There’s more to it than simply telling someone about Jesus. They need to see Him in our lives, too.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

We move on in our study of the Baptist Faith & Mission. Today, we look at:

XI. Evangelism and Missions

It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.

When we have something too good to keep to ourselves, we want to share it. The Holy Spirit sets up “divine appointments” where He draws people to His followers to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our lives point the way to a different way, His Way. How we treat others is extremely important because it tells the tale of what we truly believe. Jesus said to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). He then said that if we love Him (to love Jesus is to love God; see John 14:9), we will do as He says (John 14:15). Then He said to love one another as He has loved us. By this love the world will know that we are His disciples (John 13:34-35).

We must earn the right to tell them about Jesus. Sometimes, we earn the right for the next person, as in the case of Jim Elliot, who was killed by natives while trying to reach them with the Gospel. His widow went to meet the chief and shared Christ with Him. He and the entire village followed Christ. Who we are has more bearing than what we say. What does this say about our daily lives and how we treat others, especially family? And I was doing so well…

May we preach Christ’s love with our lives and earn the right to tell people about the deep, deep love of Jesus.

Abba, thank You that You are in charge of our “divine appointments.” I try to stay available and to treat others as I would like to be treated. More than that, I want to treat them as fellow brothers and sisters in You (or potential siblings). Rather than see them as targets, I see them as valued children of You, O Heavenly Father, who need Your loving touch through me. May I be Christ to them, Abba. Amen.