By James Parker
We’ve all heard Jesus’ mandate in Matthew 28 to “go and make disciples of all nations,” (v.19). But how do we do this?
Historically, standing on a street corner crying “the end of the world is nigh” was classified as evangelization. Thankfully, Australia moved on from this approach a long time ago.
We now have Australians who proclaim God doesn’t exist. We must assume, therefore, that they don’t believe the devil can exist either – which is exactly what the devil would want people to believe.
“If the old ways of inviting others into relationship with God no longer work, then what might new ways look like?“
St John Paul II said that evangelization needs to be new in its zeal, methods and expression. He encouraged the Church to reveal God’s promises to society in a more meaningful and relevant way.
Did you see those two important words? God’s promises. These are the good news that Jesus brings to us. What exactly are some of His promises?
In Isaiah 54 alone we see heaps of amazing promises from God. He says to His children:
You will not be put to shame
You will not be disgraced
I swear never to be angry with you and never to rebuke you
My faithful love will never leave you
My covenant of peace will never be shaken
You will be made firm, free from oppression and will have nothing to fear
You will be free from terror: it will not approach you
No weapon forged against you will succeed
Any voice raised against you in court you will disprove
In Isaiah 62 we see a promise not just for us but for our entire nation:
No more will you be known as ‘Forsaken’ or your country be known as ‘Desolation’; instead, you will be called ‘My Delight is in her’ and your country ‘The Wedded’; for the Lord will take delight in you and your country will have its wedding. …Wow!
One of the promises God is fulfilling in my life is found in Joel 2:25 where He says: I will restore to you the years the locusts have eaten.
As I learn to slowly open my heart to God’s Presence, He keeps exchanging my despair for hope. Where I’ve known crippling isolation, He provides me with community. Where I’ve experienced trauma and pain, He brings calm, restoration and healing. Where I’ve had serious doubts, He keeps giving me the gift of faith to strengthen my belief. He is restoring stolen years.
It’s true – God’s goodness goes on and on and on. This isn’t just good news; it’s amazing news that’s available to everyone.
“Today, when I’m with somebody, I try to listen carefully to where a person’s story is like mine, to where they experience despair or loneliness, trauma or pain, or doubt in God as I have done.“
I then express real sympathy, showing I’ve walked a similar pathway. This opens their heart to then listen to me as I share from my own struggles.
I’m also then permitted to speak about how Jesus continues to walk with me in my struggles, or about how His presence has helped me to move beyond my challenges. Either way, the relevance and reality of being in relationship with Jesus is proclaimed. It’s my story. It’s true. So, I’ve nothing to prove to anyone.
What stories do you have of Jesus impacting your life? The simpler they are, the better. Only by being aware of them can we then be open to sharing them. Once aware of your stories, ask God to give you opportunities to share them with those you meet. Then, be open to simply sharing.
It’s can be very exciting, satisfying and humbling drawing others into God’s perfect love. Evangelization therefore is merely sharing what is true for you. It’s simply telling real stories of Jesus impacting our daily lives. The rest of the work is often done by the Holy Spirit.
Anyone for evangelization?