The pastor's corner for june, 2014

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

I recently reread an article entitled “Back to Our Basics: Recapturing Principles of Evangelism Espoused by John Wesley.” The article was written by Dr. Wesley S. K. Daniel, former Director of Evangelism and International Church Development at the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship. The article caught my attention, in part, because it was about the unique contributions John Wesley, founder of Methodism, made to the church. But mostly it caught my attention because it serves as a reminder to us, the children of God, what we are to be about. Following is an excerpt from the article by Daniel:

“For Wesley, proclaiming the Good News and making new disciples was an imperative task; he did it with a sense of urgency. On one occasion, when he was teaching his lay preachers, he said '...you have nothing to do but save souls....Therefore, spend and be spent in this work....'

For Wesley and his followers, 'saving souls' for Jesus Christ was at the heart of his ministry.

Wesley possessed a deep and sincere passion to share the transforming power of the gospel, preaching the message of conversion unashamedly to the rich, the poor, and the downcast over and over again wherever he went.”

In Matthew 28:19, we read, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,” and in Mark 16:15, it is written “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” I have heard the sharing of the Good News, the message of salvation, referred to as a life-saving knowledge. And that it is! 

I challenge you in the weeks ahead to think about reaching out to someone who has not heard the Gospel Message of salvation. Ask God to lead you to those people who need you to share your faith with them. Be assured- God will help you. “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I echo the words of John Wesley, “We cannot, with a good conscience, neglect the present opportunity of saving souls while we live!!”

Do you remember the song “This Little Light of Mine”?  That song is based on the scriptures in Matthew 5:14-16 - “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

In the Message Bible Matthew 5:14, it says, “God is not a secret to be kept.”

God is a treasure to be shared!!

May it be so for us all.

And All God's Children Said,

“Amen.”