Twisting Arms
When most people think of evangelism they think of leading people in some sort of “sinners prayer” or “prayer of commitment”.
There is an emphasis on the end result and a belief that “if I don’t get them to pray then I feel like I have failed…” It leads to the idea that to be an effective evangelist you need to be pushy or good at twisting someones arm…
These ideas have put most people off, and as a result “evangelism” is often outsourced to the so-called pro’s…
But sharing the good news should be fun! It is good news after all! I honestly believe that if it doesn’t feel fun, we’re probably not sharing good news, and maybe we’re trying to do something God hasn’t asked us to do…
It’s time to take the pressure off, and place evangelism back in the hands of the ordinary everyday believer!
Opening Eyes
I love the way the Apostle Paul describes the way that Jesus called Him to preach the gospel,
'I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Acts 26:17-18
Here we see that the way Jesus described what we call “evangelism” is a:
process of opening people’s eyes…
not a moment of twisting arms…
As we look through Scripture we see some clear examples of “what opens peoples eyes” and the good news is that ALL of us can do this, and many are contributing already without even knowing it!
As you will see below, opening peoples eyes is a process, and is often seen long before it is heard.
When we realise that our role is to live in such a way that opens peoples eyes, it takes the pressure of specific moments, and places an emphasis on being present and consistent.
Or put more simply: Just be you!
Here is a little acronym I have been working on to help me remember what actually opens peoples eyes according to Scripture. I hope it encourages you in regards to what you are already doing, and inspires you to take another step.
It’s aptly called, “O.P.E.N.”
Oneness
Prayer
Evangelism
Neighbour-love
Oneness
“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21
Here we see the great prayer of Jesus in John 17. Jesus says that our one-ness will lead people to believe in Jesus. What does this look like?
An intimate relationship with the Trinity
A commitment to love the rest of the body unconditionally
Living out the reality of our union with God (fruit of Spirit, gifts of Spirit)
When we are one in Christ, and one with one another, (e.g loving the entire body of Christ - not just those in the tribe we belong to) the eyes of the world would be opened!
Prayer
'I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you!” Ephesians 1:18
Here we see that as we pray, peoples eyes will be opened! Practical ways this can look like are:
Praying for our friends eyes to be opened
Aligning our hearts and minds with the truth revealed in Christ
Listening to God for wisdom and instruction
If the harvest is ripe, then God has already set this up for us! As we pray we are listening for ways to partner with what He is already doing. Jesus only did what He saw the Father do.
Evangelism
'As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. 'Matthew 10:7-8
Here we see that a declaration of the gospel is paired with a demonstration of the gospel. We see examples of this like:
Sharing stories. (Your story, Jesus Stories, The Gospel Story)
Ministering in power. (Healing, Deliverance, Prophetic, Generous Love!)
A call to action - Repent and Believe!
How will people call on the name of Jesus if they have never heard His name? We must declare and demonstrate the gospel in love and power!
Neighbour-Love
'In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 'Matthew 5:16
Here Jesus tells us that our love and good character will open peoples eyes to the goodness of God. We can do this through:
Character - Living a life that displays the fruit of the Holy Spirit
Living generous, hospitable lives that brings encouragement, hope and healing
Loving others no matter what!
When people see and experience the love we have for them, their eyes open to the love that God has for them!
Going Forward
Therefore, sharing the gospel is about:
demonstrating what God has already done, (opening eyes)
not demanding something they must do… (twisting arms)
What if we took all the pressure off those singular moments that get us so worried, and instead focussed on the process of OPEN-ing peoples eyes…
What if we committed ourselves to oneness with God and one another?
What if we committed ourselves to prayer, both listening and petitioning?
What if we committed ourselves to sharing stories and believing for miracles?
What if we committed ourselves to living with love and integrity?
Let’s stop outsourcing evangelism, and let’s do it ourselves. No more need to twist anyones arm. Let’s turn the pressure off, and crank up the joy!
Be you. Love God, and Love Others.
Let’s live in a way that opens peoples eyes to the goodness of God!
Let’s go!
James