5th January, 2022.

START THE YEAR ON THE RIGHT FOOT Pt.5

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: KJV

EVANGELIZE

I have interacted with people who told me that they will never go against the wish of their late parents especially the instructions they gave on their dying bed. I remember vividly that my late paternal grandmother instructed they must not put her dead body in ice as she always say. Almost everyone I know takes to heart the last wishes of their departed loved ones. Some are superstitious about it. Do you know that Jesus also gave a last command before ascending to heaven? Yes He did. In Mark 16:15, He said, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature", Mark 16:15.

His last command should be our first priority if we truly care about the words of Jesus. His last command was not for us to organize praise programs even though it is good, He didn't instruct us to build cathedrals and edifices for Him because He doesn't dwell there. Heaven is His abode. Those things are not bad because they are for our convenience but it is unfortunate that it is not God's priority. God's priority is world evangelization, for lost souls to come to the saving knowledge of the risen Christ so that they won't die eternally. 2 Pet 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Three major level of obedience is required of every believer, obedience to "Come unto the Lord" ( salvation), obedience to "Follow Jesus"( discipleship) and obedience to "Go into the world"( evangelism). Everyone is called to do the three.

In this new year, decide to be a soul winner. Preach the gospel of God's redemption to sinners around you. Every sinner is a potential risk and hazard to the righteous if they remain in their sin. The bad boy you fail to win to the Lord may become the armed robber that will threaten your peace and security. Anytime I hear about bandits, insurgents and terrorists, it reminds me of our failure and folly as a church. If we had done the needful by winning those people early enough, they may likely be carrying bibles instead of AK-47. The writer of Proverbs say in 11:30, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise". You don't need to have theological training before you can preach. Sharing of tracts and simple statements like "God loves you, give him your heart" can melt the hardest heart if backed by the Spirit.