GO

I've been reading a lot about evangelism. See, I grew up learning the Roman's Road to Salvation. Now, rest assured that I am not pointing fingers, blaming anyone, or any of that because ultimately my learning or lack thereof is my fault. But I remember being so afraid to witness to anyone because I wouldn't be able to answer any questions they had about salvation or about Jesus, etc. I thought that if I didn't go through the Roman's Road verse for verse, step by step, then I would be leading them astray, not leading them to Jesus. So, I didn't witness. But over the past couple of years, I have thankfully discovered (through actually getting into GOD'S WORD) that God is not a formula. People are under different circumstances in life and we are all different, and therefore Jesus may choose to speak to us all differently. Let me pause and say that GOD has NOT CHANGED and He never will for that matter.

If you are a regular visitor, you know that I am working on a Youth Ministry certificate at Fuller Seminary. This was truly the next step I needed to take in my life. I have learned so much....not that you have to have a seminary experience to learn, but unfortunately, I require structure. I have been reading my Bible regulary for several years now, but for me, that wasn't enough....so....there are many rabbit trails in this post...bear with me.....notice how I just used 2 animal names.....

Back to the purpose of this post....witnessing is not a big deal - I mean it is, but it's not. You see, if God lays someone on your heart, you can rest assured that He's already been there working on that heart. Jesus has been doing HIS WORK! How many times do we feel like it's up to us to 'make a difference'. I think even the best of the best Christians feel this way at one point or another. Our faith can become small when our circumstances get overwhelming. For me, witnessing has always been a struggle. Would if I say the wrong thing? Would if they ask me a question I can't answer? etc. etc. But guess what? that's just that old devil telling me I'm not good enough. Or I'm not capable. But the Spirit that lives in me tells me otherwise. Trust me yall, God will give you the words to say if you're supposed to talk to someone about Christ. In Reinventing Evangelism, Posterski points out the different ways that Jesus witnessed to others. Take Zaccheus. He went to his house where he was comfortable. He didnt just invite the man to church. He knew that Zacheus might not feel comfortable in that setting - the 'Christian' setting, so therefore he WENT TO HIM. The Bible says GO and MAKE DISCIPLES. Not GO and ask people to come to church where things can be messed up anyway. Jesus was focused on the person, not the formula. And there are so many other examples in the Bible!! This book lists Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman among others. I'm reminded of the story in Acts where Paul witnessed to the 'religious' people in Athens. He got on their level, spoke from information they already knew. He went to them - met them where they were.

Maybe I'm the only one that struggles with witnessing and finding the right words and the right opportunities. It has become my prayer that God keep putting people in my path that I can talk with and share my own personal stories with. And He does. It's truly amazing the things I can do when I ask Him to help me out. He hasn't let me down.

I think we get so caught up into what we can learn and different theologies that we lose focus on what we're truly here for. And yes, it's good to learn theology and make sure you're alright with God, but let's not forget the word GO.

Websters defines it as to move along; travel; proceed. And right before that, for some reason, it says in italics indicating motion without reference to destination or point of departure....