GRANT COUNTY CHURCH OF CHRIST
OCTOBER 19,2008

EVANGELISM WITHOUT DOOR-KNOCKING

Jerry Carmichael

Perhaps the most feared method of evangelism among our members is what is commonly called the “Door-Knocking Campaign.” This is an effort in which the whole congregation meets at designated times in an effort to “canvass” the neighborhood, knocking on doors and talking to our neighbors about Jesus. The denominations, especially the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Mormons have used this method effectively for many years.
The campaign method was very popular and very effective among churches of Christ from the mid-1940’s to the mid-1980’s. Campaigns are still conducted every year by many congregations. However, the number of campaigns by our brethren has diminished drastically.
While campaigning is, in many cases, a very good method of evangelism, somewhere along the way we seem to have left the impression that it is the only effective way to evangelize. In fact, there are many other effective methods.
The word “evangelize” is from the compound word, “euangelistes” meaning “a messenger of good things." The message we are to share with the world is salvation from our sins, and eternal life through the blood of Jesus!
Besides door-knocking, what are some other effective ways to share this good news with the world? The apostle Paul did it publicly and from house to house (Acts 20:20). Cornelious, Lydia; and the Philippian jailer all invited their families and friends to hear the gospel as it was being taught in their homes (Acts 16). Andrew invited his brother Peter to come and meet the Christ (John 1:40-42).
There are many ways to evangelize other than knocking doors. One could invite people to church services. This makes sense because most of the people we baptize are those who are already attending the services!
Although it is an impersonal method, if one can do no other type of evangelism, he could at least hand out tracts and Bible literature. Some have obeyed after simply reading the truth for themselves!
We can also evangelize by talking to our family and friends about their souls. We talk to them about the weather and sports, why not talk to them about the most important thing in their lives! Friendship evangelism is also a very effective method.
“As you go” evangelism is another very effective method. Ask the waitress where she goes to church; the plumber; the electrician; the garbage man; and the clerk in the store. They all have souls and they all are lost if they are not Christians.
One of the most effective methods is that of a good Christian influence! Wise people often follow good examples (Matthew 5:16).
Any Christian can be an effective soul winner /evangelist. Simply find the method that is best for you and use it!


CHRISTIANS HAVE WON THE ELECTION!

The election of a new president and other government officials comes around every four years in our country. What a blessing! What a privilege! To know that we can have a hand in determining the leaders of our nation and therefore the direction of our country, is an awesome responsibility. You and I are truly blessed to be citizens of this great nation. We have the freedom to express our thinking and beliefs without reprisal. I can write this article without fear of someone trying to shut us down and keep us from sending the message of truth in the gospel of Christ throughout the land. This freedom, however, does not exist in many other countries.
There is another kind of election in which every Christian is involved. It is an election in which he or she has already won. Christians are referred to in the New Testament as the “chosen” and the “elected.” Here are just a few sample verses: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy,” 1 Peter 2:9-10 and, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering,” Colossians 3:12.
God has elected His people throughout biblical history. Israel was identified by God as His “elect” when He chose Abraham to be the father of a new generation that would eventually bring forth the promised Messiah. God promised that Abraham’s seed would bless all nations. Christians are by faith the spiritual descendents of Abraham, because they believe the promise was fulfilled in Christ, and they follow His plan and do His will (Galatians 3:7-9; 26-29).
Election means responsibility. Those who have been elected as our officials in our country have had to take on an honorable and awesome responsibility. I cannot even imagine the burden presidents and other officials have had to bear, especially in times of crises. When God chose Israel, they became responsible for their devotion to God. Their responsibility involved proper worship, keeping His laws, keeping themselves separated from the evils of the pagan world around them, and trust in God no matter the circumstances. The same is true of the elected Christian. The children of Israel were redeemed from


bondage and eventually brought into the promised land. Christians are people who have been redeemed from sin by the precious blood of Jesus and will eventually live in the promised land of heaven throughout all of eternity. In the meantime, we must remain faithful as His elected.
God chose His Son to redeem us and all those who have chosen to live faithfully to Him throughout all the ages. The church is New Testament Israel. We are the elect of God “that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles of God in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith,” Gal. 3:14. By His grace we were chosen before the foundation of this earth (Eph. 1:4).
However, we must make our election sure. This can be done only “if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister,” Col. 1:23. God tells us although we have been elected because of our obedience to Him, we too, like the Israelites can be “cut off” (Rom. 11:22).
Christians have been elected by God by His grace through our faith. This was made possible by the price He paid for us. We need, therefore, to do everything we can to “make our calling and election sure.” This includes our worship to God, fellowshipping with the saints, not pursuing the evils of the world around us, and trusting in God and His word at all times. Thank you God for all of the opportunities you give to us to make our election sure!
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