If evangelism is not a priority in your life, should it be?

Christ clearly instructed His followers to evangelize. Matthew 28:18-20 is one of the most frequently cited Bible passages on evangelism. In it, Christ is speaking to His disciples immediately before He ascends to heaven. His time on earth, His time of direct instruction is over. What is the message He decides must be repeated? "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you..." (NASB).

I am so thankful that no excuses kept his disciples in the upper room. Instead, they obediently went out and spread the truth of the gospel.

Though Matthew 28 is one of the most frequently quoted scriptures commanding us to evangelize, it's not the only one. Here are some others that leave room for no excuses:

• Proverbs 11:30, speaks of attracting the trust and honor of others through wisdom. As Christians, what can be more wise than teaching someone how to prepare for eternity?
• Daniel 12:3 says, "Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."
• Acts 1:7-8 records another quote from Christ to his disciples, "...you shall by My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."
• 2 Timothy 4:1-2 tells us to "preach the word in and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction."
• 1 Peter 3:15 says, "...sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."

Our mission is clear. God repeated it numerous times. We are to:

• Help others discern the truth.
• Share the good news of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Preach the Word.
• Be ready to make a defense.
• To shine brightly and lead others to Christ.

I don't know about you, but when God tells me to do something this many times, I believe He means it! I believe He wants sharing the gospel to be a priority for believers. Please make it a priority in your life.

It's not a priority right now, is no excuse.

So, you're afraid that you might make someone uncomfortable for a few minutes, and that they'll hold that against you.

Which is more likely: that they'll hold a grudge for asking them a few questions, or for letting them go to hell for eternity?

Think about what hell is like:

• Matthew 25:41, "Depart from Me... into the eternal fire..."
• Luke 13:28, "...there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth..."
• Luke 16:23-24, "...I am in agony in this flame."
• 2 Thessalonians 1:9, "...eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord..."

Which is worse, making someone uncomfortable for a few minutes (during which time they can leave whenever they want) or knowing that they will be uncomfortable for eternity? Remember, on Judgment Day no excuses about good works or good deeds will wash them free of sin, only faith in Christ can save them.

Chances are you're actually sensitive to societal pressures that say you're intolerant and shouldn't "push your views" on anyone.

Oddly, the fact that someone makes these point demonstrates that they are willing to push their views on you. They want Christians to be tolerant and quiet. They can be as noisy and pushy as they wish to accomplish these goals. They push an intolerant position on us. Not very enlightened. Not very tolerant.

Remember, you are not telling people they must accept your views. Views and beliefs don't matter. Truth does. You are sharing the gospel, Christ's message. God's truth. This has nothing to do with opinion or belief. On Judgment Day, opinion and belief will slam head-first into the no excuses Truth of God's Word.

If you share the gospel in love, you will not offend anyone. If they feel uncomfortable, it's probably because their conscience (con means "with", science means "knowledge") is screaming inside their head, revealing the uncomfortable truth of their fallen condition.

In a simplistic way, sharing the gospel is like taking a medication or having corrective surgery. It might be uncomfortable and come with certain risks, but the rewards outweigh the dangers.

I don't want to alienate anyone, is no excuse.

Fear is an emotion. It's a feeling. In fact, it's a feeling from your own mind.

Of course, there are times when rear can serve to save you. If you're walking in the woods and hear an animal growl, you're fear focuses your attention and provides increased energy for fighting to fleeing. But, we're evangelism involves neither flight or fight. It involves standing for truth in a loving way. Fear has no place here, but it can creep into your mind.

It may help to know that you're not alone, and that you can overcome fear. In fact, you almost certainly have already.

Did you know that one of the greatest evangelists, Paul, was fear filled?

1 Corinthians 2: 1-45, tells how Paul was afraid. He was so afraid that he literally trembled. He did not have eloquent speaking skills, he had only the truth. How did he overcome his fear? With determination. With prayer. By deciding that no excuses were powerful enough to hold him back. With certainty of the truth. Paul tells us that such fearful witnessing actually demonstrates the Spirit and power of God.

How can you overcome the fear? One way is to see how have you already done so. What other times in your life did you decide that no excuses, including fear, would keep you from acting?

Have you ever been nervous or scared before going to the dentist, riding a roller coaster, taking a driving test, or going on a date? How did you overcome the fear? How did you convince yourself that action was worth the reward? In the same way, you can overcome the fear of witnessing. More so, you can rely on the assistance of the Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."

You need only faith.

George Mueller said, "The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety."

The Bible says, in Acts 4:13, "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

Put your trust in Christ. Speak the plain truth. You'll get over your fear, and people will be astonished.

I'm afraid, is no excuse.

Are you trying to make disciples of Christ, or yourself?

The Bible does not say to get others to live like we do, but to turn their life over to Christ. Matthew 28:19-20 specifically tells us to "go... make... baptize... teach..." Each of these is an verb, an action word.

You should, of course, live your life in a way that demonstrates your faith. Your life should glorify God, but don't let your obedience end there.

Christ did not wait for people to approach Him and ask something like, "Gee, You seem different from others, why is that?" He engaged in conversation with those around Him (John 4:7-26). Paul did not sit at home and wait for people to knock on his door, no excuses kept him from engaging people in dialogue in the synagogues and the marketplace (Acts 17). Other gospel accounts speak of going door to door and using the written word to evangelize (today many people use gospel tracts to evangelize) (John 20:31, and other passages).

Even if you remain convinced that you'll live for Christ and only share when someone finally asks, what will you say? You must "be ready" to give a defense. As long as you're ready, why not go and tell?

I witness with my actions and lifestyle, is no excuse.

I joined Netflix.com after a friend told me how great she thought their service was.

How many iPods were sold after friends bragged about them? How many wheelie shoes are sold by kids showing them off at the park, or the mall? How many copies of Harry Potter were sold based on what friends told other friends? How many cell phones are sold because, "everyone else uses them?"

In the secular world that's called "Buzz" or "word of mouth advertising."

If you speak passionately about something, people listen. If you speak passionately about Christ, people will listen. Romans 10:14-15 says, "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?"

I remember witnessing to a young man named Jimmy at a vacation spot. He was rather flippant and sarcastic with his answers to my questions, until he realized I was serious. Until he realized my passion. Until he realized I was talking about a very real heaven and a very real hell, and no excuses would get him past Judgment Day. After that, he was very focused.

You may not realize the impact you have. You can't see the impact Christ can have in a life after you walk away. That's OK. Your job is to be obedient, not to witness all that Christ does.

There is a man in Australia who, for years, handed out tracts by asking people "If you died tonight, are you 100% certain you’d go to heaven?" It was many years later before he found out that many, many people came to know Christ after receiving one of his tracts.

If you believe the Bible, you must believe in Hell. If you believe in Hell, no excuses should stop you from sharing the gospel with others. Do you want them to care now, when they end up in hell, or when they meet you again in heaven?

They don't care what I think, is no excuse

How many questions did you have before accepting Christ? How many answers were needed for the Holy Spirit to work in your own heart?

If you asked any questions at all, which one mattered the most? Because you must have the answers to all of those questions. So, you're probably more prepared than you think.

In addition, you know Christ, and the lost person does not. So, who knows more about Christ? You or the lost person?

In addition, the simple truth is, every time you witness to people you will learn more about your own faith. If they ask questions, you make a note of them and get answers. In fact, this is the perfect way to start your next conversation about the gospel. "Hey Bob, remember that question you had? Well, I looked up the answer.." As you discuss your faith with them, questions may pop into your own head. Go home and get the answers.

The Bible is your primary source of information. If you're worried that you can't answer Biblical questions, then you need to also ask yourself if you're spending enough time in The Word. As a believer, scripture tells you to dwell on God's Word, to write His Word on your heart. No excuses here either, just read the Bible every day.

If you get someone who makes brash statements, ask "Where do you get your information?" or "How do you know that to be true?" Then get back to the truth and the gospel.

Finally, there are fantastic reference materials available for the studious Christian. Stop by your church library, or ask your church evangelist for book lists and Internet sites.

No one who wants to play a sport just goes out and plays. They practice. Practice means trying, recognizing weaknesses, and working to correct those weaknesses. Witnessing is the same way. You'll improve if you practice. Thankfully, as you practice, Christ is glorified!

What if I can't answer their questions, is no excuse.

Sadly, this is a common misconception.

Many people believe that as others age, they realize their lost condition and turn to God. Statistics tell a sobering, completely different, story.

• If a person has not accepted Christ by the time he or she is 18 years old, there is an 85% chance they never will!
• If a person has not accepted Christ by the time he or she is 21 years old, there is a 90% chance they never will!

In addition, you must remember that age is no guarantee of old age. People die every day.

How many? Here are a couple more startling statistics:

• About two people die every second, 150,000 every day!
• 66% of the world's population self-report as non-Christian.

When you put these two statistics together you realize that about one non-Christian dies per second. What happens to them? If you believe in the Bible, you know what happens, they spend eternity in hell.

Age is no requirement for death. God does not promise long life. In fact, the Bible warns us that our time of death is unknowable by men.

The Bible says: "He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority..." (Acts 1:7-8); "No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death;" (Ecclesiastes 8:8); and, "...you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." (Matthew 24:44).

Every day the news is filled with stories the prove these Scriptures true: The Minnesota Bridge collapse; The Virginia Tech slayings; the September 11th attacks; murders, natural disaster, and illness.

Unfortunately, all people do not find God later in life. Unfortunately, all people do not live a long life.

The fields are ready for harvest now. Go share the gospel now!

Most people find God later in life, is no excuse.