In my quest to learn more, I’m trying to read books about the Bible as well as reading the Bible itself more. Cathey Armillas recommended one that I like called Speaking of Jesus: The Art of Not-Evangelism. We Christians are supposed to let people know about Jesus, but some approaches seem to be more effective than others. What works?
I told my pastor about the book, and he liked it. That helps me be more excited because I know I can be a bit naïve, and I want to be careful of where I look for guidance. Does that make sense?
Here is what I like about it. Sometimes I see people on the street holding a doomsday sign or one about Jesus. I admire their ability to be rejected and persecuted, but I still wonder how effective they are at convincing people to know more about Jesus. They have their place, and I’m not judging them because they are doing what they believe is right. With my understanding of marketing from a different perspective, I have to look at what works for me and how I can be effective.
What I like about the approach suggested in this book is that the author does not get defensive or try to ram Jesus down people’s throats. He even mentions that the word Christian means many different things to people around the world. It is an emotionally loaded word with negative connotations for some. In different parts of the world the meaning can be even worse.
The author points out that if someone asks you, “Are you religious?” and you respond, “Oh, yes, I’m a Christian,” there is nothing in that exchange about Jesus. He also talks about not trying to defend his beliefs and getting into a debate as many people do. In fact, he suggests just listening and loving on people to create a connection. If pushed he may say that he is a “Follower of Christ,” which is different from trying to push people into that point of view. His response may promote a curiosity that can lead to a more fruitful discussion.
Thank you, Cathey, for turning me onto the book. Thank you, Carl Medearis, for writing it. I like this approach because if I get into a debate with the limited knowledge I have now, I could easily get questions for which I do not have the answers. There is more for me to read and more for me to think about. Stay tuned.
How do you approach a discussion about your faith?
Thank you, God, for Grace, Truth, Love, and Laughter,
Darren
(Reminder, this is just a journal of my mistakes, experiences, and thoughts along my journey to having a closer relationship to God. I do not claim to be an authority on the subject. If you want to know The Way, read the Bible.)
P.S. Thank you, especially, for grace.
Want to see more God Blog posts? https://darrenlacroix.com/category/godblog/
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Darren.
As a child of God (Ambassador of God or Disciple of Jesus) I think it is important to show the way by your lifestyle. There are people who push a person in a tin and leave that person. Instead of walk the walk with that person. And at the end that person is worst off as before he/ she was pushing to Jesus as Saviour and was not right for it. Listen what the Holy Spirit tells us what to do and do it. I had learn that it is like a chain. Every link in the chain is a specific part on the journey of life to God. What I mean? The first link of the chain the person hear about Jesus (the seed is planted), the second till the second last link is watering the seed and the last link in the chain the person get born again. We don’t know which link we are busy at a persons life. That doesn’t matter what link it is, what matter is that the Holy Spirit much talk through us as God’s children. The Trinity knows everybody and what link he/ she is at the moment. It is about God and doesn’t matter if we saw the seed, water the seed or to the final step that the person give him/ her over to the Saviour. Blessings