The Firefighters

Imagine seeing a group of firefighters sitting outside a burning building with people trapped at a top floor window. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with firefighters resting outside – but not while people are trapped in a burning building! Instead of ignoring their cries, the firefighters should have an overwhelming sense of urgency to rescue them. That’s the spirit that should be behind the task of evangelism. But according to Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ, “ONLY 2 % of Believers in America regularly share their faith with others.” That means that 98 % of the professing Body of Christ are “lukewarm” when it comes to obeying the Great Commission (Mark 16:15). Oswald J. Smith said, “Oh, my friends, we are loaded down with countless church activities, while the real work of the Church, that of evangelizing and winning the lost, is almost entirely neglected.” We have sat comfortable and rested in worship, prayer, and praise and neglected the sober task given to us by God. A firefighter who ignores his responsibilities and allows people to perish in flames is not a firefighter; he is an imposter. How can we ignore our responsibility and allow the world to walk blindly into the fires of hell? If God’s love dwells in us, we must warn them. The Bible tells us to “have compassion…save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” (Jude 22, 23). If we don’t have love and compassion, then we don’t know God – we are imposters (1 John 4:8). Charles Spurgeon said, “Have you no wish for others to be SAVED? Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that.” Please, examine yourself to see if you are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Don’t be part of the great multitudes who called Jesus “Lord”, but refused to obey HIM. It will be professing believers who will hear those fearful words, “I never knew you: depart from me” (Matthew 7:21-23). If God is speaking to you about your lack of evangelistic concern, pray something like this now: Father, please forgive me for my lack of love for this dying world. From this day forward I will strive to be a “TRUE & FAITHFUL WITNESS”. Please become first in my life for everything and wisdom to know what to say to reach the lost. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

(taken from "The Evidence Bible" by Ray Comfort, Bridge Logos Publishers)