Here is a very good measuring rod we should all consider in evangelism written by Pastor Tom Chantry:
Take a few minutes today to read the following written by Pastor Chantry to evaluate your own evangelism.
Perhaps you have a favorite tract you use in proclaiming the gospel; or maybe you just tend to follow a certain outline you have developed from the pages of God's Word. Think through all the issues raised in this post by Pastor Chantry's insightful questions:
1. Does my evangelism display the majesty of God, who is sovereign over all things? (Eph. 1:4-14; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 9:6-23)
2. Does my evangelism display the grace of God, who ever stands ready to save sinners? (Titus 2:11-13; Eph. 2:8-9; Romans 3:21-31)
3. Does my evangelism hit the hard facts dead on the nose: that men are sinners, and that God will punish sin with damnation? (Roms. 3:10-18; Eph. 2:1-3; Heb. 2:9-18)
4. Does my evangelism explain clearly the central points of the gospel: the death and resurrection of God the Son and the implications this has for sinners? (1 Cor. 15:1-21)
5. Does my evangelism call on men to turn away from sin and from self? (Matt. 7:12ff; 16:24-26)
6. Does my evangelism call men to faith in Christ as the only hope for sinners? (Roms. 3-4; Gal. 1:6-9)
Oh to practice evangelism like this... amen? These words are an encouragement to my own heart in ministry--may they be to yours as well.
(Scripture references added by Steve Camp)
8 comments:
Learning and practicing. Always, from the very first moment of Grace.
Being psychologically beaten for it most of the times, ridiculed and made fun of.
And enjoying it immensely, because it is exactly right.
Thank You for this text.
That's a right-on-the-money post.
And I'd add: Also does my evangelism totally, and absolutely, depend upon the Holy Spirit filling me, and speaking the truth in love through me?
I was reading in Acts 4 where it says, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, and then he preached the gospel.
And I thought Peter was a fisherman. No more special than you or me, in one sense. Just a sinner saved by grace.
And yes he surely was an Apostle of the Lord, and someone i admire greatly, and look forward to meeting, but no different than any other man as well, until he was filled with the Spirit of God.
We surely can be encouraged that the same Holy Spirit that filled the Apostle, can fill us as well. And will speak the truth in love through us as He did Peter.
Don
Very true brother.
Proclaiming the gospel is not a mechanical exercise... We must proclaim His gospel (all of it!) in the power of the Holy Spirit.
It is the Spirit who regenerates (Titus 3:5-7); sanctifies (1 Peter 1:2); convicts of sin (John 16:8-10); and seals (Eph. 1:13-14). The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17-19) and therefore for gospel proclamation to have impact on the sinful hearts of unregenerate people, our reliance upon the Holy Spirit cannot be partial, but total.
Ive been conversing with a beloved family member who recently has begun to recognize good and evil in life in general and specific ways. I saw the way clear to impart truth - the truth of the plan of salvation. I followed no method, but spoke to the woman as a daughter would to her mother with respect, grace and truth while relating to her situation. And with enthusiasm for my new life in Christ, encouraged her to read God's word. This was not our first conversation of this nature over the last 15 years. Initially, I offered my personal testimony, which mostly humored and later offended her. Years later, my brother got into trouble and was falsley accused of a crime. I allied with my mother and explained we needed God's help and together we went to God, who answered our prayers favorably. She seemed to forget that for awhile. Next in a time of her personal crisis, an illness I offered more prayer, hope, and close contact with her through her trial. At times, she seemed to soften to God and prayer and admitted someone watches over us. Lately, a relatives death and burial caused her to research burial sermons and used many very pertinent Biblical phrases in the eulogy...Now, she doesnt profess to be a Christian nor is she open to following Christ, but desired to ward off what she called 'residual evil' from this relative of hers and mine. I am glad she reached for the most holy and good thing she could think of...the Holy Bible.
This is real life and my way of evangelism is just looking for the opportunities to talk about how a God is both loving and holy. I beieve in a time when God will grant her faith and repentance.
And hope for more opportunities to speak to her about the most important message of all her life. Despite my gentle, but direct persistence and her repeated rejections of Christ ...I will not alienate her but remain hopeful. In the end, I have nothing to lose,but she has everything to lose.
likewise Steve...truly an encouragement!
Very encouraging post Steve. Need to digest some of these for a while.
The great part of evangelism is that we are not alone.
Our Lord is with us. He commanded us to go, baptise and teach...so whenever he gives us a command, He is there, in it, and with us.
I always pray that He use my poowords (for they are) for His purposes and He does that. I know...because He is there.
Thanks!
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