Objections Overruled – See. Perceive. Act.

Former procrastinators, scripture has spoken.  Truly, we have a mandate unlike any other. Putting off sharing the gospel dishonors the One who gave Himself for us.  God is amazingly patient, merciful, and loving.  He is  Redeemer and Judge, Savior and Commander.  We love Him because He first loved us.

Our job is to be available and ready to tell another person how she can be reconciled to God through the blood of Jesus.  Only He saves. The Holy Spirit prompts.  We point to Jesus. God moves in His power, in His way, in His time. We obey and leave the outcome with Him.  People , are not notches on our belt.  They are souls in need of rescue.

Often our part is  first to be friends.  Be friendly. Chat on the sidewalk.  Invite others into our homes.  When the Spirit prompts, we Isten, speak respectfully. We don’t have to “pray the prayer of salvation right then” unless He prompts. Sometimes there are many steps between hearing the gospel and believing.

An excellent help is “The Engagement Project.”  This video series  brings home the point that God has ordained ordinary everyday people to build His Kingdom.  It helps impart the vision and equips us to reach out to our literal neighbors.

While we may not present the gospel on first meeting, we should be ready for opportunity. In college, a friend committed to sharing Christ’s love by serving fellow students as they worked long hours rehearsing a play and building sets.  She cooked meals for them, ran errands, etc.  One day, she walked into my room and announced, “There comes a time when you have to speak!  Do you know what they think of me?  They think I have ‘a good philosophy of life’!  No!  It’s Jesus!  Jesus is the reason!”  There’s a time to speak.

Bill Fawcett said if anyone mentions the Lord in some way, go ahead and talk with him/her about Him.. Why?  Because whatever they said is indication that God is at work.  “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.  And I will raise him up on the last day.”  (John 6:44)  We can know the Father is drawing that person and join in with confidence.

The Spirit guides regarding the work He has for us.  Sometimes it’s a single encounter, often it’s opportunity to walk with someone in her life for a period of time.  Being friendly is the first step in making disciples.

 When I realized the misery caused by my procrastination and saw that God’s Word spoke to procrastination, I got serious about submitting to Him for change.  Now I must submit to Him for change in this area.  No more putting off.  We see He speaks in His Word.  I perceive my selfishness in light of His generosity.  Now we act, sharing the gospel as His Spirit prompts.

We are the Lord’s, authorized and sent.

How will you equip yourself to share the gospel?