Is evangelism passe?

 Romans 10 could be called The Salvation Chapter. In the very first verse we learn of Paul’s deep desire that his fellow countrymen be saved, in verse 10, what they must do to be saved, in verses 14 and 15, how the message of salvation is spreading. For the next several blogs we will be discussing this pivotal doctrine.
         Paul was deeply concerned about his kinsmen who sought salvation, but were misdirected. They were “zealous for God” but were seeking his favor in the wrong way. They did not realize that the law, which they prized so highly, did not provide access to heaven. Fully aware of what will happen to the misguided, Paul did his best to stand in their way, blocking their path to destruction. That he prayed so earnestly for them shows how much he cared The message he preached was simple (as is all truth) but powerful because it was God speaking through him.    
         The question I have is whether or not in today’s church (even the evangelical wing) people are being challenged by the gospel. Is the message of God’s redemptive love in Christ Jesus being told to all who need to hear? My purpose is not to create guilt, but to ask whether in the church we attend are people being told how to go to heaven? My observation is that the contemporary church is more a social group with a religious theme than an army of evangelists intent on reaching the lost. There is absolutely nothing wrong with philanthropic activity and fun times together sanctified by the necessary prayer for God’s help and blessing, but I have real trouble imagining the disciples building elaborate sanctuaries in order to listen to quasi-religious ideas. The early church had an overwhelming desire to tell people how to go to heaven. When was your last altar call, or the last time you sang all 16 verses of “Just as I am without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me?” Okay, things have changed, we have different ways to reach people, but do they communicate the gospel with all its power to change life? Is something spiritual and eternal happening in our church? If we were a business would our yearly profit and loss sheet show that we were successful in reaching our goal?
         Paul’s “heart desire and prayer to God” was that his people be saved. Let’s share that central concern for which Christ died, or is evangelism passé? Think about it.