The Power of the Word

Evangelism Tips February 18th, 2010

Throughout my years in ministry, I’ve heard from many people that if I had their mother-in-law I wouldn’t feel so victorious, or if I was married to their wife, I wouldn’t feel so optimistic.

We all have difficult circumstances, but it is important to saturate our hearts and minds with the Bible- this helps us maintain the proper perspective. One glorious truth of the Bible is that nothing and no one can take away the power of Christ in you. Regardless of what’s going in our lives, we are headed for Heaven and there is no greater joy than that.

St. Paul writes in Romans, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”

There is authority and power in the everlasting truth of the Bible. When you share the scriptures with others, it isn’t some opinion- it is God’s Word. If you are a follower of Jesus- don’t keep it to yourself. Tell anyone and everyone who will listen.

Get to know the scriptures well. Read them often. As you read you will find your passion for the lost renewed. The more you learn about the Lord Jesus the more you’ll want to tell people. Try it today, won’t you? Reach out and discover the joy that comes with knowing God’s Word.

Teach the Word

Evangelism Tips February 16th, 2010

You know, many times people feel they cannot share the Good News because they haven’t been believers very long. But, one of the best ways to learn more is by sharing. The more you share, the more you will grow. Shortly before Jesus went back to Heaven he told his disciples to go and make disciples of all the nations. He also comforted them saying, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Do not be held back by your lack of experience- the Lord is with you always. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians, “Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of this world?”

God has different standards than this world- and your humility is something that God can work with. A theology degree doesn’t necessarily equip you to be effective for the Lord… though education is important, but without an attitude of humility and love for other people, all the education in the world is useless. God looks at the heart first.

So, don’t be held back by being new to the faith or by feelings of inadequacy. Depend on God and His Holy Word when you’re sharing the Good News, and the Lord will be with you every step of the way.

The Foundation of the Word

Evangelism Tips February 15th, 2010

When I first began to follow Jesus, at 12 years old, I would often pray that God would open doors for me to reach the whole world with the Good News. Since I was new in my faith, and still a boy, I had a lot of learning and growing to do. I felt that a wonderful place to start was studying the Bible, and getting to know it well. And so even as a boy I found myself pouring over the Bible.

Some people wonder if the Bible is a divinely inspired book, or simply a work of literature that men wrote. The Bible is written by men, yes, but these men were under the direct inspiration of God. St. Peter writes, “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”

Reading God’s Word, meditating on it, and studying it, are great ways to become effective in sharing the Good News with others. After all, the Good News is found in scripture. What better way to reach the lost then to share with them what God has said in His Word.

So try it this week, won’t you? Set aside time in your day to read the Bible. You will find, in time, that sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ is easier when you have the power of God’s Word on your mind and in your heart.

Christ’s Ambassadors

Evangelism Tips February 12th, 2010

It’s easy to get discouraged in evangelism, isn’t it? Sometimes you’re criticized, given the cold shoulder, or can’t see the fruit of sharing your faith. When we’re feeling low, we often forget that God has called each of us to be His ambassadors.

Second Corinthians 5:20 says, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” That’s so important to remember!

What does it mean to be Christ’s ambassador? First of all, an ambassador doesn’t invent the message. His president tells him what to say. This means that you don’t have to come up with the message. You simply give out the beautiful Good News Gospel, wherever God has put you.

Leave the rest to the Holy Spirit. Also, since you’re an ambassador, you’re not just some ’nobody’ praying for your neighborhood. You have power. You have authority. You have an important mission to spread the Good News message to your world!

No matter how people may respond, it doesn’t change the way God sees you. You are His messenger - His ambassador. So keep sharing God’s message of Good News, with dignity and power. After all, that’s exactly what an ambassador is called to do!