Sunday, 19th June, 2022
Bible Reading: Acts 2: 44-47, Romans 10: 14-17
Memory Verse: Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. Acts 2:44 (HCSB)
“The Word For Today”, a daily devotional guide once wrote: “If you want to win people to Christ, you won’t do it with a holier-than-thou attitude. Sadly, this is how society sees many Christians; their hearts are in the right place, but their ability to relate with compassion to those outside their immediate circle does God no favours. If you want people to respond to the Gospel, take a leaf from Paul’s book. He said: ‘Though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ… When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew.
When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness. I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.’ (1 Corinthians 9:19–22 NLT). Now before you think Paul was soft on sin, he adds: ‘But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. I do everything to spread the Good News.’ (1 Corinthians 9:21–22 NLT). Paul could relate to unbelievers without endorsing their lifestyle because he remembered what he himself was before God transformed him on the road to Damascus.
Being the recipient of God’s grace enabled Paul to write: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners.’ (1 Timothy 1:15–16 NLT). Today, remember what you used to be like.” This is great wisdom for effective evangelism. Should God give you a platform, know for sure that He is entrusting the salvation of many souls unto you. You will need wisdom and divine strategy to do this especially in evangelical unfriendly areas.
Furthermore, let’s look at this scenario: Imagine a man sent to evangelize a people for Jesus in another town or country. 5 years down the line he hasn’t learnt their language. How do you expect the people to embrace you? The first step to effective communication is to establish a common ground. Language binds people together. Take a course on their language and learn. Wisdom is profitable to direct. Don’t just evangelize. Evangelize strategically.
Quote: Don’t just evangelize. Evangelize strategically.
Prophetic Decree: Receive undying passion for souls, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Thank you Father for saving me while I was long dead in sin.
2. Holy Spirit, inspire me on divine strategies for effective evangelism, in Jesus name.
3. My words, become convicting coals of fire, in Jesus name.
4. My life shall convict and establish men in righteousness, in Jesus name.
5. If no one will save a soul, I solemnly declare that I will, in Jesus mighty name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 1-6
