Romans 7:22-24 “For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
Our Creator God, by grace alone, sent Christ Jesus (the Son of God, God incarnate) alone from Heaven to Earth, in God’s only plan of redemption from sin and salvation unto eternal life to all who believe, repent and receive the Savior of the world by faith. But on this side of eternity, after becoming a true born-again Believer, a transformed heart and a regenerated spirit, the sinful desires of the flesh remain until glorification in Heaven. We are all sinners battling those sinful flesh desires until the day we die. The sanctified converts understands that sin (either thoughts, words or deeds that should be done in the eyes of God, or thoughts , words and deeds that should be done yet are not) is inequity against our just and holy sovereign Creator, which Christ paid with His life for in our place and loath the wicked transgression. The Apostle Paul instructs us in Galatians 5:16-17 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” This is why the Christians have to take up our Cross daily and follow Jesus. We are all a work in progress in the improving process of Sanctification; always learning and growing, responding and desiring the obedient life in the Word.
Focus on being with Jesus, walking in the Spirit and talking with your Heavenly Father in prayer. Our “real deal” life must proclaim the Theological worldview that God’s declares in His holy Word, Will and Way, and that desires for all those living in the darkness of sin and unbelief; the Light of Truth lived out for all to see and hear. Therefore, the followers of Christ, children of God, citizens of the kingdom of Heaven must focus on being with other people, connecting with them, hearing their stories and lovingly tell them the Gospel message. The Holy Spirit is the direct agent in conversion. He illuminates, convinces, quickens, induces new birth, imparts repentance, and prompts the converted soul’s confession, “Jesus is Lord.” We enter into the same relationship of faith and love with the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and Master. The Holy Spirit is truly God the evangelist.
Truly, whether Big Christian Crusades, tent revivals, missionaries, street evangelism, soapbox evangelism, door visitations, handing out of Christian Tracts as “touch points” or godly conversations with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and acquaintances, they are all used by God through the Holy Spirit to reach the lost, lead them out of darkness and into the light at the foot of the Cross for forgiveness and salvation. People are more open to the truths that we share with them when they know that we genuinely care about them. Do you really care about someone if you know that they are destined for eternal damnation and you do nothing about it. Figuratively, your next-door neighbor is asleep and their house is on fire, and you have a firetruck in your in your driveway.
Because of our sin nature in a fallen world, most people are primarily concerned about themselves, not the common good. Egocentric selfishness and pride come naturally – the pursue of getting whatever one wants, whenever one wants, wherever one wants, with whoever they want. And whatever I do; what’s in in for me? They are pretty good at talking about themselves. That’s called: “Looking out for number one.” So, figure out where they are coming from in their ideology. Ask what questions do they have about life, the culture and society. Find out what questions they have about God, the Bible and eternity. The Gospel message begins with a identifying “sin” as sin, sinful it truly is and the consequences of sin. General conversation on lying, cheating, stealing, hating, lack of honesty, integrity, community and honor are perfect open lead-ins discussions on the standards for morals and ethics – man, self or God? If God uses you to genuinely transform someone else’s life, then they cling to the Lord with the Fruit of the Spirit in their life.
The Lord Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Studies show that most people come to a “saving knowledge” of Jesus Christ in true “born-again”, transformational conversion because of a relationship with someone that they know and trust sharing the Gospel message with them. God placed you in their life to be a light. There is a place for every way, type, shape and form of evangelism, yes of course. All methods of evangelism are good, effective and have a place in the Great Commission. God can use anything and everything possible. But, God made the family and it starts at home, then outward. And always offer to pray for people. Go boldly therefore and make disciples of all nations.
In Christ, Brian
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