Excuses Week 44, 2012

Are you going for ward evangelism? “No.” Why not? “I have an urgent task to perform after service...” Is it so urgent that you cannot spare ten to fifteen minutes to share with those in the ward? You know that is why we are primarily set up: to minister to those in this environment. “And we are ministering to them now. Are they not free to come to church, don’t we pray for them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord? Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord Jas 5:14(ESV). Do we not get testimonies of their healing? And I think we may even help some of them occasionally materially. We reach out to them.” It is true we are involved in these things, but that is not the primary focus. “What do you mean?” God expects us to cater for their spiritual needs, specifically for their need to be born again. They need to hear the gospel by their bedside. “Listen: you cannot force the gospel down anyone’s’ throat, after all the bible says: The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price Rev 22:17(ESV), so let as many of them come and they will be ministered to. All are free to come; I have never driven anyone away from church.” Look brother: the same Bible which says to them come asks us specifically to go to them: Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: Mat 28:19 (GNB). When the bible says they should come it is not actually the church building it is referring to but to Jesus... “And is Jesus not here?” He is, but we are commanded by Christ to go to them with the message again and again. "Go and stand in the temple and keep on telling the people the whole message about this life." Act 5:20(ISV). “Well I don’t need to be there for the message; you people just go ahead without me. There are more than enough people to go round the wards and minister. If I went with you I may not even get to speak to one person at all.” Haba now, don’t you realise your coming along alone makes you a partner. David said: For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike 1Sa 30:24(ESV). “In that case I really need not come.” What do you mean? “These David’s men did not go along but got equally rewarded, so I will just stay back, look after your stuff and be praying for you.” Stop giving excuses man!