Getting Our Priorities In Order

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, 

but the labourers are few; 

Matthew 9:37-38a

The Church [body of Christ] is the force of the Kingdom of God in the world and is commanded to take the Gospel message to all peoples of the earth. When we look at the priorities, programs, and activities of an average church today prior to the pandemic, however, we may wonder if we have forgotten or become confused about our mission as believers.  When this pandemic is over, the church should remember that it was never intended to be a social club and yet that's exactly which it had become!  When we do gather together, how much time do we spend praising God?  He gets an honorary mention while the church mothers, the deacons, ministers, missionary board, etc.  receive praise for their accomplishments.  Many church buildings have closed their doors altogether, some have limited services within their building and many have gravitated to social media to hold services.  As we move forward, let us remember the mistakes of the past and move forward with the true intent of God.

In the midst of this pandemic, we need to consider what we were doing pre-pandemic:

®   We were busy, but busy doing what? 

®   How many of our programs, meetings, and activities were actually producing new converts? 

®   We did and still do have many flashy ministers with fancy sermons and funny stories and great social messages. But how many were born again because of it?  

In biblical times, one public sermon resulted in three thousand conversions. Today it often seems there are three thousand sermons resulting in very few conversions.  

®   There are all types of prosperity plans and healing meetings leading individuals to false expectations from God.  How many were born again because of prosperity and healing plans?

I am really stunned as I see believers become followers of charismatic speakers. The word of God lets us know:

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  Mark 16:17

Signs are to follow them that believe.  So how did we get it twisted by following men instead of letting the power of God work through us. As a believer, there is something missing if we are more interested in hearing a word or watching signs and wonders through others rather than being a doer of the word! 

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  James 1:22

God calls us to be believers first and then to be laborers in the field.

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 9:37-38

There is a lot of beautiful religious music, much of which only demonstrate the talents of the choir, soloists, and musicians. This is not a slight on religious music; some music envokes worship as it should and yet we won't.  The music and songs should help produce a godly response that produces change.  How many souls are won? How many lives are changed?  We are more moved by the music and the vocalists than the words that are being sung.

Are we mis-directed in our efforts?  After all, it's not about us and our ability.  Rather it is about exalting God and Him getting the glory out of everything that we do for Him.  When we add to this the thousands of carnal Christians with no concern for spiritual harvest, we may question, "How will the task of evangelism ever be accomplished"?

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  Praising God, and having  favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.    Acts 2:46-47

Three things are necessary if we are to fulfill the mandate of evangelism:

¨     Evangelism must have first priority.

We must put the task of getting the Gospel to every person in the world in first place even during this pandemic. Our preaching, praying, studying, planning, programming, teaching, training -- everything must center around this objective.  Jesus spoke to the urgency of evangelism:

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.  John 4:35

The Church must become a "sending station" instead of just a place for entertainment, rest and recreation. All of the activities of the Church must contribute directly towards developing soul winning disciples. Church leaders must become mobilizers of the Body of Christ, inspiring and training disciples to do the work of evangelism.

¨     It must be empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

Evangelism in the New Testament is not a bland or neutral activity. It is power encounters between the Holy Spirit and the forces of evil. The Holy Spirit, with all of His fruit, gifts, and power, must become a reality in our lives. The Word must be preached and taught with the demonstration of power.

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  1 Corinthians 2:4

The Gospel must be proclaimed, 

not apologized for, not watered down, 

not altered, and not disguised. 

The resources of every spiritual gift of every member of the Body must be mobilized to complete the task of evangelism. 

We must exchange our carnal natures for Christ-like conduct which will enable us to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel.  

Jesus told the disciples of the power the Holy Spirit contains

. . . and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.   Matthew 16:18

¨     It must follow new testament patterns. 

If we are to fulfill this commission, we must begin to re-create the New Testament pattern of evangelism: everyone, everywhere, every day witnessing and winning souls. 

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Acts 5:42

As in New Testament times, evangelism must become a natural part of everyday living. Every denomination, every local church, every Christian leader, every home, and every individual must be mobilized to the task!  Are you up to the challenge?

(Biblical Studies)


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08/05/15
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05/23/19

01/11/21