Essential Evangelism In Today's Economy
Although we, as Christ's church, are on a separate track from the world, our outreach should intersect with the world's needs. In this time of economic crisis, we recognize a world desperately searching for something solid on which to stand. As I watch economic catastrophe unfold around me, I am reminded of the timeless hymn, "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less," which contains these stanzas:
"When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.
"On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand."
"His oath, His covenant, and blood support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.
"On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand."
These days it is easy to see the extent to which we put our hope in things other than Christ. Some of us put our confidence in circumstances, which change. Many of us try to stand on what our culture would have us believe is solid rock—our jobs, our bank accounts, ourselves.
As this hymn reminds us—and as we experience daily—"every earthly prop gives way." But when everything else changes and gives way, you and I can "rest on His unchanging grace." The world, however, does not know where to find such rest. If only they knew that hope, peace, and rest are found in Christ only and that those assurances cost nothing!
We actually have a great opportunity to offer hope to a hopeless and dying world. Mission moments are all around. As Christians, we are called to share our hope—to let people know that there is a solid rock on which to stand, a solid rock that never changes. Even if everything else they counted on has failed them, hope can still be found in Christ.
If you have experienced this kind of devastation personally, don't feel the need to pretend you haven't. Your experience can be utilized as part of your witness; you can share your difficult story with others as a point of connection and empathy. Then, tell them how Christ has come into your situation and provided stability in the midst of financial instability.
Adapted from LHM's April 1, 2009 Equipping Newsletter article written by Sarah Guldalian.
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