Sharing The Love Of Christ

Over the past few months, God has greatly reminded me of the desperate need for the church to be more involved in evangelism. I’m not sure about you, but when I look around our city it’s almost like a new cult is springing up every month. People are hungry for some sort of hope beyond their current circumstances and as a result they easily latch on to beliefs that will eventually leave them empty and still searching. Unfortunately, the purveyors of untruth are out sharing those of us who have discovered the Truth. As Christians, we have the greatest news – Christ is still offering forgiveness, hope, acceptance and eternal life to all who will receive His offer of salvation. We haven’t done such a good job at sharing that news with the seekers around us over the years. We’ve either taken an approach that’s too easy or one that’s too hard. Someone once said that when an egg is ready to hatch, you can help break open the egg by hitting it with a hammer or putting it in a warm environment and patiently waiting for nature to take its course. Obviously, the hammer approach won’t work – you might break open the egg, but you’ll most likely kill the chick in the process. The best approach is patience and a warm environment. We create an environment like that for unbelievers by forming relationships of trust and love, remembering what it was like when we were unsaved and reaching out to connect with them at every opportunity with the good news of hope and forgiveness in Christ. And don’t think you can’t do that… I read an article this week about a 9 year old that did. God used him to not only share his faith, but to also be the catalyst for the prayers of a group of coworkers to be answered… In the 2005 July/August issue of Today’s Christian, Tina Blessit writes how her 9 year old son Austin was undergoing surgery to have his tonsils removed. She writes, “Before the surgery, an anesthesiologist came in to start an IV. He was wearing a cool surgical cap covered in colorful frogs. Austin loved that "frog hat." When the doctor started to leave, Austin called out, "Hey, wait." The doctor turned. "Yeah, buddy, what do you need?" "Do you go to church?" "No," the doctor admitted. "I know I probably should, but I don't." Austin then asked, "Well, are you saved?" Chuckling nervously, the doctor said: "Nope. But after talking to you, maybe it's something I should consider." Pleased with his response, Austin answered, "Well you should, 'cause Jesus is great!"
"I'm sure he is, little guy," the doctor said, and quickly made his exit. When Austin's surgery was finished, the anesthesiologist came into the waiting room to talk to me. He told me the surgery went well, then said, "Mrs. Blessit, I don't usually come down and talk to the parents after a surgery, but I just had to tell you what your son did."
He then related the story to her about how Austin’s questions. Just before he was put to sleep for the surgery, Austin insisted that he be allowed to pray. He then prayed… "Dear Lord, please let all the doctors and nurses have a good day. And Jesus, please let the doctor with the frog hat get saved and start going to church. Amen."
The doctor admitted that this had touched him. "I was so sure he would pray that his surgery went well," he explained. "He didn't even mention his surgery. He prayed for me! Mrs. Blessit, I had to come down and let you know what a great little guy you have." A few minutes later, a nurse came to take me to post-op. She had a big smile on her face as we walked to the elevator. "There's something you should know," she said. "Some of the other nurses and I have been witnessing to and praying for that doctor for a long time. After your son's surgery, he tracked a few of us down to tell us about Austin's prayer. He said, 'Well girls, you got me. If that little boy could pray for me when he was about to have surgery, then I think maybe I need his Jesus, too.'"
Don’t think you are inadequate to make a difference in the life of another person. Never underestimate the ability of the Holy Spirit to use you far beyond your ability or even your knowledge. Simply make yourself available and keep your eyes open for opportunities to build friendships with the unbelievers you meet; continually lift them up in prayer; and expect God to intervene and provide opportunities for you to share the story of your faith… The Bible tells us that “It’s not His will that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance.” And don’t be afraid that you won’t be able to share when the time comes. Jesus said, “At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matt. 10:19-20
If you look around and see that you’re surrounded by unbelievers and maybe even some who are hostile to the Christian faith, REJOICE, DON'T RUN AWAY! God has put you there for a purpose. He wants to speak thru you to those folks. He has a purpose for their lives and He wants you to communicate it to them. Make yourself available to be used by God to reveal His message of hope on every occasion. And don’t sweat it… He’ll get the job done.

Posted in: Evangelism; relational evangelism; reaching unbelievers