2 Peter 1: 21 NKJV
It is common practice these days amongst those of the Jehovah's Witness faith to venture out into the world actively seeking converts. There are, in fact, many a joke concerning these practices. They're usually not hard to recognize, walking along in their shirts and ties toting their bibles which they will undoubtedly use to drive home their point that we need to convert...or else. I have a dear friend who's father at one time made a habit of introducing himself to others and then proceeding to hammer home the finer points of accepting Jesus as their savior. Those in the church call them evangelists, I just think of them as someone akin to a used car salesman. I won't argue the point that all need to come to the realization that Jesus is our savior, but I've never been one to argue that one must accept Him or face the consequences. God has never used fear to make Himself known. Yet all too often we feel as it we must drive home the point that all MUST accept Jesus. Ever been to a car dealership and the salesman says he has a deal just for you? Yeah, it's something like that. Now, I will say that I agree with the premise that Jesus needs to be introduced to all of Gods children, but it's how we do it that really will leave a lasting impression on those around us. Honestly, I have learned more about Jesus from one man than I have ever learned from a Christian evangelist. Granted, this man who still continues to remain nameless despite our best efforts, has his own brand of evangelism which he shares with others. His message? That others may see, as I have, Christ Jesus in them {Galatians 2:20}. He doesn't wander the streets seeking out those he wants to hear his message. However, if you are inclined to ask him, he will gladly share just how it is that Father brought to him the realization of Christ in him. As it was with me, his path to knowing this truth of Jesus took a few years to realize. There was no door knocking evangelist who shared this truth with him. As it was with the apostle Paul, when it pleased God, He was revealed in him {Galatians 1:16}.
But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached to me is not according to man.
Galatians 1: 11 NKJV
Many a well intentioned Christian has fallen back upon the words of Jesus we find in Matthew 28. Here, Jesus instructs His disciples to "Go and make disciples of all the nations" {Matthew 28:19}. It is here, we're told, that Jesus commands us to evangelize and convert those around us to Christianity. A definition of the word "disciple," however, might lead one to another interpretation of this passage. For a disciple is defined as "A follower or student of a teacher or leader." This seems logical, since the disciples of Jesus were followers of their own teacher...Jesus. So, is Jesus asking us to make converts to Christianity by at all costs? Or, is He simply asking that we gather together followers of Him? I prefer to believe the latter. One of the purest forms of speaking Jesus to others was done by a dear friend of mine. His ministry was, believe it or not, in his local coffee shop where he would go each day to meditate and study the word. His focus was never to force the gospel of Jesus upon anyone, but if you were to ask him what he was studying he would gladly tell you. It is this form of sharing Christ Jesus that I aspire to. You never saw Jesus go from door to door explaining to people that they needed to follow Him or else. No, but what we do see is Jesus meeting people where they are at in life and sharing the good news with them. Jesus never once spoke condemnation to the woman at the well nor the woman caught in adulatory. What He did do was comfort and reassure them that the peace they sought could be found in Him. This is the Lords desire, that His children will meet others where they are and speak to them of the freedom of knowing His Son in them. I never heard a door knocking evangelist talk about Jesus that way.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Matthew 28: 19 NKJV
~Scott~
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