Where We Labor for More Gospel Fruit
April 15, 2010
Baptismal services are some of my favorite church experiences, so I am still riding high from the four baptisms we celebrated on Resurrection Sunday. In fact, I am praying that the testimonies we heard would have an addictive effect on us, creating in us a deeper craving for more sinners to be redeemed by Jesus, to the glory of God.
As we think about the spheres of our lives in which we labor to see more unbelievers trust in Jesus, consider the three categories represented by those baptized on Sunday, and how they encourage us to continue our labor.
The Gospel at Home
Bronwen shared her testimony of being raised in a Christian home and coming to faith in Christ at a young age. This should encourage all of us who are parents or who have influence in the lives of children that the home is a key place for evangelism to happen. Much more than praying over meals and at bedtime, we have the opportunity to infuse our conversations with talk of God’s greatness and holiness, our sinfulness as humans, Jesus’ death to take away our guilt and punishment, and the love and grace that drove this gospel act. This can take place during play time, car rides, story time, working on homework, or while disciplining. Whenever it is, let us be motivated by Bronwen’s testimony to seek multiple ways to weave gospel truth into our daily lives at home.
The Persistent Friend
Gabe shared of growing up in the opposite environment: no Christian influence in the home, only influence from an older brother toward violence and substance abuse. Yet in the midst of self-loathing and shame, what made the love of Christ real to Gabe was the persistent love of a friend. My prayer is that this testimony emboldens you who are showing the love of Christ and speaking gospel truth into the life of an unbelieving friend. You may not see fruit, and you may even experience push back. God has not called you to be annoying, but he has called you to be as persistent as he is, so keep drinking deeply of his love for you and keep sharing that with that friend who has not yet responded.
The Preached Word
Chris and John live in our church’s neighborhood and began attending Whitton Avenue last year after a family member had a conversation with one of our church members. In talking with Chris, he shared that his turn toward faith in Christ came as he heard God’s word preached week-in and week-out. This should encourage us in two ways. First, it should encourage us to continue inviting others to our Sunday worship service. While this does not excuse us from sharing the gospel ourselves, it is still a significant way to expose people to the gospel as it is proclaimed and portrayed. Second, it should reaffirm to us the potency of the preached word-whether by me or anyone-as the Spirit’s means of bringing sinners to faith in Jesus.
In each of these arenas, let us be intentional about showing and speaking the gospel, and let us plead with God to grant the hearers of this message to believe it.
Pastor Chris