Interested in Teaching Evangelism?

[Maureen]

Julie and myself have just discovered we both have a common problem area.

We don't know were to begin when faced with a situation were we could speak about Jesus to others, even in our own family, as Julie puts it very well, 'my heart screams out to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, but my courage shrinks away'

Any of you brothers or sisters fancy taking us under your wing and helping us to 'take courage'?

What can we say? How can we bring a conversation around?

I'm sure some of you know exactly what we mean, maybe even been there at one time, and we could so much benifit by your experience.

Thank you

 

[Trishann]

Maureen I don’t know if this will help or not but I thought I would share it
with you, just maybe it will.

My husband was unsaved and had a friend over to our house that was unsaved. This particular friend love to start fights with people who knock at his door to share the gospel or other religion, he just thrived on it for some reason. Well this friend came over and started talking to me, trying to start an argument about God. I did not say a word until he end with saying, “I just can’t get you to argue with me like I do the others.” Then I told him and said his name, “If I could I would take you and my husband’s hand and put it in Jesus’ hands but I can’t do it; it is a choice you have to make for yourself. Well his young man has to make a choice now.

I’m not saying this is a way for all people, sometimes people need to speak and witness but just watch about for those who just want to fight.

Your sister in Christ, Trish

 

[Maureen]

That was interesting Trish
and touching too.
I thought it very controlable of yourself, it took me ages to learn control I used to get stirred up when my unsaved husband would start saying things to me in opposition, but with the Lords help it no longer happens, he usually is more sincere now rather than being argumentive, but I remember it as well the feelings in my very stomach wrenching at him because he would have really annoyed me with what he'd said.

Its so much better now to be able to talk to him about spiritual matters, he says we fellowship, I know we can't, but I don't like to be putting him down, we discuss the Gospel sometimes, and I hope someday Jesus will speak to him or use either me or someone to reach him for His Kingdom.

Thank you for sharing that.

 

[stephen]

The 'Evangelist' is a ministry gift to the church Eph 4 : 11

It is not something which I would be able to do all the time. I can evangelise at times, having such a message, being presented with such opportunity, whatever.

Evangelist' is a gift of God to the church, and can be male or female. The church needs, requires Evangelists. The church that does not evengelise will fossilize

The bible exhorts us to desire........these gifts....implying that if 'we desire' then such gifts are available

 

[Maureen]

Thank you Stephan,

Is Jesus not really annoyed with us if we don't talk about Him every opportunity we get?
Or is that putting on pressure, we know He is not a hard task master, for He tells in
Matthew 11 v 30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light

 

[stephen]

Thank you Stephan,

Is Jesus not really annoyed with us if we don't talk about Him every opportunity we get?
Or is that putting on pressure, we know He is not a hard task master, for He tells in
Matthew 11 v 30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light

Is Jesus not really annoyed with us if we don't talk about Him every opportunity we get? Absolutely not.

Any Christian who believes that if they pray enough, rejoice enough, stay strong enough, stay spiritual enough, will always be on the mountain top.... It is not true.

Moses tried once.......then left it for 20 years till 'the bush burned' in the desert.

Elijah called down fire.......two weeks later he asked God to let him die.

Job cried out "O wretched man that I am......"

Peter said Though all forsake thee I will die with thee.......remember the rest of the story?

John Baptist after baptising Jesus, seeing the Holy Spirit descend like a dove. Proclaiming "Behold the Lamb of God ........etc. Sent a message from his prison cell "Art thou he that should come or should we look for another" John in prison, lonely, forgotten began to doubt

Did Jesus rebuke these folks........No No No. Absolutely not.

They were all encouraged to go on. God knows that we are weak, prone to wander, discouragement, difficulty etc. yet having a basic desire to love and to serve Him.

So we follow him......to be a blessing. If our goal is not achieved today......maybe we will achieve such tomorrow. But Jesus

Could say more but hope this is of help

God bless

 

[stephen]

Sorry 2 am Bedtime I guess God bless

 

[Katzie]

The one thing I always have done and continue to do is I always give God the Glory for everything. I talk to unsaved people almost the same way I would if I were speaking to a Christian. For example if I am talking about a situation that came up and what I had to do. I will say that before I did anything I prayed about it a lot and then the Lord led me to do whatever it was and what an amazing Blessing it was that things turned out the way they did.

I will also tell stories about how God works in mysterious ways and all the miracles and amazing things that have accured in my life and so forth. I don't really care if they occasionally make remarks like "you're such a Holy Roller" or whatever. I just feel like if I plant enough seeds, maybe one or two might grow.

I also pray that the Lord will use me, that He will let his joy shine through. I have had people who are going through rough times who know of some of the very difficult things I have been going through the past couple of years come to me and ask me "how do you do it, I don't have half the problems you do and you are always happy and smiling"....then I tell them "by the Grace of God with lots of prayer, faith and friends who pray for me as well". Sometimes, they want to know more and sometimes they run as far away from me as possible. All I can do is put it out there and know that if they don't come around again it's not because of me it's because God is knocking on their door and they are not ready to open it yet.

I used to think I had to act indifferent or something when I was around unsaved people. That I shouldn't act like myself, which is a Christian full of the Joy of the Lord who loves speaking about Him all the time. I finally realized it was more important to me to please the Lord then to please them and to be myself and when appropriate to make references to the Lord I would. It has helped bring a lot of people to Church and from there the Lord took over and I'm happy to say the Lord used me to save many people.

That's about the best advise I can give you. I know it doesn't feel comfortable at first, but I've been a Christian 31 years so it gets easier as time goes on.

Praise the Lord!!!!

Katzie

 

[jiggyfly]

Maureen, I think you are probably evangelizing and just don't realize it. An action is worth a thousand words, Francis of Assisi said "preach the gospel everyday and use words if necessary". While speaking the gospel has it's place, Paul said that our lives are letters, so living the gospel is not only more difficult, I believe it is far more effective.

People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Just keep living the gospel avoid religious speak and religious training. Here's a good example.

Acts 4:13
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men who had had no special training. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

Hang out with Jesus and learn from Him and others will take notice and be ministered the gospel in living color.

Here's a thread I posted some time ago. http://www.talkjesus.com/bible-study-hall/5633-what-you-known.html

 

[Fragrant Grace]

My heart screams out at me

Hi Maureen and everyone that has posted here.

These answers have been really useful thanks and very reassuring. When I said in the Proclaiming Christ thread that my heart screams out and I loose all courage, I really thought I would never be able to speak about the Lord at work. My embarassment put me to shame.

Well a miracle has happenned

We have a wonderful God who opens doors of opportunity.
I was sitting down at work today because I was feeling pretty unwell and the staff around me suddenly started to talk about Pontious Pilate and the Cross....they were obviously very confused... and then someone said "ask Julia,she would know" This meant I could say just a few words about the Lord in answer to their questions.

It struck my heart how lost my colleagues are and their need of a Saviour and I pray this will stir me even more.

I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed 2 Timothy 1:12

What a wonderful Saviour we have!


Julia

 

[byhisgrace]

The one thing I always have done and continue to do is I always give God the Glory for everything. I talk to unsaved people almost the same way I would if I were speaking to a Christian. For example if I am talking about a situation that came up and what I had to do. I will say that before I did anything I prayed about it a lot and then the Lord led me to do whatever it was and what an amazing Blessing it was that things turned out the way they did.

I will also tell stories about how God works in mysterious ways and all the miracles and amazing things that have accured in my life and so forth. I don't really care if they occasionally make remarks like "you're such a Holy Roller" or whatever. I just feel like if I plant enough seeds, maybe one or two might grow.
I also pray that the Lord will use me, that He will let his joy shine through. I have had people who are going through rough times who know of some of the very difficult things I have been going through the past couple of years come to me and ask me "how do you do it, I don't have half the problems you do and you are always happy and smiling"....then I tell them "by the Grace of God with lots of prayer, faith and friends who pray for me as well". Sometimes, they want to know more and sometimes they run as far away from me as possible. All I can do is put it out there and know that if they don't come around again it's not because of me it's because God is knocking on their door and they are not ready to open it yet.
I used to think I had to act indifferent or something when I was around unsaved people. That I shouldn't act like myself, which is a Christian full of the Joy of the Lord who loves speaking about Him all the time. I finally realized it was more important to me to please the Lord then to please them and to be myself and when appropriate to make references to the Lord I would. It has helped bring a lot of people to Church and from there the Lord took over and I'm happy to say the Lord used me to save many people.

That's about the best advise I can give you. I know it doesn't feel comfortable at first, but I've been a Christian 31 years so it gets easier as time goes on.

Praise the Lord!!!!

Katzie

amen and amen and amen.
also, you can't live like the world. the funniest thing and I absolutely loved it when I got into a discussion with a girl about music and I didn't know who they were and she asked how I couldn't and I told her I only listen to "Jesus music, and music glorifying God", she said well that's because you're just a JESUS FREAK!! I loved it. but she started listening to it with me...lol..so it worked...then she/I moved and lost touch but I have faith that she will come to know Him and Love Him.
the hardest thing is trying to get my words right. If I can't get them right in my head I don't say them because they are MY words, but if it's there, it's there and it's from God.
I prayed the other day, "Lord, if there is someone who needs to hear about you tonight at work, please open the door, provide the opportunity for Your Word to be sent forth, use me Lord tonight if there is someone. I WILL speak it. " And you know what, that is the first time I prayed a prayer like that. And that night the opportunity was there AND what made it better is THEY brought it up! God is sooo good. My desire was for His will be done and He gave me my desire. I witnessed to two...one was so close... ask and it shall be given.

there is a program out there called soul winning or something like that, my sister is visiting over the 4th of July weekend and she is supposed to be bringing all the stuff on it. She said it is so easy to learn and it's goal is to get people saved of course, but it teaches HOW to turn every subject/conversation to salvation in a way that isn't pushy. I am very interesed.

 

[Maureen]

Julia, I'm so pleased for you sister.
It is so rewarding inside to glorify the Lord Jesus, I know when little opportunities arise, usually with my unsaved husband, I get such an amount of pleasure just bringing praise to His name.

Jiggfly, thank you for your kind words.
I kind of set a little test the other day to my husband but the outcome was to confirm wether or not I was the Christian I want to be.

I'll explain,
in church it had been said about the Israelites wandering around in the wilderness for 40 years, without direction, and were you doing that same thing?
So it made think and want an answer at the same time (we women are good at multi tasking you know)
so I decided I'd ask my husband which did he see me as,
I sat waiting to hear the worst, 'in the wilderness' but no, he even said that he see's me as defiantly having a direction.

Phew!!!!
test completed, results.......so pleased,

ByHisGrace
that sounds interesing the programme, keep us posted.
I can't listen to worldly music either, I think if its not bringing glory to God its not worth wasting time on it.

The Lily of the Valley, the bright and morning star, oh how I love Jesus.

 

[jari]

This is for encouragement: I was prayer fasting once because I knew my dad was coming to drop by and I wanted to witness to him before he leaves. After a rather long time of prayer without no courage whatsoever to speak up and witness to him I stood up. Then when my dad came, all the suddently I was filled with the confidence, that Holy spirit gives, to witness to him.

So the Holy spirit is what we need, no matter how we want, only Jesus can save, but God also puts the desire in our heart..

God bless you and I hope this helps!

 

[Trishann]

Hey Maureen I know sometimes it is hard to witnness to others at times. I hope you don't get bored with my little stories but that is how I can share with others at times.

Talking about inferior, I do feel this way here because there are so many smart people here that knows just what to say and their speech is perfect in bringing it forth, so many times I hesitate to write.
But then I see something that someone wrote and remember how God saw me through it and if it help someone or encourage someone not to get discourage or dismay it was all worth while.

We are constantly learning Maureen and sound like God is talking to your heart. God put this in your heart and He will also open doors of opportunity.

Sometimes it is harder to witness to your own family. Look at Jesus, his own hometown, he could not do many mighty works there. But if the Lord
is putting it in your heart, ask God to let you be sensitive to the Holy Spirit
to bring forth the right words to say.
Or ask God to bring Christian people in their path to be able to witness to them. God will make a way so you Maureen just keep praying for guidance and God will go before you.

Your sister in Christ, Trish

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Still need help...

Hi all

Thank you

These posts have been so useful and have given me some encouragement about being able to proclaim Christ...without shivelling up, feeling shy, or embarrassed.

But I still feel very stuck. As a Christian our mission in life should be to lead others to Christ. But I feel so caught up in the confused complicated rat race of modern life...where time races by. When I consider what Ive done to proclaim the Lord in a day it seems so little.

What feels worse is the fact that if Im honest and search my heart, Ive kind of resigned myself to the fact that my mum, my neighbours, my sister and her family are not saved .They have no interest in spiritual things, so I dont seem to talk about spiritual things with them any more. I feel such a hypocrite... I want to be able proclaim Christ to the world but how can I do that if my burden for those close to me has diminished.

I think my heart needs stirring up.

What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? Ps 116:12

He that winneth souls is wise Proverbs 11:30

Any thoughts would be most welcome.

Julia

 

[jiggyfly]

John 12:30-32
30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

Acts 20:30
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Notice the difference? When Jesus does it people are drawn towards Him, and when we try to do it they are drawn away.

Acts 1:7&8
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.


We have been given the power to become witnesses to Jesus' work. If we just allow Jesus to work in us others will see His work and we can testify that it is Jesus who is doing it.

 

[Maureen]

Hey Maureen I know sometimes it is hard to witnness to others at times. I hope you don't get bored with my little stories but that is how I can share with others at times.

Talking about inferior, I do feel this way here because there are so many smart people here that knows just what to say and their speech is perfect in bringing it forth, so many times I hesitate to write.

Not for a minute Trish, not boring at all, quite the opposite.

Sure can understand your feelings about 'perfect speech' though, many a time have thought it also and let it stop me posting by feeling inferior.
Guess that's stupidity though, we are all differant, and will say differant things and write using differant words and the way they're used too.
Same happens in prayer, (group prayer) I always think, I couldn't pray like they do, I don't know how to portray like that, and then I don't join in.

I really do believe we beat our own selves up a lot, as also Julia with what you have posted sis.

I understand exactly what your saying, but we can also lead by example, our actions, dont they say actions speak louder than words anyway.

Jari
what a revelation, I'm sure it pleased you much that day, and would have so pleased Jesus also.

I have a wee story which happened just this morning.
I had to attend hospital to have last plaster paris of my arm after over 8 weeks of them, I had brought a basket of fruit and a thank you card for all the staff who had cared for me over those weeks, operation and all, well on my way in with it I prayed Lord let Peter Cruz (a wee Philipino male nurse who looked after me before my op) be available as I go in to hand this over, sure enough as I went on into the Fracture Clinic Peter was stood right in front of me, I nearly had to wipe my eyes, but isn't that always the way, we pray for something and when it's answered it's like the sky has opened and heaven come down, as if it wasn't nearly going to happen, I didn't doubt that Peter wouldn't be there just surprized at a fast answer.
I know it's not speaking the gospel, but I hope my actions translated just that, I try to write a message when I send a card, to get a word across.
So I hope the card may also speak to someone.

I believe in these ways also we get across the message about Jesus, thinking of others and not only taking for ourselves.

 

[LindenLady]

When folks see the utter joy that is constantly in your life... it is sort of like watching a lady sitting in a restaurant eating chocolate caramel nut cheesecake for the very first time.... Now take a look at the expression of utter joy when that first bit touches her tongue... When folks see that in us,,, they will "want what we have"... and will eventually ask for it on their own... (but the spirit of God will be at work in the background... ) So, simply ask God to place someone before you.. He will, and God will have done all the prep work already...

You don't really need to go out looking for folks to bring to Jesus... God will bring them to you when He feels you are ready to be His vessel. And He will speak to those people through you. You really won't have much to do with it... I don't believe it is about Ability.. but it is more about Availablity...

 

[SpiritLedEd]

By His example, Jesus taught us how to evangelize. He loved the Father and depended on Him for direction and He loved the people, even His enemies. He kept it simple. His faith in God and His passion for the work sustained Him.

For one on one evangelism, we don't need prepared remarks. We don't need to be dressed to the nines. We don't need big black Bibles to wave in people's faces, we don't need pointed fingers and serious looks on our faces. We just need to love the people in front of us and depend on the Holy Spirit to tell us what to say.

We must build relationships with them; let them see God at work in us. We must keep it simple and remember that effective one on one evangelism is a process, not an event.

SLE

 

[Maureen]

LinenLady
The person right under my nose is my husband, he's still as yet unsaved, I know he 'reads' me, and I can only pray I show a good example of what the Lord would have me be read as.

I pointed my wee Uncle toward the Lord last year, when he was 80yrs of age, and 4 months before he died, Jesus timing is perfect always, it thrilled me I'm sure more than him, to be used of God, oh what a priviledge.

How are you Julia?