The Call of Evangelism

       Is it legitimate to speak of being “called” into a particular ministry as though one has received something special that other Christians haven’t? Is there anything supernatural, spectacular, or mysterious about the way in which God calls us to service? Have you been called to evangelize?

     The process of becoming a Christian is succinctly described in the New Testament as God’s “call” (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:17-24). When good news was proclaimed on the Day of Pentecost, convicting the hearts of those who heard it and prompting an obedient response, the receptive hearers were divinely instructed: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remissions of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37-38 NKJV). Peter then gives assurance that this promise is available to “as many as the Lord our God will call” (v. 39). Notice that the Lord takes the initiative and issues this call by way of the gospel message (cf. vv. 40-41). 

     This is further illustrated in 2 Thessalonians 2:14, where Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy remind their readers that God “called you by our gospel” (i.e., the inspired message these missionaries preached). The gospel is heaven’s invitation to the world to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and is the means by which we are called. All who have responded to the Lord in obedient faith are regarded as “the called” (Romans 1:6; 8:28; 1 Corinthians 1:24). Among other things, we have been called in one body (Colossians 3:15) and in one hope (Ephesians 4:4), out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9), and into God’s kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

     While every Christian may not be suited to fill the role of a front-line, soul-winning evangelist, each has been called to participate in some way in the evangelistic enterprise. “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). Neither the blessings nor the responsibilities are limited to only ministerial professionals. Granted, Christ's body is comprised of individual members, each having particular talents, functions, and consequent duties, contributing to the integrated work of the entire church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). But every member must solemnly evaluate whether or not everything is being done within his/her God-given capabilities to fulfill his/her God-given ministry of reconciliation.

     To be evangelistic, one must have a willing predisposition to evangelism’s call. Like Paul, every follower of Jesus ought to be driven by a convicted heart (1 Corinthians 9:16), a grave sense of responsibility (Romans 1:13-15), a genuine concern for souls (Romans 9:1-3), the love of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14), and a deep appreciation for heaven’s grace (1 Corinthians 15:9-10). Evangelistically-minded people need no “direct supernatural guidance” to obey God’s revealed will and to respond to the spiritual needs of this world. To be among the ones called into evangelism, all that a faithful child of God needs is willingness, availability, training, and commitment. The question isn’t whether or not God is calling. The question is, are you and I listening? May more of us be ready to respond with confident faith and obedient hearts to the call of sharing Christ with those all around us still lost in sin.

--Kevin L. Moore

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Speaking Where the Bible Speaks

“O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23, NKJV). From the very beginning God has set forth guidelines to govern man’s life, worship, and relationships. Adam and Eve were given regulations to obey (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:17-19). Cain and Abel were instructed how to worship God acceptably (Genesis 4:3-7; Hebrews 11:4). Noah was provided a specific pattern for building the ark and saving his family (Genesis 6:13-21). “And Noah did all that God commanded him—he did indeed” (verse 22, NET). In constructing a place of worship, Moses was told to do all things according to the pattern revealed to him (Exodus 25:9, 40; 26:30). “This is what Moses did, according to all the Lord had commanded him—so he did” (Exodus 40:16). These past obedient responses to the divine will still serve as examples for us today (Acts 7:44; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11; Hebrews 8:5; 11:23-29).

Relevance of God's Word

The Bible is by no means a collection of irrelevant stories and outdated directives. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible has been transforming lives and shaping societies for centuries. Its message is just as relevant and powerful today as when it was first written. Despite all the previous and current attempts to discredit the integrity of this sacred text, an open and sympathetic reading of its pages will almost certainly lead one to concede its divine origin and practical value (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

Pattern of God's Word

Since we are to “live by faith” (2 Corinthian 5:7), and we cannot please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), and faith comes through our reception of the inspired word (Romans 10:17), obviously the revelation of divine truth constitutes our guide for Christian living. God communicates to us today through the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2) and he is to be listened to (Mark 9:7). Whatever we do in word or deed must be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17), that is, according to his authority (see Acts 4:7-10). The authority of Jesus is behind all that he has commanded (Matthew 28:18-20), and this includes the entire body of Christian teaching (see 1 Corinthians 14:37; Galatians 1:11-12). The word of Christ also serves as our standard of judgment (John 12:48).

While our supreme example is the Lord Jesus Christ himself (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6), the New Testament record of the faithfulness of first-century followers of Jesus also serves as our pattern (Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; Titus 2:7). In order to be set free from sin, all must obey “from the heart that pattern of teaching you were entrusted to” (Romans 6:17-18). Christians are to walk according to the prescribed rule or standard (Galatians 6:16) – likened to competing in athletics “according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5). This divine system of faith was once for all time delivered to the people of God (Jude 3). Timothy and the disciples at Ephesus are admonished by Paul to “Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus …. And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well” (2 Timothy 1:13; 2:2).

Authority of God's Word

The new covenant of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:6; 9:15), in contrast to the old covenant of the Jews (Jeremiah 31:31-34), serves as our authoritative standard today. No one has the right to annul or alter any part of it (see Galatians 3:15-17; 6:16). To be accursed from God is the consequence of perverting this divine message or proclaiming a substitute (Galatians 1:6-10). “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God. The one who remains in this teaching has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9). Failing to abide in Christ’s doctrine is considered an evil deed not to be supported by the faithful (2 John 10-11). Adding to or subtracting from the words revealed by God will result in forfeiting the eternal inheritance (Revelation 22:18-19). It is possible to handle the word of God deceitfully (2 Corinthians 4:2), and those who distort the scriptural pattern do so to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).

Preservation of God's Word

Jesus said, “the scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35b). In other words, the authority of God’s written revelation cannot be negated, withstood, or replaced. In the absence of a divine pattern to govern our lives, everyone does what is right in his own eyes (Deuteronomy 12:8; Judges 17:6; 21:25), resulting in confusion, chaos, lawlessness, and division.

The mid-first-century Christian community at Corinth was plagued with discord, spiritual immaturity, worldliness, and false teaching. In 1 Corinthians 3–4, to address these problems and to help unify this divided church, the apostle Paul applies the figures of planting, watering, building, and serving to himself and Apollos as an example. He then writes: “I have applied these things to myself and Apollos because of you, brothers and sisters, so that through us you may learn ‘not to go beyond what is written,’ so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of the one against the other” (1 Corinthians 4:6). To help them get back on track and progress in the right direction, Paul’s readers are instructed not to “go beyond” or exceed “what is written.” Contextually this refers to the holy scriptures, which the apostle has been quoting (1:19, 31; 2:9, 16; 3:19-20) as well as writing (14:37; see also 2 Peter 3:15-16).

Respect for God's Word

What is our purpose for giving the Lord our attention and serving him? If our primary aim is to please him, the only way to be certain about what pleases him is according to what he has chosen to reveal to us. We know what the will of God is by what is disclosed in the Bible (Ephesians 3:3-5; 5:17), not by what is left unsaid. Whatever is not communicated in the sacred writings is necessarily excluded from God’s revealed will. If a doctrine or practice is not authorized in scripture, it must be rejected. “Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11).

Love of God's Word

True Christianity is evidenced by our love for God and one another. But this is not possible without a divine pattern to follow. “By this we know that we love the children of God: whenever we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments. And his commandments do not weigh us down” (1 John 5:2-3). Those who reject the pattern of God’s word cannot exhibit true biblical love. “Now by this we know that we have come to know God: if we keep his commandments. The one who says ‘I have come to know God’ and yet does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in such a person. But whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in him” (1 John 2:3-5).

Conclusion

We speak where the Bible speaks when we do and teach only what is sanctioned in scripture, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. May we humbly regard the biblical admonition: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Thank God for giving us a pattern to guide us through life and on into eternity.

--Kevin L. Moore

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Chronology of Christ’s Return

1. When the Lord returns, it will be sudden and unexpected (Matt. 24:36-44; 1 Thess. 5:2-4; 2 Pet. 3:10), “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor. 15:52).


2. He will descend from heaven in the clouds (Acts 1:9-11; Thess. 4:16),
accompanied by a loud command, an archangel’s voice, God’s trumpet, and mighty angels in flaming fire (1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16; 2 Thess. 1:7-8).


3. All the dead will be raised (John 5:28-29; Rev. 20:13), first the righteous, who will meet the Lord in the air with the living righteous (1 Thess. 4:16-17; Matt. 24:40-41).

4. All will be transformed from corruptible mortals to incorruptible (1 Cor. 15:51-54).


5. Then comes the end (1 Cor. 15:24a); enemies will be conquered (1 Cor. 15:24-26, 54-56) and the physical universe destroyed (2 Pet. 3:10-11; cf. Rev. 20:11).


6. All will be gathered before the heavenly judgment seat (Acts 17:31; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Pet. 4:5), the righteous and unrighteous will be separated (Matt. 25:31-46), judged by the same divine standard (Matt. 7:21-23; John 12:48; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:12-13).

7. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11; cf. Rom. 14:10-12).


8. All who are covered by Christ’s blood, citizens of God’s kingdom, will escape divine wrath (Rom. 8:1; 1 Cor. 5:7; 1 Pet. 1:17-19) and be delivered to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24) to live eternally in heaven (2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:4).


9. All others will receive everlasting punishment separated from God (Matt. 25:46; 2 Thess. 1:8-9; Rev. 20:15).

10. “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt. 24:44 ESV).

--Kevin L. Moore

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An Abbreviated Gospel is a False Gospel

     The doctor prescribes 500 mg of calcium chloride to save a patient’s life. The nurse doesn’t read the doctor’s instructions thoroughly enough and gives only 50 mg of the life-saving drug. The patient, who trusted the doctor, dies because of a negligent intermediary.

     At a business I stopped at while traveling, I found a small laminated card someone had left as an attempt to evangelize. It was entitled, “How to Make Peace with God to Have the Peace of God.” On the front the following scriptures are cited: John 3:16; Romans 5:1; Luke 9:56; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9, 10, 13. The reverse side begins with the following statement: “If after reading these scriptures from God’s word (the Bible) you are ready to accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, here is …” Then under the heading, “What You Must Do,” the following points are made: “1. Admit your need (I am a sinner). 2. Be willing to turn from sin (repent). 3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you (on the Cross). 4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life. (Receive Him as Savior and Lord.)”

     Next, under the heading, “What To Pray,” the following is written: “Dear Father, I know that I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Christ died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Jesus Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Savior. I am willing by God’s grace to follow and obey Christ as the Lord of my life.”

     The next statement reads, “This is just the beginning of a wonderful new life with Christ.” The final heading is “Now,” followed by these concluding points: “1. Read your Bible every day to get to know Christ better. 2. Talk to God in prayer every day. 3. Tell others about Christ. 4. Be baptized, worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached.”

Initial Observations …

     I appreciate the fact that someone has enough convictions about his or her faith to want to share it. What concerns me, however, is the idea that the entire gospel plan of salvation, that took sixteen centuries to record in a collection of sixty-six documents, can be boiled down to a tiny handful of unconnected Bible verses and a few simplistic instructions on a 3x2″ card. The danger is that essential information is left out, the divine will is misconstrued, and the uninformed are misinformed.

A Critique …

     The selected scripture references on the front side of the card give the misleading appearance of a biblical basis for what is actually a preconceived and overly-simplified version of the divine plan of redemption. Since no consideration has been given to the surrounding contexts, the intended message of each passage is missed or distorted.

     The John 3:16 citation ignores the full conversation and the rest of the chapter, which qualifies and expands the twenty-five-word statement.¹ Citing Luke 9:56 demonstrates ignorance of a textual variant among Greek manuscripts missing the words about the Lord’s desire to save (cf. ASV, CSB, ESV, ISV, NIV).² Apparently consideration has not been given to readers who may only have access to a Bible version that simply reads, “they went to another village.” And the cherry-picked citations from Romans give a false impression to those unaware that the epistle was written to people already saved (1:7), having been baptized into Christ according to the obedience of faith (1:5, 16; 6:1-5, 16-18; 16:26).

Filling in the Gaps …

     The gospel plan of salvation is our gracious God seeking to reconcile sinners to himself through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, in a unified body of forgiven disciples. Our response to this divine plan can be summarized as follows (see Acts 1:1–28:31).

     Hear (listen to, understand, heed) the gospel message (Acts 2:22, 37; 3:22) – and keep on hearing, receptively and responsively (Rom. 10:17; Eph. 4:21, 29; Phil. 4:9). Believe the gospel message (Acts 4:4; 18:8; 9:42) – and continue believing while increasing in faith (Rom. 3:22; 4:11, 24; 10:4; 2 Pet. 1:5-7). Repent of (turn away from) sinful attitudes and behaviors (Acts 2:38; 3:19) – and don’t stop repenting (Acts 8:22; Rom. 6:1-18; 2 Cor. 7:9-10). Confess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 10:32; 1 Tim. 6:12) – and keep on confessing (Rom. 10:9-10; 2 Cor. 9:13; Heb. 4:14; 10:23). Be immersed in water for forgiveness of past sins by Christ’s blood (Acts 2:38; 8:36-39; 22:16), entering (“into”) Christ and his emblematic body, the church, the community of the saved (Acts 2:41-47; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:26-27), raised to live a new life (Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:11-13; 3:1-3). Then remain faithful (Acts 2:42; 14:22) as an active and devoted member of Christ’s body – universally (Eph. 3:6; 5:23; 1 Pet. 2:17) and locally (Rom. 12:3-13; 1 Cor. 12:12-27); a loyal citizen of his spiritual kingdom (Eph. 2:19; Col. 1:9-18).

      Simply finding “a church where Christ is preached,” in today’s religiously diluted and deluded environment, is a directive that almost certainly invites the proverbial “wild goose chase.” To narrow down the search, here is a general overview <Link>, with a more focused search here <Link>. On the essential role of the church in the divine scheme of redemption, here is a helpful study <Link>.

Conclusion

     There can be no legitimate shortcuts when it comes to such eternally consequential matters as learning, obeying, and sharing the revealed will of God. Leaving religious literature in a public place is not a bad idea, as long as those who might read it are not led astray and are given enough directions to reasonably access the whole counsel of God.

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:

     ¹ See A Closer Look at John 3:16.

     ² See The Text of the NT Part 1, and Part 2.

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Related articles: Neal Pollard, Heaven or Not? 

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