Working with God

Mark 6:10-11 (Jesus instructed) “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11 “And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.”
 
EVANGELISM is telling the gospel to people who have not yet confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives. Evangelism is necessary to grow God’s kingdom. “Evangel” means gospel. Evangelism is “gospelism” – it is the Spirit-powered task to teach people the way of salvation for their souls. Evangelism is the most important thing we do. Some evangelism methods include gospel preaching in churches, gospel telling in private conversations, gospel living, and gospel mission trips to local and faraway neighbors. And the Spirit has unveiled many more methods since Jesus’ commanded, “Go and make disciples of the nations.” (Matthew 28:19a) If you’re a Christian, you can daily thank God someone has brought the evangel to you.
   In Mark 6:8-11 Jesus commands the first evangelism effort for his first disciples. His instructions teach us four basic evangelism principles.
   The first is this: Do not correlate the gospel with material wealth. As we read in Mark 6:8-9, Jesus sent the 12 with only a staff. The Savior did not come to offer material wealth. Too often it seems the message to unbelievers is a false promise that all their problems, including poverty, will disappear when they confess Jesus. Jesus is the most precious gift. This is illustrated in Peter’s and John’s early ministry. As they approached the crippled beggar in the temple, Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6) The man walked away with the riches of God’s salvation for eternal life.
   The second principle ties to the first. Wherever we go we rely only on the Spirit’s power. The disciples went only with a staff. So did Moses and Aaron. God wants all to know he is the power and the glory to free us from our sins.
   Evangelism’s third principle is to develop relationships with those to whom you evangelize. When people welcomed the disciples into their homes, they would become more personally engaged in the disciples’ lives. The gospel is easier to tell to a friend than one who opposes you. Jesus accomplished much in people’s homes.
   A fourth principle is to leave behind the unbeliever. Jesus instructed the disciples, “Shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.” Jesus did this figuratively when he moved away from those who continually argued with him. The “shaking dust” illustration refers to some Jews’ practice to clean their sandals when they returned from a Gentile nation. They were symbolically removing any spiritual impurities from their minds. We must strive for Christ. But too much time farming unfertile ground will starve you.
   Evangelism is being God’s partner to build his church. Look at it as a wondrous adventure that grows your love for God. Faithfully doing God’s will allows us to experience God personally working in you. Speaking of Jesus is good for others, and it’s good for you.
   
“Anything of spiritual significance that happens in your life will be a result of God's activity in you. He is infinitely more concerned with your life and your relationship with Him than you or I could possibly be.” ― Henry T. Blackaby Experiencing God