ASK GOD TO SEND YOU PEOPLE...ANY PEOPLE!

After an absence of almost a year, "Evangelism: Inside and Out!" should be back better than ever...at least, more consistently! I make no excuses for not being more prompt with fresh blogs because it has been a very, very busy year and I love it that way. In no way should it be thought that evangelism has taken a back seat in my judgment because nothing could be farther from the truth...it is still what we should be increasing!
I would like to focus this blog on the importance of prayer in evangelizing a lost world! So much of what I read about reaching the lost seems to be geared to being a "consumer oriented church." Give them what they like! Do it in a contemporary style! Worship must be more lively! These and so many more challenges (?) are the stimuli for church growth...or it would seem!
Have we forgotten the words of Paul about planting and watering and allowing "God to make the seed grow?" Have we taken on the challenge of planting, watering and bringing about growth? If so, we are doing so artificially and will regret it greatly at some point! It was Jesus who said that he would build his church, right? He did not say, "I will build YOUR church", nor "YOU will build my church," but, "I will build MY church." [Matthew 16:18] I believe we doing this statement a hug injustice by implying that this was a one time act of establishment, but rather it is an ongoing project as his church continues to grow! He did not plant and water! He made it grow, right? Why should we think that he has abdicated that responsibility and that we must become the ones who make his church grow? I do not think we should, how about you?
Therefore, we should PRAY! In 1999, the church of Christ here in Williamsburg began to pray that God would send us people! Any kind people! All kinds of people! We promised him in these prayers that we would meet those people with open arms and do whatever we could to encourage them in their relationship with Him. In the past twelve years, hundreds of local folk have "dropped in" without invitation, contact, or any designated effort. God has just sent us people...all kinds of people! We are probably one of the most eclectic churches in the area. The diversity is incredible! Why has this happened? Because we asked God to send us people and we promised to be ready to meet their needs, spiritually and otherwise!
Frequently, there are personal Bible studies going on during our worship assemblies, Bible classes or even social gatherings! It is not unusual to have one of the above interrupted with someone saying, "We are going to the water because _________ has decided to obey the gospel right now!" And, off to the water we go! Just two Sundays ago, a lady visited with us for the very first time and one of our elders (yes, I said elders, no preacher!) studied with her during Bible class and she decided to be baptized! And, as a preacher, I rejoice to see elders, deacons, and others sharing the gospel with others like all Christians should.
So, the next time you pray, pray that Christ will build His church and then get out of His way! Be sure, however, that you are ready, able, and willing to meet the needs of those He sends your way because if you don't, He may have to find somewhere else to send them!