Then He said to the disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Matthew 9:37-38
COFFEE CUP EVANGELISM by Donnie O'Fallon
Monday morning, as I walked through The Fellowship Hall, I noticed C.O.F.F.E.E. Written on the blackboard. The acronym for the letters spelled out Christ Offers Forgiveness For Everyone Everywhere. I thought about Brother Van’s message a couple weeks ago on Evangelism and then thought, why not put these two things together? I have listed three things that are important when we are
Monday morning, as I walked through The Fellowship Hall, I noticed C.O.F.F.E.E. Written on the blackboard. The acronym for the letters spelled out Christ Offers Forgiveness For Everyone Everywhere. I thought about Brother Van’s message a couple weeks ago on Evangelism and then thought, why not put these two things together? I have listed three things that are important when we are
START BY LISTENINGNicodemus, a prominent religious and civic leader, came to Jesus at night and tried to flatter him by saying: Rabbi, we know you’re a teacher come from God, no one could perform the miracles you do unless God be with him (John 3:2). Jesus listened, not only to his words but also to his heart. Then Jesus answered, Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (v:3). That conversation led to one of the most quoted and memorable verse in the Bible - John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
Jesus listened to Nicodemus’ words and took his cues from his words as well as their surroundings, using them to call Nicodemus to the truth about himself. They may have talked all night until sunrise the next day or perhaps using the light from the lamp in the room. In John 3:19-21, Jesus told Nicodemus The light has come into the world, and people love darkness rather than light... Like Jesus, we must listen to their words and hear their hearts as well as we wait for the prompting of the Holy Spirit to share the message of God’s light to a dark world.
START WITH COMPASSIONIn another passage in John 8, the story is told of a woman caught in the very act of adultery. Those religious leaders of that day brought her to Jesus in an effort to trap him into saying something that would discredit Him. Jesus stooped down to write something in the sand and those who stood there, with stones in hand ready to stone her, began to drop their stones and walk away one by one. He then looked up and asked her a question, Where are your accusers? (v:10). She said, They are gone, they are not here. Then with compassionate words she heard Jesus’ words, Neither do I condemn you... Go, and from now own do not sin anymore, (John 8:11). In my life and ministry I have found that compassion and understanding go a long way in opening people’s hearts to the presentation of the Gospel message of Jesus.
START WITH THEIR NEEDIn Mark 10:46-52, we read about blind Bartimaeus and his encounter with Jesus as Jesus visited Jericho. He was blind, he was a beggar, his need was obvious. Jesus asked Bartimaeus, What do you want me to do for you? Bartimaeus answered, I want to see. Jesus then responded to him Go, your faith has saved you.
Have you ever sat down with someone over a cup of coffee or a glass of tea... and just talked and listened to the other person? Have you ever asked someone these questions: Can I help? or Is there anything I can do for you? Can I pray for or with you about anything in just a 10 second prayer? Ask the Lord to send someone into your life this week to have C.O.F.F.E.E., or TEA or a soda with. In your time together Listen, show Compassionas you help them to see that their Need is really someone and his name is Jesus.
PRAYER: Lord may those who read this devotional be moved have coffee or tea, or a soda with someone who needs for someone to Listen, show Compassion and to Pray for that person, in Jesus name, amen!
