Fruit of the Spirit

For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth...Eph 5:9

Summer 2000                                                            Volume 1, Issue 3

From The
Mission Field

Jesus taught his followers to be evangelistic or mission minded. He said, "Go ye therefore (or wherever you go - DU), and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matt 28:19-20). When we apply our Lord's instruction to be mission minded in simple and practical ways; we find that wherever we go, whether to a grocery store or sporting event or to the doctor's office, we must be ready and willing to offer an invitation to study the scriptures or come and visit the local congregation or a Bible class. The point is, we must be ready.

How do we ready ourselves?

We can ready ourselves by bringing sound and faithful tracts with us wherever we go, and then hand them out to people. Another simple approach is found in the book of Acts, "And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandeth thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him" (Acts 8:30-31). Talk to people wherever you go, ask them questions. If they are reading the Bible, ask them if they understand what they are reading. Simply put, confront them with the spiritual.

Many times I have asked people these three questions: 1) Do you go to church? They will respond with a yes or no. 2) Do you read the Bible? They will respond with a yes or no, or maybe I need to read it more. 3) Would you like to study the Bible? They will respond with a yes or no. If they say yes, be prepared to study with them or bring somebody that can and will study with them.

Recall the Ethiopian's response, "How can I, except some man should guide me?" Remember, all you become is a guide in helping that lost soul towards salvation. "For we are labourers together (that is co-workers - DU) with God: ye are God's

Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.  Mark 16:15
Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15


husbandry, ye are God's building" (1 Cor 3:9). As Christians, we work with God and according to His will.

Opportunities

In our extremely busy world, we miss many opportunities to talk to people. I remember an incident in a parking lot where I met this man. Now put this image in your mind: you are approached late at night, it is dark, you are in an apartment complex parking lot and this stranger (me) in a suit approaches you. He is very friendly and forward in introducing himself to you. What do you do? You listen. As the minutes passed, I gave him an invitation to visit our congregation. He did six months later and three months after that initial visit to our worship services, he and his wife became Christians. Now, how many people do we walk by in parking lots or other public places and never say a word? Speak up! Remember Philip and the Ethiopian.

Overcome fear for the salvation of others

We can reach more people if we will overcome the fear of talking or confronting other people. Paul told Timothy, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord..." (2 Tim 1:7-8). This spirit of power , of love and a sound mind, all come from the word of God (Rom 1:16). There is no reason why we cannot become zealous of good works (Titus 2:14), especially the work of teaching lost souls.

Our own neighborhoods, work places, families and friends become the field white unto harvest (John 4:35). We must work these areas with all diligence and persistence. Remember, wherever you go, teach and baptize. There are many lost souls all around us who need the saving gospel of grace.

Donald Underwood
Chula Vista, CA.


Inside...
Page 1 - The Fruits Of The Spirit | Page 2 - Gambling Away Salvation |
Page 3 - Prison Report | Page 4 - Old Testament Studies | Page 5 - Special Singing Groups |
Page 6 - Mission News | Page 7 - Christian Evidences | Page 8 - Hearing Of Their Faith |
Page 9 - The Christian Home | Page 10 - Continuations | Page 11 - The Children's Page |
Page 12 - Announcements |

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