When we first started our ministry thirty-six years ago, the words “life-style evangelism” were in vogue. Today, we talk about friendship evangelism or relationship-based evangelism. Whatever you want to call it, the heart of the messenger is to be loving and caring for people that they might see a little of Christ in you.
This concept in part evolved from John 1. When Jesus first met the disciples, he encouraged them to “come and see” (vs. 39). His gentle approach to sharing truth was developed around friendship; earning the right to be heard; respecting others; listening with a caring spirit; and answering questions with understandable statements.
Sharing our faith with a Christ-like love is best accomplished through modeling your faith. Apply what you know to your daily walk. Admit your mistakes, ask forgiveness, and move on. Mirror the truth of Scripture as you grow in your love for God. Feel His love for you and you will become a “new creature”.
Don’t worry about being a biblical scholar. The disciples didn’t have all the answers when confronted by others. In fact, some of their original ideas about the Messiah were simply wrong. But when they encountered Jesus, something deep inside of them stirred. They could experience truth by a man who consistently modeled God’s word.
The disciples not only believed in Jesus, they were eager to tell their friends and relatives about their Lord. They soon discovered that people really don’t need to have all the answers about Jesus before they will follow Him. In an era of sensationalism and emotional appeals isn’t it good to know that evangelism is as simple as preparing our lives each day to meet with the person Christ has picked for you to share your witness.
As we read through Scripture we see that a person coming to Christ has been prepared by the Holy Spirit. The reality is that none of us can convince someone to follow Jesus if the Holy Spirit hasn’t first prepared his/her heart (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5).
To share our faith, all we need is a willingness to tell other people about what we have discovered and how God has worked His will in our lives. If we truly seek to know God – I mean really know Him – then our lives will be transformed into something that testifies to the power of the Holy Spirit within us.
Paul’s letter to those in Colossae reminds us of the power we have as believers in Christ, “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Col.1 :11
My friends, we are all ministers of the Gospel. Share the joy of your inheritance and the victory of your salvation. This summer invite people to a BBQ or a cup of coffee at your home. Encourage them to “come and see” for themselves.
Personal Application:
Have you prayed today for an opportunity to engage a person whom God has put in your life? Be alert for those people who might be going through some struggle, challenge, or difficulty.
Have you given much thought lately to the power of the Spirit within you? I encourage you to check out these verses: Ex. 31:3; Zech. 4:7; Rom. 8:2,4; Gal. 5:16, 1Thes. 1:5
Jim Grassi, D. Min.