Author: Pond Chan
One of our evangelistic fears is facing the elderly (because they feel dignified, are relatively stubborn & experienced in life).
In addition are facing the wicked (because they feel vicious, dominating & powerful), afraid of being scolded or driven away, so they dare not speak.
When we remember: we must pray that the Lord will send us and give us power and authority. (Ref. Romans 10:15 / Matthew 28:18-20)
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you boldness, eloquence, wisdom, and guidance to those of gospel target yours. (Ref. Ephesians 6:19/Acts 10:44)
When preaching the gospel, knowing that the Lord will walk with us and relying on the lead of the Holy Spirit will give us enough confidence and courage.
The following are God’s guidance in the Bible, and they give us samples and faith through the experience of the disciples’ evangelism.
The Lord spoke to Paul in the night with a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent” (Acts 18:9).
Paul said, “In humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25).
Paul said, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6).
Stephen: “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke” (Acts 6:10).
Peter: “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word” (Acts 10:44).
The disciples: “The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21).
When preaching the gospel, it is necessary to arrange a suitable environment, time, and venue or sincerely invite them to have coffee or a meal (need to choose a not crowded restaurant).
- Facing the old and the wicked: We must have good witnesses, be gentle and loving, not argue about their philosophies or beliefs, and guide them to understand salvation and know God.
- People with whom we are too familiar: Start the small talk, care more about each other, and boldly say at the right time, “I have good news (salvation) to share with you.”
- A person with advanced knowledge: Do not be afraid. They have high expertise but no knowledge of salvation and biblical truth. You can boldly “preach salvation” to them.
- People in high positions: Do not be afraid. Your work is more elevated than them because you are the messenger of the gospel sent by the kingdom of heaven to “preach salvation” to them.
- Those who are stubborn and resistant: It is an excellent opportunity to hone yourself and sow seeds. Use a gentle heart to guide and pray silently for the Holy Spirit to help yourself and teach others.
Remark:
To have the skills to preach the gospel to different people, you must know how to rely on and walk with God. Then, to learn more, preach more, and experience more, you will know how to deal with it. And learn Paul’s faith in God, saying, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation of everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16).