Sunday, January 07, 2007
The layperson and evangelisation
A lay-person has innumerable opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ in every situation he finds himself in (personal, familial, societal, political and economic). When he explains, defends and correctly applies Christian principles to them he is evangelising. With reference to the letter “Evangelise by living Christ’s love in our lives” (HERALD Dec 17) the above is true.
The layperson and evangelisation
A lay-person has innumerable opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ in every situation he finds himself in (personal, familial, societal, political and economic). When he explains, defends and correctly applies Christian principles to them he is evangelising. With reference to the letter “Evangelise by living Christ’s love in our lives” (HERALD Dec 17) the above is true.
However, Christ’s command in Matt 28:19,20 is: “Go therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you….”
No! Evangelising is a command that needs to be carried out with zeal, enthusiasm and full faith to all people (as Scripture says ‘to the ends of the earth’)! It entails telling people about: 1) The good news about God (Rom 15:16); 2) The good news of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1); 3) The good news of peace (Eph 6:15); and “the everlasting good news” (Rev 14:6).
These bring conflicts and differences amongst laypersons for “they know not what to do”, being constrained by ethnic, religious, societal, economic and civil considerations. This hinders the Church from fulfilling her mission even assuming goodwill and a sincere desire to “Think with the Church” on the part of laypeople.
Well, well, well! It has been four months since the hyped scenario of the PMPC III.
WHERE ARE WE AT, AND WHERE ARE WE GOING?
WHERE ARE WE AT, AND WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Clarence Abraham
Muar
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