As You Go

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And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew10:7)

Many good tools have been developed for sharing the Gospel.  Some of these include “Evangelism Explosion,” “F.A.I.T.H.,” “Four Spiritual Laws,” “The Romans Road,” and several others.  Many of these tools require memorization of a presentation script along with many verses of Scripture from both the Old and New Testaments.  Any of these tools can be very useful in a witnessing situation, but if the witness relies too heavily on them, he or she may find themselves at a loss for words when asked a question that does not follow the script.

How much better it is to hide God Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11) than to simply memorize Scripture.  Hiding God’s Word in your heart makes it part of your being so that you will “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1Peter 3:15).

In our text, “As ye go” is the Greek present participle poreuómenoi that could be better translated “as ye are going.”  Jesus did not have in mind Tuesday night visitations here, but rather a lifestyle of witnessing that is prepared in every circumstance “to give an answer.”  Jesus used the same participle in giving the Great Commission:  “As you are going, teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them …” Matthew 28:19).  This commandment, as that in our text, addresses all followers of Christ, and it is not limited only to special occasions such as “Bring a Friend Sunday” or “Pack the Pew Night,” nor is it reserved only for Tuesday night visitation.  This command is valid at any time, any place, and with anyone God puts in your way.  There is no devised script that will fit every situation, but God’s Word in your heart will fit any situation.  And the message is simple: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand!”