We usually keep a few Hot Pockets in the freezer for a quick grab and go lunch in our house. In a rush to get out the door, there are times that both Kira and I will take one for lunch. I really don’t even like them that much. I actually hate a frozen meal and know that most of them are not very healthy at all, even if they “claim” to be a healthy choice. Recently though, we have not been able to find any Hot Pockets in the stores. We have checked both Walmart and Kroger and both stores were out of stock on all varieties of Hot Pockets. We have no idea why the supply has been down. It serves as a reminder that things are just different now during this pandemic with the production of goods. We have noticed several products over the past several months, and it all started with a shortage of toilet paper. In general, there are several products, services, and things to do that are different or just not available right now. I know, I know… these are first world problems. I’m ashamed…
But as the church, during this pandemic, there are a few things that certainly need to remain even with the change. Yes, we may have to do some things differently, but we still need to be doing those things. Worshiping God every Sunday is one. Serving and helping the needy and weak is another. Encouraging and lifting each other’s spirits is one too. And so is making disciples. Let me ask you this…
Are we still able to make disciples?
Are we still able to be evangelistic?
Are we still able to reach people with the saving message of the gospel?
I submit to you that we ARE and that we SHOULD BE.
How?
Call up your friends and family that are lost and have a conversation with them about their salvation. Back in the day… when the church was growing… people would ask each other this question, “If you were to die right now do you know without a doubt that you would go to heaven?” Maybe we need to start asking that question again. Yes, it might be uncomfortable, but there is nothing in the bible that says sharing your faith will be comfortable. To be clear, the bible says quite the opposite, and we are to be evangelistic anyway.
Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Matthew 5:10-11).
Jesus does not tell us to stop being evangelistic when things get tough. He instead tells us that we will be blessed even when things are tough. We are to remain faithful and share the word of God anyway.
When the apostles were arrested and persecuted for preaching Christ despite the opposition, Peter responded with, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Sure, sure, things are different. Things are more challenging than before. But maybe that is precisely what we need to light a fire under us to be even more evangelistic anyway.
We have no Hot Pockets, but I still need to eat lunch, right? I just might have to be more creative and prepare my lunch ahead of time.
Our worship is different for now, but we will need to worship, right? Our mission might be more challenging, but we still need to be deployed and share the gospel, right? We just might have to be more creative to accomplish that.
What are creative ways that you can be evangelistic in the middle of a pandemic?
I love you,
Alexander