βDo the work of an evangelistβ (II Tim. 4:5).
Paulβs Spirit-inspired injunction in this verse applies indirectly to every believer in Christ. Are not our pastors simply leaders in the work of the Lord? Shall the congregation sit idly by as the pastor alone does βthe work of an evangelist?β God forbid! The pastor is rather to be an example to his flock to go and do likewise.
In days past many people, including the young, carried New Testaments in their pockets wherever they went. Why? They hoped and prayed for opportunities to testify to others about Godβs plan of salvation through Christ and they wanted to show them the way from Scripture. In those days if a Christian failed to have a New Testament with him he was apt to be reproved with the words: βWhat! a soldier without a sword?β By contrast few believers carry New Testaments about with them today, and they certainly donβt carry Bibles!
Some are telling us today that this brand of fundamentalism is out of date and ineffective in these fast-changing times. We reply that all of us ought to get back to this brand of fundamentalism, this earnest effort to personally win souls to Christ by showing them Godβs plan of salvation from the Scriptures.
God help his people in general and each spiritual leader in particular, to βdo the work of an evangelist.β source
