- When was the last time another person attempted to share Jesus with you?
- How long has it been since you shared Jesus Christ with another person?
- Who are you praying for by name that needs to know the Savior?
- What’s keeping you from building relationships and engaging other people with the Good News?
Proverbs 11:30 – “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.”
John 4:35 – “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest?’ Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see the fields that are white for harvest.”
Colossians 4:2-6 – “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison-that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
1 Peter 3:15 – “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Jude 1:21-22 – “Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”
Ten Steps that Equip Us to Share Jesus Christ
- Understand Lostness. People outside of Jesus aren’t just sick or ill; they’re dead (Eph. 2:5). You and I need to understand that apart from Christ, they’ll never be saved and go to heaven.
- Get Prepared. It’s imperative that you and I immerse our hearts, minds, and spirits in God’s Word, read quality books on evangelism, and learn from people who have a passion (and even gift) for evangelism. It’s okay to shadow other people in life and ministry.
- Pray First. Before you and I ever talk with people about the Lord, we need to talk to the Lord about people. You and I need to ask the Lord to give us the right spirit, heart, and motives. And we need to ask the Lord for open doors and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Personal evangelism is to flow, not be forced.
- Ask Questions. A good practice is to ask people basic life questions. “Are you from Tallahassee? Do you go to school at FSU, FAMU, or TCC? How long have you worked here? How’s your day going? Easter was last Sunday; were you able to go to church? Do you attend church in our city? Who is the pastor?” Asking questions helps us know a person’s story and his or her openness to talk.
- Establish Relationships. Relationships are vital to personal evangelism. Eating at the same restaurants, buying gas at the same station, and recreating with the same people are wise practices. Repetition fosters relationships. The more people see and know you and me; the deeper relationships can go. The goal of building relationships is to always share the Gospel.
- Meet Needs. Meeting people’s needs often touches the heart and opens the door for Gospel conversations. It’s important that people know we care about them and their stories. Who needs financial support? Who needs a listening ear? Who needs a word of encouragement? Being Gospel-centered means starting with people where they are in life, not where they should be.
- Share Jesus. Even though this is number seven on the list, it’s the foundation of all things. At the right time, and in the right context, the mission is to always share Jesus. People need to know who He is, how He has changed our lives, and how He desires to transform their lives.
- Don’t Push. Pushing people to hear the Gospel and trust Christ is never an effective evangelism strategy. Our assignment is to plant and water seeds. God is the One who gives the growth (1 Cor. 3:6). An aggressive evangelism approach often build walls with people, rather than building bridges. Always share Jesus with patience, gentleness, and respect. And never forget, we don’t save people. God does!
- Start Today. God hasn’t called you and me to be hearers of the Word only. He expects us to know, apply, and practice His precepts and principles (Jas. 1:22). If you’re in a restaurant this week, ask the person serving you a few basic life questions. And then ask, how you can pray for him or her. If you meet a new person in the community over the next few days, invite him or her to church and Sunday school. The enemy says you and I can’t reach people for Jesus. However, the Lord says we can (Phil. 4:13).
- Praise God. Think about this for a moment: The God of the universe desires to use you and me to reach people and build His kingdom. That’s amazing! As you and I become familiar with the way Jesus works, it’s noteworthy that He calls, equips, and uses people the world generally passes over. Jesus empowered fishermen and tax collectors to carry forth His message. At the end of the day, the Lord is the One to be glorified (1 Cor. 10:31).
Therefore, whom do you and I need to talk with and say, “I’ve got something important to tell you?” May the Lord use these conversations to change lives for eternity!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ronny
Ephesians 2:8-10