Be Intentional #10-Sharing The Good News Of Jesus (Pt. 2) Series

Some say yes, some say no. But I ask, and I try to talk in everyday language anybody can understand.

I don’t use words like repent, regeneration, justification, redemption, sanctification, glorification, or whateverication.

I don’t get into church denominations: I don’t expect everyone who comes to Christ to become a Wesleyan. I invite them to visit and check us out, because I think we’re an awesome bunch who is trying to live authentic Christian lives. I think we have a lot to offer here. But it may be that another church in the area would be a better fit for them.

I just talk about how to know what the Bible says about how to be forgiven and have a home in heaven.

Speak clearly. And if you’re not sure when you’re talking to someone, ask them if it’s clear, so you can make sure you’re communicating.

Speak graciously and clearly.

4. Walk in integrity.

“Keeping a clear conscience…”

Give no one an opportunity for slander. The apostle Paul says it well in Acts 24:16 –

So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul says that he was very careful not to put a stumbling block in peoples’ way so the ministry is not discredited.

If you lie and cheat in your business dealings, or if you are a harsh person, or if you have habits or attitudes that contradict Biblical standards, then you will have a hard time convincing anybody that the gospel is true.

If you are not living a lifestyle that is consistent with the Bible, then you have little or no credibility when it comes to spiritual things, especially when it comes to telling people the good news of forgiveness and a new life in Christ.

One of the biggest examples of how this can damage a ministry is seen in the examples of two televangelists in the 1980’s.

One televangelist named Jimmy was caught up in a financial problem that was made worse by his moral failing with a woman who was not his wife.

Another guy named Jimmy was caught with prostitutes.

Both had their ministries destroyed, or at least irreparably damaged. And their credibility went down the toilet.

The first Jimmy went to prison, serving 5 years, humbling himself before God and seeking to know Him better. The second Jimmy refused to repent and scoffed at the discipline handed to him from his denomination.

After prison, the first Jimmy found fruitful ministry in the inner city of Los Angeles, and is once again being effective for God.

The second Jimmy is still in ministry, though its effectiveness is practically non-existent.

Live a life that lives the truth of Christ. When you walk the walk, you can talk the talk and people will listen. People listen when they see the truth being acted out in your life.

My brother, who just came to Christ recently, said that probably the biggest influence for him was a co-worker, who had come to Christ a year before. My brother saw the change that Jesus made in this guy’s life, and how it impacted his family life, his work, and his outlook on life. My brother was attracted to that, and he became open to the truth of Jesus.