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Why Share my Faith?
Another important principle the evangelist needs to master if he or she is to be successful is how to be decisive. There is a fanciful story of an Irish saint by the name of Kelvin. He stood, so the tale goes, absolutely still for seven years. In the palm of his outstretched hand a blackbird came and laid its eggs. Patiently, he waited until they hatched! Some Christians are like St. Kelvin when it comes to witnessing. They never get moving and share their faith! At some point we all need to be decisive. "We have the tendency to think, but not to act. We have the tendency to feel, but not to act. If we go on thinking and feeling without acting, we are soon unable to act." 1
Fishing for People
The fisherman who suddenly sees his float twitch as a trout takes the bait must decisively jerk the rod to ensure that the hook is well-embedded. God has given us the privilege as His fishermen of leading others to know Jesus as their own personal Lord and Savior. When a person is ready we must decisively take the step and challenge them. We owe them the opportunity to respond to God's love!
Need to Respond
In my mind, there is nothing more tragic than when a minister preaches well, the Word of God speaks to the people's hearts, the Holy Spirit convicts them of their need, and then the minister turns away without giving them an opportunity to respond! Another few moments and a prayer of dedication offered for those who need it, and who knows how many angels would have been rejoicing in heaven. We can never tell when God has touched a life.
All Eternity Held its Breath
I vividly recall one occasion on the promenade at Blackpool, a seaside resort in Northern England. A small group of us missioners, on a cold night, had just started a meeting when it began to rain. Soon even those few who had been listening sped away to find shelter, all except for one middle-aged man in a light grey coat leaning against a lamp post. Somehow we sensed that God was speaking to him through us, so we continued. A teenager gave a haltering testimony. A series of Bible verses were shouted out over the portable microphone. Still he listened intently to every word, his hair wet and dripping. His moment had come, all eternity held its breath, and quietly and humbly he asked for forgiveness and gave his heart to Jesus. Evangelists need to focus their "spiritual eye" - the one that sees a person ready to respond to God and then lead them to Christ. There is no higher calling.
Faith Sharing
If we are to be like Jesus, we too must endeavor to "seek and save the lost." Witnessing can not only he a blessing to others but also enliven our own work and worship.
A Preparation Prayer
Spirit of the Living God Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me.
Mould me. fill me.
Spirit of the Living God Fall afresh on me.
Trivial Conversation
Where do I start? Where people are. Do not despise trivial conversation about the weather, it can produce an opening to a deep spiritual conversation. Try to gauge a person' thoughts and concerns. Start there and ask God. the Holy spirit, to lead the discussion. "Dead men tell no lies" Witnessing is a sign of spiritual life.
Flexible Approach
Be flexible in your approach. Be prepared to make a fool of yourself initially. Carefully read any literature you intend to use.
DON'T ask, "Are you a Christian?" Almost everyone will answer, "Yes," leaving you speechless! Find out in other ways whether they are or not.
You may win the argument but lose the person. "As you share your faith with others, they will perceive the wealth of good things in you, that come from Christ."2
How the Leprechaun got away!
"Oh! As I went out one winter's night, A leprechaun I spied,
With scarlet cap and coat of green, A cruiskeen at his side.
He hammered and sang with his tiny voice, And I drank his mountain dew:
Oh! I laughed to think he was caught at last. But the fairy was laughing too,
With eager grasp I caught the elf - "Your fairy purse!" I cried.
"I've given it away," he said, "To the lady at your side."
I turned to look - the elf was gone; And what was I to do?
Oh! I laughed to think of the fool I'd been: And the Fairy was laughing too." 3
1C. S. Lewis 2Philemon 6 3Author Unknown
"We can never tell when God has touched a life."
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