Friday, July 2, 2021
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14
R.E.L.A.T.E. By Donnie O’Fallon
Relational Evangelism, what is it? It is sharing the gospel message, God’s Good News, that has changed lives, with those whom we have a relationship with. Relational Evangelism is the model that Jesus used. Have you noticed that people love to share good news? We announce marriages and births. When something good happens, we rush to tell someone. The more exciting the news, the harder it is to be silent. A Christian has the most exciting news, the life-changing news of eternal life.
One day as Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee He saw two men, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother. They were fisherman. “And He said to them, Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men,” (Matthew 4:19). Soul winners are trained, not born. Therefore, to be an effective witness, you must be taught, trained and motivated by power and anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus took three years to train His disciples in the art of telling the Good News. After His resurrection, He instructed them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit: “wait for the Promise of the Father”, (Acts 1:4-8), … you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the end of the earth.”
On the day of Pentecost, the 120 received the power to witness; and any believer who will acquire the know-how, can become an effective witness. For a Christian, witnessing is not an option. Jesus commanded his followers to witness. There are two things you should use when you share Jesus:
- Your Personal Testimony is your own account of: (1) Your Life Before Receiving Jesus. (2) How You received Jesus, and (3) How Jesus Makes Your Life More Meaningful.
- Scriptures - “The Word of God will not return unto Him void but will accomplish the purpose where unto He sends it.” God’s Spirit, God’s Word, and God’s Grace break into the heart of a sinner and brings conviction, contrition and conversion.
Would you like to learn how to witness more effectively? I will be leading R.E.L.A.T.E - a 5-session study on learning to confidently share your faith and your personal testimony with others - on Sundays from 4:00-5:00pm, July 11th - August 8th in Room 117. To register, sign up in Guest Services or contact Donnie O’Fallon.
