3 months ago

How to Share the Good News – Part 2
Strategically Be Yourself

By Pastor Gary Wayne

Text: John 1:6-13, 19-42

Last week I talked about the call of God to us to be a witness for Him.
If you witnessed an accident, you testify only to what you saw and heard.

In our text, notice in v.34 that John told what he had seen, and he testified that Jesus was the “Son of God.”
In ver.40 after Andrew experienced Jesus, what did he do? Ver.41

Last week I talked about the negative response some have when the topic of “evangelism” comes up.
Often people think we must fit into a mold of evangelism that we know just won’t work for who they are.
Today I want to revisit the understanding that how you evangelize will look different than how anyone else does it.
It may look similar, but our greatest asset towards personal evangelism is to Strategically Be Yourself!

A good definition of evangelism is when one beggar tells another beggar where to find food.

Notice in scripture, no two people approached evangelism the same.
Let’s look at some examples in the Bible.

When Saul tried to equip David to fight Goliath with Saul’s armor, what happened?
1 Sam.17:39 “David said, "I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them." So David took them off.”
David’s Strategy was - he had to be himself – I don’t think he had ever heard of this kind of strategy before, and we don’t see it used again.”

The Apostle Paul often used an “intellectual” approach.
Study his letters and you will see that he was a master at laying out a sound explanation concerning the truths of God.

There are people who need an evangelist like Paul to hear the gospel not only declared but defined and defended.
This is how Josh McDowell came to know Christ.
But this may or may not fit who you are.

Do you remember the blind man that Jesus healed?
He used a “testimonial” approach.
He simply spoke from experience and said, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John.9:25)
Some people need someone to simply tell them, “I don’t understand how it all works, but this is what I know….”

Remember the Samaritan woman at the well? She used an “invitational” approach. (John 4:39)
When she experienced Jesus, she immediately went to town, “Come hear a man that told me all I ever did.”
Her simple invitation brought salvation to her city.

How many people have come to Christ simply become someone asked them to come with them and hear?

Tabitha used a “service” approach – lifestyle evangelism.
Ac 9:36 “At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha…. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.”
Because of simple acts of service to her community, she influenced people.
I believe Tabitha’s approach can reach people nobody else can.

Your greatest tool in evangelism is to strategically be yourself!
As you study this topic for yourself, and as You spend time with Jesus, He will make you fishers of men, using who you are and what is in your hand.
Start asking Him how.

Our play call: Strategically Be Yourself!

Loading comments...