Living and Discipling among the Lost – A word on technique
Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it? That would be like a club wielding those who lift it, Or like a rod lifting him who is not wood. (Isaiah 10:15)
One of my fears in writing about the way we evangelize the lost is that the technique will be emphasized over the sovereignty of God. This is a great danger. Certainly, we must acknowledge that no one experiences true conversion unless the Holy Triune God has made it possible. The Father draws men and women to the Son (Jn 6.44). The Son reveals the Heavenly Father to those He determines (Mt 11.27). And the Holy Spirit convicts men of their sins (Jn 16.8) and regenerates them into newness of life (Titus 3.5).
We are merely tools in the evangelistic work. We can’t take any credit for the ultimate outcome of a person’s soul. Their spiritual transformation rests squarely in the hands of the Sovereign Lord. But unlike a dumb tool, we have a choice. We can choose to be useful or not. We can determine to be wielded in the hands of the Master or resolve to stay on the shelf. And, to some degree, I also think we can determine the effect of our usefulness by having a zeal to be used, accurately handling the Word of God, and displaying integrity in living out the message we proclaim. An ax is much more useful when it is sharp.
I remember the first man I introduced to Christ. I was actually talking to another man while he was eavesdropping. My presentation of the Gospel was so inadequate and in my own thinking it was unintelligible. The next morning, the unintended listener came to me and said he gave his life to Christ. I use this story to underscore the power of God. But we also need to follow the Scripture’s admonition to be trained and improve our abilities in communicated the Good News of Jesus Christ (Mt 4.19, 1 Pet 3.15, 2 Tim 2.15 2 Tim 3.16-17). Is it free will or sovereignty? Yes.LOST - They are not on an Island!
Evangelism: Methods or Majesty
Reaching the Far Lost, How would Jesus do it?
The Near Lost - Low Hanging Fruit
A Strategy for the Near Lost
Inside Out Witnessing
The Shocking Reality - Cold Contacts
Do Not Feed the Lost?
Leaders: Do the Math
A Summary of the Living and Discipling Among the Lost
© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved
