The current sermon series in my Fort Worth church is a call to evangelism. Most of us agree the way to share Jesus is NOT usually sharing cold turkey. With most new ideas, we need a solid introduction and time to learn by observation. A cold call--knock on the door--is Seldom if ever successful. Today's technology and the ability to see who is knocking on the door has led to many never getting their foot in the door. We are not prone to throwing open our front door to the unknown stranger in today's world. How do we follow the command--the Great Commission to share Jesus with the world, when we are severely limited by lack of opportunity?
A recent lesson from the pulpit (in this church the front of the room--no pulpit only a frail stand to hold notes) gave me a new acronym to apply to sharing my beliefs.
B L E S S
Begin with prayer----for hearts ready to receive, for the words to touch those hearts and God's guidance in the words to use. Shouldn't we begin any activity with prayer and especially one of such great importance.
Listen---I often struggle with listening. Being a fixer---I tend to want to share the wisdom God has shown me. The most important thing we can first do is LISTEN. Ask questions with intent and then listen to the reply. Let the talker completely finish what they need--and want to say. This is not an argument----we are not charged with convincing others---we are merely instruments at the appropriate time of presenting what God puts on our hearts as relevant truths about what was shared with us.
Eat----share a meal--share a coffee---spend time with others getting to know them.
Serve others----when you have listened and gained insight----if there is any need seen--serve those in need.
Share your story---ALWAYS first listen to the one speaking. At God's nudging--share your story of faith. Build your story around three questions-
What was life before Jesus?
How did I meet Jesus?
What is life now that Jesus reigns in my life?
In the closing remarks we were reminded to the authentic and relatable. Authentic is a synonym of genuine. Real comes to mind. We need to admit our inadequateness without God's help in the walk through this earthly life. To come across as a fellow sojourner--admit your struggles. The closing scripture was absolutely perfect for what we were being charged with and I will close with it today~
"We cared so much for you,
and you became so dear to us,
that we are willing to give our lives for you
when we gave you God's message."
I Thessalonians 2:8
You have opened an entirely new way to look at the word "bless," Lulu. This is fantastic! This absolutely made my day, my friend. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteExcellent approach to discipleship.
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