Somebody made a great observation when he said the two greatest days in a person’s life are (1) they day he was born and (2) the day he finds out why he was born. The same could be said about those who have been born again. Many who profess to be born again of the water and the Spirit (church members) seem to never have discovered why they were born again or have forgotten why. A number of purposes of the Christian life could be noted, but I want to focus on one in particular — evangelism, both to the world and “personal evangelism” or soul winning. The New Testament makes clear we are saved to save others and told to tell others! Before He left the earth, Jesus gave what we call “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-29; Mark 16:15-16).

The mandate, given by the Son of God is irrevocable. It puts the church in the telling, teaching and preaching business. That is what the Great Commission is all about. Not every Christian is able to do exactly the same thing in spreading the gospel and seeking to win the lost to Christ. But this Great Commission and other scriptures remind us that the church’s primary mission is to get the gospel to a lost world. As someone summarized it, Jesus wants every sinner this side of heaven involved in taking the gospel to every sinner this side of hell. These days many in the church seem to be concerned about making the gospel acceptable to people in the world. That is not what God charges the church to do. Our charge is the same as it was in the earliest days of Christianity: make the gospel available to others, whether they find it acceptable or not. But do look at a very important principle that is found in I Peter 3:15b: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”.

The Roman Seneca (4 B.C.—65 A.D.) said, “Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” Seneca’s words remind us of the importance of having the right aim and goal. Without it, we are prone to be blown off course by any wind that comes along. Jesus came to earth with the specific aim to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The early church suffered obstacles and opposition from the get-go, but they stayed on course and, having been scattered, “preached the word wherever they went” (Acts 8:4). Every member was a “preacher”! The apostle Paul makes it clear his life as a Christian was guided by the high and holy aim of preaching Christ and winning the lost to Him — “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known” (Romans 15:20). Heaven’s holy aim for the church is not primarily about potlucks, programs, preachers, PowerPoint, padded pews, faddish faith, or trendy worship styles. Heaven’s holy aim is for the church to carry the gospel to the lost. Is heaven’s aim your aim? Think about it.

Evangelism: Is Heaven’s Aim Your Aim?

-BULLETIN DIGEST, Dan Gulley (Keltonburg church of Christ, Smithville, TN)