Luke 5:27-29 NKJV
27 After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28 So he left all, rose up, and followed Him. 29 Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them.
Matthew the tax collector met Jesus, he did something that can teach us on how to be effective in our evangelism. He hosted a feast for Jesus in his house, and guess who he invited? He invited his friends, fellow tax collectors. Furthermore, he leveraged on his relationships and he invited his friend to a none – threatening space, his house, where they could hear the gospel from Jesus.
We are so used to evangelism being an event that is organized by the church that for many it is not a part of our lifestyle. Matthew had a plan, he wanted his friends to hear what Jesus had to say, and he created an environment for that to happen. I am convinced that after his friends had that encounter, Matthew must have followed them up.
What’s your strategy for evangelism? I came across a strategy known as the Hand of Evangelism that would be helpful as you think about making evangelism a lifestyle.
The first finger represents Selection.
Who are those in your circles that you want to reach out to with the Gospel of Christ.
The second is Cultivation
If you are not very acquitted with some people on your list, start cultivating a relationship with them as you become consistent in praying for them.
Next is Presentation
Look for or create (Like Matthew did) opportune times for you to present the Gospel message to them.
Then we get to Regeneration
This is where they embrace the message of the Gospel, and they are made new in Christ Jesus.
From there we get into Conservation.
This is the process of discipleship, where you walk with them to ensure they grow in their faith.
When you have a plan and a process that you employ in evangelism, it soon becomes your lifestyle, and you will witness a consistency in the people you are winning for the kingdom of God.
Reflections.
- Which two people in your circles would you like to see get born again?
- Do you commit to start praying daily for the two individuals as you also develop a closer relationship with them?
- Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you that you may recognize the opportune time to share the good news of the kingdom with them.
