“Some people make a mess of evangelism. Ever heard of the barber who draped a customer, took the blade and asked “Are you ready to die now and meet God?” The customer became terrified tore off the drape and fled! I’m not going to be like that.” I agree that was tactless, but that’s no reason for not telling people about your faith in Jesus: but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,1Pt 3:15(ESV)
“I don’t really feel like preaching these days. I guess I’ll just wait until God tells me to.” I don’t understand. How do you want God to tell you? The command has already been given. “Well like God spoke specifically to Phillip about the Ethiopian eunuch. Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go south by the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert road." So he got up and went. Now an Ethiopian eunuch was there Act 8:26-27(ISV).”
You missed something: the angel never said to Phillip “preach to the eunuch.” “Eh, I said the Spirit asked him to do so, not the angel.” Well the Spirit did not say that either: just asked him to join the chariot. The Spirit said to Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay close to it." So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah out loud. He asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?" Act 8:29, 30(ISV)
“I don’t get it. Was it not to tell about Jesus that he was sent there?” Yes it was. I point this out because you are waiting for “a voice from God” before you witness. Phillip knew Jesus said to them, "So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News…” Mar 16:15(GW). Jesus has already asked all believers to bear witness so he didn’t ask “Lord should I talk to him about Jesus?” but seized the opportunity.
“Well no angel has asked me to get to a desert road yet.” I see. Let me ask you something: is it God that gave you this trade, was it God that brought these customers to buy from you? “Yes, I pray for customers daily” And the place you are living in, is it the Lord that led you there? “Of course yes!” So what are you waiting for? Go join this chariot!
And the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, Do not be afraid, but speak, and be not silent. For I am with you Act 18:9-10(MKJV)
Saturday, 5 March 2011
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