EVIDENCE TO BE AN EVANGELIST

I've been asked to write twelve articles for The StraitWay using the theme of evidence. This writing seeks evidence for a man to consider in the decision to preach the gospel, to be an evangelist. This publication is designed to encourage those who are or would be gospel preachers. All men are not expected to preach. An old song says says that "there is work for every Christian in the vineyard of the Lord. This discussion is not meant to detract from the truth that saints of all ages, male or female have important roles. We address young men, but men of mature years may well be pondering the decision to preach.

Firstly, is preaching simply an option, a choice among several? If so the evidence is clearly against preaching. Paul's charge in 2 Timothy 4:1-2 is that the word should be preached regardless of reception. Reproof and rebuke are required in preaching. A simple option will not furnish the determination of a clearly made choice. Jeremiah 20:9 discovers the word filling the prophet's heart like "a burning fire shut up in my bones," so much that he could not endure it! He HAD to preach. Preachers partially paid are not. "part-time" preachers. Preachers must.preach. There will be discouraging times.

This raises a second point of inquiry. Can I work alone? Will I be able to deal only with the word regardless of how it is received? Only experience will tell, but we know something of ourselves. 1 Timothy 4:1 indicates some will receive preaching and later reject it for something more attractive. This rejection will likely include the preacher.

Finally am I willing to give the time needed for study? Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:15 concerning giving diligence (KJV study) to properly understand and apply the scriptures. A personal view is offered here. The preacher who feels he has studied enough has the wrong feeling. This security the gospel preacher must avoid. Still one must feel secure in his preaching, Paul knew, was sure of, what he believed according to 2 Timothy 1:12.