Havner then asked this very sobering question, "If graves could speak, how they could embarrass us in our fine churches some Sunday morning if all these lost souls, forever past redemption, could file into our sanctuaries and, pointing fingers of eternal scorn, remind us, 'For years I walked your streets, worked beside you, did business with you, lived among you, and never did you warn me of my impending doom nor point me to your Savior!' "
When I read that, I thought to myself, "Boy, wouldn't that shake up a few well-organized orders of worship!" And since our church is located right next to the town cemetery, it might not be so difficult to imagine. But wouldn’t it be even better if we would lift up our eyes and see the people who are still with us, who need to know Jesus?
Landrum P. Leavell, III, and Harold T. Bryson, in their book Evangelism: Christ's Imperative Commission wrote that those of us who follow Christ should ask four soul-searching questions about the Great Commission:
(1) How seriously do I take the command of Christ? (2) How much do I pray about fulfilling the Great Commission? (3) Will I share Christ wherever I go? (4) How much will I dare to share the good news with the nations?
We Baptists like to talk about how we are evangelical, that we are mission-minded and that we care about those who are lost and need salvation. Now is the time for us to focus our efforts here in Utica, and begin by loving others with the love of Christ. Then we should open our mouths and share the Good News of Jesus with them.
Our Revival/Crusade begins next Sunday, November 3, and everyone of us knows someone who needs Jesus. Will you be the one to pray for them and invite them? Your faithful witness may make an eternal difference for them.
--Rocky Henriques, www.uticabc.com