Ever since becoming a follower of Jesus I’ve been fascinated by the idea of evangelism. I’ve heard a handful of passionate people teach and share the fruit of evangelism in their lives. After each teaching, I would be pumped up and ready to GO- sharing the gospel with everyone I saw…at least for that day. I would quickly run out of steam and passion, knowing it was somewhere within me hidden beneath fear.
There is so much misconception around the word conversion. You see, Jesus isn’t interested in society’s definition of conversion. He’s interested in giving people an opportunity and choice to follow Him. To invite them into relationship with Him and encounter His perfect love. I have no interest in forcing society’s view of “Western Christianity” onto someone. I have no motives to force my own faith on anyone, but only to share who Jesus is and what He has done in my life.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you…” (Philippians 2:12-13)…When sharing the gospel, it isn’t our job to convert people and tell them what they MUST believe, it’s to introduce them to the One whose love DOES.
My desire isn’t to change culture and roots. It is only to introduce people to KINGDOM culture. I don’t want anyone to misunderstand me in saying this. This DOESN’T mean the gospel won’t offend anyone, and it certainly won’t conform to any culture of this world…because Kingdom culture is not OF this world.
In John 17 Jesus prays to the Father and says that like Him, we are not of this world. He asks that we are not taken out of the world, but instead that we are sent INTO the world. “So that the world may know that you have sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:23).
So then evangelism is merely an opportunity to give people a choice to enter into a life of following the one true God. It isn’t having all the right things to say in order to convince. We must only know Jesus and let our faith rest in the power of God (not in the wisdom of the world) (Corinthians 2:1-5). We must take ourselves and our pride out of the equation, and only then will the fear of man fall.
The first time I shared the gospel with someone was at an ice cream shop in Albania. It was terrifying. She tore me apart; asked me questions I had no idea how to answer, tried to get me to argue, defend my beliefs, and prove my “point”. I left scared, disappointed and doubtful. Not understanding why I believed the things I did if I couldn’t explain it to someone.
Fast forward to yesterday, I had the opportunity to share the gospel with two Jewish brothers from Israel. They weren’t practicing Judaism, and didn’t believe in a God. When I asked what the one brother believed, he proceeded to tell me, “Well I believe in love, in doing unto others as you wish to be done to you, not judging others, and living simply.” He then added much more that was all biblical- he just didn’t know it. I told Him the only difference between the two of us was that I knew Jesus. He laughed and joked that he was well on his way, because he wanted to be a carpenter. I got to share who Jesus is, read scripture, and answer many of his questions. I sought to understand him as he did to me (Proverbs). He didn’t accept Jesus right then and there, but I am sure he’s being pursued by God.
Evangelism is all about obedience. Regardless of results, I want to choose obedience and share who my God is with the people I encounter. What a privilege it is to partner with God to plant seeds.
“I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9: 19-23).
Thanks for reading! As always, if you have any questions feel free to reach out!
With love,
Olivia
P.s. Being FREE from fear is a choice (Galatians 5). Choose freedom today.
