Thinking about evangelism and poetry . . . .

Does this sound like an odd combination?  Allow me to share the flow of my thoughts.  I have been dealing with two separate issues lately both of which have really been tugging at my heart.  The first issue is how to more effectively share the gospel with others.  Evangelism is the “state of being” wherein we function as “evangels” (from the Greek evangelion) – those who spread the gospel.  The gospel literally means “the Good News” (understood to be the good news of Jesus, the Messiah (or, the Christ – the “Anointed One”) and how He redeemed us with His own blood, shed on the Cross, and innocent, sinless “Lamb of God” who served as our substitute, who pared the penalty of death for our sins.  You know the story, don’t you?

The problem is how do you begin to share this Good News (the Best News ever, really!) with someone (a) who does not have a “Sunday School” or Church background and who is not familiar with our unique “church language,” (born again, washed in the blood, atoning sacrifice, etc.),or (b) who does not recognize the Bible as the Word of God, one who does not recognize the Scriptures as authoritative, or (c) is hostile to Christianity, either due to negative indoctrination against the faith or due to some negative personal experience(s) earlier in life.  Some people simply do not feel a need for God in their life.  They may have grown up in comfort and prosperity and never known true physical want.  They may currently be very successful financially and have all of the physical comforts and security they need.  Other people have strong intellectual and/or philosophical objections to , or questions about the validity of, the Christian faith.  Where to begin?  Paul gives us a key here, and I want to explore his approaches with you.  There are two, in particular, that I would like to examine in some depth in “part 1” of subsequent sequential postings.

At the same time, in our devotional life in my Bible classes at Liberty Christian School, I am challenging my students to “thin outside of the box” by exploring the answers to questions utilizing poetry, metaphor, symbols, art, et al.  I would like to share some of the questions we are (and will be) thinking about and invite you to join in the journey.  I will be sharing these with you as “part 2” of these same postings.  I pray that you will become engaged in these exercises and be blessed in the process.