Heralding the Gospel in our Jerusalem

Matt Chandler:

If we go on a mission trip to Mexico or Africa, we’re bold for Jesus. But as soon as someone asks us to evangelize to our neighbor, we squirm. I don’t know that we’ll ever be comfortable heralding the news, but what’s great about the gospel is that the gospel does the gospel’s work.

No one has to be an expert. I’m not encouraging anyone to be dumb. We should know the Word of God. It’s smart to have answers, but we don’t have to have all the answers. I’ve never cornered and checkmated someone in an argument and then seen that person break down, repent and ask Christ into their heart.

So why are we bold in Samaria, bold to the uttermost parts of the earth but not bold in our own front yards? What is at the root of our attitude?

We lack a deep understanding of God’s grace. For when we understand grace and who God is and what He has done, then we’re far more excited about His delight in us and His forgiveness and, in turn, we’re far more excited to be witnesses to this forgiveness not only in Judea and Samaria, but also Jerusalem.

Will we enter into the great drama that’s unfolding before us? Will we answer the invitation to be a part of something infinitely larger than ourselves? Will we fulfill our responsibility in our Jerusalem – in our neighborhoods, workplaces and circles of friends– to be heralds of Christ’s grace and mercy?

We must search our hearts and let the Holy Spirit soften the hard places. We must ask for a deeper understanding of and gratefulness for God’s grace. Because when all is said and done, there’s one song that’s sung in heaven, and we’re not mentioned. In God’s eyes, there’s one Church, and we’re a part of it. It’s all about grace.

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