Yet hallow the Lord Christ in your hearts, ever ready with a defense for everyone who is demanding from you an account concerning the expectation in you, but with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3: 15, Concordant New Testament
When was the last time that you had a conversation with someone about the Lord Jesus? A dear friend of mine has taken this concept to new heights, engaging all who are willing to listen in a conversation of Christ. It is not too surprising that public conversations such as these are few and far between. Far too many believers religiously attend church each Sunday yet do not speak of Jesus until their next church service. Is this what Jesus requested from us? Does Jesus deserve simply a casual mention in our world today? I would say no to that. I've recently began discussing Jesus with a fellow Christian co worker. Despite the fact that our beliefs on the theology of the churches differ, I have enjoyed our conversations. This is where the Jesus conversation begins. Speaking our own beliefs and experiences to those around us. The fact that talking about religion has become somewhat of a taboo subject these days does not make it a easy conversation to initiate. Yet we might be surprised how many people are seeking to know more about Him. Jesus Himself told His followers to "Disciple all the nations" {Matthew 28:19}. What was He asking us to do? To make followers of the Lord Jesus. Delving deeper into the meaning of the word Disciple brings us a definition of one who follows a teacher, leader or philosopher. We often refer to the men Jesus chose to be His followers as disciples, which is by definition who they were. We can assume that Jesus was speaking to His followers to open conversations about His teachings. The disciples knew Jesus, they had lived with Him throughout His ministry. I know Jesus, I am equipped to tell others of Him. My friend knows Jesus, and he is initiating all who will listen into his Jesus conversation. Is it simply good enough to know about Jesus? Perhaps, but for those who really desire to know Him, a more deeper discussion will more than likely take place.
Going, then, disciple all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to be keeping all, whatever I direct you. And lo! I am with you all the days till the conclusion of the eon! Amen!
Matthew 28: 19-20, Concordant New Testament
I have been fortunate to have in my circle of friends a few men who have chosen in their lives to initiate conversations on Jesus. Some years ago, one of them developed a simple coffee shop ministry into a group of people who speak of Jesus to this day. Through his ministry he has developed more than few followers of Jesus. This is speaking Jesus. I will go out on a limb and say that the harvest is ripe for the word of the Lord {Matthew 9:38, Luke 10:2}. Many will ask, who will come forward and initiate the next Jesus conversation? As Jesus Himself pointed out, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few {Matthew 9:37}. Those who know Him are those who will go out and gather in the harvest. Gathering the harvest begins with the Jesus conversation. Knowing about Jesus is a good starting point, but as I said, there are those who want to know more of Him. They desire to know what Jesus means to us personally. They want to know what motivated us to follow Him. They want to know the personal connection we feel with Jesus. This is speaking Jesus. We are not in the business of recruiting those who will speak to others of the Christ. This will be done by the revelation of the Father. Whoever it is that He chooses to speak His Son, we know that the Jesus conversation is just beginning. So, let's talk about Jesus!
Then He is saying to His disciples, "The harvest, indeed, is vast, yet the workers are few. Beseech, then, the Lord of the harvest, so that He should be ejecting workers into His harvest."
Matthew 9: 37-38, Concordant New Testament
~Scott~
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