Evangelism's Catalyst

2 Corinthians 5:11 "Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men."

If someone should ask me, "What would you do if you were to teach a class on evangelism?" I would respond with a bit of a dumbfounded look. How can you teach such a subject? Sure you can give hints on methods or specific techniques, but really, can you teach such a thing?

Paul had it right. Evangelism isn't learned in the classroom so much as it is a geyser that springs from the heart. It is only after you "know the fear of the Lord," that you will be inclined, enabled, and equipped to engage in such a venture.

It isn't until after you fear God--tremble at his word, revere him in his holiness--that you would even utter anything on his behalf. One who is flippant about Christianity will never suit as a messenger. They don't care about the message and they don't care about its author!

What would I do to teach evangelism? I would teach the gospel. I would give courses on solid, old-fashioned theology. If your heart burns as this kindling is set upon it, then I need only push you out the door. Evangelism will then take place naturally. Sparks lead to forest fires. Dead coals simply sit there.

CH Spurgeon took men off the street to train them to be preachers. If they were filled with zeal, the love of God, and a desire to honor Him, he would fill them with the knowledge they needed. Those, he thought, were the preachers--the raw materials for revival were there! If they were filled with knowledge but lacked holiness & passion, they were not worthy of Spurgeon's time. (I give that a hearty AMEN!)

Perhaps this is what is wrong with the church in America. We have no God fearers in our pulpits and pews. We do not have men who know the fear of God. Many have heard of it, but few really know it. If we had men who knew the fear of God, then would we not have the word of God persuading men?

Most Holy God, give us more men and women endowed with this heavenly virtue. Let us know the fear of you, that your Name may be known around the world.