Called 4 Jesus

Luke 10: 1 & 2.

1 After this, Jesus chose another 72 disciples. He sent them out two by two, to every town and village that he would visit soon. 2 Before they went, he said to them, ‘Many people are ready to believe God’s message. They are like crops in a field at harvest time. But there are very few workers to bring in the crops. So pray to God to send out workers. The field and the plants belong to him.

I realize most people dread this activity. Talking about religion. Modern society rejects this topic. It also has negativity attached to it. Yet it is as simple as greeting a friend. “Good morning.”

St. Francis of Assisi had a great approach to evangelism.

A local businessman was excited to go evangelize with the Monk Francis. They walked into town. Francis talked to everyone along the way. I can see him. Laughing and joking. Listening intently with some. Placing a comforting hand on others. Always smiling.

After a couple of hours they walked back to the monastery. The businessman asked, when are we going to evangelize? St. Francis replied, were you paying attention? We were evangelizing the whole time.

Not once did he mention religion or that sort. A Smile and a greeting. The start of a positive exchange. Maybe because everyone in the city knew st Francis and who he stood for. Maybe to st Francis, it was more important to make friends. Then discuss religion.

My Buddhist friend and I enjoy conversing about everything. We talked about philosophy, theology, life, music and our children. We had been doing this for 2 years. Then one day, he decides he wants to learn more about Jesus and the bible. He asks, “do you have an extra Bible for me?” I did better than that, I bought him one.

Befriend someone, listen and learn about them. It’s ok to Let them teach you. Yet be fussy in your heart. Being able to discuss and not get defensive is the trick. It’s important to discern and have scripture knowledge. Your mind and heart requires humility.

Most people have a set of indoctrinations. Being rigid and argumentative, this makes for a bad listener.

My same friend had an “evangelist,” approach him. First meeting, the evangelist is yelling, “you’re going to hell.”. So now my question to you. Did that open the door to communication? Do you think anyone will listen, when they are being “disrespected?”

The idea is to have the character of Christ. No one will listen to an attitude of, “my way or the highway.”

Psalms 37:7. “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”

Gandhi was quoted as saying, “I love the Christ, but hate the Christians.” Why? The anger in doctrine over rides humility.

The 15th to 17th centuries are known as the religious wars. Christians fighting Christians. Over which doctrines are correct. People burned alive, tortured, arrested and full battles were fought. Millions died over 300 years. Both sides carrying the banner of the cross. “That was the dark ages, Tony.” Really? I’ve met Christian’s that disagree with my thoughts. They have gotten really upset. I bet they wanted to “burn me at the stake.” One brother called me agnostic. Claiming he was the defender of the faith. I asked him to calm down and he got even more mad. When you get into situations like this say, “you made your point. Now let’s move on.”

This reminds me of a movie called Gulliver’s travels. Gulliver runs into two countries in the midst of war. The reason for the war? One country says the correct way to open an egg is small side up. The other country said big end up. Sounds silly? So is Christians fighting Christians.

Learn to listen, in humility.

i heard a story about an evangelist that prays for any desire a person wants.

“If you can have anything in the whole world, what would it be?”. The evangelist asks a drug addict. “Nah, get away. God won’t answer me.”. The evangelist smiles, “How do you know, until you ask God?” Addict shrugs, “Ok I want an 8 ball of cocaine.”

So they pray, “my friend wants an 8 ball of cocaine. Give it to him. Unless you have something better for him. You show him Lord. Amen.” Then the evangelist asked questions. Then he presented Jesus and talked about His Saving grace. “This can happen today.” States the Evangelist.

Yes, an extreme story, done by an extreme person. It’s samples of what people desire to do for Christ.

For us, a smile and a greeting. Start out small.

I remember when I used to volunteer in a halfway house. I had to cut through an alley to get home. Yes, I walked. Their, laying on the ground was a man I knew. He had recently left the halfway house. The alley was dirty and smelly and there was a human being laying on the filth. “Are you ok?”. He sat up, looked at me and started crying. For the next 10 or 15 minutes, he just talked. “This is not supposed to be my life. I have a call to be a pastor.” This is how he ended the conversation. I never said anything. God was working on him. Convicting him. He was drunk or high, I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. Jesus accepted him, as he was. We are in the palm of God’s hand. Who am I to interrupt God at work? The Holy Spirit did all the talking. If I didn’t recognize this, I could have ruined the moment. I prayed, “Lord make him into the man you want him to be.”

2 years later, I saw him again. Conference Of churches, he was a pastor! I never mentioned this to anyone. Dirt ridden man, God pulled out of the alley and promoted him to pastor. I know the pastor appreciates my silence. It’s God’s glory! I was there to experience a transformation, that’s all.

Zech 4:6, “So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.’”

This is vital that we understand this point. We are not defenders of the faith. That attitude gets in God’s way. God doesn’t need us. Yet God desires to build our faith. So God shares moments that strengthens us. God loves us and wants the best for US!

Do you wonder why children of famous athletes are athletes? Yes, in the genes. Fathers coach the children for success.

Not everyone responds positive. I smiled at a man and right away he got defensive. “What are you looking at?”. He said meanly. “Good morning.”. This took him off guard for a moment. A little calmness shot across his face. “What’s up.”

Here’s a reaction, that stayed with me. I was smiling and walking down the street. An older woman, said to me. “How nice, No one smiles anymore.”

Serving Jesus is a way of forgetting about “me.” Forget your problems. It’s better to give a little light, than selfishly keep to yourself.

i get asked this a lot. “Do you believe we are saved by works?” Trap question if you don’t understand the Bible.

Here’s my answer. No we are not saved by works. Yet, if you love Jesus you want to help others. It’s the Holy Spirit working inside us, who wants to come out.

Smile Jesus loves you. God bless.