In Mark 2:13-17, Levi (Matthew) was called by Jesus to follow him. The Pharisees were appalled that Jesus associated with the sinners. They are the ones that need Jesus. The sick need a doctor, just like the sinners, not the righteous, need Jesus.
I am constantly reminded and encouraged that I need to tell others about Jesus and what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will do for me. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 tells us that God gave us (we who have been reconciled to God) the ministry of reconciliation and that he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. This message is that we must tell other the good news about Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection: that he died for us so that we may be free from sin and free to live with him while here on earth and forever in heaven.
I asked God to show me who I need to tell. He said that there are many who need to know Him, like the mayor, the police people, the fire people, and the teachers at school. But I am only responsible to the people I come in direct contact with: my family, my friends, the other mothers of my preschool daughter’s classmates, and other church attendees.
How am I going to tell all these people? I’m not a very good conversation starter, so what do I do? I need to just me myself and remember, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13, NIV) and that I do not have “a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)
I need to get to know the other mothers and live the way God wants me to. Then, it should be easy to tell them about the hope that I have. A few months ago, I was able to talk to one of the other mothers since I recognized her from the local store. I am in the process of getting to know her right now. There is an open invitation that we should get together and just “hang out”. Another mother I may have an opportunity to talk to is the friend of the first mother mentioned. Actually, this week her daughter is having a birthday party that my daughter is invited to. One way to try to get to know her is to offer to help with the party.
There are other methods to bring the lost to Christ other than personal testimony. One method is meeting people where they are. When I went on the Campus Crusade for Christ Winter Conference, over 20+ groups of people went to the homes of less fortunate people in Charlotte, North Carolina and gave them blankets and tracts on how to accept Christ. Not only was this a great experience for us, but also many people came to Christ that day.
Another method is to bring people to church or even bring church to the people. I’ve brought friends to church and actually, I was brought to church by a friend. Also, there are evangelical programs on television, like Billy Graham and Joyce Meyer. I’ve heard testimonies of people coming to Christ through these methods.
The lost find Christ through many methods including the methods listed above. Of the methods listed, personal testimony is the best suited for me. Ask God and he will show you how to carry out your ministry of reconciliation.
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