It's Okay Not to Be an Evangelist

 

Evangelism involves spreading the Gospel by personal witness. It is most effective when the witness is mature in the Faith and the message is succinctly and graciously delivered.

Some Christians seem to be called to the work of evangelism. It is not the work of every Christian if we consider Ephesians 4:10-11. "He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all thigs. And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists... to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ."

Some Christians are called to this work. Dr. Billy Graham was one of them. His life demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his God-given calling. He said: "My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which I believe comes through knowing Christ."

The New Testament refers to Philip as an evangelist in Acts 21:8 and Paul told Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist” in 2 Timothy 4:5.

We should not assume that every Christian is to do the work of evangelism. It is a ministry that requires unique appointment by the Holy Spirit.

That said, every Christian is to mature in the Faith so that they may always "be ready to give to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear..." (1 Peter 3:15) Some call this witnessing. The opportunity to witness will present itself to every Christian at some time in their life.

That is why discipleship involves learning, discipline, obedience, discernment and courage.

Related reading: Five Things Billy Graham Taught Me About Evangelism; Confirm His Calling

Pearls Before Swine

"And as we see it in experience, that dogs do always bark at those they know not, and that it is their nature to accompany one another in those clamors: so it is with the inconsiderate multitude; who wanting that virtue which we call honesty in all men, and that especial gift of God which we call charity in Christian men, condemn without hearing..."

From "Preface to the History of the World" by Sir Walter Raleigh (1614)


Alice C. Linsley

In Matthew 7:6 we read Jesus' warning: "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."

Perhaps you have attempted to reason with someone who simply will not hear a word you have to say. You may have discovered that further attempts to reason with this person only produces hostility.

In Matthew 7, our Lord is teaching those who would take up their cross and follow Him. The Cross is the very symbol of the world's hostility toward Jesus Messiah and His followers. Perhaps that is why some churches have removed the cross from their worship spaces.

 As the chapter continues, we hear more about those who are hostile to the Gospel.

"Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me you who practice lawlessness (Matt 7:21-23).

Jesus wants his followers to make disciples, but He also warns us to be cautious. We do not waste time by offering the Good News to someone who does not understand it. We do waste time in arguments with those who are hostile to the Gospel. They are driven by their hostility to win every argument. It is not possible to reason with them. The Cross offends them. Holiness offends them.

Holiness has many expressions. There is holiness of life, holiness of worship, holy space, and holy events such a Baptism and Communion. These are not for the unholy. They are for the holy people of God.

Congregations who offer "seeker-friendly" worship should take Jesus' warning very seriously. Those who are not saved cannot worship the Savior. Evangelism is what Christians do Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, we worship in the beauty of holiness and are renewed.

Vouchsafe unto us, O Lord God, that we may stand before thee in purity and holiness; and with knowledge and fear, in the beauty of spiritual order..."

Amen.

My Muslim Acquaintance

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

Part II - A Case Study (Part I is here.)

I have often exhorted myself, and those who would listen to me, to ask the Lord to lead me to the people He wanted me to minister the Word. There have been striking answers to this prayer, especially when traveling. A personal encounter with an Iranian man illustrates the basic principles found in Part I of “Partnering with God.”

Iranian man with traditional
bread called naan.

After praying and trusting the Lord for Him to place me where He wanted, I asked this man if I could sit in the airplane seat next to him. In asking him, I established a friendly contact, even though he had no authority over the seat. As we waited for the Southwest airliner to takeoff, I talked to another man who was on the other side of me. He was talkative, but from his appearance was a part of the youth culture that usually argues about everything traditional. At this stage, I just left the circumstances to the Lord’s management. As the plane’s departure drew near, the young man noticed that the plane was not full and moved to seating more to his liking.

The Iranian man was quiet and generally withdrawn, but I made myself friendly by asking where he was coming from. He said he was traveling from Iowa and to Southern California where he was employed. I sympathized with him that the state’s football team had been defeated in a bowl game in the last week. He had informed me that he had graduated from that University. I then asked where he was employed since he had a college degree. He said that he was working for an airline. At this point, I felt familiar enough to introduce myself since we were going to be spending a considerable time together on this flight. I gave him my first name and he gave me an ordinary American type name that didn’t fit his physical profile.

I asked him more about his job. We talked about the unsettled conditions of the country and world, especially about airlines. After that, I observed that much of the unsettled conditions affecting the airlines concerned religious affairs, adding all religions had moral standards, although they differed in ceremonial practices. He agreed and volunteered that he personally did not practice any religion although he did believe in God.

Then, I observed that most all religions believed in some kind of life after death and some kind of blessedness or judgment. However, that only one world religion professed to have a savior who did something to save those less than perfect. All but one left their people with an uncertain eternal future. The man acknowledged this reasoning that no one could be certain if he had done enough good things to compensate for his bad acts. This was especially so since their god might not give the same value to what they had done that they would.

I agreed that all religions, except biblical Christianity, did not profess to have a savior in their religions, and, that without a savior, a person’s eternal future was in doubt or that perhaps the religion did not have a firm standard of right and wrong if a savior was not thought to be necessary. After all, punishments in this life were not equal to the terrible things some have done. Therefore, a just god would have to give punishment in the life after death if justice was to be done. Failing this, that kind of god didn’t even have a sense of justice that men have and that whatever good after death (salvation) people might expect must come from a god who would be one’s savior. With an earned or merited salvation, sinful man would be his own savior. Further, this would not honor his god, but man making inadequate man to be an inadequate savior giving a doubtful salvation.

The suspicion logically comes that this religion comes from man and not the Creator since man must be his own savior. My seatmate acknowledged that my logic had some merit.

I continued by observing since the Creator God is the sovereign over his creation, in the final analysis, He was the judge of it all also. Furthermore, only the Creator Judge could in some way be the Savior, especially since when humankind sins, it is ultimately against Him. For as Creator, He determines what is compatible within his creation. Therefore, He must also determine what is necessary to reconcile an offender. The problem is that violating what is acceptable to Him is violating Him. Since He is infinite, the forgiveness must have a corresponding worth. Since man is finite, he cannot make a restitution of infinite worth. Therefore, the Creator must somehow do the saving of the offender, since only He is infinite.

I observed that no world religion offered any savior, let alone one of infinite power to compensate for one sin let alone that of all mankind. The ONLY EXCEPTION is the Savior revealed in the Bible, that is, Jesus Christ. I further observed that Islam honored Jesus as a genuine prophet, but that their leaders alleged that Jesus’ teachings were unreliably preserved. I went on to assert that this didn’t present a good picture of the Islamic God that sent Jesus with a revelation if he couldn’t preserve the message given the prophet Jesus.

I reminded him that all human beings that have lived long enough, know they do things contrary to the innate moral standards that the Creator instills in them. My Iranian acquaintance assented to this agreeing that men need a savior, because the best men can do to atone for personal sin is at best uncertain. All men have the inbuilt need for certainty, especially when the issue is an eternal state in Hell or Heaven.

Creator God, on the basis of responsible love, has provided all that man needs. These are man’s stewardship to use in the world in harmony with God’s design. In making man in the image of God, He not only gave man the responsibility of choice, but decreed Himself to be the payment for man’s redemption from before the foundation of the World, as God’s sacrificial lamb. This, Jesus did in His death, burial and resurrection. Even non-Christian literature testifies that early believers preached this message from the very beginning. These provisions come from love, but each man must receive them by faith.

On the other hand, Islam requires meritorious works without certain promise of eternal life except through violent Jihad. The slightest violation by an Islamic, whether in act or attitude will endanger or destine the individual to death or Hell, and the only sure way to Heaven is to die in a violent Jihad. Redemption by faithfully observing the requirements of the Qur’an and the Five Pillars gives no certainty or promise. Allah performs no act of redemption for his people’s or other’s sin. It offers no savior.

In contrast, the God of the Bible asks the opposite of meritorious works, i.e., faith. The mindset from which saving faith grows is: “He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true” (John 3:33 KJV). And, “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (I John 5:10–12 KJV).

Jesus’ assertion to be a part of the Creator God cannot logically be rejected because since man was created in the image of God, all men are more than just material. Even Islam speaks of the real identity of man is to go to Heaven or Hell when his body dies. This means that there are at least two parts to all men, physical and spiritual. Further, since angels who are spiritual beings can have physical appearances, how can Islamic teachers assert that a part of God cannot assume a physical existence? Also, if God is all powerful and sovereign, why can’t He take on a human expression? All this is what the reliable Bible portrays Jesus to be. The Old Testament prophecies in the Bible, confirm what the New Testament says about Jesus. I pointed out a study I made of the Old Testament prophecies about the person, work and even the timing of Messiah’s coming, all of which has been fulfilled in the Lord Jesus.

As the airliner was landing in Los Angeles, I asked him if he wanted me to lead him in calling upon the Lord Jesus to be his personal Savior. He consented and I prayed. I gave him my name and address so that he could write me for answers to any questions that he had. I warned him that family members would oppose him, but that God would be with him.

END

Discipling with Authority

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

"Go" requires movement. We are in His service to come or go at His direction. This is a command concerning obedience, not a call to foreign missions. Obedience is the key to discipling with authority.

Sermons urging believers to leave their present place of service for a distant mission field use this text. Yet today America needs missionaries! The discipling begins where we live and continues to where the Holy Spirit leads, as with the Apostle Paul.

The Holy Spirit directed Paul in his missionary calling to go into Macedonia. Peter was led to preach to Cornelius. It is central to discipleship and evangelism that we be in tune with the leadings of the Holy Spirit. He leads us in His own sovereign way and according to His timing, not ours.

In my experience, “Upon being lead...” is the way all missionary calls have materialized. The individual may feel a compulsion to “go” as a missionary, but the candidate cannot go unless "being lead" by the Spirit. This is the Shepherd Principal found in John 10:3–5, 26, 27 and Acts 16:6–10.

The Christian life is Christ’s life in which we are privileged to participate. Therefore, “upon being lead...” reflects our participation with Him, under His Lordship.


Related reading:  Making Disciples: What Christian Students Should Know; See What God Can Do!; The Great Commission

Forgiven, but Still Lost

“The Savior is working mightily among men, every day He is invisibly persuading numbers of people all over the world, both within and beyond the Greek-speaking world, to accept His faith and be obedient to His teaching. Can anyone, in the face of all this, still doubt that He has risen and lives, or rather that He is Himself the Life?” St. Athanasius (AD 298 – 373), from his treatise "On the Incarnation"


Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

As important as favorable words from human judges are, the words "forgiven" and "lost" have infinitely more meaning when spoken by the Judge of all Mankind (John 5:23-30; Rev 20:11-15). He will say "forgiven" to some; "Your debt is paid" or "The stain of your iniquity has been washed white as snow." He will declare, "You are lost" to others; "You did not take hold of such great salvation as was offered to you."

Many think of the word "lost" as the condition of the natural, unconverted soul. However, in regard to human experience "lost" speaks of facing God's final judgment. "Lost" speaks of being under condemnation for sin; losing hope of Heaven and fear of eternity separation from God, our Life and source of all joy. That is to be condemned to the eternal prison of hell. Not a popular message these days.

The term "lost" in the spiritual sense has even greater significance. When we would lift our eyes to the infinite God, we understand how the individual can be "forgiven, but still lost. The Creator created all things for the Creator's purposes. God used substantial things to perform the Divine will because that is what matter was created for in the beginning. He used stone. Stone jars at Cana. Stone door rolled away in Bethany. An empty stone tomb.

He used servants to fill the stone jars. Servants to roll away the stone. Servants to hear the angelic declaration: "He is risen. Go tell his disciples..."

When humanity fell into disobedience, we not only lost our privileges as being in the image of God, but God also lost our service; our spiritual duty to Him. Until one is reconciled to God, man's service for God is lost.

When Christians remain immature in character and spiritual development, they are lost to God in His design. Maturity manifests itself when people consistently rely solely upon the Lord as revealed in His Word. Only then can they know God's counsel. Without living according to God's counsel, even the forgiven are lost in fulfilling God's purposes. Their usefulness is lost.

St. Athanasius of Alexandria, expressed this in these words: "The Word called us into being, but we turn away from the Creator and demonstrating little regard for the grace we have received, we defile our being by the invention of other gods and we have lost apprehension of God as it is experienced in innocence."

The human race was wasting; God's image was being effaced, the Maker's work was spiraling into ruin and death reigned supreme. Mortal flesh, the nature of which is dust turning to dust, was unable to escape the curse of sin and death. But the Creator has a plan! It is called reconciliation.

In God's program of reconciliation, service occupies a central place (2 Cor 5:15, 19). In Christ's work he not only provided forgiveness, but callings and spiritual gifts to enable us for service. These gifts are to build up (edify) the Church (Eph 4:7, 8, 12; Romans 12:4-8). However, the gifts must be used, the individual must grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ or, as with the Corinthian Church, selfish exercise of gifts will divide the Church (1 Cor 1:7, 10, 11; 3:1-5).

Further, immature Christians may even become Satan's tools to cause confusion and misdirection in the Church (2 Cor 2:11; Eph 6:11-18; Eph 4:14; 1 Cor 14:20). He seduces them to draw upon the world system which is filled with deceit and false appearances (1 John 2:14–17).  Therefore, many who are forgiven are lost to God's design for them. They do not experience the joys of fruitful service in world evangelism (Mark 16:15); in victorious spiritual warfare (2 Cor 10:4–5); in the building up of the Church (Eph 4:11–12); in defending the faith/Christian apologetics (Titus 1:9–11; Jude 1:3); and in giving heavenly testimony (Eph 3:9–11).

Being lost to fulfilling God's calling results in eternal loss at Christ's Judgment Seat. (1 Cor 3:12-15) How much better would it be to hear the Savior declare: "Well done, good and faithful servant; . . . Enter into the joy of your lord.'" Matthew 25:21

It is a serious matter to be lost in usefulness to God, even though forgiven. Why not become a committed disciple instead?


Related reading: God's Forgiveness Must Bring Forth Fruit; See What God Can Do; Discipleship and Church Mission Statements; Forgiveness and Restoration

See what God can do!

Alice C. Linsley, City Captain for the Franklin Graham Decision America Tour 2016.

“The Savior is working mightily among men, every day He is invisibly persuading numbers of people all over the world, both within and beyond the Greek-speaking world, to accept His faith and be obedient to His teaching. Can anyone, in the face of all this, still doubt that He has risen and lives, or rather that He is Himself the Life?” St. Athanasius (AD 298 – 373), from his treatise "On the Incarnation"

This is a partial view of the 5800 people who gathered in Frankfort to pray for our nation and for the Commonwealth of Kentucky on May 4. There was no more room on the Capitol steps so people crowded onto the grass on both sides. At least 129 people accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, making a first-time profession of faith.

The following towns and cities were represented: 

Bandana, Bardstown, Bedford, Berea, Bowling Green, Burkesville, Campbellsville, Cold Springs, Corbin, Crab Orchard, Crestwood, Cynthiana, Danville, Eddyville, Elizabethtown, Florence, Fordsville, Fort Knox, Frankfort, Georgetown, Greensburg, Guthrie, Hopkinsville, Hustonville, Hyden, Independence, Inez, Irving, Kettle Island, Kuttuwa, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg, Lexington, Louisville, May Lick, Maysville, Middleboro, Midway, Morehead, Mt. Sterling, New Castle, Nicholasville, Owensboro, Paducah, Perryville, Pineville, Prestonburg, Princeton, Richmond, Rush, Sadieville, Salyersville, Shelbyville, Simpsonville, Stamping Ground, Stony Fork, Taylorsville, Union, Vanceburg, Verona, Versailles, Waddy, Walton, Wilmore, Winchester, and more!

Christians from many traditions attended, including:

Anglican, Assembly of God, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, Lutheran, Nazarene, Non-Denominational, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Protestant Chapel of Fort Knox, Roman Catholic, and United Methodist.

There were many young people in the crowd and among the volunteers. It was a joy to watch the Lord gather people to pray as one flock under one Shepherd!

Steve Rhoads

Over 120 volunteers gathered in the sanctuary of St. Peter's Anglican Church to listen to a message from Steve Rhoads, Vice President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He reminded us that the Gospel has power to save, and he spoke on Hebrews 4:14-16:

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Meanwhile downstairs in the Fellowship Hall, the good folks of St. Peter's were providing hospitality to the volunteers, welcoming them with smiles and offering them fruit, pastries, juice, water and fresh coffee. This was greatly appreciated by the volunteers and Billy Graham staff, some of whom had been up since 3:00 am.

Many thanks go to those who worked hard to make this event a success: Mark Lingle, Michelle Cooper, Kristina Smith, Linda Knapp, Bill Mitchell, Joy Jeffries, Bob and Sue Smith, Fr. Mark and Jackie Royster, David and Sandy Bell, Phillip and Cathy Kring, Marty and Teresa Denny, Marcus and Judy Penrod, Don Blevins, Tiffany Flowers, Nonnie Campbell, Sue Phelps, Paul Graham (Nolan), Tom and Cindy Jobe, Frank and Theresa Dorton, Bayley Thompson, Tom Krutcher and Ellie Shera.

Many thanks also to our 3 shuttle drivers: Pastor Rick Stafford of Antioch Christian Church, Mt. Sterling, Marty Pinkston from Capital City Christian, Frankfort, and Fred Sewell from Faith Victory, Frankfort.

Many necessary tasks were accomplished with only about 36 days lead time because of the commitment of these people and the prayers of so many others.

Thanks also to our mother church, St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Versailles, for the support of that body and for sharing the expense of the two Port-o-Potties needed for all the volunteers. These were used by many rally attendees who otherwise would have had to stand in a long line on State Street.

The wonderful people who volunteered to work at the May 4 rally in Frankfort

Testimonies of Volunteers

After I handed out a flag and said, “Thank you for coming.  Have a blessed day”, several said, “Thank you for serving.  Thank you for doing what you’re doing”, etc.  This is not a reflection on me, but on all of the volunteers that God notices, appreciates and even thanks us from the mouths of those we served.

I’m hoping this is an encouragement to every volunteer who has stepped forward to carry out their mission for the Lord as Franklin Graham carries out his commission from the Lord.

Thanks to all of you on staff and to the other volunteers everywhere.

Cathy Sheets, Frankfort

I really felt so much love there and met so many nice people. It was such a blessing to be in a place where we all shared the same love and spirit. That of our concern for this country that we love and for the souls of all those who make up this great nation; the Spirit in each of us that yearns to see this country turn back to God who is our only hope.

Judy Sams, Bardstown

It was an honor to be a volunteer at the Kentucky Decision America Prayer Rally. I was part of the Prayer group that walked around praying. About 11:15, I felt lead to stand on Capitol Avenue greeting folks. I asked the Lord for the privilege of praying with just one person. He provided that person, an elderly woman named Linda who attends a Christian - Disciples of Christ Church. Her husband dropped her off with two chairs and told her he would walk back to her after he found parking. She and I sat and talked for about 15 mins. She shared with me that she had fallen 20 times in the past couple of months and was having back and knee problems. I asked if I could pray for her and she agreed. After praying for healing, Linda said she felt heat going through her body. I continue to pray for Linda. Praise God for His love and healing touch!

Brittany Price, Lawrenceburg

As the crowd started to gather, there were smiles and fellowship from everyone. It made my heart smile to see everyone was there for our God!  A little elderly lady asked if she could have a few more flags to share with her church, which I obliged. Her smile… well it made the day brighter, all because she got flags from the rally to share with her church.

 A man caught my attention. He was really struggling. God had led him to those steps.  He had tears in his eyes when the crowd started singing Amazing Grace. God, led me over to him. He pushed me away. Later, he came back to me. He grabbed my hand and said, “Thank you for what you did.”  I didn't feel I did anything.  I just offered him a hug and comfort. Sometimes it really is the little things…

Sheila Brooks, Richmond

The Father and I were talking about job assignments and if I had the opportunity to be a part of a prayer team, that's where I needed to be. Whelp, there was a prayer team! And our directions were to disperse yourselves and follow the Spirit's leading; we trust Him to show you where to be; follow Him and do what He says; stick to focusing on praying over everything since we have a team specifically for individual prayer, but obviously, if He leads, don't miss the opportunity! Score! My kind of directions!

Cut to the beginning of the rally: I'm up by the stage next to the speakers and I heard the Lord say to record it. So I quickly pulled out my phone and hit record.

Cut to the end of the rally: I finish with my volunteer duties. Everyone is basically gone. But I hear Him say to stay put. So I just stood in one spot for a while until I felt Him release me to head back up to the venue. I walked around the site for a bit, and eventually, I was the last one, just standing there praying until His Spirit released me. Then an elderly gentleman came walking by, without an umbrella in the rain, so I quickly ran over and offered to walk him where he needed to go. That's when he told me that through a miscommunication, his group had forgotten him this morning and so by the time he'd finally gotten to the rally (over a 3 hour drive!), it was over. Immediately, the Spirit reminded me of the recording! So I asked him if he would like to go inside the Capitol and listen to it. He was ecstatic! So we got inside and who did we have the blessing of running into but the Governor! After our conversation with him, we sat on a little marble bench and listened to the recording which turned out fantastic despite being so near the speakers! We prayed "with everyone" so he could join in! Then we did a little tour of the Capitol with its prayer room (second floor) before parting ways. What a blessing!! God is soooo good! And His ways are so wonderful! What a blessing to get to bless that man's day! Thank you Daddy for being such a good Daddy.  He surely loves to bless His children.

Adrienne Wheat

College Student

A Clarifying Search of the Scriptures

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.


The question: At the time of initial profession of faith, do regeneration, spiritual rebirth, and forgiveness happen at the same time?

The impression one received from evangelistic campaigns in many churches is that there is a once and done event. More often than not, repentance is assumed and not dealt with and the absolute need for a moral and spiritual life is not placed on the consciousness of the professed convert. The results are legendary.

Some years ago, Elmer Towns reported about the experiences of the Churches with the largest numbers in their Sunday Schools and Church attendances. In my study of this report, I found that it took six professions of faith to increase attendance by one. One Church reported 500 professions of faith, but experienced an attendance loss of 100!

In contrast, First Baptist Church of Houston, Texas, reported that they made contact with those who professed faith in an effort to bring them into the ongoing fellowship of their Church. As a result, of six professions, they only lost one!

I attended a seminar held by the First Baptist Church in Modesto, California on imperatives for Church life. Their Church grew in attendance from about 300 to nearly 2000 in ten years. Their Pastor was both very evangelistic, and promoted a strong ministry of discipleship. Behind the platform of the Church were small rooms where professors of conversion were taken and given basic instructions, but were also enlisted in a 10 session Discovery Class to further ground them in the faith. And, for those who desired further growth, there were growth classes held in the homes which lasted for about 26 weeks. This philosophy was a reflection of what Scripture teaches.

For those who promote the idea that “once saved, always saved. . .” Or, “once a tearful profession is made following ‘the altar call is always saved from hell” the conditional statement by Peter “if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” should make them nervous enough to look at the Scriptures more carefully as to whether initial forgiveness includes regeneration or not!

“...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;” (2 Peter 1:5).

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:4).

A true conversion is demonstrated by applying God’s promises in Christ. It is exemplified by an exchanged life delivered from worldly corruption. Peter exhorts the addition of a progressively transformed life of godly purity. But to some he adds that this kind of transforming life is necessary for he writes:

“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” (2 Peter 1:9, 10).

In Scripture, as in a number of notable experiences, regeneration seems to happen at the same time forgiveness is experienced. The conversion of the Apostle Paul seems to be one where his conversion, regeneration, and call to apostleship happened all at once. A good number of other greatly used men seem to have gotten forgiveness and regeneration at the same time also. Men like D. L, Moody, and Lee Robertson. But spiritual service, even greatly used, does not necessarily indicate regeneration. Judging from the outcomes of evangelistic meetings, these men represent a great exception. Indeed, the Lord Jesus cautioned about initial professions of faith in the Parable of the Sower:

“And the one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word, and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Matt 13:20-22 NASB).

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matt 7:21-23).

For these reasons, the Lord Jesus didn’t initially give new believers assurance of salvation, even though He accepted their faith.

“As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” (John 8:30, 31).

Regeneration or being born again is a process of becoming the sons of God in character. This starts with the gift of forgiveness that gives a conditional reconciliation with God. This must be maintained by avoiding sin, confession for forgiveness when sin recurs, and continuing exposure to the ministry of the Word.

Related reading:  What it Means to be Saved; Are We Losing Our Young People?

The Great Commission: Amplified Translation

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

Amplified Translation:

Then the eleven disciples journeyed into Galilee, to a mountain which Jesus had assigned to them. And when they beheld Him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. And upon arriving, Jesus said to them, saying given to Me (is) all authority (based upon my person and position) in Heaven and concerning Earth. Upon being led, therefore (you are commanded) make disciples of all the peoples, (by) baptizing them into (identification with) the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; (by) teaching (appealing to the will and understanding) them to fulfill (and protect from corruption) all (things) whatsoever I have commanded you, and be sure to notice (with others), I am with you all the days unto the end of the age. Matthew 28:16–20 Amplified


The Special Meeting (Matthew 28:16, 17)

The Lord expressed His priority for this meeting with His closest disciples by urging them to meet Him in Galilee after His resurrection. He stressed this BEFORE His death (Matt 26:32) and reaffirmed it at least twice AFTER His resurrection (Matt 28:7, 10; Mark 16:7). The other post resurrection meetings in Mark, Luke and John were unexpected appearances for the revival of the Apostles' deflated faith, except for when He went to Heaven in the clouds (Acts 1).

As evidence that the Lord put special emphasis on the meeting of Matthew 28:16–20, Paul reports that over 500 followers saw their resurrected Lord at one time (1 Cor 15:6). I believe that this was that occasion. Put yourself back into that time. Is there ANY ONE of you who would not have given his eye teeth to have been there and SEEN the resurrected Jesus? Especially when He repeatedly told His closest associates to meet Him there. God does not do things without purpose. For the Lord not only said He would appear, but emphasized to His disciples to be sure to be there, He must have had some special purpose above those where He appeared unannounced.


The Importance of the Scene

While God is not limited to locations to do what He considers important, yet the fact that the meeting was on a mountain at an appointed time would give a sense of urgency to the Jewish mind. Moses had prophesied that the Messiah would be a "prophet like unto me." (Deut 18:15; Acts 3:22). The Lord had commanded Moses to go to Mount Sinai for the giving of the Covenant of the Law. Since Jesus was THE prophet like unto Moses, would not these Jewish believers have had a great feeling of expectancy when Jesus directed them to meet Him on a mountain, as Moses had with their forefathers? For Moses gave the Covenant of the Law upon a mountain.

The Lord Jesus told them that He was establishing the New Covenant when He instituted communion. He also expounded the prophecies by Moses and the Prophets before and after His resurrection. The air must have been filled with expectancy. There is no record that the Lord had told them what He was going to do there. But whatever it was, the Lord had made this time and this place special for something important to Him. Their minds could only wonder what great thing might happen (Acts 1:6).

When their longing eyes saw the Lord appear and then heard Him begin with these awe inspiring words: "All power (authority) has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." I don't know about you, but the hair on the back of my neck would have just stood up. I would feel that the air of Heaven was invading Earth. There would be such an super heavenly feeling. The scene caused most of them to involuntarily worship Him. But others just couldn't believe the sight of the crucified, living Lord was real. To them it was "just too good to be true," so they doubted for a while. This implies that more disciples were there than the eleven and their close associates, because the Lord had restored their faith through His unannounced appearances. As we go further into Matthew 28, the priority and urgency to disciple just increases more and more by concepts that call for accountability to Christ.

The question must be asked why did the Holy Spirit only mentioned the eleven disciples as being present? In the first place, He wanted to make it plain that they were restored to leadership after they had despaired after Christ’s arrest and crucifixion. Secondly, in doing so during succeeding generations this indicated that mature leadership bore the responsibility for discipling, on an individual basis and in leading group discipling. This applies whether in the Local Church or in missionary activity.

Related reading:  The Great Commission and Things Unwritten; The Great Commission: Our Mission; The Great Commission: An Amplified Translation and the Exegetical Basis

The Great Commission: An Amplified Translation and the Exegetical Basis

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

This essay could benefit diligent students and spiritual leaders who are dedicated to applying all that the Lord Jesus commanded and instructed in the Great Commission. For did He not say: “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded ...”?

Great dependence has been put upon translations because most people cannot read and understand Koine Greek in which the New Testament was written. Unfortunately, I know of no translation that brings out the full meaning. In the case of the Great Commission: inadequacies, errors, and mistranslations are found in most translations. The reasons come from the bias of the translators, the Churches, or agencies that sponsored the translation, and the motivation of the publishers to appeal to the widest market.

We will look at the Exegetical Basis, the Amplified Translation and the Importance of the Scene, in three separate bog posts. Part One is below.

Part One: The Exegetical Basis
There are many translations of the Great Commission, yet an amplified translation that brings out all that is in the Greek original is needed. So I have made this attempt. Since the Great Commission is the major premise and focal point of our Lord’s operational plan for the Church, it is important that it be well understood. Further, because most translations generally use the word-for-word principal, the full meaning and feeling of the original Greek is not brought out. On the whole the word for word rendering is satisfactory for the largest public usage. However, there are several words and constructions in the Greek grammar usage, technology and syntax that are not brought out in any translation I have read. One of the rules that I have adopted in this translation is that amplified renderings must reflect all the seed thoughts of that word or grammar, especially when also seen elsewhere in the New Testament revelation.

With all my limited ability and objectivity, I will give an amplified translation. This will be done with the intent of bringing out all the grammatical and syntactical elements of the original Greek. Most translations modify accuracy to ensure readability to the average reader. In this amplified translation, I will sacrifice easy readability to ensure a full rendering of the Greek meanings, grammar, and syntax.

It is hoped that the reader will be moved to implement the Great Commission in his ministry, that great fruit for Christ will result and words of commendation from our Savior be forthcoming.

Related reading:  The Great Commission and Things Unwritten; The Great Commission: Our Mission

The Great Commission, Our Mission

“And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)

Ethelene Dyer Jones

What we call the “Great Commission” was given to disciples on a mountain in Galilee. By appointment Jesus, the resurrected Christ, had asked them to meet Him there (see Matthew 28:16). Matthew does not write about the ascension in his gospel. He ends the account of Jesus on earth by giving the Lord’s great commission, our mission: “Go, make disciples of all nations.” In the command He also gives a promise, “I am with you always.”

Rev. James Hudson Taylor (1832-1905), evangelical missionary from England who founded the China Inland Mission wrote: “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered. It is a command to be obeyed.” In a letter dated February 14, 1860 Taylor wrote to his sister, “If I had a thousand lives, China should have them—No! Not China, but Christ! Can we do enough for such a precious Savior?”

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 has given the call, motivation and incentive for missionaries through the ages to “go and tell.” Moreover, it has inspired Christians to share the message of the Lord Jesus Christ wherever they are.

Because it is the command from One who has “all authority in heaven and on earth,” we are also authorized to go out in His power. We go with Christ’s purpose in mind, “to make disciples.” The zone of ministry is the world, beginning in our own “Jerusalem,” or where we live, and then reaching out to all the world. Disciple-making involves teaching persons about Jesus, and when they have confessed Him, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in obedience to His command. His presence is promised those who go and tell: “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Another faithful missionary, David Livingstone, said of the Great Commission, our Mission: “If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?”

Let us be faithful to the Great Commission, our mission, and even more so as we see “the Day of the Lord” approaching. 

Related reading:  The Great Commission and Things Unwritten

The Great Commission and Things Unwritten

Alice C. Linsley

The "Great Commission" of Christians is the instruction of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ to his disciples that they should spread his teachings to all the nations of the world. The term is not found in the Bible. It was first used by James Hudson Taylor, a British missionary to China. The idea of commissioning is familiar to people in the military and the term is appropriately applied to the Church Militant.

Jesus' teachings reflect His righteous rule. His teachings are true. They are given by the One is is Truth. That is why the Great Commission is attached to the authority of Jesus Christ. Note the wording of Matthew 28:18-20:

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus has "all authority" and in that authority we are to make disciples, baptizing them according to the Trinitarian Formula. teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded. It is a big job! However, we are not alone in this labor. The Lord Jesus promises to be with us always.

Did Jesus Disciples take this commissioning seriously? Yes, they did. Within less than a century, they had "turned the world upside down" (Act 17:6). The Disciples did tell others what Jesus said and did because John 30:30-31 notes that "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which art not recorded in this book [agrapha - Greek for "unwritten things"]. John's Gospel was written between 80 and 90 AD, and includes material found in Mark's Gospel (c. 64 AD) and Luke's Gospel (c. 75 AD), but also has material that is not found in the other Gospels. By John's time, other saying of Jesus had circulated rather widely. 

Examples of agrapha are found in the writings of the early Church Fathers.  Here are some examples:

Justin Martyr (AD 100-165): "Wherefore also our Lord Jesus Christ said, 'In whatsoever things I apprehend you, in those I shall judge you." (Dialogue 47)

Clement of Alexandria (AD 150-215): "For ask, he says for the great things, and the small shall be added to you." (Stom. I, 24, 158)

Origen of Alexandria (A 185-254): "But the Savior himself saith; 'He who is near me tis near the fire; he who is far from me, is far from the kingdom." (Homil. in Jer., XX.3)

That these sayings of Jesus and many others spread far and wide by 200 AD tells us that his followers were doing what he asked them to do. Jesus Christ's followers were and are still spreading the Gospel in obedience to His Divine Directive.

Humility or Idealism?

Edward F. Lundwall Jr.

The Evangelist emphatically cried out: "If you don't win a soul a week, how are you living the Gospel? Are you sure you're a Christian? Are you sure you're saved?"

In making such a declaration, this evangelist reveals that he is an idealist. And idealist sees things in terms of the greatest expression of a principal. Yes, everyone ought to be trying to win souls! But idealism is simply undefined legalism!

Legalism declares that if one does not keep a set of rules that one is living under condemnation. The condemnation can be either the state of unforgiven or failing to live under the approval of God. In the Bible, legalism was keeping the Old Testament Law composed of rules for living, especially the Ten Commandments, but was not confined to them. They were required to maintain a state of forgiveness by offering the sacrifices for sins and worship. Without doing so they were under the condemnation of death.

Idealism differs from legalism in the way to obtain a idealistic acceptability is undefined. There are no intermediate steps. The standard is the fullest expression of a good principle. What are the principals under consideration where all comes short of it! The idealist considers no one or anything as adequate. All are condemned in light of the principal, whatever the principal being considered.

When the idealist states a principal, he asserts all who come short are living in a state of sin, or some form of condemnation, or inadequacy. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Rom 3:23).

The idealist either presents himself in some way as ideal, by limiting the principal he presents. In the idealistic statement by the Evangelist, he presents himself as living the evangelistic ideal, and in one way or another condemns all others who are not. Or, he softens his words, by including himself in the term "we," for after all, "all have sinned and come short" (Rom 3:23). Thereby, there are no steps in spiritual life whereby any one can become complete on that level, for the consideration is the ideal, the perfection of principle.

At this point, it is important to consider the literal meaning in the original Greek manuscripts, rather than any particular translation. In the King James translation, the word "perfect" in Matthew 5:48 which commands seeming idealistic perfection: "Be ye therefore perfect , even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
The Greek word is not idealistic perfection, but something that is complete concerning an end or a goal. As might be implied from: "The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master." (Luke 6:40). As it is here rendered in the New King James translation: "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher." (Luke 6:40 NKJV).

Also, the King James is not clear also in reference to the Lord Jesus: "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect , he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" (Heb 5:8, 9 KJV). The English idea of “perfect” would imply that before Christ suffered on the cross he was less than perfect! But He being God, how could He not be perfect from eternity past?

From the Greek word we would come to a different understanding. To be "made perfect" has the idea until His Gospel work was finished that his prophetic calling was not complete.

Biblically, the most accurate understandings of “perfection” would be in our condition of being perfect it is in our imputed condition by union with Christ and His Gospel work (2 Cor 5:21; Rom 6:11). In our experience, the Apostle Paul gives the understanding that while perfection is a goal, yet it is unattainable in this life (Phil 3:12-14). Therefore, we must progress by God's grace by keeping our life focused on Jesus so we can progressively be being changed into His character by the Holy Spirit's power (Rom 8:1-9; 2 Cor 3:18).

Therefore: “... let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” (Jer 9:24).

The idealist has a dangerous attitude because: “Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” (1 Cor 8:1, 2).

Rather: “. . . be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud , and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” (1 Peter 5:5, 6).

Related reading: The Many Triumphs of Christ's Resurrection; Who Am I in Christ?; Legalism and Idealism Are Antithetical to the Gospel

A Muslim Convert's Testimony

The Lord Jesus is calling people from many places to his kingdom as disciples and evangelists.


Related reading:  Why Sincere Muslims Should Learn About Jesus; Edward Lundwall's Response to Muslim Scholar; Another Response to Islam; Reza Aslan Missed the Son of God; Who Is Jesus?; The Shock of Mohammad Atta's Afterlife

Bringing Christ to Our Neighbors

The Lord Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to go and make disciples. This means telling people about the love of God that has been revealed to us in Christ Jesus our Lord. It means partnering with them as they begin the walk of obedient faith.

Here are five ways we can make significant connections with the people who live around us.

For more on evangelism and discipleship, search the INDEX. Topics are arranged in alphabetical order.

The Veracity of the Holy Bible

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

Part III – The Veracity of the Holy Bible

Accusations that the Bible is not reliable and, therefore the claims about Jesus are false, are not supported by objective evidence. Manuscripts exist which establish its veracity which were written only a few years afterward it. The John Ryland’s fragment, the Chester Beatty papyri, and the Bodmer find exemplify a few. Recently, small manuscript scraps of the Gospel according to Mark had been found written in the style dating around 50 AD.

Besides over a thousand years of manuscript evidence that gives a precisely consistent message about Jesus and His teachings, the testimony of the very early Church leaders support the same Gospel. Polycarp was the disciple of Jesus’ Apostle John, an eyewitness and close disciple of Jesus. When the scripture quotations in Polycarp’s epistle are studied along with his disciple Ireaneaus and others, the essential revelation for Jesus Christ can be reconstructed.

Thousands (over 5300) of Bible Manuscripts that date 700–1600 years closer to the originals than any of the ancient copies of the Greek philosophers. Islamic scripture, although deferring to Jesus as a Prophet, was written hundreds of years after the original Gospels. The intellectual community does not challenge these copies of Plato, Aristotle, Homer, or Mohammed as reflecting the authors’ original writings. Why then do they consistently challenge the origins and teachings of the Bible?

Part I: "Basic Principles of Evangelism" is here.

Part II: "A Case Study" is here.

Partnering with the Lord

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

Part I - Basic Principles of Evangelism

The Greek word for fellowship in 1 John 1:1-2 indicates that the revelation of Christ and the proclamation of the Gospel (evangel or “Good News”) are to be thought of as activity wherein partners share something for a mutual purpose. The Apostle John had been given a special responsibility from the Lord Jesus to proclaim Him, initiate the spread of the Gospel to throughout the world (Mark 16:15), make disciples (Matt. 28:16-20), and call out a people for His Name (Matt. 28:19; Acts 15:14; 1 Peter 2:9, 10). With this exegesis in mind, we can determine seven basic principles for our witness. 

The messenger – the soul winner – must have received the Gospel message for his own salvation. This must not be just something vaguely believed as a part of his family or Church, but as a vital matter for personal dependence upon Christ for the soul’s eternal salvation from God’s eternal judgment for his sin.

Faith in Christ’s Gospel must not be an empty part of life (1 Cor. 15:1–4). Instead, it must be a life-orienting frame of reference: “…yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Rom. 6:13 KJV).

The messenger must prayerfully prepare himself to witness at every God–given opportunity, especially when questioned: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15 KJV).

1. Make friendly contact with an attitude of acceptance.

2. Turn the conversation to easily discussed religious affairs.

3. Discuss what traits would qualify a leader to be a savior.

4. Observe that often religions and religious leaders are not reliable.

5. Present Jesus as the only one having accomplished what is necessary to save sinful humanity.

6. Encourage the contact to begin the life of receiving Jesus Christ as his God–given Savior with simple prayer based on Romans 10:13, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (ESV).



This is Part I of a series on Evangelism. Part II is here.