Why Am I Here?

“Why do you come to Mardi Gras?”---Dennis Mohr

“Why do you come to Mardi Gras?”---Dennis Mohr

What are some of your answers?

I answered Dennis in three ways:

(1) To Remind Myself of the Need.

As we hand out tracts and share, we meet several type of people; first and foremost, those who outright hate God.

Romans 1:18–32 NKJV

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

b. We see a lot of college students who may or may not be repeat visitors. People who probably wouldn’t behave this way when they are 30 or 40.

c. And surprisingly, those who know better. Those who are believers or claim to be believers.

(2) To Remind Myself of the Urgency

1 Corinthians 9:16 NKJV

16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

Mardi Gras reminds me of the urgent need to share the gospel.

Mardi Gras reminds me of the urgent need to share the gospel.

(3) To Remind Myself of the Need for Strong Fellowship

Romans 1:8–9 NKJV

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,

Here’s the challenge for you after thinking about my three reasons:

(To remind myself of the need, urgency, and fellowship.)

Think about the urgency to evangelize in your own context and formulate a plan to impact the lostness.

I once asked one of the older guys who mentored me if he’d like to come to NOLA to evangelize with me. I didn’t agree with him 100%, but listen to his heart through his answer: “Why would I make a trip to evangelize there when I have so many to evangelize here?”

Friends, he was out 5 and 6 days a week sharing the gospel in his town, AND shared while traveling to teach evangelism.

Many of you are evangelists. Some are not, but remembering the need is something to do daily.

Think about the wisdom of the Lord in providing passages such as

Ephesians 4:11–12 NKJV

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Experienced men, stay strong in teaching the next generation of evangelists.

Young men, find a mature guy and follow him around like a lost puppy.

One of the brothers here always encourages me. He has a monthly evangelism budget and often hands out several hundred or maybe even thousands of tracts a month!

He does this because he knows the need is great.

Students, do you know your home context enough that you truly understand the need to evangelize?

Do we grasp the urgency of sharing the Good News of the gospel?

If we don’t have the fellowship that we experience here, what are you doing to facilitate that in your home church or town?