I enjoyed this book immensely and appreciated the gentle and clear prod to live evangelistically.
It is intended to give encouragement and ideas for church members in our joint duty to share the gospel. It is divided into five chapters which deal with different aspects of evangelistic living, beginning in the first chapter with the simple joy of speaking of the Lord Jesus, and our responsibility to share the gospel.
In chapter two, Carswell reviews the content of the gospel so that we may be clear about what it is that we should proclaim. There is nothing new here, but it is refreshingly and simply stated. Perhaps more time could have been spent on defining the forgiveness of sin, rather than simply stating it. Its consequences for our conversion were set out, but a definition would have been helpful. But this is a counsel of perfection: it does not detract from the book’s substance.
The third chapter presses home the joy and moral duty of sharing the gospel. I was impressed by how Carswell takes every opportunity to do this. He is a strong advocate of the use of tracts.
Chapter four focuses on patience in evangelism. We should listen carefully to those to whom we are talking, and not come at them with a pre-prepared answer; and we should be persevering in our witness to people over the decades.
The book closes with a helpful chapter containing practical ideas and suggestions for evangelism. This is a positive and encouraging little book which I will be recommending to the church of which I am an elder.
