EVANGELIZE?

This month the Christian Writers are sharing thoughts about the theme “nurture” in honor of Mother’s Day. Please click on their links to the right on the appropriate days.

I’ve chosen to talk about evangelism—in order to nurture other believers in their ability to nurture nonbelievers to accept Christ. This is a revised post from www.WeUsed2BU.com 

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I used to break into a cold sweat when thinking about “The Great Commission” where Jesus told his disciples to go out into the world and evangelize.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Me? Evangelize? Who was I to teach the Gospel? Yet, how could I not do something to encourage the salvation of people I loved?

I knew evangelism was an important responsibility. I just didn’t know how to do it. I was afraid to fail God. After all, souls were at stake. Eternal lives were in the balance.

I love reading the Bible. But ask me to debate theology and my lips lock up. I simply feel incapable to the task.

Then one day, verses started popping out, reminding me that God is the one who pursues people’s hearts. It’s my job to share the Gospel—but other people’s salvation doesn’t rest on anything I do.

It’s Jesus who stands at the door and knocks. If someone opens the door, it’s Jesus who comes in. (Revelation 3:20)

Jesus. Not me. Whew!

Sometimes God provides the perfect words and the debating skills to reach others. If that’s you—then debate away. Let God work through you to show the truth of Jesus to others.

But if God doesn’t provide you with oratorical eloquence (huh?), there are still things we can do. Sharing the Gospel means sharing the good news. And good news is always better when it is personal. Personal good news can be shared with more enthusiasm, feeling and meaning when it is told from personal experience—when it’s my good news. Or your good news.

In the courtroom, a testimony is a statement in support of fact. In Christianity, a testimony is a declaration of faith, supported by statements of fact. The facts of your life.

God doesn’t demand we prove the truth of the Gospel. That’s His job. We only have to share what it means to us; what it has done for us. What Jesus has done in our lives or in the lives of people we know.

That’s a testimony of faith. And it is more powerful when it is personal, spoken from a heart filled with gentleness, compassion and sincerity.

Jesus desires that none be lost, but it is not up to you to guarantee that. You may not be the one to lead a person to Jesus. Perhaps your testimony will be the first time or the only time the person hears the Gospel. Or perhaps your testimony will be the 22^nd time. Or the time that finally makes the person ready to open his heart to God’s knocking.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Revelation 3:20)

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me the words to share my testimony with others and please also give me the courage to share it boldly. Amen.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Do you have a personal testimony? If not, I’ll be sharing some ideas toward the end of the month on how to create one.