Preaching The Evangel (3)

by G Jarvie, Glasgow | Category: Preaching The Evangel | Jun 1975

"Look on the fields that they are white already unto harvest"

(John 4:35)

The Lord spoke these words to the disciples beside the well, where the woman had left her waterpot. The disciples had marvelled that He had been speaking with her. They had yet to learn the fulness of the words, "The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). The evangel is for the world, even though we may work in one small part of it. We must reach the people. The evangel is for the lost, not for those who are already saved.

Work among the young is an open door, almost anywhere, for those who equip themselves for it. It is by far the most fruitful field at the present time, and it often leads to an opening of heart by parents and others. We must value this opening for the word. Special children's meetings, held for a week or more, every evening, can be a most fruitful time. Every assembly, if possible, should aim to have such a time. Young people will respond quickly to friendliness and joyful singing. Then the touching stories of the Bible will grip their hearts and bring many of them to Christ. We must reach them in the simplicity of youth, before higher education with its theories and doubts, distorts their minds. The appeal to their hearts should always come last in the meeting. Wisely and prayerfully conducted, such meetings are nearly always fruitful in some being saved.

Gospel services in Old People's Homes is another field of service. The old folks will often remember the hymns they heard in earlier days, and

"Cords that were broken, Will vibrate once more".

Many assemblies are engaging in this very worthy service among older people. Some may be reached and saved, before "the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken" (Eccl. 12:6).

To reach the vital adult section of the people seems more difficult. But they must be reached. We must go to them, the Lord guiding us. We must pray for them, the Lord warming our hearts. And we must speak to them, the Lord giving us His word in wisdom. Paul prayed that God would open a door for him to speak the mystery of Christ (Col. 4:3). We too need open doors, and these will surely be opened to us as we continue in prayer.

Some will visit other lands, either on business or on holiday. They have the opportunity of sowing seed which may yield fruit later. Then the Lord will give opportunity to some of His servants to serve in other lands. This is a great privilege, even though it is more difficult. There are compensating blessings in such service. The best training for such service is in work at home. Essentially there are the same problems, that can only be overcome by faith and prayer and patience. Someone has written -

"Hark the voice of Jesus, 'harvest fields are white',

Hasten e'er they perish, soon will come the night.

Days of reaping over, harvest, saved or lost;

Who, oh who will gladly go, at any cost?"

G Jarvie, Glasgow | Jun 1975
Preaching The Evangel