Isaiah 12:5 (GNT) - Sing to the Lord because of the great
things he has done. Let the whole world hear the news.
In this verse, the prophet tells us to share our faith with the world.
And we should, considering the talents we have been given and the technology available to us.
In my youth, I would watch evangelists like Billy Graham.
He would preach to stadiums full of people as well as those watching at home on television.
He would reach untold thousands at a time.
The book of Acts also reminds us of the importance of evangelism.
Acts 14:27 (GNT) - When they arrived in Antioch, they gathered the people of the church together and told them about all that God had done with them and how he had opened the way for the Gentiles to believe.
Acts 14 tells us of the travels of Paul and Barnabas and their outreach to many.
Yes, evangelism to the masses is important.
But it is also important to reach out to the few.
Even reaching out to one individual at a time is of vital importance.
The other day, I went to the garage to pick up my vehicle from the mechanic.
Among those waiting was a woman I have known for an exceptionally long time.
There was also a younger woman approximately half my age.
My friend and I immediately struck up a conversation catching up on old times.
We then discussed our respective churches.
Although we worship in diverse ways, we remain friends through mutual respect.
My friend then asked the other young lady about her church.
She replied that she did not attend because her parents “forced religion” on her as a child.
I found this extremely sad,
I took the opportunity to remind her that there is an enormous difference between faith and religion.
A moment later the mechanic told me that my car was ready.
I paid the bill.
I said goodbye to my friend.
Then, I said goodbye to the other young lady.
As I did, I suggested she read the gospels paying attention to the words of Jesus.
I promised her that if she did, she would discover that Jesus was not in favor of religion.
He did however approve of faith.
He clearly expressed this to the Pharisees.
Mark 7:6-8 (GNT) - Jesus answered them, “How right Isaiah was when he prophesied about you! You are hypocrites, just as he wrote: ‘These people, says God, honor me with their words, but their heart is really far away from me. It is no use for them to worship me, because they teach human rules as though they were my laws!’ “You put aside God's command and obey human teachings.”
Scripture reminds us to reach out to the world.
But we must always take the opportunity to reach out to individuals, especially those in need.
The number of people we reach at any given time is of little importance.
What matters most is that we reach out.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on
Friday, October 7, 2022.
I will be back here on Friday, October 14, 2022
