BE PREPARED (PART 1 )
God asked the young Jeremiah to be ready to speak His Words to the people of
17 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
Jesus commanded His disciples to be ready for service (Luke 12:35-36).
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.
The Apostle Paul was always prepared to evangelise. When he saw a vision of the next harvest field in
9During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
BE LOVING (PART 2)
In addition, ask God for endless love and the ability to demonstrate it to the lost. The world needs to know and experience God’s love through Christians, above all else.
34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (John 15:9)
12May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. ( 1 Thessalonians 3:12).
Key Principle: Seek to demonstrate God’s unconditional love toward to others.
BE JOYFUL (PART 3)
The impact and effect of the gospel upon a Christian must be seen by seekers. People only buy a particular medicine when they have seen good results in others. Therefore, go out and express the inner joy, peace and hope through your personal relationship with Christ.
8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, (1 Peter 1:8)
The disciples in Acts displayed joy in times of fruitfulness and persecution (Acts 13:49-52)
49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
BE PERSISTENT (PART 4)
The message of the gospel has ramifications both in this life and beyond. It leads to eternal life rather than eternal condemnation. Therefore, Christians should not give up spreading the message just because of a few objections or rejections.
During evangelism there will be times of great satisfaction as well as disappointments. Psalms 126:5-6 speaks about farmers sowing in tears but they also reap a harvest of joy.
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
It is important to understand God’s timing for each person’s salvation. If the person is not ready to receive Christ today, they may be ready to repent tomorrow, next week, next month or next year.
Key Principle: Persistence and determination are keys to see a harvest in evangelism.
