May-June 2013- 7
love is fun. Jesus said that if we follow Him, we will not grow weary.
Matthew 11:28: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Isaiah 40:31: But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Galatians 6:9: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Salvation comes through God’ s amazing grace. That should make Christians— of all people— humble and motivated to share the grace of God with others.
However, evangelism frequently involves making ourselves uncomfortable. Remember that it’ s about the message and the listener. It’ s easy to get nervous when talking about God, so pace yourself and focus on your listener.
Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
God has the advantage of knowing people’ s hearts before a conversation has even started. We don’ t. We have to listen. We have to forget about ourselves.
Keep things based on the Bible – not on comparisons, denominations, complicated life situations, church history, or something like that. It’ s easy to get side-tracked. Again, what people really need to hear is God’ s love. If they start talking about complicated situations and problems, re-assure them of God’ s love and willingness to forgive. Show them that God cares, and loved them enough to die for them. When someone is sincerely asking about faith and religion, they’ re looking for solid answers. The Bible is a solid foundation for discussions about God. The New Testament is often very clear about God and life.
2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good