Preaching The Evangel (1)

by G. Jarvie, Glasgow | Category: General | Apr 1975

"Ye shall be My witnesses... in Jerusalem... and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8)

These memorable words were spoken by the Lord to His disciples, as they stood on the Mount of Olives, before He ascended to the Father. He charged them to tarry in Jerusalem until they received power from on high by the coming of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit came upon them they were to go out in His power to all the world, beginning at Jerusalem. Their commission was to make disciples of all the nations. As the Lord was speaking to them, He lifted up His hands in blessing, and while He blessed them He was parted from them and ascended on high. That memorable gathering was at the beginning of this age, we live near its close. The Lord's words have a new urgency for us as His coming draws near.

Many groups of believers are evangelizing in the world today, and for this we are thankful. Paul in his day rejoiced that Christ was preached (Phil. 1:18). The great ingathering of the Church, the Body of Christ, is in the purpose of God. But to those gathered in churches of God has been committed not only the preaching of the gospel of God but also the teaching of the truth of God, concerning the kingdom of God. That is the rule of God among His gathered saints. "Send out Thy light and Thy truth" the psalmist prayed (Psa. 43:3). And Paul wrote that it 5 the will of God that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4).

It may be reasoned that since so many others are preaching the gospel therefore we can leave that to them, and concentrate on teaching the truth of God to believers. This seems reasonable but it is not according to the Lord's words to His disciples, and His words apply to us also. Nor is it good for ourselves. There is something in the gospel message that refreshes those who tell it, and we neglect it at a price to ourselves. As the servants of God we must preach the whole will of God.

The scope of this work is the whole world. We cannot limit it to any one part though we can only do what lies to our hand, and go where the Lord sends us. It is true that our vision and our work will be limited by our faith and our courage, in the will of God~ We must of course be practical and not think - that only "far off fields are green". The disciples were to begin their world-evangelism at Jerusalem and ours will begin at home, in our own assembly. It is unlikely that the Lord will send us to the "uttermost part" if we fail in the nearest part.

In this work of evangelism which began at Jerusalem we notice that the Lord used some of His servants more prominently than others. But all shared in the work of the Lord in some way for they were all of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32). From this we learn two very important lessons in evangelism. Firstly, that some are gifted as evangelists; and secondly, that it is vital that there be unity of heart among all.

Evangelism is primarily the work of those who are gifted as evangelists. It is very important in the Lord's work, that we recognize the different gifts that have been given by the Holy Spirit. Some are gifted as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers (Eph. 4:11). All are gifted in some way, and some are "helps" (1 Cor. 12:28). The gifts specified in 1 Corinthians 12 are wonderfully complete and complementary. We must guard against all jealousy one of another; they excel most who can stoop the furthest (John 13:14). It is important that in lowliness of mind we should find our gift by the Holy Spirit, and Stir up that gift into a flame.

"Do the work of an evangelist", wrote Paul to Timothy. The work of the evangelist is to preach the evangel-the gospel. As far as is possible, our gospel meetings should be addressed by brethren who are gifted in evangelism. In this way we will more readily reach the unsaved in our public testimony.

The work of evangelism will take us out to where the people are, if they do not come to us. There is very much to be done in personal witness, and in this some are particularly gifted. Let them use their gift to the full, for this is a fruitful field. Some again who cannot speak the word convincingly have a persuasive gift of inviting people to come and hear the evangelist. They are "helps" indeed The most powerful field of witness, however, is the public proclamation of the word by brethren who are gifted as evangelists-men who can use the word of God with power.

The gift of evangelizing may manifest itself acceptably in younger men. Being less occupied with pastoring and teaching, which engage older brethren, they can give themselves to prayer for the unsaved. This is so vital in evangelism. Most of those who evangelize in this way will be used in their own area, and while they are still working in the world of men. This is an excellent training for service in a wider field or in other lands, if the Lord should send them. It is suggested that in assembly gospel efforts young men such as these may be much used of God. We must guard against "one-man ministry" and equally so against "every-man ministry".

It is true that we are in the last days and that there is increasing godlessness and hardness of heart. The world rulers of this darkness have darkened the minds of many, but the Holy Spirit is with us in His convicting power. Let those who are gifted as evangelists seek earnestly the power of the Holy Spirit in the exercise of their gift. Let those who lead gladly give them the opportunity to use their gift, and let us all be of one heart and soul as we reach out to those who sit in the darkness.

"Christ, the Son of God has sent us

Through the midnight lands,

Ours the mighty ordination

Of the pierced Hands".

Endpiece

"In all our preaching we must preach for a verdict" (Jowett).

G. Jarvie, Glasgow | Apr 1975
General