Pancake Evangelism in Uppsala, Sweden

Why does God not take us to Heaven immediately after we’re born again? I was pondering this years ago, and the only reasonable answer I could come up with was: to help others being born again.

We can, and will, worship in Heaven. We can hang around, have a good time, and organize Marquee festivals in Heaven. But we can’t invite others to Heaven when we’re well there.

This is why the Great Commission to make new disciples (Mt 28:18-20) is not just a mission, it is the mission and the primary reason why we even have church.

This is why we need to advertise and tell people about our meetings and events. We need to evangelise and share our testimonies to people we encounter. We need to be present in the public sphere and show an alternative to the consumerism, patriotism and false religions that are already being proclaimed out there.

Honestly, I can’t come up with any higher form of egoism, than to know that you’ve been saved from eternal damnation to eternal life, and not help others being rescued from the same hell fires you’ve escaped.

Isn’t this exactly what Jesus talked about when he said that those who dig down their talents instead of investing and growing them will be thrown out into the darkness (Mt 25:14-30)?

Jesus said: ”Whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” If we’re not willing to get out of our comfort zones to save others from hell, how can we really be sure that we ourselves won’t end up there? Seriously?

If we, on the other hand, acknowledge that it is crucial to evangelise, that we have to be outward looking and that we exist to let others into the Kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit will bless that, He will give us the power and courage we need and we will see a new revival.