Looking For Opportunities

The idea of telling others the Gospel can be a little frightening. We must remember that God is with us. If people reject what we say, they are not rejecting us they are rejecting the message. We cannot force people into God's family. We do not convict people; the Holy Spirit does that.

Do not put too much pressure on yourself. Be open, honest, friendly. Do not be pushy, rude or looking for an argument. Trust God to give you opportunities and trust God to make the person understand the truth. You just tell what you know.

Many times the problem is that we are not aware of an opportunity when it comes. Many every day events can be used as an opening to begin a conversation and share a little of the Gospel.

James Kennedy in Evangelism Explosion (1970, D. James Kennedy) tells this story:

I once stood outside an elevator with a friend. When another person approached, my friend reached for the button to call the elevator and said to the woman, ''Are you going up?''

''Yes,'' she responded.

''Are you going all the way up?'' he inquired.

''No, just to the third floor,'' said she.

''I mean, when God's sweet chariot swings down low to take his people home to heaven, do you know for sure that you are going all the way up to heaven?'' he continued.

Her response was, ''No, I'm not sure of that,'' and, as we entered the elevator, he began sharing the Gospel with her.

It is important when you speak to a stranger or someone who is not well know to you, that near the beginning of your conversation you ask their permission to share the Gospel with them. This is not only polite but also ensures that the person is interested and will listen.