There was a lawyer who asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25) Jesus listened to the question and could have answered immediately with no debate. However, on this occasion, hearing the “what must I do” in the question and perhaps sensing that the question was a test, Jesus instead asked the man a question. Jesus’ process left the man with some answers and also planted seeds that would challenge his thinking with God’s deep truth.
LISTEN and ASK are the first two steps in the method for Christian witness that we are examining on Sunday mornings during the education hour. Both the adult class and youth class are looking into the topic this month.
When we spend time with unbelievers or “believers” who have their own preferred ideas about God, we can expect conversations to eventually arise about deep-felt beliefs or questions about life. Sometimes we worry that we don’t know enough to be able to share the gospel or that such conversations will only lead to fights. This is why I’ve selected this topic and the “Every One His Witness: Lutheran Evangelism” materials for us to learn together this year. It provides instruction for real and yet gentle, respectful sharing of the Gospel. In our everyday relationships, we can share about Christ and not leave the conversation disappointed because of unreasonable expectations. We can leave the conversation with the person appreciating the respect shown and the earnest words about Jesus Christ that we shared. We pray the Holy Spirit will ignite saving faith, as only He can, and that it won’t be thrown away.
Scenarios for Sharing
“How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” Romans 10:14
Our goal is more and more sharing of faith in El Paso. People have other views. They have questions and objections to Christianity. Nevertheless, they can come to faith. “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit. (1Cor 12:3).” The Holy Spirit uses the Gospel message to ignite faith, so let’s start sharing it with people in our lives. The website that corresponds with our Sunday morning study is:
www.everyonehiswitness.org . If you haven’t been to our study and received a book and invitation code for the website, you can still gain free access by going to the site and sending a request to the email noted on its homepage. Then use the code that you receive when you register at everyonehiswitness.org . You’ll enjoy the videos which introduce the different contexts, questions, and attitudes people have around us.
Let’s learn and grow together as people who think about the lost, pray for them, spend time with them, listen, ask, seek points of connection in their thoughts and the Gospel, share about Jesus in ways they can appreciate, invite them to further conversation, and encourage them in their journey.
See you on Sunday!
—Pastor Stephen
This article, news, and information is found in our January 2024 newsletter, available by mail, email, of pickup in the church entryway and office. Let us know if you wish to subscribe to receive this monthly publication.
