Worship: A Key to World Evangelism – Part 1

Psalm 40:1-3, To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

When you think of how to reach the world with the Gospel, what comes to mind? Targeting unreached or under evangelized areas? Door to door evangelism? Prayer? Preaching? Advertising campaigns? Bible and tract distribution? No doubt, all of these components of evangelism are important. But could it be, that in our zeal to reach the lost, in busying ourselves with logistics and strategies; we have, like the Pharisees, neglected more weighty matters. Could it be we have over looked what our Lord really desires, and in so doing, misplaced one of the greatest keys to world evangelism – the key of a heart that worships and adores our Savior?

Worship is not an option for the believer, it is essential (John 4:23-24). It protects us from selfishness, and focuses our attention on the one who deserves all glory and praise. True worship is pure. It is without hypocrisy or pretense. It adores and praises our Lord for who he is and what he’s done. It pleases God, secures his presence, and moves his hand, in ways our best devised plans cannot.

Abraham exemplified what a true love for God looks like, as he built an altar on Mt. Moriah, laid his bound son there, and prepared to offer him to God. Many would call God’s demands, and Abraham’s compliance a tragedy. Abraham called it worship (Genesis 22:5). His unreserved worship not only was accepted by God, but secured the Father’s blessing and moved his divine hand.

Now, let me ask us all a question. Are we more concerned with working our plan, making more converts, and filling our buildings, more than we are concerned about knowing and worshipping our God? Although, we might not admit that these things are more important; do our schedules, our priorities, and the emphasis of our ministry bear that out? Should we plan? Yes! Should we evangelize? Yes! Should these things be an overflow from, and an outworking of our worship? Absolutely! I believe we will find, that if we will elevate God to his proper place in our lives, he will bless us with his presence, embolden us in our witness, lead us to thirsty souls, provide necessary contacts and resources, open doors that no man can close, stop the mouth of the enemy, and pour out unexpected blessings just as he did for Abraham. For, God is not a respecter of persons. And, although I believe God still uses diligent, hard working people. The key to world evangelism is not more of us (i.e. our plans, strategies, and efforts). The key is more of HIM (Philippians 3:7-14).

Pastor Brooks Suttle
Royal River Baptist Church
Yarmouth, ME