Tag Archives: evangelism

November 22

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Acts 17:1-18:17; I Thessalonians 1-2

Witnessing, sharing our faith, giving our testimony, talking about the Lord is hard for most of us. Most of us did not go to a Bible College or go through a “how to” course on sharing the Gospel. We fumble over our words and forget the chapter and verse of the Scripture we want to use. We are so afraid we’re going to sound like fools we convince ourselves to say nothing.

Yet we are commanded by Jesus to go into all the world and preach the Gospel!

Paul was a master soul-winner and we can learn so much by studying him. Look at how he talked to the Greeks in Athens. He started the conversation with what they already knew. They worshiped lots of gods and in fact, just to cover their bases, worshiped “an unknown god”. Paul acknowledged that, then said – let me tell you about that unknown God because I just happen to know him!

Sometimes I think we believe sharing Jesus has to be a three point sermon. I know there are some who are saved in evangelistic services or at the kitchen tables when a stranger knocks on their door and comes to tell them about salvation. But I believe most people accept Christ as a result of someone who is invested in them. Who gets to know them, spends time with them and talks to them on their level of understanding. 

What is it your friend already knows about Christ? Start there. If God has nudged you toward speaking to your friend, he is already working in this dear one’s heart. Let God give you the words and trust him to use those words to draw this friend to himself.

Father, I pray that you would nudge each of us toward a loved one, neighbor, co-worker, or friend who’s heart you are readying to hear the Gospel. May each of us be faithful to reach out to this person, to listen to them and encourage them. Then when you open the door for us to put our faith into words, I pray that we will allow you to give us the words! Help us to see the people in our world like you do. And give us a loving boldness to tell them about your Son, our Savior… and theirs’.

June 1

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Proverbs 16-18

Years ago I went through Evangelism Explosion training. I don’t want to get into a discussion about the program itself but I will say I saw people give their hearts to the Lord after hearing the gospel presented using it.

The words of 16:25 are repeated several times in the book of Proverbs. We’ve already read it in 14:12. Through EE you ask the person, if you died today do you know for sure you would go to heaven? Why would Jesus let you in? If their answer was something like – I’m a good person, I go to church, I haven’t murdered anyone, or I don’t know, we would share that the Bible was written so they could know for sure they have eternal life, then we would ask permission to tell them how they can know it, too.

Proverbs 16:25 and other exciting verse are used in EE to demonstrate that God’s way is the only way to get into heaven, no matter how good we think we might be. I haven’t used EE in decades but reading this proverb took me back to those days and that training.

Do you know how to share your faith with a non-believer? For most of us it’s hard. I’m not advocating a memorized presentation because sometimes it can sound insincere But I would challenge us all to sit down and write out what we believe. Look up Scripture that spoke to your heart and led you to the Savior. Cement in your mind why you believe and be ready to give an answer to the next person who asks you to give a reason why you are a Christian.

We are called to share the gospel. It’s not a suggestion. It’s a commission. Are you ready?

Dear God, I pray for your children. May we prepare ourselves to get out there and share your Truth. Help us to really grasp the reality, Lord, that there might be things that make sense to non-believers but in the end, without you they face an eternity in hell. Help us to speak out in love. Help us to recall Scripture that would draw an unsaved soul to the saving grace of your dear Son.