Let it never be said that the people of God at 9th & Main are not evangelistic or inviting. Let it be said that the people of God at 9th & Main are striving to be a people who are inviting through their godly lives, the word of God and their good works. Friends, as we consider our theme for this month, we want to be mindful of the great commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. We want to keep lost souls in the forefront of our minds and do our best to seek and save the lost. When we do these beautiful things for our God and Blessed Savior, we are then a sweet smelling aroma unto them. Let’s increase our efforts in evangelism.

As the people of God, we want to begin our evangelism efforts in the home. We are fully aware of the slogan, “go ye means go me.” We know the intent of that saying is to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature as Jesus stated in Mark 16.15-16. But, many have forgotten their families and have failed to teach them the fundamentals of the faith leaving many spiritually desolate. The scriptures remind us of Noah and how he built the ark to the saving of his house (Heb. 11.7). This is vitally important for it tells us the need to ensure spiritual education in the home.

“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Heb. 11.7). Notice the text again for encouragement purposes. His preparing the ark was for the saving of HIS household. This implies the family not only seeing the example of their father but also hearing the words of and from this righteous man of God. Remember the words of Peter and what he called Noah: “a preacher of righteousness” (2 Pet. 2.5).  We can be sure he taught his children the ways of God for they were inside the ark . We need more fathers preparing and building their homes on godliness and morality.

After we have built the home on the word of God, then we can transition to those in our extended family. We know the words of Jesus and what He said about family. Notice His words: “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house” (Mark 6.4). Even though this is the case, the gospel message must continue to go out to the family. We have to give them the opportunity to accept or reject the great invitation of our Master and Lord. Remember the words of Jesus: “Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11.28). Those in our extended family should see our conviction in Christ through our love for His commands, His leadership and His love for us. It is just another way to increase our efforts in evangelism to our families to the glory and honor of God.

As we take the good news to the world around us, let us be mindful of the good works we can involve ourselves in throughout the community. Remember the words of Luke and what he said about Jesus: “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10.38). The church of Christ was created for good works and we must be sure to walk in them as Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus to do (Eph. 2.10). The community is always looking for someone to aid them in doing good. We must use those opportunities to glorify God and promote His righteousness (Eph. 3.20-21). Are we looking for opportunities to serve? Are our servant eyes open to the needs of our fellow man? Are we so focused upon ourselves that opportunities to do good slip by us unknowingly? Let’s glorify God and seek to build up each other.

Finally, as the church of Christ at 9th & Main, we should increase our efforts in evangelism on every front. Let us use the materials on the walls and write to those who are in need of an encouraging word. Let us take full advantage of the study materials we have and genuinely seek studies with our neighbors. Remember what Peter said about that: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3.9). If we are evangelistic as the Lord commanded, we will see our courage, character and climate increase when we come together as the people of God at 9th & Main. We simply want to increase our efforts in evangelism. God is true.