GRANT COUNTY CHURCH OF CHRIST
FEBRUARY 15, 2009
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For Success In Evangelism
(Maintain A Positive Attitude)

It is important to maintain certain perspectives while engaging in the enterprise we call "evangelism." Many people start out with great enthusiasm, but often get discouraged and in some cases become apathetic. This happens even to those who are highly skilled in teaching others.
What follows are some perspectives that will help us keep a positive attitude about doing personal work.

THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD IS AT WORK!
In nearly every example of conversion found in the Book of Acts, God worked in some way to create the opportunity for the person to hear the gospel. For example, Philip was sent toward Gaza where he would meet the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8). The Lord saw to it that Saul and Ananias would get together (Acts 9); likewise, that the household of Cornelius would have a chance to hear the gospel from Peter (Acts 10). The evangelization of Europe that started with the conversion of Lydia and the Philippian Jailor occurred after the "Macedonian Call" led Paul and his companions in that direction (Acts 16).

GOD "OPENS DOORS" FOR PREPARED WORKERS!
The Scriptures often speak of the Lord "opening doors" for His servants who are ready to serve Him. Paul wrote about an "open door" of opportunity that prompted him to remain longer at Ephesus (1Co 16:9). He even wrote of one occasion where there was an "open door," but circumstances were such that he did not take advantage of it (2Co 2: 12-13).

PRAYER IS THE "CATALYST" IN EVANGELISM!
If the providence of God is at work and it involves the lives of those who are prepared to be used as well as those who are seeking the truth, it should be easy to see that prayer would play an important role. In the conversion of Cornelius, it was his prayers that prompted God to take notice (Ac 10:1-4), and it was a man given to prayer that the Lord chose to use in order to reach him (Ac 10:9).

THE POWER IS IN THE SEED (WORD)!
The "Word of God" has always been capable of influencing people, accomplishing its intended purpose (Isa 55:10-11). As the author of Hebrews wrote, it is both "alive and powerful" (He 4:12). This is especially true of the GOSPEL OF CHRIST, the "power of God unto salvation" (Ro 1:16).

THE RESULTS DEPEND UPON THE TYPE OF SOIL!
In the Parable of The Sower, we see that the same seed, when sown, produced different results. One result was no reaction whatsoever. Two others had only temporary success. Only one out of the four resulted in bearing fruit! Where lies the blame?
Upon the SEED? No!
Upon the SOWER? No!
Upon the TYPE OF SOIL? Yes!
This illustrates where the area of responsibility lies. The SOWER fulfills his responsibility by sowing the seed (Eze 3:17-19). If the SOIL rejects the seed, the soil is responsible; the sower should not feel accountable (Mt 10:14-15; Ac 13:44-46).

THE PLACE OF THE SOWER
As illustrated in the parable and elsewhere, we are simply "SEED- THROWERS" and "WATER-BOYS" (cf. 1Co 3:5-7). One may plant the seed, another may water, but it is GOD (through His Word in a receptive heart) Who gives the increase! Because of this, there is no place for boasting about numbers of people being converted.
But there is another significance to this. God can even use "DEFECTIVE" seed-throwers (cf. Php 1:15-18). Not only defective in MOTIVE (as seen in the text), but also in EXPERIENCE! This is because the POWER is in the SEED, not the SOWER!
Therefore we should not feel like we have to be an accomplished salesman to present the Gospel. Even those who tremble and may not be eloquent can be used by the Lord to reach others (cf. 1Co 2:1-5).

THE PRINCIPLE OF SOWING AND REAPING
In 2Co 9:6 we find this principle stated, and it easily seen in many different areas of life:
In SALES, the ratio of success is often one sale out of nine calls.
In ACTING, the ratio can be as high as one job out of thirty auditions, even for successful actors.
 

In THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER, only one out of four produced favorable results.
Successful people in different walks of life understand that the key to success is to increase the number of their efforts. The conclusion for us is obvious: If we desire to REAP more, we must be willing to SOW more! Many people fail in the area of evangelism because they "sow sparingly" and get discouraged by the meager results.

QUITE OFTEN, ONE SOWS AND ANOTHER REAPS!
Winning souls involves both "sowing" and "reaping." Jesus used these terms in talking to His disciples as recorded in Jn 4:35-38. Exactly what is the difference between "sowing" and "reaping?"
Sowing is the work necessary to one day being able to reap! In agriculture, sowing involves preparing the soil and planting the seed. In winning souls to Christ, sowing likewise involves preparation and planting:
In which the hearts are being prepared for the reception of the gospel
In which the hearts are first introduced to the gospel and its principles
What is important to appreciate is the statement quoted by Jesus in Jn 4:37, "One sows and another reaps."
The point to keep in mind is that evangelism involves both "sowing" and "reaping," and there will be times when what you sow will be reaped by someone else. Let this be an encouragement to you when it appears that you are not reaping as you would hope. You might actually be making it much easier for some brother or sister in the future!
An important element of success in personal work is perseverance. Those who persist in sowing the seed eventually bear fruit. The problem with many people is wrong perspectives and negative attitudes. That translates into failure, no matter what the task is at hand.
I hope that the perspectives shared above can help us maintain the positive attitude necessary to persevere until Harvest Time is no more!