I haven't had much time to post while I've been here in St Pete. I think the Lord would rather that I be out doing the work than just talking about it, anyway. It is my prayer that this blog has been an encouragement to those who seek to follow the Lord's commandment to preach the Gospel to every creature and a conviction for those who don't. There isn't much to witnessing--just a knowledge of the Savior (definition of being a Christian, John 17:3), a willing heart, and a listening ear for the Spirit's leading.
I'm reminded of the Apostle Paul's difficulties in endeavoring to witness to people--he didn't stop unless he got stopped. Sometimes it was by men who brought persecution, and sometimes the Holy Spirit Himself stopped Paul (Acts 16:6-10), but Paul never stopped trying to preach the Gospel to every creature. He told Timothy to "be instant in season, out of season..." (2 Timothy 4:2), not to "wait for the Spirit to tell you to preach." God wants us to preach the truth, so that men might be saved. To neglect to do that because we don't feel "the power" is simple disobedience.
Now does this mean that every Christian is an evangelist? No, but it does mean that every opportunity you do get to talk to unbelievers should be devoted to the salvation of their souls, whether by direct preaching (the primary method) or by godly living (the supporting cast). You shouldn't just push them off to the pastor, or the deacons, or somebody else. You should try, until they or the Holy Spirit stop you. Once you've been blocked, just pray for the person(s). You haven't failed: you've just been reassigned. Reassignment does not equal failure--don't let the Devil tell you any different.
God be with all His faithful servants and may God correct and help all His unfaithful servants. Grace be with you all.
Joshua S Black
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