“The Learning Curve”
[By Peter Russom]

Throughout this year and including our recent meeting with Gardner Hall, we have focused on doing the work of evangelism. In one of the lessons he presented, Gardner offered two keys for a congregation’s efforts in this work. The first key is our fervent love of God’s word. The more we learn about the Lord the more we are able to follow the example of Jesus and to understand and continually apply His teaching. The second key is our fervent love of the brethren. This second statement struck me as the natural conclusion connecting the efforts in evangelism we are making to our unity as a congregation.

“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:41-42, NKJV).

Yes, we may go out into the world individually to share the gospel but surely, the encouragement and support we receive from each other is a blessing. It is beneficial for each of us to share how we were taught and, in turn, how we are sharing the gospel with those whom we meet throughout our walk in the Lord. The power of God’s word changes lives and we are blessed to share the plan of salvation in teaching the lost.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16, NKJV).

Jesus is the master teacher and we strive to be like Him in every aspect of our lives. We have studied and discussed the amazing love, compassion, and clarity in His many interactions described in the gospel. The more we learn and experience as Christians, the more we can apply how Jesus communicated to individuals, to the multitudes, and also to those who opposed Him.

Time, effort, and patience are all beneficial in initiating and developing Bible studies. The work we do in offering the gospel corresponds to our worship, prayer, study, and all that we do in faith to glorify His name. Let’s keep learning and encouraging each other to not grow weary in doing the good work of evangelism.

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42, NKJV).