Are you familiar with Penn & Teller? They are two men who have been around for many years putting on magic shows. Penn Jillette is an outspoken atheist. After one of his shows a businessman came up to him and spoke very kindly about his show. He then told him that he had a Bible that he would like to give him. Penn was impressed with the fact that this man looked him straight in the eyes, was sincere in his words and not embarrassed to hand him that little Bible. Later on Penn reflected on the incident in a youtube video and said this:
“I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. If you believe there is a heaven and hell and that people could be going to hell … and you don’t think it ‘s worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward – then how much do you have to hate someone to not proselytize them? How much to do have to hate someone to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”
In Matthew 28 we are charged to go out into all the world and make disciples. We are to take the good news which we have heard and received and share it with those who are still lost. For some that may means becoming missionaries in some remote place on earth, but for most of us that means being a light to the community around us and sharing the good news of Christ crucified in the towns and neighborhood we live in right now. Penn is right, if we are not willing to share our message with others what does that say about our love for them?
Our Message
The message we are to share is really the same message we need to hear ourselves, right? Jesus died for sinners so we could be free! Free of the condemnation of sin, free of the power of sin and, someday, free of the presence of sin.
Sin is a curse on all of us, but there is salvation to be found through Jesus our substitute and our advocate. This is our good news!
Our Method
Have you heard the expression, “preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words”? It has been attributed to Francis of Assisi, but he actually never said it. It is not found in any of his writings, nor do his disciples or biographers attribute these words to him.
I understand the sentiment of that saying. Basically our lives should point to Jesus in such a way that we shouldn’t need to use words. But this it is only partially true. Yes we are called to be a light among a dark people and others should see that there is something different about us by looking at the way we live and the things we say. But the gospel message is a verbal message.
Jesus spent a lot of time preaching and teaching. All of his miracles were accompanied by words. He is called “the Word” (John 1). And Paul reminds us in Romans 10:14 that a person cannot come to find salvation apart from hearing the word.
How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
Personally I wish words were not necessary. I feel uncomfortable around people unless they are my good friends. The thought of going up to a stranger and starting a conversation about their need for salvation gives me anxiety. Thankfully that is not the only way to preach the word. A more effective way to share our love for Jesus is through relationships. But these friendships need to be genuine and truthful. People can tell if they are truly loved or if they are simply a project.
Our Confidence
I don’t feel like I am very good with words, especially not when I am face to face with someone. But that is okay. Our confidence should not be in our ability to explain the gospel perfectly (though we should always be working on that) or whether or not we have been persuasive enough.
Our confidence must be in God.
We must be faithful in obedience and then we must trust that the Spirit will use our words to work in the heart of the person we are speaking to as He sees fit. We must sow the seeds in love and let God work.
Remember that God is with us always! He has promised this to us and his immutability and truthfulness ensure that those promises are kept.
Make most of the relationships God places in your life. Live in such a way that will make others take notice and ask question, but also be willing to share the good news of Christ’s sacrifice with words.
Let’s be women who are not ashamed of the gospel but who are so in love with our Saviour that we cannot keep his beautiful message to ourselves.
Looking to Jesus,
{Announcing our upcoming spring study…1st & 2nd Peter!}
How, as followers of Christ, can we stand strong in a world filled with persecution, hardships, suffering, division and false-teaching?
God’s Word has the answers! The books of 1 & 2 Peter address these very issues – not only identifying them as real and present dangers – but also practically empowering and equipping weary believers to rise up, suffer well, and press on because of the hope that lives within us! Are you feeling the weight of the world? Have you endured suffering at length with no end in sight? Do you feel more and more like an alien in a foreign land?
Then find HOPE with us as we dive into {1 & 2 Peter}, our brand NEW #LoveGodGreatly 8-week online Bible study!
“As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones are being built up…” ~ 1 Peter 2:4-5
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow and be encouraged in your faith as we study God’s Word TOGETHER! Grab some friends and join us starting March 23rd… it wouldn’t be the same without YOU!
This is one thing that I have a hard time with . I am more able to talk to stranger about God than family. My Husband’s family a few members that are atheists who have made it their purpose to try to persuade people from God, and it has worked. I have gotten into all out “word battles” with them and get so frustrated because they flat out refuse and try to tear down the Word of God. I don’t speak to them anymore about God for fear of getting into these down right arguments which really end up getting me angry because of how blind they are. We are now seeing how their lies and their deceit has deeply affecting my husbands sister, who now is basically believing as they do. I love them, I want to talk to them. But after YEARS of nothing but constantly being put down, I feel like the only thing I can do is pray silently. There is no situation that ends nicely if God’s name is mentioned… They know my stance, they know my husband and I are not going to follow how they believe, but they will try their tactics every time. I feel like a horrible Christian for not keeping fighting but it is SOOO draining on me and I really I just can’t. Am I horrible? Or am I supposed to continue to give all the energy I have to win them to Christ and then nothing for my children and husband? That is literally how I feel when these arguments happen. If anyone has any insight, it would be appreciated.
Bethany,
Sharing the message of the Gospel can be very frustrating. Oftentimes we forget that the Bible tells us the very name of Jesus is an offense to people. We forget that our mission is only to tell people about Jesus…not convert them. We leave the conversion up to the Holy Spirit. Like Jen so eloquently and beautifully wrote today, you and your husband’s lives, not your words, can now be a living testimony to the power of Christ. You are definitely correct about continuing to pray for them daily. You are not horrible! This is a spiritual battle you are fighting. It is exhausting, weary, and you are getting some battle scars. Remember that when we share the Gospel, we are sharing God’s love letter…it is a message of passion and adoration. We must be led by the Holy Spirit and walking in His fruits to most effectively combat the attack to come. When the fight, debates, and arguments come after you share, it is ok to walk away in order to reestablish peace, demonstrate kindness, goodness, and self-control…always reflecting Jesus. Most importantly, know and trust that God is doing a powerful work in your family. Sometimes the struggle is evidence of Hos mighty work. It is not up to you, though, it is all in His timing and His will. You may simply be planting the seed and others will come behind you to water the soil and reap the harvest. Bethany, rejoice because you have been faithful and courageous to share! Rejoice because through your rejection you share in the sufferings of Jesus! Rejoice because you truly are a soldier for Christ in this spiritual battle on earth! Rejoice because once you have endured attack from your family, you can handle attack from anyone! Rejoice because God sees this whole circumstance and is always present with you! We will be praying for you and your family! ❤️
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
This was such a great post! I think what is awesome is discerning when words are needed and when the BEST thing to say about our walk with God is nothing! I think what people are looking for is a consistent Christian. Someone who not only TALKS about their faith but just LIVES it day after day! That has been my prayer – that God would shine through in my life both in my words and my actions. Sometimes words just won’t do the trick but daily living will! And then, the words WILL become vitally important because people will be coming and asking about why you live how you do! Jesus, help me to walk the talk and talk the walk!
Leah,
You are so right. Jen wrote a great post. That is a great word of advice “sometimes words just don’t so the trick but daily loving will”. I love that! Thank you so much for sharing your heart. We will be praying for you! ❤️
~Terria (LGG Encourager)
When do we register for the 1 and 2 Peter study?
Looking forward to this. When can we register and will it be on YouVersion?