WHAT IS THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST!

There are several things that help others learn of God, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. An evangelist should be able to do these and many more.

1. They start new churches, but never so many that the churches are left alone after being established. Some apostles worked with new churches for three years or more. Today, an evangelist has a home congregation that they seldom leave unless it is to hold a "meeting."

2. An evangelist should be knowledgeable and have an understanding of the Gospel in order to give advice and help in building up their congregation. An evangelist builds up these congregations to where they are self-sufficient, keeping in mind that the goal is to be autonomous.

3. They must establish workers in the church by developing leaders and good home study programs which will help members to grew and work on their own.

4. They should periodically check on those they started or helped to start; ensuring they have remained faithful.

As I listened to an Evangelist expand on the Word of God it made me wonder as to what his work is: story telling or spreading the Gospel. So many Christians today cannot tell you even what they must be doing, let alone what an elder, deacon, or evangelist must do. I felt it my responsibility, as a Christian and leader of a congregation to examine this work. I do not aim this at any particular person only as a desire to improve our brotherhood.

As one reads II Cor. 4, Paul speaks of the ministry and spreading the Holy Word of God. My understanding from research is that an evangelist is to follow the standards set forth in God's Word, the rules set up for bishops, elders, or deacons; many of these qualifications are also for any Christian; so why should they not also fit the life of evangelists? Unfortunately the men who enter this work do not always accept these qualifications and many more.

There are some points to examine and questions to be answered. First, does the evangelist have an office? The evangelist's work is much like that an Apostle could do; except of course, giving out various powers. Therefore, he can be called an evangelist, but has no office any more than an Apostle had an office.

What does he have to do to qualify? In Matthew 28:18-20 Christ told the Apostles what was expected of them. An evangelist needs full knowledge and understanding of the Gospel to do his work. II Timothy 4:5, Paul told Timothy "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." For a man to prove that he is ready for evangelistic work he must have full knowledge of God's Word. Now read Acts 6:1-5 noticing that it was the brethren of the church who chose them to be deacons, not the person himself. This could be for an evangelist as well.

Rom 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek." The evangelist must be able to face anyone with the truth.

Too many times, I have seen good men, good evangelists, become as rulers over small churches. Let us consider what we have done or perhaps not done. I Tim 4:14, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." Every congregation is autonomous and no one man can or should, rule. Each church is to be subject to God's Word.

We don't want to fall into the unscriptural pastor system of one-man rule. Consider Jeremiah 6:16, we must heed these words. Notice also Jeremiah 12:10-13 and Jeremiah 23:1-4. These Scriptures should be contemplated seriously.

Let us hold to the Old Path, evangelist. Consider these scriptures as you do the work of God. Being in a leadership role, I have had to deal with the same scriptures. It was asked of me if I considered myself the main stay of Okemah. I must say no one man can hold a church together. It takes abilities and courage of all members working together to make a church. It is not an easy task to be an evangelist or leader of a church. As leaders we have forgotten souls because we have become complacent; secure in the fact that we are in the Lord's Church. I remind you of the reason God sent his only begotten son: to save the world from their sins. We have forgotten this, making us as bad as the Jews in their self-righteousness.

It is easy to keep Titus 2:15 when you are standing before brothers and sisters of like faith. Why not spread the truth to the world? The apostles were commanded in Matthew 28:18-20 "to go, preach and baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." Lately I have heard plenty on preach, plenty on baptize; but nothing on go to all the world. Go where--to establish a church? When was the last time you wanted to build up the church other than your own congregation? Notice II Timothy 2:2, how many have we taught in a private method to lead and build fellowship? We all will be judged for things done. In II Timothy 4:1-5 we are taught to preach the Word. How can an evangelist do this by just holding meetings that tickle the ears of other Christians? Too often you and leaders fall short of edification. It is no wonder so many have fallen away.

I Thess 2:4-12 tells Christians "We are allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." Let us not forget whom we serve. II Cor 4:5, 7-12 we are servants of God and Christ to bring the Gospel to the world, not the world into the Gospel. The apostles gave their lives that we might learn of the Gospel and share it with the world.

We all have failings in our lives - we are human. Paul told us and the Romans in Romans 7:13-25, "Therefore, put God and Christ first that you may serve God, Christ and the Holy Spirit." Come on leaders, evangelists, let us do the work we are meant to do!

BE BLESSED!

By Irving Serrano

Have you ever went to work feeling lousy, such as having a flu? Or have you felt the economic pressures of being broke immediately after getting paid? These are things that really chip away at ones motivation in life. Even for Christian folks. We spend so much time learning and chasing after Gods spirit, that we some times don`t train ourselves to clearly see Satan's attempts to draw us from Gods grace. Some times we have regular troubles, like anyone else. Dealing with unemployment, illness, maybe our Children seem to go astray. In what ever circumstance we find ourselves in Christ is there, and ready to magnify His strength. When Christ walked this earth, He was tempted by Satan. Quite obviously Satan threw all He could at Christ, and Christ overcame the Devils fiery darts simply by rebuking the Devil where He stood. We often here the words; 'rebuke the devil, and he will flee'. God does not want you to live in hardship, He wants us to love Him, and acknowledge that He loves us. Many confuse the idea of repentance of their sins, and allowing God to be their Savior, versus just turning from sin because they don`t want to suffer the consequences of their actions. (Psalm 3:8) from the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessings be on your people. (Nehemiah 9:5) Stand up and praise the Lord your God who is everlasting to everlasting. "blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessings and praise. (1st Peter 3:9) Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessings, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (Genesis 12:2) I will make you a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. (Romans 15:29) I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. It is God`s desire that we receive His blessings, but we can`t unless we are in the place of His blessing. A place that is reserved for over comers. If your not experiencing the thrill of putting Satan to flight and receiving answers to your prayers, you are living below your privilages in Christ. I know you want God`s blessing, so get serious about being an over comer and put yourself IN THE PLACE OF HIS BLESSING. (Rev 3:21) "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne" May God bless you.

Love always, Irving Serrano

WE ONLY NEED TO PRAY!

By Irving Serrano

" Have you ever struggled with prayer? Does prayer seem like an exercise in eloquent speech that you just don`t possess? Prayer is not a mysterious practice reserved for clergy and the religiously devout. Prayer is simply communicating with God. Listening and talking to Him. Believers can pray from the heart, freely, spontaneously, and in their own words. There is no correct, or certain posture for prayer. In the Bible, people prayed on their knees ( 1 kings 8:45) bowing(Exodus 4:31), on their faces before God. (2 Chronicles 20:18; Mathew 26:39), and standing (1st Kings 8:22). You may Pray with your eyes opened or closed, quietly or out loud....however you are the most comfortable and least distracted. (Mathew 6:7) " When you pray, don`t babble on and on as people do in other religions do. They think their prayers are answered only by repeating their words again, and again. Prayer develops our relationship with God. For an example; If we never speak to our spouse, or never listen to anything our spouse might have to say to us, our marriage relationship will quickly deteriorate. Prayer-communicating with God, helps us grow closer and more intimately connected with God. (Zechariah 13:9) " I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure, just as gold and silver are refined and purified by fire. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ` These are my people; and they will say, "The Lord is our God". There are many who pray daily, maybe several times in the day. However they limit their prayers to the surroundings of their homes, and their loved ones. God is all mighty, capable and willing to grant you the desires of your heart. We live in a great nation, unfortunately not everyone share our love and devotion to God. If more people would pray for our nation, and those leaders of our nation...God will answer! May God bless you. Love always,
Irving Serrano

WHY AMERICA NEEDS OUR PRAYERS!

Many People today feel helpless as they look upon events that are unfolding before their eyes and cannot believe that things are taking place in our country that would not have even been imagined just a few short years ago! The America of our forefathers is disintegrating more rapidly that we could have ever imagined. Prayer is powerful and we must always remember that God is in control. Every American can participate in prayer, young, old, rich or poor. An example of a prayer might be something like this.......

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Heavenly Father...

Thank you for the multitude of blessings You have bestowed on this great country of ours. No other nation in the world enjoys so much material abundance, freedom and peace. I ask for your protection for our servicemen and women who are abroad and at home. Please give them courage and conviction to face whatever unknown circumstances come against them. Please protect our country from evil both inside America and from around the world. Give strength and courage to God fearing men and women to stand up and fight against any and all evil influences and tyranny in our nation. I pray for our leaders to be motivated by Your Word and not seek greed, power and corruption for themselves. May they lead with wisdom and have You and America's best interest at heart. I pray for future generations of Americans that they are not left decimated by the decisions our lawmakers have foisted upon us. May future Americans seek Your Truth and Your Will much more than our own generation. Forgive us for our complacency in the past and our failure to honor You as we should have. Have mercy on us and our children. In Jesus' name I pray....

Amen

Evening Prayer

Someone has said that if Christians really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless.

Did you know that during WWII there was an advisor to Churchhill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, it's people and peace?

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. The Gala Foundation and all its Web-Sites are launching a Prayer Campaingn for our Country. If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 Central) (7:00 Mountain) (6:00 Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, and a return to a Godly nation. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7

THE LORD IS OUR SHEPHERD!

By Irving Serrano

"The Lord is my Shepherd" As Children, playing games. The hours roll by, and evening sets in as the sun goes down. Running by a dark alley, one of our friends say; 'come on, follow me'. You watch them as they fade into the darkness ahead. When we did follow, it was because we trusted that friend. As adults we have to be more prudent with those we choose to trust. I am sure you can relate with that statement. When we read the 23rd Psalm, it speaks to us about trust. And surely gives us a guarantee, unlike consciences we experience when we choose to live our lives, with out God centered in our lives. In describing the Lord as a Shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. Sheep are completely dependent on the shepherds provision, guidance, and protection. The New Testament calls Jesus the good shepherd; the Great Shepherd; and the Chief Shepherd, so we are his sheep.....not frightened, passive animals, but obedient followers, wise enough to follow one who will lead us in the right places, and in the right ways. This Psalm does not focus on the animal-like qualities of sheep, but on the discipleship qualities of those who follow. When you recognise the good shepherd follow Him. When we allow God our shepherd to guide us, we have contentment. When we choose to sin, however, we go our own way and cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. Our shepherd knows the " green pastures" and the "quiet waters" that will restore us. We will reach these places only by following him obediently. Rebelling against the shepherd`s leading is actually rebelling against our own best interest. We must remember this the next time we are tempted to go our own way rather than the shepherds way. Death cast a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies....pain, suffering,disease, injury....but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through deaths dark valley and bring us safely to the other side....the God of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this good shepherd who offers us eternal comfort. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano.

THANKFUL FOR OUR SPIRITUAL FREEDOMS

On Independence Day, we in America celebrate our political freedom, won by brave patriots over two hundred years ago. We certainly are blessed to have freedom to worship without having to worry about losing our lives, being arrested or having property confiscated. In the United States, freedom of religion is a constitutionally guaranteed right provided in the religion clauses of the First Amendment. We should be grateful for the right of freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press. But there is an even more crucial freedom, the spiritual freedom that God gives us. His freedom is ours for the taking, regardless of our external environment, even if we are in jail or in a country where dissenters are tortured, arrested or killed. This freedom, man cannot take away from us, because it is implanted in our spirits, through His spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17) Now the Lord is the spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Certainly a good feeling to gather with friends, and family to celebrate an occasion. But how much greater is the feeling, to celebrate our atonement with Christ. A liberty we can practise daily. Comforted by His Holy Spirit, we share the liberty and freedom, even after death. ( 2 Corinthians 15:55-57) Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting? " The sting of death is Sin, and the power of Sin, is the Law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through Our Lord Jesus Christ". May God bless you.

 Love always, Irving Serrano

CHERISHING OUR FREEDOM!

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream.

The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations.

We invite all nations to celebrate with Americans online this Fourth of July.

Happy Birthday, America!

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”