Words we will surely never want to hear
With Jesus' return drawing ever nearer, one believer's experience illustrates the responsibility we have in Christ.
 KENNY faithfully proclaimed Christ in the middle of the nearby town for many years. His banner was and is ‘Christ’ and he shared his faith publicly. He handed out tracts on special outreach occasions and sometimes played hymns through a little amplifier. He was on good terms with the street traders and was often seen in friendly conversations with them.
I spoke with him on the street on many occasions and spent some time with him in his modest home. Kenny’s heart is for the Gospel and to bring to others the message of salvation in Christ which was his own testimony.
I asked him one time how he came to faith and how he felt called to do all that he was doing, and he told me his story.
Back then...
Many years previously, then as an unbeliever, he had worked in the forestry industry in Canada. Toiling in lumber camps in remote areas the men worked hard and played hard. In the down times from work alcohol, gambling and women played a big part of the scene. However Kenny noticed that one particular worker – let’s call him Tom – drew apart from all of these things; and it caused John to wonder from time to time why he did?
Later Kenny was moved to a different forestry site and in mixing with a new set of colleagues he found himself chatting with someone who told him about Jesus and his offer of redemption. Through the faithful witness of his fellow lumberjack, John came through to a full-blown faith in the Saviour.
Then later....
After a period of time Kenny returned to his original group of workers he shared his faith and discovered that Tom, who was also a Christian. Kenny then realised why Tom hadn’t joined in with the others during their downtime pursuits. In truth Kenny was rather annoyed, and regarding Tom's faith in Christ, Kenny challenged him: “Why did you not tell me?”
It was this experience in his very early Christian life that impelled Kenny to dedicate himself to witnessing to others. At the time of writing he is now taken his message to the streets of London. In fact a TV camera shot around a crowd scene one time saw his billboard raised about the heads of those gathered.
The Bible tells us that Jesus is going to return; and the way things are heading it will not be too long from now.
Jesus said, and he says to all of us in our day and age:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt. 28:19-20)
Surely, in the midst of Christ's soon return, no born-again Christian will then want to be faced with the challenge from an unbelieving friend:
“Why did you not tell me?”
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Footnote: It is not everyone's calling to proclaim Christ in the High Street. Indeed it is become increasingly difficult to do so. However we are all called to bear witness in those situations where we can.
If anyone is interested in the 'credit card' tract initiative and not already involved. please do be in touch. Roger Carswell delivers a stirring call to personal evangelism.
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