Christian Teaching and Evangalism

S.O.S.

Christian Evangelism A sinking cruise ship only had time to send a S.O.S. before it went down. Thousands of passengers floated in the water and clung to the hope of being rescued. Then, when all seemed lost, a charter boat sailed into view. Soon its skipper and crew were throwing down lifelines and hoisting people safely onto the deck. However, time was running out and there were still so many who needed to be saved.
The skipper turned around and called out to those who had been rescued to lend a hand, but few bothered. Most were too busy getting themselves comfortable on the deckchairs – now that they were saved they only wanted to continue their cruise.

When we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and are rescued from eternal damnation, it’s natural to have a tremendous sense of relief. However, once saved, we have the option of making ourselves comfortable and continuing our cruise through life - or we can get off our deckchairs and lend a hand with the rescue mission of those still in deadly peril of eternal damnation.
If we simply cruise through life without concern for others, on reaching our Heavenly destination we won’t be punished for inaction, but we should keep in mind that we won’t be rewarded, either.

Bomb Threat

christian teaching A lady arriving early at work one morning witnessed a terrorist, strapped with a bomb, sneaking into the building. As she fled, she passed her fellow workmates coming into the office and wondered if she should warn them. She hesitated and thought: ‘What if they don’t believe me and nothing happens, how foolish I will feel.’ As she quietly agonised on what to do, the office suddenly exploded into a great ball of fire.
Later, the police took the lady’s statement. She told them everything she witnessed. When the police asked why she hadn’t warned her co-workers and saved their lives, she responded meekly: ‘I was too embarrassed - I didn’t think they’d believe me and label me a fool.’

The threat of judgement looms over all who haven’t accepted God’s gracious gift of salvation. If we as Christians believe there is a ‘Hell’ waiting for those who don’t accept God’s gift by believing in Christ, we should quickly warn our family and friends. If we are wrong - nothing happens. But if we are right - there will be a ‘Day of Judgement’.
When condemned family and friends see we are saved from eternal damnation (by believing in Christ), how would we respond if they could ask: ‘Why didn’t you warn us – we, too, could be saved?’ We would feel like rotten friends and proper cowards if our only reply was: ‘I was too embarrassed. I didn’t think you would believe me and label me a fool.

Missionary of Circumstance

Christian Evangelism A missionary is someone sent on a mission. A Christian missionary is understood to be a spiritually-gifted person sent to a foreign country to overcome language and cultural barriers in order to teach the Gospel.

We have a very narrow view of what is involved in being a missionary if we believe it is only to preach in foreign countries. Truth is God requires us all to be missionaries within our immediate surroundings. We are to witness to those who cross our path (by word or by action), whether at school, at home or at the office. No matter in what field, a Christian should be a beacon of professionalism, grace and virtue. When those in our periphery ask what makes us tick, we can reply in lingo they understand.
However, missionary work is even broader than this. Sometimes God requires us to go into foreign circumstances (adversity or prosperity) where our lives are dramatically changed. No-one complains about prosperity, but when suddenly hit with adversity we could initially curse God and ask, ‘Why have You afflicted me with this tragedy? Haven’t I tried to follow You with all my heart?’
In response, God may convey to us that many people are also suffering through similar tragedies and they, too, have been calling out in confusion and seeking answers. Because of this, God needed a strong Christian who understood their pain, who could give them answers, comfort and lead them to Christ and eternal life by example.
When our lives are suddenly and dramatically changed, it could be that God has specially chosen us for a very important mission. (1 Corinthians 1: 3-7. James 1:2-4)

Rescue Attempt

Christian Evangalism Rescue attempts go wrong when trying to save someone who doesn’t want to be saved. You can throw people a life-line, but if they can’t see a danger or simply don’t want to be rescued, they will not grab the rope and may even get annoyed at your well-meaning attempt.

As Christians, our commission is to go out and save souls. The problem today is many people don’t see a need for salvation. They either don’t believe in an afterlife or believe there will be no judgement hereafter. Evolution implies we have no soul and popular belief of spiritualism says everyone goes to Heaven.
When we attempt to rescue someone who doesn’t wish to be rescued, we invariably do more damage than good. Only people who realise they are in danger call for help.
In trying to save anyone we should exhibit the patience of Christ (He did not force Himself on anybody). We should pray that God brings an awareness of judgement (the eternal consequences of choice) into the lives of those who have rejected His salvation. When they understand their immortal souls could be in peril, that is the golden opportunity to throw out the Divine-line (Gospel) and suggest they grab hold. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved – Romans 10:13.

Fishermen

Christian Evangelism What makes a good fisherman or fisherwoman? Good fishermen arrive at the right spot at the right time. They come prepared with the right equipment. They know something about the fish they’re after and choose the right-sized hook and bait to attract the fish. Most importantly, once a good fisherman casts the line, he or she patiently waits for the fish to nibble. If the fish likes the taste, it’s not long before it’s hooked.

As Christians, we should all aspire to be good Fishers-of-Men? Sadly, all too often, we ignore the rules of the good fisherman when evangelizing in the unsaved world. We choose a spot and a time that is convenient to us (usually when and where the fish are not biting). More often than not, we arrive unprepared and unequipped. We bring no bait (patience, compassion and tolerance). If we do happen to see a fish (someone interested in the Word), we zealously dive in, causing a frightful splash as we try to catch the fish with our bare hands. Tragically, the result is always the same. (Matthew 4:19)

In a War of Words

Christian Teaching In warfare today, we do not use the weapons of yesteryear. Swords, spears and bows are totally ineffective against machine guns, tanks, battle ships and aircraft. If we rush into battle armed with outdated weapons, we can expect to be quickly shot down.

Today, we are in the centre of a spiritual warfare and as Christian Soldiers our orders are very clear. ‘Go out and save souls’. To achieve this we need to communicate the Gospel. And to communicate we need words – and these are our weapons.
Satan is trying to make our weapons ineffective (an easy way to defeat an enemy is to disable its armaments). Many powerful spiritual words which were so effective and full of meaning in times past have been rendered useless today. Meanings change over time. In addition to this, the misuse from cults and religious nit-wits has damaged the good certain spiritual word can do.
So we should be careful selecting our weapons when presenting the ‘Great News’ of salvation to the unsaved world. This does not infer that we should ‘water down’ God’s word. Rather we should communicate in the language of today with concise words our peers understand. Otherwise our message will be quickly shot down. (Acts 22:1-2)

Teaching Under The Influence

Christian Evangelism We all should know the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol. When someone who is not in a fit state to drive gets behind the wheel - lives inevitably are put at risk and often destroyed. The golden rule has been hammered home: ‘If you drink, don’t drive’.

Just as there are times we should not drive, there are times we should refrain from teaching. We should be aware that teaching God’s Word while under the influence of discouragement, disillusionment and depression can have disastrous results. When feeling discouraged, the most encouraging thing we can do for our congregation, friends and children, is keep our mouth shut. (Proverbs 17:22)

To Each His Own

Christian Evangelism God did not create only one plant, with one flower, with one fragrance. There are many different plants with unique flowers, each with its own colourings, characteristics and distinct fragrances. Some flowers attract bees, while others attract birds, butterflies, beetles, ants and even mice. A flower’s fragrance is designed to attract certain creatures to begin the process of pollination. Plants also flower in their own season. How well they flourish depends on whether they are firmly rooted in rich, watered soil and how much light they receive.

Plants are rather like teachers of God’s Word. They have different appearances, colourings and personalities. Teachers who grow in God’s Word, feed off Christ’s light and speak the Truth without hypocrisy in their own personal style, will bloom in their own season. Their fragrance will resonate with a certain type of person who is attracted to the Truth presented in a way they understand. Just like the bee, these people will be pollinated (with the Gospel) and will spread it around when they go out into the world.
God did not create one flower to appeal to all creatures – nor did He create one teacher to appeal to all people. God has illustrated this in the Twelve Apostles. Each had their own distinct personality, characteristics, styles and uniquely different fragrances. (Jeremiah 3:15)

Quality over Qualification

Christian Evangelism Just because a bird has wings doesn’t mean it’s going to fly.

If we think God is going to use us simply because we have the right human qualifications (diplomas, beauty, strength, skills) we may be in for a rude shock. God does not look at outward appearances - He looks at the quality of the inner person. The Pharisees were qualified to do God’s will but sadly failed to have the right inner qualities. Instead, God used the unqualified (shepherds, fishermen, tax collectors, prostitutes) who displayed the right qualities. God will use anyone who makes himself or herself available, is faithful to His promises and totally dependent on His power.
Quite often qualified people rely on their credentials instead of relying on God. In the spiritual realm, we should not focus on our assets. As soon as we feel eminently qualified to do God’s will, it is usually the time we are disqualified and, like the ostrich and the emu, will never reach the heights He intended. God prefers us to have the right qualifications with the quality to back it up; however, He has demonstrated that He favours quality over qualifications all the time. Let us not forget that our Saviour, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, was only humanly qualified to be a carpenter. (1 Samuel 16:7)

Spectacular Testimony - Wise Testimony

Christian Evangelism A man and his wife were on a journey when suddenly they came to a deep ravine, where a little bridge spanned the depths below to the other side. The man cried out: ‘I will not trust that bridge.’ So he began to climb down the ravine. As he descended he slipped and fell. Miraculously, however, he was not hurt. Then, as he was dusting himself off, he looked up to see a hungry lion charging towards him. Immediately, the man pulled out a dagger and wrestled with the beast, managing to escape its teeth and claws to slay the hungry animal. Picking himself up, the man went on to the raging river but, as soon as he dived in, the waters smashed him onto rocks and sent him down a waterfall. When he surfaced, he found he was surrounded by crocodiles, so he swam as fast as he could to the closest shore with crocodiles snapping at his heels. Somehow, the man escaped their jaws and he was able to drag himself ashore. But the problem was he was still on the wrong side of the ravine. He looked again at the waiting crocodiles and sighed, knowing he could never get past them. So, he climbed back up the ravine and walked nervously towards the bridge. Slowly and ever so carefully he crept onto the bridge, his knuckles white as he looked down at the ravine far below. Inch by inch he progressed until at last he made it to the other side. Kissing the ground and jumping with glee, he cried out to his wife: ‘I’ve made it! Who’d have thought this bridge was safe? Look Honey, I’m finally here safe and sound.’
‘That’s nice darling,’ replied the man’s wife, who had been waiting patiently. ‘Shall we proceed?’

Sometimes, the most spectacular testimonies are a sign of great stubbornness. For some, God has to perform great miracles and take them to the very edge before they finally pay attention and listen to His voice. A wise testimony would be: ‘Life was going well – I heard the Gospel and I realized life could be much better – I needed no second invitation.’ (Psalms 32:9)

Missed Opportunity

Christian Evangelism It is too late to close the gate once the horse has bolted - to put on a parachute after jumping - to strap on a seatbelt after the accident or to erect a pool fence after the baby has drowned. Regrettably, they are missed opportunities to have done the right thing at the right time.

It is also too late to ‘give’ the Gospel to someone who is dead. During our lifetime we have a golden opportunity to relay the ‘Greatest News of All’ (John 3: 16) to loved ones and those in our periphery. However, this is not an eternal opportunity. Without warning, they or we could be gone. We should do everything we can to ensure we don’t ‘eternally’ regret missing the golden opportunities available to us NOW. (Colossians 4: 3-6)

Living in a Sick World

Leprosy and Christianity On entering a hospital, you quickly see it is filled with sick and injured patients in need of treatment. You will also note the patients suffer from different ailments: some have cancer, some kidney failure, others broken bones - the list goes on. Doctors and nurses use different procedures and techniques for each circumstance – there is not one treatment that cures all. The remedy for a cut finger will not be successful for those with kidney failure.

We live in a sick and dying world where every nation is like a patient. However, not every nation suffers from the same illness. Some are afflicted with poverty, some with tyranny, while others suffer from war and famine. Prosperous countries are not immune, they are chronically sick with indifference and dependencies.
Our job, as Christians, is to help bring these nations to good health (salvation), but how do we convince these nations to take their medicine (God’s Word)? That which works for one nation won’t necessarily work for another. A nation suffering from war or famine will require different treatment to a nation suffering from apathy.
We should first pray that God will be apparent in every nation’s circumstances so its people will see the need to seek treatment. Then we should pray that God sends the right doctors (missionaries) who know those special treatments for successful administration of the cure (salvation).

Suffering from Spiritual Leprosy

Leprosy and Christianity Leprosy (or Hanson’s Disease), destroys the nerve system, leaving a patient without feeling and completely numb to pain. Disfigurements attributed to leprosy are, in fact, ‘untreated’ infections that turn gangrene. Those with leprosy are said to be the hardest patients to treat - because they don’t suffer feelings of pain and discomfort, they ignore their injuries and don’t seek aid until it is too late for successful treatment.

People living in the prosperous nations can be said to be suffering from Spiritual Leprosy. Because they are not suffering, they are the most difficult people to be given the good news of salvation. Those in nations afflicted with poverty and war are far more responsive to God’s great offer of salvation because they are feeling the pain and seek a cure.
Living in a rich nation, it’s easy to become dependent on outside stimulus for entertainment. It is not long before the nation is over-stimulated, desensitized to violence, indifferent to the feelings of others, numb to the surrounding natural beauty and neglectful of important priorities. Sadly, this leads to Spiritual Leprosy which brings a nasty infection of national apathy. However, because the nation is not suffering, it does not seek the aid (Salvation) it so desperately needs. No wonder evangelists and missionaries have far more success saving those in third world nations, than they do in their own.

The Matchmaker

Christian evangelism A matchmaker is someone who observes two people and thinks they have the potential of becoming a happy couple. He or she then schemes to bring about a marriage, acting as a go-between and answering any questions. When both parties are pleased with what they have heard, the matchmaker may stop acting as a go-between by arranging an introduction. The couple can then begin a personal relationship, which hopefully will end in marriage.

As Christians, we are called to be spiritual-matchmakers for those in our family, or neighbourhood and workplace. If any lonely souls are seeking a spiritual relationship we should tell them of the most Perfect Person we know – Jesus Christ. When they begin asking questions about this Stranger, we can confidently say: He is a Gentleman as well as a Lord; He is always reliable, loyal, honest, caring, brave and would willingly lay down His life for those He loves. If all goes well, they will be very excited about meeting this Inspiring Person and immediately ask for an introduction. This will hopefully lead to an eternal-spiritual-marriage (salvation) and the start of a glorious relationship.

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Sheep & Shepherds

Christian evangelism Sheep are relatively dim-witted animals that easily stray - shepherds are those entrusted to care for them. In times past, shepherds played pipes to encourage their flock to follow. However, every flock had its stubborn sheep - for this the shepherd carried a crook to discourage the wayward sheep from leading the rest into danger

As pastors/teachers we may have a large flock to tend, or as a parent only one little lamb. No matter how few sheep are entrusted to us, we all have shepherding duties. God expects us to use pipes (kind words) to encourage our sheep to better pastures. God also understands that it’s sometimes necessary to use a crook (harsh words) to discourage a wayward sheep from heading down a dangerous path. Yet we should keep in mind, though they are our congregation, students, children or relatives, they don’t belong to us - they belong to God who has entrusted them to our care.
When God sees a ‘bruise of reprimand’ on the soul of one of His sheep, He will ask the shepherd to please explain. If the shepherd can reply: ‘I used my stick to discourage that stubborn sheep from walking into harm’s way.’ God will say: ‘Well done, My good and faithful shepherd.’ However, if the shepherd says: ‘I used my stick in frustration and anger.’ remember, the Lord also has a stick and does not permit cruelty to innocent lambs in His flock.

Building Roads to Salvation

Christian When a road is to be built, constructors do not simply pour tar over the ground. First, they survey the land to determine the best route. Next, they remove all obstacles and grade a path. Then, a solid foundation is laid and packed, and finally the road is sealed.

For many people, coming to God is a hard journey through misconceptions, prejudices and fears. As Christians, our job is to make their journey easier, by providing good roads for safe travel.
When building a road to salvation, we must first survey the terrain (considered the best way to present the Word of God). On coming to an obstacle (an issue hindering a person reaching God) we should endeavour to remove it without criticism or judgement. Once we have cleared the way, it’s time for the foundation (the Gospel). We should lay it down simply and without deviating from the path. Then, compress it by answering their questions as best we can.
Finally, we should seal the foundation with a graceful attitude – without being argumentative if they don’t agree with us. By charitably accepting their rejection, it allows them freedom to travel on another day.
If we make a road that is easily travelled, God will bring those seeking salvation into our life for an unobstructed journey to Him.

Laying Tracks

Christian evangelism Generally, trains can only travel where railway tracks are laid. If a train is to go into new territory, tracks first have to be laid.

God wants to be part of everyone’s life but, just like a train, He is restricted in where He can go. God created mankind with free-will and as a consequence He cannot force Himself on individuals and nations that choose to have nothing to do with Him.

As Christians, we have a golden opportunity to lay tracks for those living in the spiritual wilderness - be they unbelieving neighbours or apostate nations. Christ demonstrated how to lay tracks by His graceful words and actions. When we exhibit Christ-like traits and speak the gospel whenever the opportunity arises, we have made tracks that God will use to enter others’ lives. It’s a phenomenal joy to witness someone receive Christ and salvation, then watch God work in their lives knowing you helped lay the tracks.

Preaching In Life's Playground

Christian Preaching It’s not hard to image what would happen if a self-righteous boy strode over to a group of kids happily digging a hole in the playground and said: ‘My father says you can’t dig holes. He also says you can’t go on the swings on Tuesday or on the slide on Thursday.’

When Christians start preaching to the non-Christian world, ‘STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING – GOD SAYS IT’S WRONG’, and then start quoting scripture, we shouldn’t be surprised if we are immediately criticised or ridiculed. To the unbelieving-world, God is not their Father. To people, who don’t believe in God, why should they want to listen to His rules written in the Bible?
We Christians are God’s representatives. When being persecuted by the world, it should be for the glory of God – not for stupidity. If we enter life’s playground exhibiting Christ-like traits (compassion, virtue, truth, love, heroics), people may stop criticising Christianity and, instead, start enquiring into it. Only then will they listen to our proud boasts about our Heavenly Father. Hopefully they will then respond: ‘You have got such a great Father – I wish I was in your family.’

God's Professional Fighters

God's Fighters Professional fighters determined to win enter the ring prepared after many long hours of training. They have a plan of attack – a strategy that will penetrate their opponents’ defences. What’s more, they have strong resolve because all fighters inevitably get knocked down. But when down, the ‘professional fighters’ get back up, shake off their temporary setback, reassess the situation and jump back in the ring.

Teachers of God’s Word are like professional fighters. God’s teachers must hit with the Truth, employing various techniques of exhortation and encouragement. Sometimes the Truth will bruise, but the pulpit is no place for pussy-footing or pulling punches – God’s Word should never be watered down or adjusted for political correctness.
When stepping into the pulpit, God’s teachers should be prepared – if not it won’t be long before they are ‘KNOCKED OUT’ from the pulpit. They should keep in mind their job is not to win friends but to win over people to God’s way of thinking.
For these reasons, God’s fighters will often get knocked down. When this inevitably happens, they should not listen to the ‘boos’ or ‘cheers’ of the crowd. The only voice to heed is that of their coach (the Holy Spirit). When knocked down, great spiritual fighters will always get back up, reassess the situation, retrain as needed and return to the pulpit ever faithful to God’s plan. (Acts 18:25)