I’d like to share a word of encouragement with you from a guest who recently joined us for worship. She began by sharing the devotion she had read that following Monday morning. Although I’m not sure who the author was, it was entitled: The Focus of Evangelism. The Bible verse under the title was from Acts 2:47, “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Below is the devotion.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll tells about what was, at one time, the greatest outreach center in the metropolitan Boston-area—a gas station in Arlington. Bob, the owner had a vision for his work being part of his faith. He provided such honest and dependable service that cars would often line up just to buy gas and be serviced at his station. There were no “Jesus Saves” banners, religious sayings or “fish” symbols in sight. Just Bob—a committed Christian who led dozens of people in faith in Christ because of his Christlike life.
Rebecca Pippert has said, “Christians and non-Christians have something in common: We’re both uptight about evangelism.” People found Christ at Bob’s gas station because Christ, not evangelism was what they encountered. When evangelism, the church, or even Christianity takes place of Christ, everybody gets uptight. What’s your “gas station”? Whenever you encounter non-Christians, ask God to show how to make Christ, not evangelism, the focus. Every Christian is a lens through which the world is trying to catch a glimpse of Jesus.
At the end of the devotion she simply wrote. “ARC made me feel like I was at Bob’s gas station yesterday…good for you!!!!” I don’t know about you, but that blesses my heart. By feeling welcomed and loved by you, our guest caught a glimpse of Jesus.
When it comes to evangelism, inviting people to worship may be one method. And while I hope we would all be blessed by being with the family of God, inspiring worship, and a gospel centered message, my prayer is that our worship would always result in a face to face encounter with God. My hope is that when people come to ARC they get filled up with the love of God, the grace of Jesus, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Certainly inviting people to church is one method of evangelism, however, I also believe an equally effective method for reaching the lost is through your “gas station.” My prayer is that we would all grow in being hospitable like Bob. If a salesman would stop at your farm, would he/she catch a glimpse of Jesus? When the Schwan’s salesperson or the Jehovah’s Witness stops at your home, will they get a glimpse of Jesus? Or when the telemarketer calls, do they get to hear the voice of Jesus though you. When someone stops by your business do they experience the particularizing way of Jesus?
May it be said of ARC that we would boldly and excitedly point people to Jesus and that God would add to his church daily those who are being saved. Well done good and faithful servants!!
Always prepared to share the hope,
Mike Altena