“Do the work of the evangelist, fulfill your ministry!”
That was the concluding message of evangelist Franklin Graham at the European Congress on Evangelism in Berlin.
He led one-thousand evangelical leaders from 55 countries through four days of Bible teaching, discussions and prayer.
It was the biggest gathering of evangelical leaders in 25-years.
They were tasked with the objective of taking the Gospel across Europe which is sometimes referred to by Christian leaders as a spiritually “dark continent.”
Christian Daily International reports delegates took Holy Communion together to publicly declare their commitment to go out and boldly proclaim the Gospel.
THE ARCHBISHOP OF SYDNEY’S WORD FOR THE CONGRESS
In the closing hours of the congress, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Kanishka Raffel spoke on the authority of evangelistic proclamation.
“Brothers and sisters, Jesus has sent us in His mission into the world,” he declared.
“He does not send us alone. He is present in the midst of us. And He has authority to give us gifts for the mission”
“His blood bought peace, a Christ-shaped pattern of Holy Spirit power and a Gospel promise of forgiveness.”
“AS WE GO, OUT HEARTS ARE FILLED WITH GLADNESS”
Archbishop Raffel pondered the question as to what it is “like” to be on the mission with Jesus, and referenced the gladness of the disciples when they saw the Lord after His resurrection and He showed them his hands and feet.
“We have been sent by the one who laid down his life for us and lives again and lives forever,” the Australian church leader reminded delegates.
“So as we go, our hearts are filled with gladness.”
“Friends as you return to your homes and communities and ministries, let your heart rejoice and be glad.”
“Glad to be sent by the King who lives and reigns and returns. Glad to serve in the King’s mission. Glad to announce peace with God through the forgiveness of your sins.”
“He showed the [disciples] His pierced hands and wounded sides, and the blood has made us glad. God bless you!”
“I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL”
Another concluding talk was given by Reverend Skip Heitzig, senior pastor of Calvary Albuquerque in New Mexico.
He became a Christian many years ago when he went to the fridge to get a beer and suddenly saw Billy Graham preaching on television, which convicted him of the truth of the Gospel.
Heitzig spoke on “I am not ashamed of the gospel” referencing Romans 1:16, a lead Bible verse for the entire Congress:
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
“WHY THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL IS SO GOOD”
“The Gospel is not a task and it is not a duty, it is a delight,” Reverend Heitzig told delegates as he explored why the “good news” really is so good.
“The Gospel is not good news when first heard by the unregenerative mind because it exposes sin, their lost condition.”
“So they argue against it and attack us and when they attack us, our impulse is to grow silent and ashamed and embarrassed.”
“But though it might sound bad at first, the Gospel penetrates the heart and then transforms the heart.”
“ALWAYS BE SOBER-MINDED AND ENDURE SUFFERING”
In his closing remarks, Franklin Graham said the Berlin Congress had been an “incredible week” and he thanked all those involved in organising its success.
“In my closing thoughts let me just say in 2 Timothy 4:5 it says: As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
“To be sober minded—think of a person who is strong and sober. I think the word ‘be focused’ is a good word here. Be focused on your ministry.”
Reverend Graham also said that “endure suffering” reminded him of the apostle Paul’s own suffering.
TRIBUTE TO BRAVERY OF FINNISH MP WHO HAS SUFFERED FOR HER CHRISTIAN VIEWS
He related it to a more recent example of Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen, to whom he paid tribute for her bravery.
She was criminally charged for sharing her Christian views on marriage and sexual ethics on social media
Ms Räsänen is facing a third trial despite being twice acquitted of “hate speech.”
She was interviewed about her ordeal during the Congress.
Franklin Graham told delegates: “I believe Jesus is coming back soon and we need to do everything we can to reach this world we live in with the truth of God’s love.”
