(Submitted by Pastor Van)
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 NASB
While a walk down the River Walk in San Antonio, Susie and I came across a craft show along the river. She was attracted to the work of an older artist depicting contrasts of darkness and light in a unique way. We noticed the inscription “John 3:3” on a branch in the tree on the canvas. As we looked at all his paintings, we discovered that somewhere in every painting this appeared. The reference was to Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus when Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3
I thought of how many opportunities the man had to witness as he sold his art. He did not call attention directly to the small detail which caused me to wonder how many people saw it later and looked it up just to see what the Bible said. They would be led to the story and the revelation of man’s condition and God’s provision through His Son.
I also learned of an indoor golf practice facility between Aledo and Fort Worth called 1611. I was surprised to discover that one of the owners is the son of one of my best friends when growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The conversation with the owners turned to the unique name given the facility off of Markum Ranch Road. It had no relation to the address and there was no connection in my thinking to golf. When asked, the owners pointed me to I Chronicles 16:11which reads,Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually. Once again, I considered the great number of individuals who would ask about the name and hear an admonition from scripture to seek God.
Both of these examples display the hearts of the owners to find God’s favor in their labor and lead others to do the same. While we often consider evangelism the direct presentation of the gospel and invitation to come to Christ, it is a much broader work. In order to gain the right to be heard to present the gospel, someone has to open the door to the relationship. Someone else might add to the gospel their own story and then one day the individual is ready to personally listen the Good News in relation to their own eternal hope. Paul wrote about to the Corinthians concerning some who were stating that one minister was better than another. What he said should cause us all to understand that salvation is God’s work. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
A painting of the Alamo with “John 3:3” inscribed in a column of the entrance. An odd name of a business that opens the door for a discussion of dependency on God. Both can be considered acts of evangelism. A license plate, a sign on a door, a baseball cap, a t-shirt, a Bible on a desk…all turn thoughts toward God and provide opportunity to share a testimony of what God has done in your life and what He can do in others. Look around and there may be a way you can point people to Christ in a unique way.
Scripture to Claim:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8 NASB
