One subject that has not received much attention in recent years is the Biblical subject I refer to as, "Christians Doing Personal Work." Possibly, we do not hear this subject discussed, or see much written about it, because today's individual Christians have sent it to the back of the line; they do not feel that they have time for personal work. The church as a whole suffers whenever its members consider personal work to be an assignment for church members other than themselves. If the church is to continue to grow, both spirituality and numerically, we must resolve this condition.

In most congregations today, the number of personal workers is few to none. I have labored continually and patiently with many Christians who were too busy to do anything but work, entertain their children, and attend worship once or twice a week. If personal work is suggested, most are unable to participate in a structured arrangement. I do not think that the majority of Christians deliberately fails to appreciate and participate in personal work; quite honestly, their lives are too full of activity to permit them to do any active personal work. Most Christians need to address this situation and restructure their lives to enable them to find the time to do some personal work for Christ's Church. All Christians are to participate, through personal effort, in the good work of building up the church.

The New Testament, in many places, addresses the fact that those who have been Christians for any length of time need to engage in personal work. Note the following:

Jesus Instruction to His Apostles.

John 9:4. "We must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." (ASV )

The Jerusalem Church.

Acts 2:42-46. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." (KJV)

Acts 4:32-5:1. "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet." (KJV )

Acts 11:18-21. "When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, 'Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spoke unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord." (KJV)

The Church at Corinth.

1 Corinthians 15:58. "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord." (ASV)

1 Corinthians 16:10-16. "Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do: let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren. But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not all (his) will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all that ye do be done in love. Now I beseech you, brethren ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints), that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to everyone that helpeth in the work and laboreth." (KJV)

The Church at Galatia.

Galatians 6:9-10. "And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith." (ASV)

The Church at Philippi.

Philippians 2:12-14. "So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and questionings:" (ASV)

The Church at Colosse.

Colossians 1:9-10. "For this cause we also, since the day we heard (it), do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" (ASV)

Colossians 3:23. "Whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men;" (ASV)

There are also many statements general in nature that encourage Christians to pursue the spread of the gospel message to everyone, everywhere:

Matthew 6:33-34. "But seek ye first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (ASV)

Matthew 5:13-16. "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father." (ASV)

Defining Personal Work:

Personal work is what Christians do because they are Christians. Christians possess peculiar characteristics that encourage and uplift everyone they meet in life. Christians cannot feel satisfied with their lives and activities unless they are doing something to encourage their brothers and sisters in Christ and displaying real concern for those who are not Christians. Christians cannot disguise their nature; they illuminate any group of people with which they are involved in human interaction. They cannot, because of who they are, do otherwise.

Personal Work Areas:

What Is Personal Work?

1. It is discussing the truth with a friend or neighbor, at either your home or theirs.
   
   
2. It is giving someone a gospel tract, or leaving one for them to read.
   
   
3. It is telling your neighbor about the happiness you have found in Christ.
   
   
4. It is inviting the mailman, the plumber, or someone else to attend services with you.
   
   
5. It is picking up your phone to inquire about a member who has not been in services for awhile.
   
   
6. It is setting up a regular Bible study in your home.
   
   
7. It is going from house to house, inviting people to a gospel meeting or worship service.
   
   
8. It is diligence in inviting friends and co-workers to Gospel Meetings.
   
   
9. It is feeling the need to help the lost understand their need for Christ.
   
   
10. It is using your automobile to bring others to the services.
    
    
11. It is consciously serving and glorifying God.
    
    
12. Finally, it is never abandoning the hope that you will find lost souls for Christ!
    
    

One of the truly important considerations for congregational growth in physical numbers is the efforts that the church puts forth in the area of personal evangelism. Personal evangelism is the dedicated effort of the current membership, individually and collectively, to bring into the church new members and old members who have not been attending.

Process and Timing:

Many times the congregation's leaders set about to reach the community by planning and implementing a personal work/visitation program. Such programs and planned efforts are probably the best ways to involve the whole congregation in an attempt to stimulate interest and physical growth. There is never a bad time to implement a planned personal work effort by the church, the Winter months in the North though is not the most expedient time because of snow, ice, and other forms of bad weather. Consequently, spring, summer, and fall will be the best time for an all out effort to establish a personal work program for the church.

The Need Truly Does Exist:

That the need is pressing cannot be denied; the Lord's church has shown very little growth in the past few years. We must curtail this lack of membership growth. The only right way to stop it is to encourage the untaught and unconverted, and to bring back those who once served the Lord but who have slipped away. The possibilities are staggering, in view of the great number of prospects. As Jesus traversed the region of Palestine, He addressed His disciples, "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then said He unto his disciples, 'The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.'" (Matthew 9:36-38)

As we read the above passage, we can look around us and put ourselves in a similar position. The number of unconverted people is astronomical. The number of people who do not attend religious services is so large that if we could reach 1/10% of those in the city of Hilliard, the building could not hold them. There is truly a great need for workers in God's service; the Hilliard, Ohio church is making every effort to reach out and encourage the unconverted to come in and examine the "Truth that can make them free." (John 8:32) Without the truth, there is no freedom from sin.

Conclusion:

Each congregation has, as part of its work program, the responsibility to evangelize the world to the extent of its ability.

• But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou ought to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15)
  
  
• "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." (Acts 8:4)
  
  
• "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2)
  
  
• "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" (Ephesians 4:12) (KJV).
  
  

We encourage everyone to become involved in personal evangelism. It is an action that only individuals can perform. The apostle Paul encouraged us to become involved in personal evangelism (cf. 2 Timothy 2:2).

---

Brother Clair has touched on an issue that every member of the Lord's church needs to take seriously. Many souls are lost and dying in sin; they need the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. Do we see them; do we care about them; are we trying to make them aware of Christ's (and our own) love and concern for them. Think about the song, "You Never Mentioned Him to Me." Surely, we don't want to neglect this God-given duty! (KMG)