Lessons on Interfaith Evangelism (part two)
Last week, I shared some tips for interfaith evangelism from my book The Unexpected Journey. This week I conclude the list of lessons Nellie Jo and I learned from our conversations with those who had journeyed from other gods to faith in Christ.
Encourage Them to Study the Bible Openly. The Bible is God's Word. It will stand the test of any objections or doubt. God works to convict and convince through His Word. If a person of another faith system is so certain about his or her own beliefs, he or she should not fear studying what Christians believe with an open mind.
Churches Must Be Prepared for a Pluralistic World. We heard from more than one respondent that they had attended church for several weeks without hearing a gospel message. This is an all-too-frequent occurrence in churches and a travesty. Pastors and church leaders: please realize that each week you have attendees in your congregation who are spiritually dead. The gospel is their only hope.
Christians Cannot Be Intimidated by Other Beliefs. We shouldn't be intimidated to share Christ with satanists and witches nor Muslims and Hindus. The gates of hell will not prevail against us. We have nothing to fear, but in Christ's name, we have much to offer.
Share Your Faith Regularly. Christians have become spiritually lazy and disobedient. Telling others the good news of Jesus Christ is not optional for any Christian. It is not something left to the pastors and ministers we sometimes treat like hired hands. It is the calling and the mandate of every Christian.
Live Like a Christian. I believe without a doubt that persons of other faiths would be strongly drawn to Christians if we just acted like Christians should act. It may be cliché, but wouldn't it be a different world if every Christian preceded each decision by asking "what would Jesus do?"
Be Willing to Invest Time with Non-Christians. Christ spent time with people even though his recorded earthly ministry was only about three years. Will Christians today be willing to develop long and sacrificial relationships with those who are not followers of Christ? Such an act is a true act of love, our final but most important lesson.
Love People With Christ's Unconditional Love. Non-Christians are drawn to those who demonstrate Christlike love. We who are Christians can win many to Christ if we just demonstrate the love that Christ commanded us to show. The hurting world waits for people just like that.
Now that we've covered the entire list, what tips might you add?
