Faith Simplifiedનમૂનો

Day 7: GOD RESTORES

EVANGELISM: WORSHIPING JESUS BY TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT HIM

I sometimes describe myself as one of the world’s most timid evangelists. I even joke that God was so serious about me sharing the gospel with people that he once gave me a job with “gospel” in the title. And I say it this way because of the stereotype of a street preacher that still permeates the American consciousness—the man standing on a soapbox on a street corner with a loudspeaker, shouting about people being sinners destined for hell. I’m not that guy. Neither are the street preachers I know. (Although I have seen one or two of these types out in downtown Nashville over the years.)

But in truth, I’m only timid in the sense that I am concerned about talking about Jesus and the gospel naturally. I don’t want to sound like I’m following a script. So I don’t shoehorn Jesus into a discussion about a great meal, a fun movie, or a good book, for example. I talk about Jesus and the gospel as a part of what I talk about regularly, and the ways I do so are contextually appropriate.

And that’s what I want to encourage you with as well: If you are a Christian, no matter who you are—no matter your gifts, strengths, weaknesses, your personality type, or your confidence level—you can do this too. You are called to share the good news that Jesus lived perfectly on our behalf, died in our place, and rose again from the dead (2 Corinthians 5:20).

But don’t read what I just said above with a sense of obligation. While there is a command present, evangelism is not simply a duty. It is intended to be a delight. Sharing the gospel is an act of worship; it is something we do as an expression of our love for Jesus. We share out of thankfulness for the grace we have received from him, and from a desire for others to receive this grace as well. Evangelism is an invitation to experience the new life that Jesus offers in the gospel.

Your story matters. If you’re a Christian, the way God worked in your life to bring you to faith is worth celebrating. Maybe you grew up in a family that loved Jesus, and following him seemed the most natural thing in the world. Or maybe you grew up in that same kind of home, but you wrestled with faith and rejected it for years before finally seeing that Jesus is who he says he is. Or like me, you didn’t grow up around Christianity at all, and you became a Christian as an adult. No matter how you came to faith, it is a gift, and it is worth celebrating and sharing with others.