Practical Evangelism
January 19, 2010 @ 9:39 PM EST | Category:
Witnessing Tips
OK, so lately I've been thinking about sharing some practical evangelism steps for people with busy lifestyles (that would include most of you right? and if you aren't busy then you should have plenty of time).
I often seem to overlook the fact that just because you know something doesn't mean that it might be "street wise" or "common sense" knowledge for others. I believe what God teaches a man in practical Godliness is meant to be communicated to others; hence, the reason for this blog.
So, as plainly as I can, in almost instruction manual form, I will lay out a very simple plan for you. The only thing that is left, on your part is a striving for unconditional love for God, conditional love for your neighbor, the help of the Holy Spirit (which by the way is a promise) and a willingness to be used by God. Think you got it? I think so!
Here we go:
Step 1.
Fishin' Lures - Make sure you at least have $10 bucks in your bank account. Go here and order a pack of these. Once they arrive at your house, rejoice and pray over them that God will use them and you to reach the lost.
Step 2.
The Tackle Box - The two major tackle boxes that we use to carry our lures are our car and our pockets. Stick 'em on your center console or in the passenger seat of your car. I'll explain some tips on why you do this later. The point is to have your lures ready at all times. Make it a habit to carry them with you like you do your wallet. Truth be told, they are more important than your wallet.
Step 3.
Let's Go Fishin' - Here is where the rubber meets the road, or the lure meets the water, or err...well, you get the point.
Just as a side note: Practical, disciplined, everyday Godliness is much much harder than just showing up on Sunday morning and being a cultural Christian. So, if this is tough or new as a routine or habit, stick with it and be encourage from 2 Timothy 2:4-13 which says,
"4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself."
The good news is there are more ponds to fish in than you can imagine. Here are a few ideas for you. Pick one, or two, or all of them and get started.
The "Drive-Thru" Pond - When you go through the drive-thru have your fishin' lures handy and when the person at the window hands you your items, kindly exchange them with a tract. Then floor the gas pedal out of fear and get outta' there! Seriously, don't do that.
The "Grocery Store" Pond - When walking around the isles, place the tracts on or around popular items (beer, cereal, canned goods, etc.). Also, when you check out hand one to the cashier after they hand you the receipt and say something like, "This is for you. God bless." and then run for the door. Seriously, don't do that either.
The "Restaurant" Pond - Once you've paid for your meal and are ready to leave, take a tract and place it on the table with your receipt for the waiter. Easy enough.
The "Bank" Pond - If you make deposits, stick a tract in the deposit envelope.
The "Retail" Pond - When you got out for something make sure and have the tracts in your pocket and simply hand them to people as you walk in and out of the store. Don't forget to hand one to the cashier also.
OK, so there are some really easy ways to share the Gospel in written form with people on a regular basis while you are out and about with your busy lifestyle. Make spreading the Gospel the top priority in your life with this little paradigm shift:
"I am not going to the store to get some things and while I'm there share the Gospel.
I am going to the store to share the Gospel and while I'm there get some things."
I think this falls in line with Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
You will be suprised at the difference it makes once you truly understand that from the heart.
Go here for more great ideas on using tracts.
