1J. The C's of Evangelism

We've reviewed the characteristics of evangelism and how they are applied, but where does the power come from to fulfill the mission? The C's point to the Comforter's quickening, the Holy Spirit's help.

One who Commissions

When we give ourselves into the service of the King of Kings, He gives us back much more than we give up. "This is what I will do in the last days, God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters will proclaim the message, your young men will see visions, and your old men will have dreams. Yes, even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will proclaim my message'" (1).

God sends His Holy Spirit who sets us aside for His work of evangelism. With the task comes the tools. "God gave Moses a rod, David a sling, Samson the jawbone of an ass... Deborah the talent for poetry, Dorcas a needle, and Apollos an eloquent tongue and to each the ability to use his gift. In so doing, every one of them did most effective works for the Lord."(2)

One who Casts Doubt on Human Strength

The crowd thought that the disciples were drunk, but it was the work of the Holy Spirit. They looked weak, but were in fact strong. "These people are not drunk as you suppose; it is only nine o'clock in the morning" (3). They appeared to be hopeless but exuded confidence. And so I am filled with gladness, and my words are full of joy. And I, mortal though I am, will rest assured in hope." (4) "Do not adjust your minds, There is a fault in reality."

One who Changes

The personal change when the Saviour comes into a life is remarkable. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. "And then, whoever calls out to the Lord for help will be saved" (5). "Peter said unto them, 'Each one of you must turn away from his sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven...'"(6). By the application of fire and pressure a black sludge called "crude oil" gives up a multitude of valuable chemicals. The petrochemical industry produces the basic ingredients for plastics, tires, pharmaceuticals, furniture parts, gasoline and paints from what was once considered a smelly nuisance if you were unfortunate enough to have it on your land.

One who Completes

The Father completes the work of redemption by giving the Holy Spirit. "...and you will receive God's gift, the Holy Spirit." (7) "He (Jesus) has been raised to the right side of God, his Father, and has received from him the Holy Spirit, as he promised. What you now see and hear is his gift that he has poured out on us"(8).

Patrick Hart writes of an experience he had as a child. "When I was five years old, in the 1930s, my father, mother and I would go for a walk on Sunday afternoon past Buckingham Palace. As we passed one day, I heard my parents say that King George the Fifth was ill. Some people came out of the palace gates, and I gave them my teddy bear which had seen better days. Brown Teddy Bear One eye and a leg were missing and sawdust was leaking out of him, but to me he was the cure for all troubles. I told the people to give it to the King and tell him if he put it in his bed he would soon be alright. Some weeks later, I received my teddy bear back by post. With it was another parcel containing a toy submarine, a drum and drum sticks. Attached to the drum was a card reading: "For services rendered to His Majesty King George V." "When you give God what you have, He gives you the greater gift, His Holy Spirit, for services rendered to the King of Kings.

A Meditation on Evangelism

Gather in a darkened room and light a single candle at the center as a symbol of the light shining in the darkness. Read each verse and then pause to take in its meaning.

"Lord, speak to me that I may speak, in living echoes of thy tone,
as thou hast sought, so let me seek, thy erring children lost and lone.

O lead me, Lord, that I may lead, the wandering and the wavering feet,
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed, thy hungering ones with manna sweet

O teach me, Lord, that I may teach the precious things thou dost impart,
and wing my words, that they may reach the hidden depths of many a heart.

O fill me with thy fullness, Lord, until my very heart overflow,
in kindling thought and glowing word, thy love to tell, thy praise to show.

O use me, Lord, use even me, just as thou wilt, and when, and where,
until thy blessed face I see, thy rest, thy joy, thy glory share." (9)

Notes

(1) Acts 2:17,18 (2) (3) Acts 2:15 (4) Acts 2:26 (5) Acts 2:21 (6) Acts 2:38 (7) Acts 2:38b (8) Acts 2:33 (9)Frances Ridley Havergal (1836- 1879)

"Practical Christian Outreach in the Local Church"

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