QC and sharing online (1/5/20)
David asked the question: "Is evangelism an individual mandate for Christians?" arising from this blog article.The concern is that some form of guilt ensues if an individual Christian fails to share the gospel.
One response is that our hearts should be motivated by enthusiasm and joy in God's beauty and truth. We should not be picking and choosing what we want to do as a disciple. The apostles could "not help but speak of what (they had) seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). How can we hold back on sharing what will save others? All of us should be able to witness to the reality of Christ in our lives. How else should we act in view of the fact that those we interact with will face an eternity of hell if they do not hear the gospel?
In relation to the idea of 'mandate' as something compulsory, Selwyn mentioned that we live under grace, not the law. So following "the spirit of the law" is loving our neighbours as ourselves and being perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. The requirements on us are in a sense harder. A sense of guilt in not living up to these requirements is sometimes good if we are continually challenged to overcome our weaknesses and sinful tendencies.
I think there are some Biblical foundations to base our response to this question:
Firstly, the Great Commission is clearly 1) is not about evangelism, but about disciplemaking. This involves an initiating event (baptism) as well as ongoing teaching to obey. 2) a mandate for the church, not for individuals. Just as we are not all meant to baptize people, so not all may evangelize.
There are certainly areas of specialised ministry in church (Eph 4:10-16, 1 Cor 12:12-31). God has approportioned gifts and offices according to the working of His Spirit. That means that some of us will major and minor in different roles in church life. Those gifted in a particular ministry will not find the exercise of their gift burdensome or unenjoyable.
1 Pe 3:8-20 reminds us that each believer is in fact called to be ready to defend the reason for our faith out of Christ-oriented hearts and Christ-honouring behaviour. In doing so we are to do it without harshness in order to win arguments, or a superior attitude towards the one we are sharing with.
My conclusion was that I would agree with the 'motion' only if 1) 'evangelism' is defined not only as sharing the facts of the gospel, but as a process where at all times an individual keeps in mind the need to testify to the Lordship of Christ by word and life. There may be appropriate times and inappropriate times to share, but the desire to share should be there. Relationships may need to be built up first before truths can be presented. As a witness to Christ we are not required to persuade, but to tell the truth of His presence and work in our lives. 2) 'mandate' is defined as 'that which is required by the gospel of grace' (see above)
In sharing the gospel we should avoid an attitude that says, "I am not gifted in evangelism so I will not share the gospel". We are asked to be witnesses "whether we like it or not" (says Winnie).
Whether or not we are active in sharing the gospel with unbelievers as a 'major', all of us should be participating actively in the work of disciplemaking.
One response is that our hearts should be motivated by enthusiasm and joy in God's beauty and truth. We should not be picking and choosing what we want to do as a disciple. The apostles could "not help but speak of what (they had) seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). How can we hold back on sharing what will save others? All of us should be able to witness to the reality of Christ in our lives. How else should we act in view of the fact that those we interact with will face an eternity of hell if they do not hear the gospel?
In relation to the idea of 'mandate' as something compulsory, Selwyn mentioned that we live under grace, not the law. So following "the spirit of the law" is loving our neighbours as ourselves and being perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. The requirements on us are in a sense harder. A sense of guilt in not living up to these requirements is sometimes good if we are continually challenged to overcome our weaknesses and sinful tendencies.
I think there are some Biblical foundations to base our response to this question:
Firstly, the Great Commission is clearly 1) is not about evangelism, but about disciplemaking. This involves an initiating event (baptism) as well as ongoing teaching to obey. 2) a mandate for the church, not for individuals. Just as we are not all meant to baptize people, so not all may evangelize.
There are certainly areas of specialised ministry in church (Eph 4:10-16, 1 Cor 12:12-31). God has approportioned gifts and offices according to the working of His Spirit. That means that some of us will major and minor in different roles in church life. Those gifted in a particular ministry will not find the exercise of their gift burdensome or unenjoyable.
1 Pe 3:8-20 reminds us that each believer is in fact called to be ready to defend the reason for our faith out of Christ-oriented hearts and Christ-honouring behaviour. In doing so we are to do it without harshness in order to win arguments, or a superior attitude towards the one we are sharing with.
My conclusion was that I would agree with the 'motion' only if 1) 'evangelism' is defined not only as sharing the facts of the gospel, but as a process where at all times an individual keeps in mind the need to testify to the Lordship of Christ by word and life. There may be appropriate times and inappropriate times to share, but the desire to share should be there. Relationships may need to be built up first before truths can be presented. As a witness to Christ we are not required to persuade, but to tell the truth of His presence and work in our lives. 2) 'mandate' is defined as 'that which is required by the gospel of grace' (see above)
In sharing the gospel we should avoid an attitude that says, "I am not gifted in evangelism so I will not share the gospel". We are asked to be witnesses "whether we like it or not" (says Winnie).
Whether or not we are active in sharing the gospel with unbelievers as a 'major', all of us should be participating actively in the work of disciplemaking.
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