The Gospel in the Quiet – Portsmouth Evangelism
Result-driven evangelism focuses on numbers, crowds, and decisions; biblical evangelism focuses on the gospel proclaimed. If we were result-driven in our evangelism, then today would have been discouraging, as Portsmouth was quiet. But, since we focus on biblical evangelism, we rejoice that a few people heard the good news.
Due to the summer holidays and weather, things were quiet in the city centre. Usually, there'd be lots of people walking around, but today it wasn’t busy. Each member of the team commented on the change from the last time we were here. Yet, we rejoice that God still was at work. Tracts were taken, conversations took place, people listened to the preaching, and people took copies of God’s Word.
As usual, the Free Bible table acted as a magnet to draw people in. It was good to see numerous people stop to browse the literature and take material that addressed their questions and concerns.
Roger was the first preacher for the day. As usual, he did a good job of explaining the good news of salvation. Shortly after Roger finished preaching, it was my turn to speak; my message was on, 'Who is Jesus Christ?' A few people listened to snippets, and others took tracts from team members. After the message, two Romanian men engaged Roger in conversation. Thankfully, we had gospel literature in their language.
Around this time, we met a professing Christian who was wearing several crosses and carrying a rosary. The first thing he asked us was, “Do you believe we are in the end times?” He then went on to talk about different things he had discovered that have helped him come up with a date for the return of Jesus. All of what he said was speculative and unbiblical. I tried to address some of his errors, but this man was convinced he was right, and nothing would change his view.
As we came towards the end of the outreach, I preached again, this time on, 'The Way to Heaven.' As I preached, I was encouraged to notice people sit down to listen. Others paused, listened for a few minutes, and then continued on their way. One lady listened to the preaching, then while I was still speaking came up to the board to take literature.
When the outreach finished, I remembered the words of Jesus in John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.” The sheep in Portsmouth would have heard the voice of Jesus today; I don’t know who they are, but I rejoice that the Shepherd does. Please pray for all those who heard the good news.
SDG!