If I ask any Christian , “What is right in the sight of God?” what do you think the answer would be? Well, I believe that most believers would say something like, not committing sin, praying and fasting, praising and worshiping, having faith, possessing the fruits of the spirit, etc. All these things are seen as good because doing them pleases God. But often times we don’t hear evangelism being mentioned in this list and if it does, it is last on the list. Do you know why, because we think the initial things listed can directly affect our access to heaven so we place greater focus on them.
But as Christians we should not place greater priority on the things which debar us from seeing Gods face. But our priority should be on pleasing God in all the things He says is important to Him. Now let’s explore this in the context of Evangelism because this is to me where the heart of the God of Love is.
But before we do, let me provide a prelude to the scripture.
The backdrop of following scripture is when Peter and John healed the lame beggar at the temple gates who then went inside and praised and worshiped God for his physical and spiritual deliverance. Then hearing about this the rulers, elders, teachers, High Priest and Jewish Court (Sanhedrin Counsel) did not like that the man was healed and the apostles were preaching in the name of Jesus. So they put Peter and John in prison then called them before them the next day.
Acts 4:13-31 (KJV)
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
What I love about this passage of scripture is how it starts. Peter and John spoke with boldness and conviction. They were standing before the highest spiritual leaders in the land, yet still simple unlearned fishermen expounded with boldness. There is a great lesson here, no matter who we stand before we can speak forth the word of God with boldness and shamelessness.
What I like even more than this is that the Sanhedrin Counsel took note that Peter and John was with Jesus. In the same way my prayer is that encounters with you and I when interacting with the lost are the same. When they see us, they will realize that it is not us that are doing anything, but Jesus Christ that lives within us who is making ALL the difference.
So in the context of evangelism what pleases God? Sharing the knowledge of God with boldness and giving Him the glory by letting others see Him in us.
Even in the face of serious treats Peter and John were not dissuaded from proclaiming the word of God. Actually the opposite happened, the treats made them have more purpose and vigor to spread the word of the Lord. Their hearts were fixed on not letting anything stop them from spreading the word of the Lord. They could not help (v20) but tell someone about Jesus because this passion was etched in their souls!
Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. I want to repeat that, this is why Jesus came, to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). After Adam and Eve sinned in the garden God initiated His predestined master plan, by killing His son to save the world. Saving the world is so important to God he murdered his only begotten son to redeem it. It was life for life, Jesus life to save our lives.
If our God can go to this extent to save the lost, then it speaks volumes as to how important soul winning is to Him. So without a shadow of a doubt, if we in turn apply the Godly principle of evangelism, our Heavenly Father will be well pleased. Imagine God saying to us what he said to Jesus (Matthew 3:17) when we do what is right in His eyes, “this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased”.
When God is well pleased with us one main thing happens i.e he shares more of himself by showering us with a greater infilling of the Holy Spirit (v31). Getting more of God’s Holy Spirit is a confirmation and reward for doing what is right.
My dear friends, let us continue to do what is right in the eyes of God in all aspects by widening our service/servitude to Him, especially in the area that God values as precious – Evangelism.
I leave you with the following scripture:
Proverbs 11:30 (KJV) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
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