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 22nd 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)
