Good day
One of the luxuries we have today as Christians is the ease at which we're able to access Christian content. We're able to attend a church service in person as well as various courses at church. We have small groups where we meet together once a week and discuss the word of God, through this we develop relationships with others in the church. There's also opportunities to get involved in church activities and initiates. We also have access to Christian content via Christian book stores like CUM books, we're able to watch teachings on You Tube, satellite TV, church websites. There are also Bible apps like the You Version app which also includes various reading plans ... Even just being able to own a physical Bible today can be viewed as a luxury ... It's easy to forget just how blessed we are to be able to access all of these resources and can take for granted the enrichment that it brings to our relationship with God - and along with that, the enrichment that it can bring to others who may not have access to all of these resources or who may not even know about them ... and this is where you and I come in my friend because it's our responsibility to tell them about these things.
For me this started about 16 years ago, where I initially started sharing via email with a few friends and family until one day I met a lady who was working as a security guard who told me she didn't have access to email. I walked away feeling sad because I really wanted to encourage her with the word of God and in that moment the Holy Spirit prompted me to share Bible verses via SMS. Some time later I started asking God what more I could do to encourage these people and He said to write letters to them ... Some time after this God told me to have a website ... Then it was to hand out letters in people's letterboxes ... Then it was to go on walks and speak to people and get their contacts so that they can be added to the messaging lists ... In all of these instances it wasn't something I thought about doing or an idea I came up with, it was spending time in prayer, praying about reaching people and seeking to fulfil God's will for my life ... There are people that we frequently come into contact with, whether these be petrol attendants, security guards, car guards, cashiers, waitrons, shop assistants, receptionists; acquaintances and colleagues in the workplace, tea ladies at the office, gardeners, cleaners, etc. and in most instances, we never know if we'll ever see them again. We don't know if they attend church or have a Bible or whether they even know anything about God's salvation through Jesus Christ ... We have an opportunity to capitalize on these moments and in my personal experience, often the Holy Spirit will prompt me to speak to that person. I've found that people are generally open to discussion, and almost without fail, said they were happy to receive Bible scriptures via sms or Christian messages via email/whatsapp and were willing to share their contact details so that they can receive these messages and be encouraged regarding their relationship with God.
Similarly, there are people that you come into contact with, people that I may never get to meet, this is where I want to encourage you to share these messages with them. Even if you can only think of one other person for now ...
Another way of doing this is by asking them if they'd like to receive these messages, and then upon their permission, send me their contact details so that I can add them to the messaging lists on my side. Either way, the aim is to encourage them regarding their relationship with God. Everyone needs to hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ and the salvation that is found in Him, so I want to encourage you to support me in spreading the word of God and to take me up on my challenge by asking at least one person if they'd like to receive these messages. The purpose is not to create a platform for "Christian devotions" - it's to reach more and more people for the kingdom of God, providing God with an opportunity to go to work in their lives, through His word and through prayer.
(Now I need to mention here that this doesn't take away from one's involvement and commitment to our local church. A person should remain serving where needed and inviting people to church and participate in church activities, etc. So the above is in addition to one's church involvement)
So where to from here?
One of the reasons why I took the time to share all of the above is because maybe you're reading this and thinking to yourself that yes, these methods may work for me, but you're not me, maybe God desires to work through you in a different manner to reach out to others - and you're right - He does. What God has called you to fulfil is unique. Your purpose and destiny is unique to what God has called you to do. The great part is - EVERYONE IS NEEDED (1 Corinthians 12 & Ephesians 4:1-16). I need you to bring your gifts. I need you to be in position. I need you to do what God has called you to do. There's a need in society that is meant to be fulfilled by you.
Like pieces of a puzzle, we all need to be in position to see the full picture come to completion, and God is waiting and depending on you to occupy the places/positions He's called you to. The body of Christ needs you. Society needs you. Our nation needs you! ... and this is where you need to rise up and pursue the Holy Spirit's leading for your mission/assignment/calling - not coming up with what area you think is best, or relying on your own ideas, or what seems popular - you need to follow your unique call and be obedient to what the Holy Spirit is specifically leading you to do for Him.
I believe He has a unique mission and calling for each person. He knows the specific plans and assignments He has for our lives and so we need to seek Him on this and then with His empowerment, seek to fulfil all that He desires to accomplish through our lives.
Amen!
As I conclude this series today, I want to point out that there are other topics that are interlinked to a series like this, for example prayer, walking in love, faith, hearing God's voice, surrendering to the Holy Spirit, etc. All of these and others play a part in successful evangelism, and whilst I may not have covered all of them here, I trust that through the messages that I have shared, that you've been inspired to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and will act on what you've learnt by allowing God to work in you and through you, and to trust that He is fulfilling His plans, purposes and assignment for your life and bringing it to completion. Amen!
(I also trust that you were able to share these teachings with others to help encourage them in the area of evangelism)
John 4:34-38
Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”