EMPHASIS ON EVANGELISM

by Oscar Woodall

"...to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery" Eph. 3:9a

WE CAN LEARN FROM OUR CRITICS

2 Tim. 4:5 - Do the Work of an Evangelist

For believers who are identified as mid-Acts dispensationalists, we often are chided or ridiculed for our theological grids, stands, or convictions. Most critics are "so called" fellow saints or brethren in Christ.

Some label us as "dry cleaners." This results from their tradition or practice of water baptism of some kind at some time either before, after, or simultaneous with salvation. They either do not believe Christ*s subsequent instructions to keep the unity of the Spirit by the ONE baptism (not water) of Ephesians 4:3-6 ("Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. ") and Paul*s commission of I Cor. 1:17 ("For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. ‘) or do not understand the same.

Some of the critics say there is not a soul-winner in our group and that we only seek to go around breaking up churches. They don*t see us urging the lost to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I receive this rebuke with mixed emotions. I resent the

charge that we "grace believers" aren*t interested in winning souls. I personally know people who care about the eternal destiny of others, and I myself am included in that number. I pray there will be more.

(".....he that winneth souls is wise" Prov. 11:30b).

Will you be one of the wise?

I have long believed that any local assembly will go or not grow as a direct result of leadership or lack of it in the area of soul-winning. The men who occupy the pulpits each week will either encourage or discourage the saints in the pews to actively pursue the work of an evangelist. A preacher should model an active concern for the lost. Leadership is by example.

It is unlikely that a pastor can lead where he has not been. As he portrays a burden for souls, others will follow. Do you illustrate a pursuit of leading sinners to the Saviour? Paul wrote to Timothy, "These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity in spirit, in faith, in Purity" 1 Tim. 4:11-12.

Can you think of someone you introduced to saving faith in Jesus Christ in the last year? Do you know where they are today? Will you concentrate your efforts this year to direct wandering souls to Him who is the only way to heaven? We should purpose to direct everyone we can to the Saviour.

What will

you change in the next twelve months, if anything?

Mr. Woodall lives near Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Dorothy. He is the founder of Eternal Life Ministries, and is active in personal evangelism everywhere he goes. He ministers the Word of God regularly in jails and prisions.