Modern Day Evangelism

Today, look at Jesus’ words in this passage: Luke 10:25-37, also referred to as “The Parable of the Good Samaritan”.

…Modern day evangelism has changed for a lot of us over time. We have fully been in the place where we were “walking someone through the steps to salvation”. And to be honest with you, It feels like we were selling them something. For me, I felt just like I do when I have a product and the goal is to have the other person purchase it. We all deal with that scenario in life because of jobs (because basically… we are all selling something, whatever it may be)… but I hate that feeling, especially if it comes to selling Jesus to people. I feel cheap, like I missed the person… just to get to the point.

I think Jesus pointed out Loving God with all our heart, soul and mind because that is where we learn what love is and who Love is. As we are steeped in that process, Love becomes more a part of us and we begin to exude what we are becoming… and people are surprisingly more drawn to us… Not because of US… but because Jesus is becoming in us… and Jesus is attractive. That’s where loving our neighbor comes in. As we are steeped in Love, we are more apt to love our neighbor. If we love our neighbor in a world where that doesn’t happen very often… people want to know why and if we are about telling the truth… that will eventually get us to sharing the source of our love. And by that time, we are not selling anything… we are giving it away because the seeker wants it.

My friend, Dean, said this once… “I never debated anyone into the Kingdom of Heaven.” I think this is so true. We have all been in the place where we have tried, or we thought that was the way to get them there… but time and again I see people jumping into the Kingdom not because of a lost debate, but because of a love desired.

Love God with all our heart, soul and mind… and love our neighbor as yourself… That’s simply what He said. We too often try to complicate things with our need for a definition; instead of just letting it be what it is.

-Author Unknown

Evangelism Tip for Today: Write a note of encouragement to someone you know who has not been coming to church and tell them how much they are missed.

Prayer: Lord, help us to not cheapen You or our relationship with You by making salvation a ware to be peddled.  Use us to love others extravagantly, as you love us.  May we not miss the point, just to get to a point Redeemer God.  Amen.