Dwelling in God’s word: help people encounter Jesus

How can we help people encounter Jesus? Put another way, how can we tell others about Jesus? Perhaps you have heard the word ‘evangelism’. To evangelise means to share the gospel. It is not about conversion as that is the job of the Holy Spirit. We simply need to follow, speak, act and be who Jesus calls us to be.

What is your definition of evangelism?

Read Matthew 28:19,20.
Why do you think God asks Christians to make disciples in the first place?

As his disciples, Jesus calls us to disciple others so that they may encounter him and his grace. We are sent out with God’s blessing, knowing that he will be with us always.

Have you ever had someone ask why you believe in God?
Have you ever thought about what your answer would be?
Take some time to reflect on what you might say. You may wish to write it down.

It can be a daunting task to share something so personal, especially in a world in which being a Christian and sharing your faith is not always accepted, or when you are not sure how people will react.

The text 1 Peter 3:8–17 is a good template for preparing for evangelism.

Read it and consider which verses best apply to our contemporary world.

Think about how you first encountered Jesus. Think about who shared the gospel with you and helped you along your journey of faith.

How did those people do this? How important is your faith to you now because they took time to tell you about Jesus’ love and forgiveness? How important was the time they spent with you?

It is important to us to make time for people when we are sharing our faith with them so we can help them on their journey of encountering Jesus.

Read Acts and critique the evangelistic techniques of some biblical evangelists. What would help people encounter Jesus today?
What wouldn’t work so well?

Acts 2:14-40 Peter addresses the crowd following Pentecost.

Acts 8:26–40 Philip and the Ethiopian

Acts 20:7–12 Paul in Troas

Our personalities may determine how we will best be able to help others encounter Jesus.

• For some people a wonderful or amazing thing happened to them that changed their life dramatically and they feel compelled to share their faith story with as many people as they can.
• Some are gifted evangelists who can’t help but share Jesus’ love with everyone.
• Others can invest their time in meeting with people and sharing in conversation. This is such a gift to have the time to listen to someone’s story and help them find their place in God’s story. Never underestimate the power of listening.
• Some are good at learning and passing on their knowledge. They are able to teach others and help them understand what they believe in.
• Others will invite people to hear the word of God. They will pray for the Spirit to work through God’s word to create faith.
• And some people are able to respectfully debate topics because of their knowledge and their respect for people’s opinions. This can help people discern the truth. In an unbelieving world that looks for proof, these people are invaluable.

What one of the above statements best describes how you might help people encounter Jesus?

The Holy Spirit is always at work in us as we build relationships with people and share our faith.

The Spirit is the only one who brings people to faith. All we need to be is a vessel to help them hear the word of God and encounter Jesus.

Prayer:

Dear Father, Please help me to ‘always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks me to give a reason for the hope that I have’. Please help me to share that explanation with gentleness and respect. Have your Spirit work through me to help the people I meet encounter Jesus. Amen.

Jodi Brook is the LCANZ’s Local Mission Coordinator.