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Are You an Evangelist?
By George Stroh
February 1, 2021
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)
I recently read an article about the increasing number of people openly rejecting traditional faith in God. The author writes, "Around the world, growing numbers of people are rejecting traditional faiths and choosing their own spiritual path. In the US, those who say they are atheist, agnostic or 'nothing in particular' is up from 17% in 2009 to 26% last year. In Britain, according to the most recent data, more than half the population proclaimed no faith in 2018, a figure that rose from 43% to 52% in a decade." True biblical Christianity, of course, is probably not even included in the so called "traditional faiths".
In this letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul encourages him to continue to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, even though his work as an evangelist would get harder. Paul knew that, not only would few listen, but that he could expect increasing apathy and even hostility to sound doctrine; For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3, 4)
Even spiritually blind people who say they don't believe in God are still seeking meaning and purpose in life, and something or someone to believe in. As Christians, we have the unique and very special honor to be God's representatives, proclaiming the gospel truth to those who are spiritually blind; Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
While we still have time, each of us who know Him, need to faithfully continue to proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14)
Maranatha!
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