Hand to Hand Combat

Tonight I was involved in Hand-to-Hand combat. It was in my house, and Brent (my deacon) was here with me. I think we put up a good fight!

OK, I have in mind the fact that Calvin uses "hand-to-hand" to refer to our service to Christ as stewards of the mysteries of God. This is the picture that what we receive from God's hand (the Word, the Gospel, the Truth) we place in the hands of others through ministries like personal evangelism (what we did tonight). I also believe that evangelism is combat against Satan. So it was Hand-to-Hand combat.

Stacy and I had Brent and Lisa over for dinner. We also had another man and his wife over who are clearly under the conviction and drawing of the Holy Spirit. We had a good meal and laughed and talked just getting to know them. They are great people!

Some would stop there and declare that we should "live the Gospel in front of them". They would be content to have them see that "Christians are real people who know how to have fun - not too stuffy." Some would never want to offend with actually talking about sin and Hell, Jesus and salvation. They would invite lost people to a "Life Group", or a "Fellowship Meeting" and plan the next time they could live the message without actually speaking the message.

Some would NEVER have people to their home - and especially LOST PEOPLE! Some would be so focussed on their own entertainment, or their own rest after a long day, or on meeting with the same people they meet with every weekend. I know these people, because I used to be one of these (I still have these tendencies). Some would be "happy" that lost people came to church and "hope they come back next week" without ever investing in their lives.

But tonight - only because of what God is doing in me and in Brent - we were involved in actual hand-to-hand combat. We spoke of sin, Hell, Jesus, salvation, the great exchange of Christ's righteousness for our unrighteousness, the futility of working for merit with God, Grace for living. In short, we covered the gamut.

And these guests were not aghast or offended. Quite the contrary. They were hungry to hear the Good News. They were thirsty for Rivers of Living Water. Their own insight was that "this is not something to be rushed into without much thought and consideration." They commented that a rushed or emotional decision for Jesus would probably be temporary. What insight! I assured them that this should be weighed out. I sent them to John's gospel for signs that Jesus is God, not just a man. And I told them that if God was working in them, He would be faithful to continue that work to completion. They did not "say the prayer". They did not "walk the isle" (even though I'm a pastor, we don't have an isle at our house). But I am content that Jesus is working in them. I know that their salvation is coming, and when it does it will not be of me or of Brent - but of God. It is a sweet assurance to know that salvation is His work and not mine.

I am so thankful that God allows me to watch Him work, and to participate in what He does. I could be stuck in myself, but being in Christ is wonderful.

So I invite you to first check yourself. Really! Are you a saint? If you were accused of being a follower of Jesus Christ - that He was your King - is there evidence in your life to convict you of it? Maybe you're not being used by God because you are not His.

Then I encourage each believer to evaluate their life. Is there room for evangelism? Not the bait-and-switch of "Living It" before them for years and then maybe telling them about their sin. Is your home used for your own consumption and entertainment, or is your home a tool used by God to accomplish His purposes. Is your family a weapon for God, or a weapon for the enemy (that's the only 2 options I see in scripture)?

In the meantime, God I praise You for what You're doing in me, through me, and around me. I thank You that you are still in the business of saving souls. And I pray that You quickly bring my new friends to Your salvation. I thank you for allowing me to be a steward of Your mysteries - hand-to-hand.

Todd