The Answer to Most Problems

Until his death a few years ago, C.E. McGaughey was loved and respected throughout the entire brotherhood. He was one of my favorite preachers. He loved the word of God and knew how to preach it effectively in love and simplicity.

Someone told me that once while speaking on a lectureship in Texas, brother McGaughey said that the solution to every problem in a local congregation is evangelism. To a great  degree, I  am  persuaded that he was right.

With few exceptions, all  congregations   face   the   same   problems—poor attendance, poor giving, poor interest, lack of enthusiasm, lack of real commitment, many dropouts, loss of many young people and only a few conversions each year.

But can you imagine the change if every member of every congregation should become vitally concerned with the salvation of lost souls and determined to do something about it? What would happen if a large number of the members came to the elders and assured them of their fullest support in trying to reach the lost in both the local community and throughout the world?

Can you imagine the interest and enthusiasm in Bible classes and worship if all Christians really became involved in trying to lead others to the Lord? Do you think prayer would be a formality? Do you think the preaching of God’s word would be dull and meaningless? Can you imagine a large group coming together  to pray for strength and wisdom in reaching the lost in the local community? Can you imagine a business meeting when the only item discussed is how to reach the lost with the gospel effectively?

Is this not what God wants us to be doing? Should not this be our top priority? Can we truthfully claim to be the church of the New Testament until we make evangelism the very heart and center of our lives?  —C.W. Bradley, via AIM