Real Evangelism

A. Unabashed Pacifist

Hands clasping weapons cannot clasp each other.



B. Unabashed Christian

Holy One,

Earth belongs to you, and it overflows with your glory!

Clouds block the sun and obscure the mountain heights, but your glory shines forth.

Rain, possible thunder and lightning, will descend later today, but so will your glory.

Our lives carry trouble and pain and sorrow, but they cannot obscure the fact that we, too, belong to you and our lives overflow with your glory.

Amen



C. Unquoting Jesus:

"You can go home, people. Today’s performance has been cancelled due to lack of interest." [No way. The healing ministry must go on.]



D. Blog/Rant: Responding to the Evangelist at Your Door (Part 1)

The unwelcome evangelist at your door insists on asking his “most important question: Are you 100% certain you’re going to heaven?”

How to respond to such a loaded and manipulative question? A little preparation might help, such as noting how Jesus usually turned such queries back on His questioners. With a little practice, and the following 50 potential replies, you’ll be equipped with something better than “that’s none of your damn business, young man.”

“No. Are you 100% certain there isn’t a special place in hell for people who ask that question?”

“Yes. But if you’re worried about it, perhaps I can help you.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m sure you’ll be okay.”

“Yes, I am. But I’m not certain about you.”

“That’s an arrogant and manipulative question. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

“I’m more certain of that than I am that you won’t be going to hell.”

“I’ve had too many glimpses and tastes of heaven on Earth to concern myself with what follows death.”

“I seem to recall that the most important questions for Jesus were: ‘Do you love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?’ And secondly, ‘Do you love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“I’m 100% certain that question is arrogant (it assumes you can erase any doubts I may have) and manipulative (its intent is to use any doubts I have against me and to give you power over me that I have no intention of giving you).”

“It may be your most important question. To me it’s a trifling question.”

“Yes, but I’m concerned about your future if you keep asking that question of total strangers.”

“A more important question, I think, is whether you are going to stop trying to manipulate people through fear and doubt.”

“You’re kidding, right? Does anybody take such a question seriously anymore? Don’t you know that God’s grace is sufficient?”

“Trying to instill doubt in me won’t get either of us into heaven.”

“Yes. I’m also 100% certain you need to know me before you pose such a loaded question.”

“Sure I am. Aren’t you?”

“What makes you think you’re an authority on going to heaven?”

“Going to heaven is not my biggest concern. That’s up to God. The concern while I’m here on Earth is to share God’s love and compassion while I can and to enjoy the miracle of life God has given me. Have a blessed day.”

“I don’t think that’s the most important question. Maybe ‘Who do you say that He is?’ or ‘When did I see Him hungry, thirsty, etc.’ and ‘What did I do in response?’”

“I thought that old chestnut of a question rightly went out of fashion at least 50 years ago. Good day.”

“Brother, I don’t think Jesus ever said that’s an important question.”

“I have no doubts about God’s love for me. Do you?”

“I think the point is discipleship, not getting into heaven. Living for Him, not for our personal benefit.”

“That question might feed your sheep, but I’m 100% sure it doesn’t feed Jesus’ sheep.”

“Don’t be too sure of yourself – unless you love your enemies, turn the other cheek, and are prepared to give all you have to the poor.”