Evangelism - Fondamental Gift
06-14-2004 7:39 pm

In my last edition, I started a conversation with you on the fundamental gifts our God has given us to grow closer to him as well and live a life that is passionate and of purpose. I would like to continue that talk by exploring the fundamental gift of evangelism or telling others whom we care for about the story of Jesus. Keep in mind, that I make one assumption while writing this being that you are a Christian who has people in your life who you want to know Jesus.

Though evangelism is commanded of us in the great commission (Matthew 28: 19-20), many of us are intimidated by the very mention of evangelism. When we read what Paul told Timothy to" Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction" (II Timothy 4:2), we might feel literally scared. Often this is due to bad experience or trying to be forced to do evangelism in some way that is someone else's style instead of your own.

Let me take a moment to throw out some ideas of how to find your own style of what many call "relational evangelism". In other words, when you have a loved one that you wish to share what God has done in your life, how do you do so naturally in your own way.

The first, and most daring step is what I call "raising the flag". This is after you have gotten to know someone and you have started to build trust between you and them. "Raising the flag" is simply saying something to them that makes them aware that you are a Christian. It maybe telling them about an event at church or sharing something that stood out to you in devotions earlier that day. It's simple but it's daring and here's why; once you raise the flag, you are being watched. It has been said that we may be the only scripture some people see. Keep this in mind as you raise the flag inviting them to watch your life.

You will want to make sure that in all attempts, you keep yourself in prayer. Always remember that we can not bring anyone to choose the Lord. We can only do what God lays before us as He draws them near so we must be open to the leading of His Holy Spirit. Here may be some things to seek the Lord's direction on while reaching out to others...

There are three types of people that God may have us reach out to...people we know, people we used to know, and people we ought to know. God could put anyone on your heart that He wants your life to touch so be open to His leading.
Consider what approach you should take depending on their needs and the personality God gave you. While we will all be called to each approach sooner or later, one will probably be your most common approach. The three most common methods are the direct method ("What do you think about Jesus and Christianity?), the indirect method (they may be a nature lover and talking about a beautiful sunset and you state something like "Yeah, God really does know how to paint a wonderful sky" with the hopes of going further in the talk.), and the invitational method (inviting them to church or a Christian concert where someone else will be presenting information on Christ.)
Testimonies often come up once discussions are started. Keep in mind that a testimony is not just how you came to know the Lord but it is any story where you have a situation, the touch of God comes in, and then there is a change due to His touch. Testimonies can be one of the most powerful tools for evangelism but they are impossible to argue with. People can argue scripture and theology but they can't deny what God has done in your life.
The other story people will want to know is God's story. How does it all apply to them? The way it is presented in "Being a Contagious Christian" from Willow Creek is the best way I can remember it...

God Us

Death

In the beginning, God created us so He could have a personal relationship with us. However, we choose to turn our back on Him (sin) and caused a chasm between God and us and in this chasm is death (Romans says that the wages of sin is death). So if I wanted to just go to God on my own accord, I would fall into that pit. God, sitting on his side, could easily say "Well, that's what you wanted so enjoy. I tried to give you everything and you turned my back on it all. Fine! That's what you wanted, that's what you get". Instead, our God is a loving God who looks over at me and says "I love you too much Tom to be separated from you. I want a personal relationship with you." and He sent His only Son to die on that cross to put a bridge back to Him. All I have to do is to accept Jesus as my Leader and Forgiver to cross that bridge. According to the Bible, all I have to do is to believe He is the Son of God in my heart and acknowledge Him with my mouth and we are saved.

That, in a nut shell, is the introductory story of our God that He wants those who don't know Him to know. So many are craving to hear that story, are you willing to share with them?

After this, some will want to pray a prayer of accepting what they just heard into their lives and you will have the privilege of sharing in this with them. Remember all they have to do is what we have described here. After they have believed in their heart and acknowledged Christ with their mouth, they are a new creation looking forward to an exciting life of discipleship. Remind them that in Luke 15: 7 it says that heaven rejoices more over one sinner repenting than 99 righteous people who do not need to repent. In other words, when they accept Christ, all of heaven stops and the angels rejoice over them saying that prayer. That when they accepted God's invitation, He stepped down from His throne and with tears in His eyes, put His wings around them and rejoiced that they came home.