Thanksgiving. It’s Thanksgiving time. I got thinking about all the things I am thankful for. And you all know what comes after Thanksgiving? Christmas. How many of you have all your Christmas shopping done? (only 34 more shopping days. . .) Of all the gifts you’ve gotten and all the things you are grateful for, what is the greatest?
The single greatest gift you can give to another human being is to introduce them to Jesus Christ. How do we share that with others? (last week tie in) Recently Bill Hybels, the pastor at Willowcreek, was interviewed by a conservative Christian magazine. He was asked, “Do you still believe in personal evangelism? Is it outdated? In answer, he shared the following four stories and four observations. (Good 4 pt. Sermon)
Sailing on Lake Michigan. As he docked, he realized that he was not far from the church camp. Go to the place where you were saved. Only one taxi service – called- 10 miles, too far. Do you know anyone who would take me? Guy down on his luck, needs money. Tattooed, long hair, busted up car. Low on gas. Fill ‘er up! She’s never had a full tank before. Drove to camp, wait on me. [ Found the place, thinking back Walking up the hill as the sun set, the verse came. (Titus 3.5) Realized that he couldn’t earn heaven. Prayed to God. Saved.
Observation #1. The single highest value in personal evangelism is attentiveness to and cooperation with the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We need to pray, “God, I want to hear the whispers of your Spirit today.” The Bible does say his sheep will hear his voice, Amen?
At a luncheon down south, sat at round tables of ten. Introduce yourself. Man across the table had a Muslim name. Ate, looks. After lunch-I love your books . . .I used to be a Christian, left for racial reasons and became Muslim during college. Part of my job is to attend these big cocktail parties. Racism. Guy walks across the room and introduces himself. “Are you Muslim?” Yes. I’m a Christian who doesn’t know much about Islam. Could you tell me about it? Met for lunch a couple of times. Finally, the Muslim said. That’s about all I can tell you. Could you tell me about Christianity? I grew up in church, but it was so long ago. Two weeks later he got saved!
Observation #2. When you use the words “personal evangelist” you may not like the image that they conjure. If you can not see yourself as an evangelist, you might just need a new image. Imagine an evangelist as someone
who scans the circle of comfort while listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and is willing to cross the room and introduce themselves. (Really, only three requirements 1. friendly, 2. willing to listen, and 3. yielded to the H.Sp.)
Bill was in Downtown Chicago – a friend had given him the manuscript of a book he had written; went to a nice restaurant, long line. Conversation with couple in front of him. Jobs. Tough industry, lots of layoffs. Join us. No, don’t want to take away your time together. Both laughed. They were both gay, married for convenience of job. (Uncomfortable) As they talked, man shared how his dad had cut him off, Bible guy, “judgment” and “hell” (Really Uncomfortable), prompting of H.S. - Bill said, as you imagine your dad, try substituting the words “grace” and “mercy.” Man went to wash room, wife said, He’s never shared that with anyone except me! Tables ready, they went their separate ways. Bill – beating self up. Could of talked about what Bible says, why didn’t I say . . . HS whispered, “You did what I told you to do.”
Observation #3. Success in evangelism in any given situation is playing the role the H.Sp. wants you to play. Our job is not having to take folks from a -10 to a 0, but simply moving them towards the cross.
Taking the garbage out – cold out, but new neighbors. Didn’t want to wait to introduce himself, but felt prompting of H. Sp. Hi, I’m Bill; I’m Bill too. Took garbage out about the same time, talked. Bill was an investment banker, a member of the local Republican Party, shared many of the same hobbies, wanted nothing to do with church. Spent time as families (BBQ’s, etc.). After several years, it was the trash day before Easter. Dr. Hybles said to his neighbor, Bill, where are you going to church on Easter? It’s just un-American! You know very well I don’t go to church. But you’re a republican. How can you be a patriotic, red-blooded American republican without going to church on Easter? Guess what? He came. He became an Easter service person. The next year around Christmas, similar question. Started coming on Christmas and Easter. Then, one day, Bill got saved! He told Dr. Hybles at the trash can. Watching God transform a life never gets old.
Observation #4. Proximity – Where can you have regular conversations with people who are not saved? What activities do you (or can you) do with internationality of developing relationships and being open to HSp? Mt. 5. talks about our being salt, but for salt to be effective, it needs proximity. We can’t be the salt of the earth from a distance.
Closing thought. The single greatest gift you can give to another human being is to introduce them to Jesus Christ.
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