Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Evangelism – Church’s Primary Commission
Bible portion: Acts 20:17-24V 24: But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.
The word evangelism is derived from the well-known Greek word euangelion (good news) and in the Christian context can be simply explained as the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ. In today’s Bible portion we read a conversation between Paul and the elders of the church in Ephesus. He reminds them of his work while in Asia. We see that that Paul evangelized amidst the plots of the Jews. Despite the trials, he did not refrain from his work. He outlines that his work encompassed both public teaching as well as going house to house teaching both Jews and Greeks.
Paul’s dedication amidst dangers and tribulations to carry out the commission of Evangelism is admirable. He testified about repentance toward God and faith toward Jesus Christ. Paul also emphasizes that he will continue his ministry travelling toward Jerusalem with uncertainty as to what will happen to him there. Jesus teaches in St. Luke 14 about the cost of discipleship which includes forsaking one’s family and picking up the cross and following Jesus. Paul lives this out as he concludes that he is forsaking himself in order to testify to the good news of God’s grace.
As a church that declares that we are Evangelical in principle, there are many who continue this same work as the Apostle Paul in various mission fields. However, we should take a moment to consider our church motto of “Lighted to Lighten” and the words of the Late Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan that, “Every Marthomite is an evangelist”. We all have been exhorted by the mission of our Church and the vision of our late Metropolitan to actively participate in the mission and not be mere onlookers or cheering from the sidelines. We can first of all be spiritual supporters of evangelists by continuously upholding them in prayer and financially supporting their work. We who are not actively in a mission field, can still engage in evangelizing in our daily lives by testifying to those we regularly interact with. Most importantly, we can evangelize others by reflecting Jesus Christ through our actions and lifestyle (1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.)
Paul’s dedication amidst dangers and tribulations to carry out the commission of Evangelism is admirable. He testified about repentance toward God and faith toward Jesus Christ. Paul also emphasizes that he will continue his ministry travelling toward Jerusalem with uncertainty as to what will happen to him there. Jesus teaches in St. Luke 14 about the cost of discipleship which includes forsaking one’s family and picking up the cross and following Jesus. Paul lives this out as he concludes that he is forsaking himself in order to testify to the good news of God’s grace.
As a church that declares that we are Evangelical in principle, there are many who continue this same work as the Apostle Paul in various mission fields. However, we should take a moment to consider our church motto of “Lighted to Lighten” and the words of the Late Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan that, “Every Marthomite is an evangelist”. We all have been exhorted by the mission of our Church and the vision of our late Metropolitan to actively participate in the mission and not be mere onlookers or cheering from the sidelines. We can first of all be spiritual supporters of evangelists by continuously upholding them in prayer and financially supporting their work. We who are not actively in a mission field, can still engage in evangelizing in our daily lives by testifying to those we regularly interact with. Most importantly, we can evangelize others by reflecting Jesus Christ through our actions and lifestyle (1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we remember with gratitude that you commissioned your disciples to evangelize the nations thus bringing the gospel to each of us. Help us to have hearts that are led to participate in this mission by sharing the Good News of God’s grace to all we encounter and to live a life worthy of that call. Please protect and guide those in the field delivering the gospel throughout the world. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Thought for the day
“Evangelism is not a professional job for a few trained men, but is instead the unrelenting responsibility of every person who belongs to the company of Jesus.” (D. Elton Trueblood)
Vivin Varughese
The Mar Thoma Church, Staten Island ,NY