Evangelism – Godinterest

March 25, 2020March 25, 2020

Is COVID-19 Seasonal?

Most people are familiar with the idea of a “cold and flu season”, and the current pandemic has people across the globe looking forward anxiously to the end of it for this year. Fresh warm air and bright sunlight are deadly to viruses, so it is hoped that this first day of spring (in the Northern Hemisphere) will start a countdown to the end of this contagion.

But the seasonal nature of the pandemic can also be understood in the context of 2 Timothy 4:2 which tell us to be ready “in season and out” to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. ’ This pandemic can be understood as a fantastic opening for Christians to proclaim the truth, but in order to properly seize this moment we have to be equipped. I hope to assist with that in whatever modest way I can.

But First

Before we get started, let me say that I do not find any evidence in Scripture that this pandemic is God’s doing or His will. I believe that this is either from Satan or simply another consequence of the fall. But regardless of the cause, let’s remember Genesis 5:20 and work with God to use what is intended for evil and accomplish something good.

The good thing is for people hear how much God loves them and wants them to come into a relationship with Him based solely on that love. In fact, there is nothing better than that. The mindset of those deeply concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to do that in a way that will resonate with both their emotional and their rational sides. Approaches that hit both notes are very effective.

Sympathize

“Sympathy” seems to be a pretty rare commodity when it comes to evangelism these days. Christians are much more likely to preach the consequences of sin than start form a point of common ground. But the pandemic is the perfect chance to begin with sympathizing, because the fear felt by non-Christians is something we ourselves have felt before. It is the practical application of 1 Corinthians 6:11.

Those fearful of COVID-19 have been disappointed by the medical system and their national government. They have put their confidence in these institutions and trusted them to take care of them and protect them. Effective vaccinations and security checkpoints were depended on to be a shield and bulwark. Put together, these two institutions presented what seemed to be an unconquerable Goliath.

The Window

The toppling of that behemoth has left those who trusted it fearful and confused. It’s easy to start a conversation (conducted at the proper social distance, of course) about how these institutions should have seen this coming. Everyone remembers the SARS, MERS, Zika and Ebola outbreaks. From there it is simple to draw the conclusion that institutions created by mankind are inherently unreliable.

“If we can’t trust those what can we trust?” is the fundamental question every Christian longs to answer, and it is the natural conclusion to the conversation. The reasons given to trust God in the current circumstance can branch in a variety of directions. One way is to quote Psalm 91 about how God protects those who abide in His love. This leads directly to a discussion of the perfect example of that love.

More Options

In some conversations it will be possible to answer that fundamental question with a personal testimony of our own disappointment with human institutions — and with ourselves — that led to our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior. This approach may be appropriate for those who are deeply caught in a web of fear. Listen carefully to what you are being told and follow that lead.

With individuals who are more inclined to an intellectual discussion, explaining how suffering originated from man’s disobedience may be the way to go. This authenticates Scripture as the basis for rational decision making. Few people will argue these days against the statement that “It’s a fallen world.” This is also an effective response to the false charge that God is causing this pandemic as punishment.

Conclusion

It is probably not a good idea to preach Christ in the current situation in the context of the coming Tribulation. This approach is fraught because once fears of the pandemic subside the teaching becomes open to ridicule. The other approaches outlined above can continue to resonate long after this current crisis has ended.

The key to seizing this opportunity is not only to remember how we felt when we were without hope, but also to seriously evaluate how much hope we are putting in the Word of God ourselves. 2 Corinthians 3:15 tells us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. That’s a great thing to do before — or even if — we evangelize others, and is advice that never goes out of season.

April 16, 2018July 22, 2020

Sharing Jesus With the World

As I glance down at my bathroom vanity this morning, various perfume bottles catch my eye. Appearing in all different shapes and sizes, each one individually uniquely designed. And although the bottles are quite captivating, the real treasure remains inside. The bottles were created to hold something, much like you and I.

Throughout Scripture, we as believers are often symbolized as clay jars, perfume bearers, or empty vessels. God Himself has poured His presence, the Holy Spirit, into our lives. We are His dwelling place. However, we often misunderstand God’s intention as we idly let the time tick by. We were not created to be a decoration, sitting as a display up on a shelf. His intent was to be poured out, spilling lavishly on those around.

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Cor. 2:14

Read 2 Cor. 2:12-17. In the days of Paul, the Romans had grand parades to celebrate a militant victory. The general of the army would be perched high and lifted up on the first chariot. However, preceding him would be the spoils from the war.

Trials always precede triumph.

We often forget that our pain and suffering has a purpose. There is a victory awaiting us as we continue to allow the Lord to lead our way. Reflecting on the life of Paul, we see a man whose life was like a roller coaster. Twists and turns. Ups and downs. Often appearing to be travelling nowhere. But through it all, Paul continued to patiently endure with his eyes fixed on the final prize. He lived knowing heaven was awaitin’. He lived with certainty and spent his time well.

In the parade procession were incense bearers, spreading the fragrance of victory after the war. Y’all…we have a victory that is to be celebrated! It is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). The person who recognizes they are nothing without God will empty themselves of everything they once trusted. The things we once placed our identity on no longer matter. We will become destitute in spirit, trusting God to do a work on our inside.

And here is a great paradox”¦the more you let go of “you” to God, the more “you” you do become. You find yourself in laying your life down. You find your greatest treasure is living for Him!

When we start living for Jesus, our aroma spreads out. Life to some. Death to others. This is where it gets hard. Not everyone we encounter will like the way we smell. It is not up to us to decide.

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor. 1:18 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 2 Cor. 2:15

What if we poured out Jesus from our lives, regardless of the response? What if we eeked out love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? What if we laid down our pride?

Ponder for a moment: How can we live differently? How can we pour the aroma of Jesus out to this world?

February 24, 2018May 26, 2018

What We Can Learn From The Life Of Billy Graham

Billy Graham grew one of the largest ministries in history and avoided the scandals of other famous televangelists.

Well-known, well-received, and highly regarded, the evangelist Rev. Billy Graham passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. He was 99 years old. The world clearly has taken note of this man’s life and has observed how he lived both his ordinary life and not-so-ordinary life as a faith practising Christian.

Besides all his admirable accomplishments, there are more things worth noting and learning from this man of God.

1. He was a non-exclusivist.

As Jesus was known to be a friend and minister to sinners so was Billy Graham known to be an “inclusive” minister. By checking print and online write-ups about Billy Graham, you will notice a large diversity of people commenting on their experience and personal regard for him. He wasn’t selective as to the types of people he interacted with. He opened himself up to people from different walks of life. He worked alongside people of both religious and non-religious sectors. When it came to faith-based projects, he was willing and did collaborate with Christians of different faith groups and associations. He was also willing to collaborate with non-believers if it presented opportunities to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. He had a positive thought on death.

Death and dying is a matter normally accompanied by bleakness, uncertainty, and dread. It’s not a topic everyone happily talks about. It’s not an experience welcomed by all. It brings sadness and suffering to all those who’ve been touched by death- both on the person who died and on the people he (or she) has left behind to experience the after-effects.

Billy Graham maintained a positive thought about death. He was at peace. For him, dying meant gaining access to the actual place and presence of God. Franklin Graham shared Billy Graham’s reply when asked about heaven and dying. Billy Graham answered, “Heaven is where Jesus is and I am going to Him soon!” At one time he also said, “Someday, you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.

3. He had an undistracted view about performance and achievements.

One time Billy Graham was asked what he would want to hear people say about him when he died. He answered, “I want to hear one person say something nice about me and that’s the Lord, when I face him. I want him to say to me, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.'” This desire of his showed in the way he conducted his life and ministry. He was never afraid to cross “man-made” boundaries and standards for faith and practice. Throughout Billy Graham’s life, differing views and criticisms on his conduct of life and work were reported and opposing viewpoints are still expressed today. But He maintained boldness in breaking new grounds for doing God’s work and propagating the Gospel.

4. He was honest about his failings.

Some common observations people had on Billy Graham were his honesty and unpretentiousness. People saw his readiness to admit error. Despite the great influence and the prestige he had achieved in life, he listened to what people had to say. He agreed when there was common ground. Where there was disagreement, he went on his way and focused on his ministry endeavours. He took correction and admitted faults. At one time he even said, “Looking back I know I sometimes crossed the line, and I wouldn’t do that now.”

When confronted, we see a lot of renowned personalities and politicians evading issues that expose their wrongdoings. A lot deny to the very end. Many try to cover up. Many others just avoid dealing with the matter and simply wait for people to forget. Billy Graham faced issues head-on. The most damaging issue that confronted him must have been the taped conversation he had in 1972 with then President Nixon. The recording released to the public showed Graham making anti-Jew remarks. Upon its release, Graham promptly owned up to his error and earnestly sought forgiveness from U.S. Jewish leaders. In a book, Grant Wacker retold the story. He mentioned how Billy Graham rightly dealt with the issue. Wacker said, “He did not spin it. He did not try to justify it. He said repeatedly he had done wrong, and he was sorry.”

There are many more things we can learn from the life of Billy Graham. His life serves as a useful resource for ministers and laypeople alike. His life was an open book that shows leaders and workers how to do ministry, how not to do it, and how to just live life as a child of God.

November 16, 2017November 11, 2017

6 Simple Alternatives to Sharing the Four Spiritual Laws in Evangelism

I am not totally anti-four spiritual laws (although I prefer to call them, “spiritual truths”), especially if they include a call to repentance (and not just “belief” in God—Mark 1:15).

Nevertheless, I am among those who wonder if there is perhaps a better way to approach evangelism than starting with “you’re a sinner” (that sure is “good news!” isn’t it). What might be some other approaches to evangelism?

Invite a friend to talk with God (just wherever you are or perhaps invite them to Church). Basically, if salvation includes a relationship with God, then why not introduce people to God, instead of just teaching people concepts about God.
Related to the above, help a person identify how God has already been at work in or around them. Ask them a question like, do you think God has ever spoken to you? How do you see God in the world?
Pray with people. God will work in their life and they will see it.
Ask people about what matters to them. What do they crave in life (love, a sense of value, adventure, etc.)? And then consider how God might be the answer to those existential needs. From the documentary “Crave,” I gather this is the idea behind Erin McManus’s book Soul Cravings. Some philosophers are also moving in the direction of considering existential reasons for belief in God rather than only rational arguments.
Tell somebody about Jesus. I don’t mean tell them the “spiritual laws.” I just mean, tell them about Jesus. Who is he? What did he do in life? What did he teach? It is interesting that the four “Gospels” (meaning, good news!) talk a lot about Jesus, not just about his death!
Tell people how God has changed your life. What difference has Jesus made for you? Isn’t that good news? (That is, “gospel.”) The 4 Gospels in the Bible were once titled, “The Gospel According to Luke” (John, Matthew, etc.). And the stories in these 4 Gospels include many stories about how Jesus made a difference in people’s lives (for example, John 9:25). If Jesus makes a difference in your life, that is your “Gospel.” You might even call it the “Gospel According to Andrew (or whatever your name is).”

I don’t know about you, but I think in most situations I’d be more comfortable with one of the above approaches to evangelism than starting with, “you’re a sinner,” or even, “do you know where you would go if you died tonight?” And the above approaches definitely fit better with the “relationship evangelism” that many people talk about, which is less a shot-gut approach to evangelism and more so an approach to evangelism that takes place over time.

I don’t think the above approaches are a cop-out. Rather, they are about sharing the Gospel, which is the very essence of evangelism (“evangelism” comes from the Greek euangelizomai, meaning, “I proclaim” and related to the Greek euangelium, meaning, “good news”).

Question: What are some more ways to evangelize other than through sharing the four spiritual laws?

November 5, 2014January 15, 2024

From Personal Evangelism to Community Engagement

Godinterest is a essential tool for evangelism and is focused on sharing the gospel message around the world through pictures. Jesus told his followers to take the Gospel to all the world.

Now, It’s Even Easier for People Around the World to Share Posts That Make Us Laugh, Teach Us Something New About God or Help Us Find out What’s Happening in the Christian World.

In Christ we are many parts, but make up one body. This is not just my story or your story. What is truly amazing is that it is our collective story. Our churches are full of small groups made up of Christ-followers who need to be shown the power of their collective story and released to be an active and engaged presence within the community.

Wherever you are in the world, be it Japan, Brazil or somewhere in between, we hope Godinterest makes it easier for you to discover and post content that bring us all closer to God and thereby closer to each other.

Christmas Around the World from U.S. Military Personnel Celebrating in Afghanistan to India, the Vatican, the United States and Elsewhere, People Celebrated Christmas 2013.

Soweto Gospel Chior at Symphony Hall | DigBoston. for I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel, for It Is the Power of God for Salvation to Everyone Who Believes, to the Jew First and Also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16 English Standard Version)

We Are So Thankful for Missionaries Who Persevere to Make a Difference in the Lives of People Who Would Not Get a Chance Any Other Way.

News and Views from the Continent of Africa from a Christian Perspective.

The Arb Lowers Its Flag to Half-Mast, to Honour the Passing of the World’s Greatest Campaigner for Freedom, Democracy and Human Values. May His Life and Achievements Continue to Inspire and Fortify Us All. Nkosi Sikelel’ IAfrika!

While there is a huge range of thoughts and images both positive and negative that comes to mind when we think of the word evangelism, there always seems to be a common theme”¦evangelism is singular, personal.