EVANGELISM, MOTIVES FOR

Imagine that I have ten bags of money here, each containing a thousand dollars, and that I offer one of these bags to each of the first ten people who, by this time tomorrow, will share the gospel with a non-believer and invite him to receive Jesus Christ as Savior. The response of the non-believer would have no bearing on whether one gets the money.

What do you think would happen? We all know that there would be a mad rush to get out of here and be one of the first ten to tell somebody about Jesus. Are we more willing to witness out of impure motives than out of love for and obedience to the Lord?423

The story is told of the captain of a Mississippi riverboat who, as his ship passed another vessel, grabbed the first passenger he saw and said, “Look, look, over there on the other boat. Look at its captain.” The man was somewhat bewildered and asked, “Why do you want me to look at that captain? What makes him so special?”

Then the captain told him the story of how he had collided one night with another boat. His own vessel was foundering and in the process he was thrown overboard. The captain of the other vessel saw his desperate plight and maneuvered close enough that he was able to dive into the water and save his life.

After telling the story, the once-saved captain then turned to the bystander and said, “Ever since that day, I want to point out my rescuer to others.” Likewise, as those who have been saved, secured, and loved by Jesus, we should want to tell others of him.424