Evangelism is a Discipline
Just read the chapter on Evangelism from Donald Whitney's Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Here are some great quotes from the chapter:"Evangelism is to present Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit to sinful people, in order that they may come to put their trust in God through Him, to receive Him as their Savior, and serve Him as their King in the fellowship of His Church." (p. 100)
"We need to learn that sharing the gospel is successful evangelism...conversions are fruit that God alone can give." (p. 103)
"So if God by His Spirit has changed your life, be confident of this: God has given you Acts 1:8 power. That means in ways and methods compatible with your personality, temperament, spiritual gift, opportunities, etc., you do have the power to share the gospel with people." (p. 104)
"Evangelism is a natural overflow of the Christian life...but evangelism is also a Discipline in that we must discipline ourselves to get into the context of evangelism, that is, we must not just wait for witnessing opportunities to happen...isn't the main reason we don't witness because we don't discipline ourselves to do it?" (pp. 106-7)
This last one really sums up what I've been convicted with. If we don't make an effort, it won't happen, and we'll look back and say "Why did I just let time go by without sharing?" But create opportunities (especially at the church), look for them everywhere, and God will use us.
posted by Rob @ 1:47 PM
2 Comments:
Very good insights and material. Thank you for sharing.
I sometimes feel pious-appearing or arrogant or judgmental when I seek to share the gospel. I am far more confortable when someone asks me about some Christian aspect of my life or how I, as a Christian, deal with a particular situation.Maybe I need to concentrate on the other person and not myself in evangelism opportunities.
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