After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
- John 20:20-22
In 1995 it was reported that 6,700 Southern Baptist Churches baptized no new converts in the entire year. -Introduction to Evangelism-A. Reid
For the first time in over eight decades, the majority of people in America do not attend or belong to a local church. Church membership has fallen to 47% of Americans attending church, which is a decline from 70% attending in 1999. -Gallup
The evangelistic fervor and spiritual temperature in American congregations is lukewarm at best.
It was after a post resurrection experience with Jesus that His disciples became reinvigorated with faith, filled with the Holy Spirit and then focused themselves on fulfilling the mission of God. Jesus gave them an assignment. Continue His ministry and fulfil His mission.
God is sending His church into the world to share the love of Jesus with every person. To teach and preach the Gospel. To declare that Jesus Christ is the only Savior. To heal those who have experienced brokenness. The church building is not to be the primary "place" of witness in ministry, it is to be the primary "base" of witness in ministry. We enter the church building to worship, we leave the church building to serve.
Tell someone about Jesus.
Prayer
Merciful and Forgiving God, You bought me with a price, and I know that You love me. Thank you! Lord give me the courage not to be ashamed of Your gospel, but to proclaim it with all boldness as often as I can. Lead me to tell others about your salvation. I pray for all those who are disconnected from You and Your love. Use me as your instrument. Your Word is truth, Lord. I will not be ashamed. In Jesus name, Amen.