Evangelism is the proclaiming, serving and witnessing in love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today’s reading reminds us how God expects us to represent the gospel.
You and I are supposed to edify others as fits the occasion so as to impart grace to those who hear. We are to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to one another as God forgives us. We are supposed to imitate God, like beloved children, walking in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. Our uplifting messages of grace will be such good new that it will be like “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
There are many ways that we can help and encourage each other to be a living message of good news. But experience has taught me (and I’m sure many of you) that we must have as much preparation as possible to be the best witness for our Lord and Savior. Philemon 6 says that when you are “active in sharing your faith,” then “you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”
So what examples do we have today in becoming “ambassadors for Jesus Christ?” I don’t mean some canned or boiler-plate checklist of do’s and don’ts.
There are at least 3 things about evangelism that are obvious to many Christians early on: (1) It is part of my job description. (2) I want to share the truth of Jesus. And (3) most of us start out really, really bad at it.
I think this says a lot about what the early Christians had to deal with in their lives. Do you know how many times does the word “love” appears in the book of Acts? NONE - Not once is the word mentioned. And yet they were good ambassadors for Christ, because they showed knowledge, wisdom and character. (1) They took time to know about people’s other beliefs like Paul preaching to the Athenians about the unknown God on mount Olympus. (2) They were sensitive to other’s beliefs like the struggle and eventual removal of Jewish circumcision and dietary regulations from the Gentiles. And they clearly knew their own beliefs so they could witness like Philip witnessed to the Ethiopian Eunuch about the old testament prophesies foretelling Jesus as the Messiah, which led to that first African conversion and baptism.
In Matthew 9:36-38 we get a glimpse of the mind of Christ “when he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” So then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Jesus knew about their beliefs that made them harassed and helpless. He was sensitive to their lost condition and knew that others needed to be equipped so as to be workers in His harvest field.
So what are some examples of what you and I can do - to be better equipped in sharing the good news of God saving grace of Jesus Christ?
You should pray for what to say and do for others so as to witness and bring others closer to an obedient relationship with Christ. Ephesians 6:19-20 says, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
You can be bold! Boldness, which Is Confident, Clear, Plain and Biblical. It will not be Pushy, Obnoxious or Tricky.
Ask more questions instead of just telling them how to straighten up their lives. Jesus used the Socratic Method or what TV investigators like “Columbo” call “I was just wondering.” Seek to understand and ensure you aren’t misrepresenting them – “How did you come to that conclusion?” Then Listen carefully. Do their answers support their conclusion? Point out errors with more questions rather than statements like “how could that be?” or “where did you find that out?”
Give humble responses, if you get stumped . . . say “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” This will keep you from giving bad answers. It gives you time to prepare better answers. It lets you make an appointment to come back later to talk about God. One bad argument can undermine ten good arguments. Skeptics will seize on it and use it to justify their position.
Share the Gospel with words or deeds, but don’t let St. Francis’: “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words” – stop you from using words. No one is so good that they don’t have to use words. St. Francis still used words to share the Gospel. The early church spread using words. Jesus used words to share the Gospel. The Bible is God’s Word and we are told to use it. Romans 10:17 says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Stick with the classic definition of the word “tolerance.” The Classical view is to: Treat people respectfully even if you disagree with them. It isn’t intolerant to disagree with others; you can only tolerate someone you disagree with.
The Modern view is: If you disagree with someone or make moral claims you are intolerant. If you are called “intolerant,” ask for a definition. Point out contradiction – their definition will be “intolerant” of your views, if it is based on the modern interpretation of the word. It’s OK to Challenge them to refute ideas or be changed by them.
Recognize “Pluralism” as seriously flawed thinking. Pluralism says that all religions are equally valid paths to God. Basic logic says – Something can’t be “A” and “Not A” at the same time.
What about those who haven’t heard of Jesus? Acts 17:26-27 says, “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”
Dear Heavenly Father, we are sinners before Your throne of grace. Yet, we are confronted by a world filled with people who say “I’m a good person. Good people go to heaven, right?” Then they define “good” as what is just OK or permitted in their own mind and heart without listening and obeying You. Thank You for not weighing our sins against Your righteousness, yet expecting us to follow Your plan of saving grace and to live a sanctified and holy life in reflection of Jesus Christ. Help us to walk and talk as Holy Spirit people, and keep us from evil, in the name and saving grace of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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