Into All the World

The Lord has directed us to go into all the world, to speak truth, make disciples, and baptized.  That may be across the street or around the world, as it's been said.  And, God will give specific direction as to how we are to personally carry that out - and He's given us the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to obey.  As we have heard the Word, we're called to be doers.   1st Peter chapter 3 contains these words:
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Colossians 4 tells us:
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Frequently, you will find a themed event that is tagged with the three-letter word, "Con." I would assume it's a catchy way to shorten the word "convention."  Or "conference."  

Maybe you have attended one of these "Cons."  I came across a CBN story about one you may not have gone to - more of a trade show, I guess, with a few twists.  The article says: 

RoofCon is known as the "#1 roof conference" in the nation and headlines speakers such as Duck Dynasty's Willie Robertson, according to its website. However, founder Hunter Ballew wanted to offer the men and women attending the event in Oklahoma City, OK, more than a new set of skills to add to their tool bag.

Ballew contacted pastor and evangelist Clayton King, who was called upon to speak at a session that was described as non-mandatory.  The article relates:

According to King, the session was not mandatory, but many showed up. He felt that the Holy Spirit had a specific message to share with this group of roofers.

"What I really sensed the Holy Spirit directing me [was] to share the simplicity of the Gospel and how a person can actually know that they are born again," he told CBN News.
 
"They came, and it was just a really special move [of] the Holy Spirit," King added.

More than 200 men and women responded to the Gospel, and dozens were immediately baptized.

The baptisms took place in horse troughs that had been purchased for the occasion.

This is yet another sign of awakening in our nation, and King shared with CBN what he has seen taking place, saying, '"Awakening, for me, when I think of it categorically, is when lost people are hearing the Gospel and responding," adding, "I do believe when you look globally right now and when you look domestically in the United States, I think we're seeing an awakening."  He said, "I believe secularism has promised meaning and purpose, and it's failed...I believe that secularism has promised a world and a culture devoid of religion, devoid of traditional values, and stripped of its Christianity as a better place to live... but now I think collectively, we have seen and specifically men have seen that's a lie."

It struck me that there was an expectation about what would occur.  A special session was arranged and makeshift baptismal fonts were purchased.  It reminded me of the encounter that the evangelist Philip had with a Ethiopian official.  In Acts 8, after Philip led him to Christ, we can read this account: "And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, 'See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?' And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him."

We should never try to pre-program a reaction to the gospel, but we can certainly anticipate that through the power of the Word, there will be a response.  We can recognize that it is God who provides the results - we plant and water the seed, God bears the fruit.

This man, Hunter Ballew, the founder of RoofCon, wanted to be a steward of this event and obey the Lord - certainly, it had been a successful event, but he wanted more...he wanted to offer a chance for attendees to hear the gospel and perhaps be baptized.  I think of the question that God asked Moses, "What is that in your hand?"  It was a staff that became a snake and returned to its original form when Moses grabbed it - God told him in Exodus 4 it would be a testimony to Himself.  We can take what God has given us to use for His glory.