Reach Out This Summer

And [Jesus] said unto them,

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”

Mark 16:15

I’m learning that summer is a great time to do some witnessing. School is out for most students and many people go on vacation. Especially living by the beach, many of the places you go will be full of folks to talk with. Whether you go to the enjoy the parks, festivals, malls, or beaches — it is a great time to reach out.

This past weekend I went down to the Huntington Beach Pier with some friends to meet people and try to plant some seeds with them. Little did I know there was a major surf contest going on and it was packed. I have seen some pretty crowded beach scenes in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, but the crowds down in Huntington this past weekend made those places look like ghost towns in comparison.

The sun was out, the surf looked good, and there was music, volleyball and exhibitionists putting on shows. During the few hours we were there we talked to several people and shared the gospel with them (Click for Audio). For me, each time I go out witnessing, for the most part, I don't really know what "ultimate impact" I had on any of the individuals I met. Sometimes, it seems like people are tracking with what you're saying and other times it seems like everything you are saying is falling on deaf ears. Either way, only God knows how His Word will work on their soul after we leave. No doubt, the conversations will have some impact on them, but the extent of that impact is between God and the individuals. My goal is merely to be obedient to the Lord when talking with them.

We are commanded by God to live our faith. That means our faith will result in works. But God also commands us to talk our faith when He provides us an opportunity to speak to a prepared heart, a heart He has prepared to hear what He wants you to tell them. That command is throughout the New Testament, starting with Jesus’ command, quoted at the start of this post, to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” He then goes on to encourage Timothy “do the work of an evangelist.”

I encourage you to preach the word this summer. The lost must hear to be saved. The lie must be drowned out by the truth. The darkness must be drenched in the light. So go. Preach strong. Tell someone the truth. Speak it in love. And have a great summer reaching the lost wherever you go!