Be Prepared

Does the thought of evangelism scare you?

Sometimes we make the process bigger and more intimidating than it needs to be. The story of Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8) shows us a simple three-step process.

1) Listen to the Spirit

Philip was told by the Spirit to approach the Ethiopian. Obviously the Holy Spirit knows the state of each person's heart and whether they're ready and willing to receive Christ. A lot of "failures" in evangelism probably happen when we act in our own power (with our hearts in the right place!). Pray for God to send you those promptings and listen to those you receive.

2) Meet them where they are

When Philip approached the Ethiopian, he didn't launch into the full Plan of Salvation. First he listened. He asked questions. He figured out where this man was coming from.

3) Be prepared

Philip knew the Scriptures well enough to share the gospel message. This comes over time with the daily discipline of reading the Bible. Don't let a lack of knowledge stop you—remember, the early church grew through the preaching of uneducated brand-new believers—but do meet daily with the Lord. His Word prepares you for any situation.

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" 1 Peter 3:15.