 The
Proclaimer
Each One Won One
When we look at the beginning of the church in
the first century we can’t help but be impressed, even astonished, at the
enormous growth that occurred. Why is it that we do not see that kind of
growth today? I think there are a number of reasons why more people are not
converted to the Lord today. The affluence of our society as well as the
worldly influence, liberality and humanism of the media (T.V., movies, etc.)
have certainly contributed to a carnal minded people that are simply
unconcerned with spiritual matters. The fact is, however, that this not
only describes the world in which we live, but such carnal mindedness has
also had its effect upon the church.
Many Christians today are just not as intent on
taking the gospel to the lost as Christians in the first century. It was
said of first century Christians, “Each one won one.” Clearly first century
Christians accepted an individual responsibility in taking the gospel to the
lost. In spite of the possibility of persecution they “filled Jerusalem”
with their teaching (Acts 5:28). Even after being beaten, “daily in the
temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus
as the Christ” (5:42). After the stoning of Stephen “a great persecution
arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered
throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. . . .
Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word”
(Acts 8:1, 4).
We go to great pains to point out to people
that if we do what they did in obeying the gospel we will be what they were
– disciples of Jesus Christ; Christians. But the same principle applies to
what they did after they were baptized into Christ. If we want to be what
they were we too must go “everywhere preaching the word.” We must accept
our individual responsibility to take the gospel to the lost. To this end I
challenge each of us to be instrumental in the teaching of just one person
in 2005.
You might say, “I’m just not capable of
teaching someone the gospel.” But Peter tells us we should be “ready always
to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope
that is in you, yet with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Each of us
needs to be working to prepare ourselves to be able to teach the gospel to
others. Until that time comes, there is something that you can do:
bring them to me and we can teach them together. I am ready any time to
help you teach someone the gospel of Christ.
Not only so, we
have provided you with several tools to help in this regard. This bulletin
should be used for that purpose. Find an article that deals with first
principles, give it to one of your friends and follow up by asking them what
they think of the teaching. If there is an interest, invite them to study
the Bible with you or with me. The weekly newspaper article can be used in
the same way by asking your friends to read an article and then discuss it.
Since I post both the bulletin and newspaper articles on our web site each
week, use the web site in the same way.
By the way, while the back
page of the bulletin and the Members Area of the web site provide access to
information that you may enjoy or need, they are NOT the primary purpose of
these tools . The bulletin, newspaper article and the web site are provided
as teaching tools. The bulletin back page and the web site Members Area are
incidental, and not unlike the announcements made when we come together to
worship. Use these tools to help in the teaching of others. You’ll be glad
you did – and so will the person you taught.
-- Clark Dugger
The Proclaimer
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