiple large jets and would never travel on an airline, let alone “coach” – that’s pride. They are the “ministry,” not the message. That’s not evangelism, that’s hubris.
As I said, you don’t have to famous, you don’t need to lead a large church, big homes and estates, big jets or big arena churches to plant seeds – you got a mouth darlin’.
Local churches in my local area, average about 100-150 people on an average Sunday. Most churches run about this size. The pastor I referred to earlier had a congregation of about fifteen. That pastor put in as much time into his messages as most pastors with 150, and the quality was better – there was depth to his messages.
He moved away but still meets with his former folks, and a few others online via Zoom. The Bible-study messages are still deep, but he’s also one of the best evangelists out there. I’d pit him against any mega church pastor any day of the week.
Another man runs a local men’s shelter in town. Not deep – basic gospel message but he plants seeds too – not only there, but in the county prison too. In fact, parolees from this county prison are often released to this shelter.
They offer lunch and dinner at the shelter to the general public, but there’s a catch, you get the Word at a service first. Again, a basic gospel and salvation message, and an altar call is given, then a good meal. Feed their soul, then their stomachs … planting seeds, and hopefully reaping a harvest.
Everyday people, are given divine appointments, to do the job God gave them. If you’re a born-again Christian, saved through the blood of Jesus, you’ve got a job to do.
And in your everyday living, show the love of Christ through everything you do. Colossians 3:17, Paul writes “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Why did Paul write this? Because whatever you do or say, may just be what’s needed to bring that person to Christ. You always want to show Christ through your words and actions.
In the “Great Commission” – Matthew 28.19-20, Jesus told the disciples to “Go out into all the world, making disciples…” This wasn’t just for the disciples, it was for every believer in Jesus Christ.
It’s our job.
“You’ve got a mouth darlin’” – whatcha gonna do with it? Might I suggest that Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you… (Matthew 28:19-20a)
In other words, do your jobs. Your rewards will be awaiting you in Heaven.
The #Heb10 Church 