I’ve put a lot of thought into this idea
Recently, since I’ve found a new job, I’ve had the opportunity to share the Gospel a LOT! This is awesome! I never expected to be able to talk about Jesus and the Scriptures so much in my new workplace. What makes this even more interesting is that I had determined to not just bring up the topic of Jesus right away to new people I haven’t met. It turns out, though, that they are the ones who brought it up to me.
This seems very suspicious.
I wonder if God is doing this. I mean, come on… I resolve not to saturate my co-workers with Jesus, and they end up being the ones who ask me about it—all the time! I have no idea why these people would think I would have some kind of answer or insight to spiritual things, but for some reason they ask me questions. Most of them are not Christian and are opposed to the Bible, and one of them is actually a word-of-faith guy. All of them really need a better understanding of Jesus and the message of the Bible. I hope God does something through my brokenness to bring about change and influence in their lives.
But today has topped out all other days.
I got to work with a guy all day long in the Dayton area. On our way out this morning (around 7:30 PM) he began asking me questions about life, God, the Bible, and my thoughts on them. I was kind of taken back because he had so many questions. His first being, “So, I understand you want to buy churches. Are you in church real estate?” I almost fell over in my seat from laughter. This was great. “Church real estate.” Ha! I still laugh at it.
I guess what happened is that through a conversation I had with some other guy, I was asked why I was going to school, and I most likely answered that I would like to plant churches. Obviously, the dude misunderstood. Believe me, if you’re getting into ministry for the money, you’re in the wrong field.
Then came the tough questions.
From that point on my new friend asked me just about everything he could think about regarding life, aliens, the Bible, Jesus, 2012, the human soul, the difference in the Old Testament and the New Testament, what kind of shape is God, and on and on it went. I was a bit overwhelmed, but I loved it! God’s grace was upon me because I was able to win him over as a friend, while making clear and distinct statements about the exclusivity of Jesus and my faith in Him. Oh, he disagreed with almost EVERYTHING I believe in, but he said that he really enjoyed talking to me about it, and felt like I respected what he believed.
Shew, I was really wondering how that was going to go. And I was really concerned that I would totally lose credibility with him and the chance to be his friend. One thing he asked me was to do was tell him how something in the New Testament related with the Old Testament. So, I thought that if this was my only chance, I was going to share the Gospel. So I used the text in Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Then I talked about how the Old Testament was climaxing and anticipating this moment in history, and how Jesus did just that—He fulfilled the law. Then the part I was concerned would turn him away is the part where Jesus calls the “good” people to repent, because this guy plainly and confidently told me that he thinks because of his own goodness he will be in a good place when he dies.
So, I take a deep breath, and tell the truth.
I told him that Jesus calls ALL people to repent and follow him, and that there is no goodness we can do of ourselves that will grant us good standing with God. This is why Jesus calls the Pharisees sons of the Devil, because they were teaching that men could earn salvation by works—and I told him that too. I was really concerned I’d loose him, but I figured I’ll let God have responsibility for that. It turns out that I didn’t loose him, and he even opened up MORE than before! Astonishing!
All this to say one thing, really.
It’s amazing what will happen when we let the Word of God do what it is supposed to do. We are actually engaging in spiritual warfare whenever we preach, or witness to others about Jesus Christ. Is talking with someone in this manner preaching? I really don’t know, and there’s a lot of debate as to whether or not it is considered preaching. What ever the verdict on that is, it doesn’t matter in this situation, because the Word of God was being exposed and I saw a hard heart begin to soften. This did not happen by being easy with Scripture, or not telling the whole truth for the sake of making believing in Jesus easy, or to avoid being rejected and laughed at. No. It happened by letting the Word of God do what it does, everything else is in God’s hands. He’s sovereign, and He will soften hearts as He makes them ready.
I thank God for being used and praise Him for His amazing love and grace.
Do you have some stories to tell? Please do. I would love to hear!
—Jonathan
Photo by fourbyfourblazer
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What a story. At the moment, I have a strong desire to share the gospel with two guys in particular.
Problem is, I don't think I've found the right moment.
Is that me fearfully hesitating, or wisely waiting for the right God-given moment? Wish I knew.
One is going to meet with me over December break – when we will both be free from classes – and discuss salvation with me. He is a mormon, so his views differ greatly from mine (as I found out!).
The other guy…he is resistant to Christianity in general after having a couple bad experiences with growing up Baptist and then getting repulsed by his ex-wife's church's fire-and-brimstone Baptist preaching. However, somehow God has granted me favor with him, and we have a good relationship. We have enough in common that we talk constantly, but he is careful to steer clear of issues of faith, even when he is voluntarily admits to me that he wants hope and change in his life. Pray for me?
This is pretty awesome man. I hope something opens up for you.
I think a lot of times our emotions get in the way. Sometimes we feel emotional, and then spew the Gospel on someone in an unloving way. Other times, we refrain because our emotions of fear. Like you said, it can be difficult to tell in your situation. One thing you do know is that when the conversation arises, that's when the door is open for you. I know in my situation I was asked a lot of questions, but the guy I was talking to did not want to be told about how Jesus was the only way, I made a decision to tell him.
I pray that God gives you the opportunity to press into this with your two friends. You've got credibility with them, so I don't think they'll reject you. They may not agree, but I don't think they'll reject you.
Praying for you bro!
(the second guy grew up Catholic, not Baptist. Sorry – typo)
I had to smile as I read this.
Your story about your conversation does not surprise me at all my friend. You do have the gift to witness to others in a very compassionate and caring way. You speak your words of belief and truth in the Bible so well. I for one are very glad you do. I believe God brings people together for many different reasons in all situations to learn of His love. And I thank God for blessing me with meeting you. Peace and Grace, Sandy
Sandy, your words are very precious. Thanks so much. God bless you my friend.
a great post Jonathan!!!!!!
Thanks brother!
So. Wait. Did you guys agree or disagree on the Aliens thing?
lol, we disagreed. His idea is that aliens and God are the same thing. God is alien to us, just as people can be alien to us. But he also believes that there may be many aliens. None of his beliefs are consistent. It was very difficult to sort through everything. You should have heard our conversation on the human soul. Wow.