Evangelism is More Than The Gospel - Sunday October 11, 2015
Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8
We often have discussions about evangelism as though it were something we go out and do. "Let's go out tomorrow and share the gospel on campus." Or, "Would you like to go with me to that apartment complex and share the gospel?" This is an essential part of evangelism, but there is so much more to winning the lost than simply giving them a gospel presentation or passing out literature!
People are looking for more than words; they want to see evidence that you sincerely care about them. They want to see if your God makes you compassionate or just religious. "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care-about them!" -Zig Ziegler
A student told me recently how he had attempted to share Christ with his roommate. They had a few conversations that didn't lead to the gospel. The roommate stated, "I'm okay with whatever you believe as long as you respect what I believe. It really doesn't matter to me." So where can he go from there? I suggested that he pray for his roommate's heart to be convicted of his sin and need for Christ. I also encouraged him to show a genuine interest in his life: find out about his interests, his family, and girlfriend. "Show him by your words and deeds that you sincerely care about him. That will make him receptive to your message." Jesus modeled a love for people because He knew they needed to hear more than a gospel message-they needed to see that He cared about them.
Submitted by:
Stephen Scott Nelson
Atlanta House Churches
Atlanta, Georgia
One-Year Reading Plan:
Jeremiah 16:16-18:23
1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3
Psalms 81:1-16
Proverbs 25:6-8
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