Through your prayers and giving, you are our partners in proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that we would continue to do so with all boldness and without hindrance!
“...Believe and you will be saved”. It is a promise the preacher is authorised to make, but it is not the preacher’s promise. It is God’s promise, and it is to be given ‘promiscuously and without distinction’ to all who hear the gospel.” Mark Hope believes these words, taken from a book he has recently found helpful, Compel Them to Come In by Donald Macleod. A good thing too - Mark is an evangelist in Wiltshire, and the free offer of the gospel is an important part of evangelism. But he worries that people don’t respond, and wonders if the Lord is not blessing the work because he is not faithful enough. He has examined himself, and is determined to persevere in proclaiming Christ, but with more boldness, striving for greater intentionality in presenting a compelling call to receive the free offer of salvation in Christ.
Having examined himself though, Mark must also look at the churches he serves. After all, an important aspect of the work of an evangelist is in fact equipping others to do evangelism. He is concerned when behaviour within the church creates unnecessary obstacles to gospel proclamation. This is not even so much a matter of what people are doing wrong, but what they are not doing at all: for example, when some who are prominent and influential in church life lack the desire to break from human traditions and step out in faith to “by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).
But the gospel itself proceeds unhindered. Mark has been encouraged to witness Christians of all ages willing and eager to push through open doors and serve the Lord in different ways. Even with social distancing regulations, there has been a very positive level of gospel engagement with people on the streets. At a human level, in our present COVID-19 environment, Mark had thought that people would be totally adverse to joining others in public worship. But no, those invited to church gatherings and complete strangers continue to come in (and stay) under the gospel ministry. Whatever the weaknesses of an evangelist or churches, the gospel remains “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). In fact, it calls weak people especially: “ Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Pray that Mark’s ministry would be characterised by both faithfulness and fruitfulness, to the glory of God in the salvation of the lost.
Pray that God would bless Mark and the churches he serves with increased boldness, and greater clarity in warmly and winsomely compelling people to trust in Christ for salvation.
Pray for Mark and the churches he serves to move forward with greater vision and stronger faith to try new avenues of outreach.
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