D – Declare
When our children were younger I took them fishing in northern New South Wales. We went through a whole box of shrimp without a single bite.
Then we moved location and saw children catching something almost every time they threw their line in the water.
I went over to ask them what they were using for bait. “Bread”, was their reply.
Bread? Never in my wildest imagination would I consider bread to be a bait for fish. But I asked them for a piece, soaked it, made a bread ball, put it on the hook and soon we were catching whiting just like them.
There are some similarities between fishing and sharing our faith. What appeals to one person may not appeal to another. I tried to share the Gospel with my brother, but he was unresponsive. Or at least I thought so. When two strangers knocked on his door at university he heard their presentation and readily responded. The difference: they were engineers like my brother.
A good fisherman keeps a variety of baits in their tackle box.
I’m convinced that every Christian needs to learn five ways of sharing their faith. Why five? As a magician I focus on doing five tricks well. I don’t need more than that for most shows. If I see a trick I like more, I ask myself which trick I am willing to drop.
So, what are my 5 ways of sharing my faith today?
- A discovery Bible study called Discovering Spiritual Community
- Drawing and explaining cartoons
- Evangelistic Parties
- Bi-lingual Four Spiritual Laws
- Business-size cards for websites
What is your favorite method?
Do you have five ways of Declaring the Gospel?
If not, how about trying one new way?
With magic tricks I discover that I need to perform them 25 times before they are really mine. In the same way, I suggest practicing with a friend first. Then try a method over and over until you become comfortable with it. This way you will be able to focus your attention on the person you are talking with.
Let’s pray:
“Lord God, you are so creative. I think of all the billions of stars you have created. The abundance of plants and animals. We can’t even name them all. Show us how to declare your wonders to this generation. Let our neighbours and friends see the lengths you have gone to save them from an eternity in hell. Let them marvel at the tremendous price that Jesus paid upon the cross. We strongly desire that you will do a fresh work in this time so that people around the world are swept off their feet by your great love. Amen”
See you next week with “E”.