WE Lutherans usually suffer from a diminished evangelistic skill within American society. Many would-be prophets give reason, saying that our voices now express the gospel within a post-Christian world in America. Thus our efforts seem relegated to doing worthy social ministry. In this scenario, a devout evangelistic Christian is portrayed as a person offering an out-dated belief system, one that does not address the realistic needs of the modern populace. To these pundits we answer… the message of Christ is a herald call that overarches all geography, social strata, and historical reference.
It is not that our message is irrelevant in modern society, for sin is still sin; and salvation in Christ is still eternal salvation.
Our denominational shortcoming comes from a church history basked in the numerical brightness of American immigration for several centuries, so that we no longer readily attempt the evangelical task. We have forgotten how to do evangelism and we have been far too content to stay in our church circles until numerical depopulation or budgetary concerns arise. But in reaction we often link growth and prosperity with successful evangelism programs. If the first two items occur, we pronounce ourselves successful in the latter.
Our denominational shortcoming comes from a church history basked in the numerical brightness of American immigration for several centuries, so that we no longer readily attempt the evangelical task. We have forgotten how to do evangelism and we have been far too content to stay in our church circles until numerical depopulation or budgetary concerns arise. But in reaction we often link growth and prosperity with successful evangelism programs. If the first two items occur, we pronounce ourselves successful in the latter.
However, church growth may often be attributed to a population spurt within a geographic area and not fully the result of evangelical fervor. Though population changes may influence the measure of evangelical success, we should ask how many more persons may be reached by a fervent evangelical effort within the same locale.
Growth may also occur as churches offer various methods of entertainment to woo attendees. While modern worship settings do offer identification benefits, we note that care must be taken. We dare claim that the temporary successes of praise-only based, feel-good evangelism may not proclaim a true law-gospel relationship between our Creator and his people. Thus growth and evangelical fervor are not necessarily linked.
Evangelism is an important responsibility of the church and its people regardless of church attendance figures. Evangelism is not a task undertaken simply to fill the seats of a promising or waning church. To do so intentionally is a self-serving, sinful distortion of intent, viewing the hearing public as malleable pawns within the strategic growth aims of a church or denomination.
Instead, we are called to plainly and freely declare the good news of salvation in Christ. In the gospel we read…
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.“ (Matt 28:18-20)
Based upon this text we may safely say that proclamation by the early church was indeed a great priority. Evangelism was not placed as an adjunct province of a synodical or district supervisory committee, nor relegated as minor duties of the priest, pastor, or practiced evangelist. Evangelical mission was given to the entire early church by our Lord, and placed as every disciple’s primary task. We are called to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in order that this sin-ridden world may embrace Christ and face a brighter tomorrow. Once having heard the gospel, persons may walk with us into the future knowing the grace of forgiveness and God’s eternal companionship. This is the loving heart of Christian evangelism!
Be Apostolic!
I believe WE must return to apostolic methods for the evangelical task. Though we consider ourselves more highly evolved in modern society than the days of ancient Rome, we are not proven to be such in human character. The words spoken by the apostles and other followers of Jesus still possess the eternal power of the Spirit to reach out and touch the souls of those who hear. Though the modern world has deepened the mire of distractions an evangelist must wade through to stir the soul, the distraction cannot block the message unless we remain silent. People can yet embrace the Word, but the Lutheran church has lessened its proclaiming of the good news in the world about us. And, if we leave the American podium vacant, other ersatz powers will claim the podium.
The Lutheran church has taught to define God’s Word into two categories… law and gospel. . This bad news/good news language of the church, however, does not always translate well into modern American society. If we take a scriptural view of the possible responses of a person to whom evangelical efforts are given, we can cite the story Jesus told about sowing the seed. (Matt 13:1-9) As we read, we see that some gospel seed will be devoured or fall on hard ground.
Hard Ground
A modern person may attempt to deny the existence of the Divine lawgiver, and thus try to negate edicts of the law. Sadly, this stance may hold one in good material comfort in today’s world even though the soul may erode. Modern demonic powers lure many into a restive and self-centered atheism. Thus the attractiveness of an atheistic stance is great.
However, if a person who is the reciever of our evangelical effort recognizes God’s existence, then you are called to participate in the near Jacobean wrestling match. Know that individuals may attempt to keep God out of the arena of everyday life by denying or ignoring the Creator. They replace the law of God with the laws of the government or society, thus falling victim to legal subjectivism and the court of popular opinion.
How do we, the Lutheran church, therefore deal with this faith denial? First, know that we can do nothing without prayer. An atheistic stance, whether permanent or temporary, rightly and prayerfully place the person or persons within the province of the Holy Spirit. After such prayers spoken, we are called to declare the salvation of God in the face of unbelief. If rejected due to a modernistic atheistic stance, then we are instructed to shake the dust off our feet as we continue to declare the Word to others. We know that truly that we have done our task. God will be God and the Holy Spirit may work. That God is all-knowing and caring is our reward. To attempt more, becomes a prideful control issue with which we must deal as disciples.
Shallow Ground
Of concern are those persons within our society who relegate the Creator to the realm of “the man upstairs”. These casual believers declare the occupant of the apartment upstairs as “out to lunch”, until these have need to take a prod and tap the ceiling when tall buildings fall and the uncontrollable intrudes into modern living spaces. By the posture adopted, they open themselves to evangelistic efforts when the event occurs. During this time, by their recognition of a “higher power”, they can be engaged in holy conversation. However, we must take note of their driving force. Like the seed strewn among the rocks, they seek a temporary “healing” of sorts, as did many who surrounded Jesus during his earthly ministry.
Instead, we are called to plainly and freely declare the good news of salvation in Christ. In the gospel we read…
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.“ (Matt 28:18-20)
Based upon this text we may safely say that proclamation by the early church was indeed a great priority. Evangelism was not placed as an adjunct province of a synodical or district supervisory committee, nor relegated as minor duties of the priest, pastor, or practiced evangelist. Evangelical mission was given to the entire early church by our Lord, and placed as every disciple’s primary task. We are called to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in order that this sin-ridden world may embrace Christ and face a brighter tomorrow. Once having heard the gospel, persons may walk with us into the future knowing the grace of forgiveness and God’s eternal companionship. This is the loving heart of Christian evangelism!
Be Apostolic!
I believe WE must return to apostolic methods for the evangelical task. Though we consider ourselves more highly evolved in modern society than the days of ancient Rome, we are not proven to be such in human character. The words spoken by the apostles and other followers of Jesus still possess the eternal power of the Spirit to reach out and touch the souls of those who hear. Though the modern world has deepened the mire of distractions an evangelist must wade through to stir the soul, the distraction cannot block the message unless we remain silent. People can yet embrace the Word, but the Lutheran church has lessened its proclaiming of the good news in the world about us. And, if we leave the American podium vacant, other ersatz powers will claim the podium.
The Lutheran church has taught to define God’s Word into two categories… law and gospel. . This bad news/good news language of the church, however, does not always translate well into modern American society. If we take a scriptural view of the possible responses of a person to whom evangelical efforts are given, we can cite the story Jesus told about sowing the seed. (Matt 13:1-9) As we read, we see that some gospel seed will be devoured or fall on hard ground.
Hard Ground
A modern person may attempt to deny the existence of the Divine lawgiver, and thus try to negate edicts of the law. Sadly, this stance may hold one in good material comfort in today’s world even though the soul may erode. Modern demonic powers lure many into a restive and self-centered atheism. Thus the attractiveness of an atheistic stance is great.
However, if a person who is the reciever of our evangelical effort recognizes God’s existence, then you are called to participate in the near Jacobean wrestling match. Know that individuals may attempt to keep God out of the arena of everyday life by denying or ignoring the Creator. They replace the law of God with the laws of the government or society, thus falling victim to legal subjectivism and the court of popular opinion.
How do we, the Lutheran church, therefore deal with this faith denial? First, know that we can do nothing without prayer. An atheistic stance, whether permanent or temporary, rightly and prayerfully place the person or persons within the province of the Holy Spirit. After such prayers spoken, we are called to declare the salvation of God in the face of unbelief. If rejected due to a modernistic atheistic stance, then we are instructed to shake the dust off our feet as we continue to declare the Word to others. We know that truly that we have done our task. God will be God and the Holy Spirit may work. That God is all-knowing and caring is our reward. To attempt more, becomes a prideful control issue with which we must deal as disciples.
Shallow Ground
Of concern are those persons within our society who relegate the Creator to the realm of “the man upstairs”. These casual believers declare the occupant of the apartment upstairs as “out to lunch”, until these have need to take a prod and tap the ceiling when tall buildings fall and the uncontrollable intrudes into modern living spaces. By the posture adopted, they open themselves to evangelistic efforts when the event occurs. During this time, by their recognition of a “higher power”, they can be engaged in holy conversation. However, we must take note of their driving force. Like the seed strewn among the rocks, they seek a temporary “healing” of sorts, as did many who surrounded Jesus during his earthly ministry.
But we must know that after the balm of healing assurance is applied, the sores cultivated by modern distractions often return. These persons may fade back into the compartmental dungeons of modern life. But finally, and most promising, know that some of our words will fall on fertile hearts prepared by the Spirit, and these may be incorporated by your efforts into a faith community that becomes part of their very being. Yes, the words that lead them through the first planting are tentively cast, but to cast them is our calling. It is about this “planting of the seed” process that this article speaks.
Forgiven Sinners Reaching Sinners!
ANY evangelical conversation begins with a prayer of thanksgiving for our own salvation. Know this! We of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), for God’s own reasons, are chosen to deliver a message of both law and gospel. Additionally, we must realize that the message is carried into society by persons that are saved by grace, and not by any attribute of deserving. We are yet sinners before God’s law, who have been freed and chosen to accomplish a given task. And in our conversation with other sinners, we may thus claim common ground.
As Paul states in his letter to Rome…,
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Thus is the imperative that we bring persons with whom we speak to the realization that we are collectively and individually sinful, we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This gift is freely given to us by God though we rightly should stand as condemned.
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
We of the NALC must, with Christians of other denominational ties, stress the “ALL” in the former statement. As Lutherans we need to come evangelistically to the world as citizens working in a sinful world, knowing the freeing edict of scripture.
Approach the Loosely Churched and the Un-churched
As participants in a pluralistic society in North America, we have been given faint and firm boundaries within the realm of the modern. We are told both overtly and covertly that there are certain arenas where evangelical speech is not appropriate. Prayers are formerly banned in many public sites. In many modern corporations the bubblings of religious fervor are soon popped by the power brokers of commercial endeavor. Any religious discourse that would possibly offend any worker, or the consumer, is banned from the workplace. Thus an evangelically-minded Lutheran who pursues such course in the public arena may be quickly labeled “bible thumper!”, to be punished by various methods… ridicule, ostracism, an official statement of “cease and desist”, or termination of the held position. The only exception seemingly exists when being “pro” evangelical is deemed as profitable. This latter is often detected when the evangelistic church is being courted by the surrounding society.
Forgiven Sinners Reaching Sinners!
ANY evangelical conversation begins with a prayer of thanksgiving for our own salvation. Know this! We of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), for God’s own reasons, are chosen to deliver a message of both law and gospel. Additionally, we must realize that the message is carried into society by persons that are saved by grace, and not by any attribute of deserving. We are yet sinners before God’s law, who have been freed and chosen to accomplish a given task. And in our conversation with other sinners, we may thus claim common ground.
As Paul states in his letter to Rome…,
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Thus is the imperative that we bring persons with whom we speak to the realization that we are collectively and individually sinful, we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This gift is freely given to us by God though we rightly should stand as condemned.
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
We of the NALC must, with Christians of other denominational ties, stress the “ALL” in the former statement. As Lutherans we need to come evangelistically to the world as citizens working in a sinful world, knowing the freeing edict of scripture.
Approach the Loosely Churched and the Un-churched
As participants in a pluralistic society in North America, we have been given faint and firm boundaries within the realm of the modern. We are told both overtly and covertly that there are certain arenas where evangelical speech is not appropriate. Prayers are formerly banned in many public sites. In many modern corporations the bubblings of religious fervor are soon popped by the power brokers of commercial endeavor. Any religious discourse that would possibly offend any worker, or the consumer, is banned from the workplace. Thus an evangelically-minded Lutheran who pursues such course in the public arena may be quickly labeled “bible thumper!”, to be punished by various methods… ridicule, ostracism, an official statement of “cease and desist”, or termination of the held position. The only exception seemingly exists when being “pro” evangelical is deemed as profitable. This latter is often detected when the evangelistic church is being courted by the surrounding society.
For example, our federal government was recently challenged to respond quickly to natural disasters that afflicted the southern U.S. Since the malady befell the region, many in public leadership now hold that the church evangelical may step forward in recovery ministries. “Do your good works thing!” was expressed in the church ear. We often find it is incredible that the law limits the arena for gospel proclamation, but the same lawmaking entities find it good and proper for the church to do relief tasks in puddles that the government finds clouded.
How to Approach?
If we examine our predecessors in faith within scripture, we find that Christianity grew in a society that was often “over-against” the church and its proclamation. How then did the gospel message succeed? Again we turn to scriptural source as St Paul wrote…
“That in my preaching I may make gospel free of charge, not making full use of my right in the gospel. For though I am free of all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more… to the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all persons, that I might by all means save some. (1 Cor 9, paraphrased)
How to Approach?
If we examine our predecessors in faith within scripture, we find that Christianity grew in a society that was often “over-against” the church and its proclamation. How then did the gospel message succeed? Again we turn to scriptural source as St Paul wrote…
“That in my preaching I may make gospel free of charge, not making full use of my right in the gospel. For though I am free of all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more… to the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all persons, that I might by all means save some. (1 Cor 9, paraphrased)
We know the early church accomplished proclamation of salvation though Christ, but it did not emerge easily. Yet, during the persecutions of the early church, the Spirit assured that the gospel message did survive and the church did grow. While we do not suffer open persecution of this sort at present, we do find ourselves socially restrained. But we in the Lutheran church contend that conversation can be initiated to the loosely churched and unchurched in a myriad of subtle and open methods. Our first tool is to tap the innate human curiosity of the free American society. For example of this, I offer this actual evangelical stage…
A working man came to his place of employment dressed in usual hardhat and donned his orange safety vest. He worked alongside many others on the construction job, including those with whom he would eat lunch. When lunch time came, he took off his vest and revealed a “T-shirt” (a very common media for all sorts of sayings and advertisement). His shirt had the letters R-U-AH across the front pectorial area, and the letters possessed an “ICTHUS” fish symbol beneath them. On his back was a picture of his church and its name.
The man, when finally questioned by a co-worker about the cryptic logo, began to explain its source in meaning, its Christian history… and made his faith profession using the Apostles Creed. He related sinfulness and salvation, and concluded with an invitation for anyone who would come to worship services with him. He thus opened a subtle avenue for holy conversation with those around him.
The man, when finally questioned by a co-worker about the cryptic logo, began to explain its source in meaning, its Christian history… and made his faith profession using the Apostles Creed. He related sinfulness and salvation, and concluded with an invitation for anyone who would come to worship services with him. He thus opened a subtle avenue for holy conversation with those around him.
Recently it was said by a teacher that she was afraid to be evangelical because of her position within a public school. Knowing that the realm often does not tolerate open evangelical dialogue, when queried by a curious student as to her plans for the evening, she simply said… “I’m going to a bible study. You can come if you’d like.” Without compulsion to the student, she therefore witnessed to the faith by which she guides her life. Would the student inquire further, or go to the bible study, or to church? Will the student go to her own church? The subtle guidance and the student’s reaction to the Spirit, determines the response. But know this.., the beginnings of Christian witness did occur.
We witnessed a “bed & breakfast” evangelical effort spilling forth. While lodging at a small town establishment, a visitor found a delicious breakfast laid out on the morning after her arrival. Alongside her dish she found a small, flowered bi-fold card. When opened, the card revealed a single biblical wisdom saying for the day, complete with the source chapter and verse. In the time that it took to serve the remainder of the meal, a Christian witness unfolded. On that same Sunday morning the visitor at the inn stood at the entry way of the hostel owner’s church.
Another person, who came to the Lutheran denomination from an upbringing within Roman Catholicism, has retained the custom of placing her rosary beads in her pocket at the beginning of each day. As she digs for change at the store, the gas station, the ice cream stand… or virtually any opportunity… she hauls out both her change and her beads. They have become a sign of her identity, in the same way that her ancient forebears in Roman days wore a locket having a fish or cross symbol inscribed. The woman was heard saying “Oh, there’s my beads!” If the bait is taken, even in a vague smile… she finds delight in playfully telling any interested onlooker about the practice of her faithful oddity.., gradually relating sinfulness, salvation and invitation in practiced style. With very little prompting she tells about how the beads helped guide her prayers through a daughter’s perilous accident. In true “fisherman” legacy she places the bait and sets a Christian hook. Thus some onlooker may show up on our Lord’s boat from a stormy sea.
Preparing for the Task
The potential for evangelistic success is high in American society. As our Lord has pointed out, “the harvest is ready, but workers are few”. But in the fast-paced modern world, we strive to do this task in a consistent method. First prepare yourself. Ask any avid fisherman.., just getting prepared can be rewarding.
Preparing for the Task
The potential for evangelistic success is high in American society. As our Lord has pointed out, “the harvest is ready, but workers are few”. But in the fast-paced modern world, we strive to do this task in a consistent method. First prepare yourself. Ask any avid fisherman.., just getting prepared can be rewarding.
Consider memorizing a few verses. The first verses we mentioned from St. Paul serves to establish commonality with the hearer… ALL are sinful! But then, we point out that we are delivered by God’s grace.
“… justified (made right by God) by grace through faith given (again, it’s free!), through the redemption (payment) which is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)
What does faith do? It justifies us before God…
“For we hold (understand) that a person is justified by faith, apart from the law (which condemns)” Romans 3:28
Stating this clearly, and emphasizing that though we cannot work or earn our way to the heavenly realm, the final result is that we are justified in a gift. But why would God do such a outrageous act? Only one reason is given…
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that who ever believes in him should have eternal life”. (John 3:16)
Ahh… there it is, God’s love poured out.
At this point we stress that the gift given is ours irregardless of any earthly power. We no longer have to worry about our own lot. Eternal life guarantee begins from the time of baptism, and continues until the “end” of the age. And, since Jesus Christ has told us that he is the beginning and the end of all things... we are thus safely secured by the love of God. Now, consider what this will do for those to whom you witness. They are freed from this world’s tyranny and become freed of its measures. They have become God’s servant. The person who receives your witness can now join you to work in Christ betterment of all.
“… justified (made right by God) by grace through faith given (again, it’s free!), through the redemption (payment) which is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)
What does faith do? It justifies us before God…
“For we hold (understand) that a person is justified by faith, apart from the law (which condemns)” Romans 3:28
Stating this clearly, and emphasizing that though we cannot work or earn our way to the heavenly realm, the final result is that we are justified in a gift. But why would God do such a outrageous act? Only one reason is given…
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that who ever believes in him should have eternal life”. (John 3:16)
Ahh… there it is, God’s love poured out.
At this point we stress that the gift given is ours irregardless of any earthly power. We no longer have to worry about our own lot. Eternal life guarantee begins from the time of baptism, and continues until the “end” of the age. And, since Jesus Christ has told us that he is the beginning and the end of all things... we are thus safely secured by the love of God. Now, consider what this will do for those to whom you witness. They are freed from this world’s tyranny and become freed of its measures. They have become God’s servant. The person who receives your witness can now join you to work in Christ betterment of all.
In order to do evangelism to persons within society, however, we must break out into the world from the catacombs of modern religious molds. Each person must interact with others where they live and within society. Each time we strike up conversation with a child of God who has been distanced from our Lord by the world, we evangelically intrude upon evil. Opportunities exist to witness in places of employment, social clubs, bowling leagues, at football games, and other events. The tone can be either humorous or heavy laden. A witness can be made on a ride to an amusement park, while waiting in a traffic jam, or in the armchairs of a one-day surgery waiting room of a hospital. The approach and conversation entry point can be as varied as the humanity that is doing the task. I simply say to you… be evangelically-minded! Start now. If you put off the task, it may not get done. Remember, our Lord said… GO therefore into all nations… and we are bold enough to add “NOW”.
Each evangelist has a skill, interest or trade which causes them to interact with others. You may have heard the adage that “no one is an island unto themselves”. Then add to this, that our society is not too different from that of the first disciples. Ask yourself what key symbols or words used within the common endeavor are examples of biblical lessons. In example, I often have wished that I could master the art of gardening or trimming those wondrous tiny Japanese trees. What marvelous and fertile ground for witness! The introduction could go like this…
Mr. Evangel… “Wow, this little bonsai tree is beginning to shape up, I’ve been working on it for about a month.”
Mrs. Mackerel… “Uh huh…”
Mr. Evangel… “I wonder how Jesus did it. (the bait is cast)
Mrs Mackerel… “Did what?” (Gotcha!)
Mr. Evangel… “Oh.., he taught about trimming branches. I think he knew a lot about gardening.”
Mrs. Mackerel… Really? You’re kidding right?
Mr. Evangel… “No.., he really did teach us using plants…” (And now witnessing occurs in grand fashion using the story of the vineyard)
The biblical stories move from scripture to everyday life and your witnessing will progress from there. Use memorized verses, such as those we’ve previous offered, or possibly use a known prayer or creed. Realize that such items as the Apostles Creed are witness tools! The task is much like fishing.., you know the habitat of your prize and you use appropriate metaphor or stories to cast into conversation. But like fishing, it takes practice to get the basket full. Try practicing your cast with a member of your church. In fly fishing, it takes practice before confidence allows ever going to the stream. But, eventually we must wade into the mainstream.
Mr. Evangel… “Wow, this little bonsai tree is beginning to shape up, I’ve been working on it for about a month.”
Mrs. Mackerel… “Uh huh…”
Mr. Evangel… “I wonder how Jesus did it. (the bait is cast)
Mrs Mackerel… “Did what?” (Gotcha!)
Mr. Evangel… “Oh.., he taught about trimming branches. I think he knew a lot about gardening.”
Mrs. Mackerel… Really? You’re kidding right?
Mr. Evangel… “No.., he really did teach us using plants…” (And now witnessing occurs in grand fashion using the story of the vineyard)
The biblical stories move from scripture to everyday life and your witnessing will progress from there. Use memorized verses, such as those we’ve previous offered, or possibly use a known prayer or creed. Realize that such items as the Apostles Creed are witness tools! The task is much like fishing.., you know the habitat of your prize and you use appropriate metaphor or stories to cast into conversation. But like fishing, it takes practice to get the basket full. Try practicing your cast with a member of your church. In fly fishing, it takes practice before confidence allows ever going to the stream. But, eventually we must wade into the mainstream.
For example, a holy conversation may begin with when baking a pie with a family member. It can begin with a simple… “Do you know the biblical story of leaven?”
First know the central applicable statement of Jesus concerning leavening, then look for ways to use that in evangelical conversation. Then the story sequence of sin, the sacrifice of Christ, forgiveness, and deliverance follows.
If you knit in a quilting club… use wool, lost sheep, worn out comforter blankets.., etc. The possibilities are endless!
First know the central applicable statement of Jesus concerning leavening, then look for ways to use that in evangelical conversation. Then the story sequence of sin, the sacrifice of Christ, forgiveness, and deliverance follows.
If you knit in a quilting club… use wool, lost sheep, worn out comforter blankets.., etc. The possibilities are endless!
In the technical world this can also be accomplished. For example, if you work in a metallurgical lab, ask yourself what the connections are between scripture and hardening the metal by fire? Fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. For example, ask yourself how metal items are case hardened? They are buried in carbon, like in the dirt of sin! How does softening or annealing happen? Using a sustained application of heat, a brittle hard metal may be annealed, softened to a malleable entity… this sounds like images of hellfire to me! And we suffer conviction… softened by being put in the oven! Then we, like iron, are made into a hardened workable tool by the heat of the divine Holy Spirit… tough and ready for holy service.
If you work around water, such as a dishwasher in a restaurant, what biblical symbols fit? How can this symbol lead us conversationally to the idea of baptism? Yes, to quote a childhood poem, whether “butcher, baker or candlestick maker”, we can do the task for the future of the church in gospel proclamation.
Does this seem far fetched? No, we think not… we have simply lost the art of spiritual imagination. Pray.., imagine, and pray again for guidance. Then step out in witness… that is the starting point of evangelism! Start with what you know… and move toward the divine knowledge that the Spirit will give. On this the church of Christ across the ages has endured and grown.
A last note about witness was told to me about a man who carpooled. He simply said to his driver… “I went to church over the weekend, and it was a little confusing. We say the Creed.., you know. It starts, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. How long do you think it took him? I mean was it seven days or seven billion years?”
The result was a conversation about creation that continued in stages for a period of weeks, and the passenger was invited and soon moved by the Spirit toward becoming a member of the church.
A last note about witness was told to me about a man who carpooled. He simply said to his driver… “I went to church over the weekend, and it was a little confusing. We say the Creed.., you know. It starts, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. How long do you think it took him? I mean was it seven days or seven billion years?”
The result was a conversation about creation that continued in stages for a period of weeks, and the passenger was invited and soon moved by the Spirit toward becoming a member of the church.
To my sisters and brothers in Christ, I say... just DO IT!
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