August 9, 2009

The Fields Are White for Harvest

Wheat

“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” (John 4:35).

Jesus said these words to His disciples as they were in Samaria. He had just spoken to a Samaritan woman at the well outside the city. She returned and told the men of the city about Jesus and they were now coming out to see Him. He said the fields were white for harvest, meaning there was success to be had in preaching the gospel in that place.

As we are still working to preach the gospel today, let us consider Jesus’ statement and the circumstances surrounding it.
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July 29, 2008

A Lion Outside

Lion

“The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets’” (Proverbs 22:13).

This is one of many verses in the book of Proverbs that talks about the sluggard. The sluggard is lazy. He does not want to do anything or fulfill his responsibilities. Instead, he makes excuses (“There is a lion outside”). Is it a legitimate excuse? Is there really a lion outside lying in wait for him? Actually, it does not matter. His slothfulness has made him believe in the possibility of a lion outside; therefore, just in case, he will decide to stay inside.
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June 3, 2008

“Come”

Revelation 22:17

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost” (Revelation 22:17).

This is an invitation for salvation that has been offered by Christ. It is for those who need the water of life. This means that it is for all, for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). All who wish to obtain the gift of salvation and be saved from their sins may come.
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May 1, 2008

A Model of Personal Evangelism

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

John 4 contains the account of Jesus speaking with the woman at the well in Samaria. As a result of this conversation, she came to know that He was the Messiah (John 4:25-26). After that, she went and told others about Jesus (John 4:28-29). When others then came and heard Jesus speak, many believed in Him (John 4:41-42). Jesus told His disciples that the fields were “white for harvest” (John 4:35) because many were interested and open to hearing the truth.

When we think about personal evangelism, some wonder how to go about doing it. It may be that not knowing how prevents some from actually getting out and talking to others about the gospel. This chapter gives us a model of personal evangelism. We can learn from what Jesus did and how He spoke with this woman to give us insight as to how we might go about teaching the lost today.
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April 1, 2007

Personal Responsibility in the Work of Evangelism

Many in our day and time do not want to take responsibility for their actions. They want to blame others for various problems. They want to leave work that needs to be done for others to do. In contrast with this mentality, we see that the Bible teaches the importance of individual responsibility and personal accountability.

Paul told the brethren in Corinth, “Test yourselves” and “examine yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). We will each stand before Christ in judgment as individuals (2 Corinthians 5:10). Each person’s fate will be determined “according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” On that day, we will not be able to slide into heaven based upon what others have done – whether they may be our family, our brethren, or anyone else.
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May 1, 2006

Personal Evangelism

Personal Evangelism

Sometimes we speak of the “works of the church.” We use this type of language to refer to the works of evangelism, edification, and benevolence. It may be more accurate to describe these as works God has given His people to do. These works do not exclusively belong to the church because individuals can and should do them as well. We do these works collectively (through the organization of the local church) and individually. With regard to evangelism, sometimes we may spend so much time talking about evangelism being a work of the church that we forget to remind ourselves that it is also the work of individual Christians. Let us notice some ways in which we, as individuals, can help reach the lost and bring them to Christ.
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