Where Christ has been named
I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone elses foundation…
-Romans 15:20 (ESV)
These are the thoughts rolling around in my head about this verse:
- How many churches, ministries, and ministers build on the foundation of others? Churches steal members from one another and compete within a community insead of working together. Is our main goal not the same? Save the lost and disciple the saved.
- How many of us (myself included) preach the gospel to ears that have heard the name of Jesus not once, but many, many times? We preach to the chior and leave the world to die.
This scripture convicts my heart. In reading it I realize that I often take light to the light places while tip toeing around the dark ones. This motivates me to get serious about stepping into the darkness, finding the blind, sick, helpless, and hopeless, and loving them like Jesus does.
I’m also convicted to get out of my house, out of my church, out of my city and out of this country to share the love of Jesus, to take his name into the local and global places where it is not known.
I was talking with a friend the other day about what a radical life change might look like in this area. For me, and for most Christians that I know, the radical life change would simply be to engage and love people that don’t know Jesus. It’s just so easy to hang out with Christian friends, and meet new Christian friends. But it’s another thing altogether to meet people who don’t know Jesus and have them over to your house for dinner. It’s harder and less comfortable, but it’s what Jesus did on a regular basis.
Any ideas on ways to get into places where Christ has not been named and meet new people?
Note: I’m not just talking about evangelism, I’m talking about building life on life relationships with people that don’t know Jesus for the sake of loving them with Christ’s love and allowing Him to change their hearts and lives.
March 14th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
One of the things that has burdened me in Charlotte is that the name of Jesus is named alot; I’m just afraid it’s not the biblical Jesus being named. I mentioned to my church (mostly seniors) on Sunday night that maybe we need to be finding people in bars or places normally we would be “uncomfortable” going and reaching out to them. They didn’t take it too well. You’re right, “christians” today are content with their “christian” friends, etc. Sometimes I feel that I’ve been around “church” folks so long that I wouldn’t know where to start looking for those who have never truly heard the gospel here in Charlotte. Sad. Very sad.
March 15th, 2007 at 5:44 am
[...] As we talked he said something like, “We have 300 people on our roles that aren’t coming to church and we need to visit them and invite them back.” My response… those people have been here, they have heard the truth, experienced the fellowship of the body of Christ, and consciously chosen to reject participating in that fellowship. I don’t have much passion for getting back old church members that have fallen by the wayside, I want to get out into the community and meet new people that haven’t heard the name of Jesus (see yesterday’s post). [...]
March 15th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Reminds me of a quote from a book on evangelism you let me read a while back: “No one should hear the Gospel twice until everyone has heard it once.” or something close to that.
Not sure I wholly agree with the quote, but the notion that there’s better things to do than preach to the same people over and over has some truth to it, no doubt.
March 15th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
good thoughts … we have to remember that we spread Christ not just with words but with intentional acts of mercy and kindness that demonstrate Jesus. That is a way most have never “heard” of Him. Then the words will have real weight …
and I love the idea of going into bars. I’ve done it.
peace.
March 17th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Great thoughts. Many, if not most, churches spend all their energy either on themseles or getting people from other churches. Most of “us” are too afraid of being rejected to share the gospel with those we work with or come in contact with. It seems Christ did not go to the bars to reach out to others. He did it WHEREVER He when and with WHOM ever He came in contact. For us that would include our neighbors (now for the ends of the earth), our peers at work (not while we are on the company clock), and everyone else we have contact with.
As far as contact with someone to go to where the people have not heard, try OM (http://www.om.org).
Ron
ps to Adam Had lunch with your dad Thursday.