"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and he who wins souls is wise." - Proverbs 11:30
Our Problem: Man believers think that the punishment for being a Christian is evangelism
"Christians and non-Christians have something in common.
We are both uptight about evangelism."
God’s Solution: There are 3 biblical approaches to evangelize
1. Proclamational Approach (Peter in Acts 2:1-47)
The requirement is a gift
2. Confrontational Approach (Phillip in Acts 8:26-30)
The requirement is a personality
3. Relational Approach (Paul in 1 Thess. 2:1-11)
The requirement is a willingness to enter into relationships
How Can I Evangelize In A Relational Way?
1. Begin With One
Be Seeking: Value and invest in the lost
(Luke 15:7,10) I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents that over 99 righteous person who do not repent!
2. Embrace Two Key Principles
Be Patient: Evangelism is a Process
(1 Cor. 3:5-7) What after all is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe - as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow.
Be Relaxed: God is responsible for the Results
3. Overcome Three Barriers
The Emotional Barrier
(1 Cor. 9:19-22) Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
Be Focused: On the Relationship
Your neighbors will have a hard time thinking you want them in heaven if you don?t want them in your living room
The Intellectual Barrier
(1 Pet. 3:15) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Be Focused: On Research
The heart cannot rejoice in what the mind rejects
The Volitional Barrier
(Col. 4:2-6) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Be Focused: On Prayer
The unbeliever is not the enemy; he is the victim of the enemy
