When I found out that I was going to speak at a college in Malang, Indonesia, and perhaps 300-400 students would be waiting for me, I quickly organized in my head how I could share the gospel most effectively. We have to be ready in our travels for such times. There they were when we walked in the gymnasium, sitting on the floor quietly waiting for me to speak. There was only one blaring mic, so I gave it to the interpreter in order to be free to move around and get “up close and personal” with the group.
What did God do that day?
Answer: I have no idea. And neither do you most of the time you share the beautiful gospel with others. Young men and women heard the truth, I can tell you that for sure. There was no equivocating. They heard it in memorable ways, in my estimation. They seemed to be listening. Some appeared thoughtful. Many came by to speak to me afterwards and to express their thanks. But only God knows what actually happened.
Yesterday I made other evangelistic forays into the lives of a few other people aware that life is short and the gospel “is the power of God unto salvation.” What is God is doing with those words?
A few observations that can help you understand evangelism:
- It’s OK if we don’t know what God is doing with our gospel words. Much of what Jesus or Paul did was preparation for a future harvest. Thousands heard them without any immediate positive response.
- It’s right to speak of Christ even when people reject. Everyone is a rejecter by nature. Until that person is converted, he or she is refusing to believe. Sadly, the gospel sometimes serves to judge. Rejected truth from God is nothing to take lightly. God says that many are “storing up wrath for the day of wrath” by turning away from the words we share. In a strange way, this authenticates and glorifies God’s message and the character of God. That’s important. Trust the Lord to know when their natural rejection is making it impossible to hear what you are saying.
- Most of the time, those who are converted hear the gospel multiple times. This means that you may be a strategic part of the process, but obtaining understanding of gospel truth is a process after all.
- You can share with hope. That is, you can share Christ in whatever way you are able, anticipating that the effects may only be discovered in another world. Imagine the joy of meeting up with those who were impacted by your life and your simple and sometimes stumbling words, words that were rejected by them at the time. It’s going to be exciting to see what God has really done with our faltering speech about Him.
- Remember, God always stoops to use your inadequate words. That never changes. He condescends to use you because he has chosen to allow you to participate. But the power is in the truth itself and in the One behind it.
- Prayer and the gospel go together. Paul often asked for it in relation to his presentation and boldness and clarity. We should pray and ask others to pray for us.