Evangelism Today by Scott Dawson

Author:Scott Dawson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: REL030000
ISBN: 9781441233516
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 1009-08-01T05:00:00+00:00

Be Intentional

Intentionality must be forged in our churches for the days ahead. It could be starting a Bible study at lunch, initiating a student Bible study before school, or inviting a non-Christian to dinner in our home. Wherever or however, let’s get the message of the gospel to our community. Intentionality involves having three distinct mind-sets: (1) intention, (2) preparation, and (3) submission.

First, to be intentional is to have intent. This may seem elementary, but it cannot be overlooked. It is true that some people have momentary success without intent: making a hole-in-one on the golf course, winning the lottery, or even getting to attend a special meeting at work without meriting it. These are examples of the old southern phrase, “A blind hog sometimes finds an acorn.” But compare this mind-set to that of the world’s best golfers, economic minds, and leadership gurus. There is a major difference. You may be lucky every once in a while, but a consistent pursuit must be present to be intentional.

The second aspect of intentionality is preparation. An army must be prepared and supplied in order to carry out its mission. “No ammo, no intent” is what one former soldier told me. You can have the greatest intention in the world, but if you are not prepared, you are not intentional. Intent deals with your ability to be aware of your emotions; preparation deals with your mind-set (thoughts). Being prepared in season and out of season is our command from Paul. When you are prepared for an event, it can remove anxiety or hesitancy about doing what you must do to be effective.

In our particular concern with evangelism, a third aspect of intentionality is submission. As intent deals with emotions and preparation with your mind-set, submission deals with your spirit. Most of the time, my biggest struggle with evangelism is not in my head but in my heart. Scripture tells me to be a witness. I have learned the necessary verses, but still there is a battle to share Christ on a consistent basis. Why? It is a matter of the heart.

Surrendering to Christ is the step of allowing Christ to be my GPS (Global Positioning System). A GPS will tell you turn by turn where you need to be in order for your trip to be successful. Once I surrender to him, Christ reveals to me the steps I need to take, the place I need to be, and the person I need to speak with to be intentional. I’ve never heard a GPS system tell me, “Good luck on this trip. I’ve got no clue how to get to St. Louis!” No, a GPS calculates the best route, uses the best time, and gives clear directions. When a believer submits to God’s authority, makes good preparations, and develops his or her mind to be a servant, that person will be the very essence of intentionality.

The next time you get in your car and start the ignition, ask yourself if you are prepared for the trip.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.