March 31

Written by Bill Grandi on March 31st, 2022

In my March 22nd devotion, I spoke about reading a fiction book, Wisdom Hunter, by Randall Arthur… again. I know I can’t count how many times I have read it. My first read of the book was around 1994. My second in 1995 was a game-changer. At the end of that devotion on the 22nd, I said the next couple of devotions would include thoughts from the book which touched me. I’m now full circle. The past 6 devotions have been just that. I took an idea and ran with it.

Today’s devotion-and several which will follow-will directly quote a sentence or thought from the book and then I’m going to run with it.

#1- Evangelism should have as many different approaches as there are people. (p.249)

One size fits all! NOT. Do you remember the 4 Spiritual  Laws booklet made famous by Campus Crusade for Christ (now called CRU)? While it gave people a way to approach someone about accepting Jesus (and that was a good thing), it also led to the thinking that one-size-fits-all. It goes without saying that not everyone is on the same page or the same station in life.  Not everyone is at that “Do you want to accept Jesus” moment.

This statement from the book implies that we need to reach people where they are. Without sounding heretical (and a bit purpose-driven), it is important to reach people where they are. You don’t “dumb down” the gospel to a scholar and intelligent person, nor do you present the gospel too high falootin’  to a simple farmer. You share the gospel with a rebellious teenager a tad differently than a medical doctor. See what I mean? The message of Jesus never changes, i.e. we are all sinners; we all need a Savior; Jesus died to save us; salvation is the goal and eternal life is the reward.

But the way it is taught is different. People are different. People’s hearts are different. Where they are in life is different. Reach them where they are. Present the message and then let God do His work.

But we gotta at least present the message so they can understand it.

“Father, I’m different. People are different. But we all have in common a sinful heart. Help me to be open to others so I can share Your message.”

 

 

10 Comments so far ↓

  1. We certainly are created as unique, and the approach for one may not fit for another. I think you made an excellent point, Bill, that what we all have in common is a sinful nature. We need Jesus!
    Blessings!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I think if we would realize that we would do much better with sharing our faith. Thanks for the comment Martha.

  2. Ryan S. says:

    Evangelism is probably one of the weakest areas of my Christian walk. I am ready to share my faith and my testimony if asked, but will rarely offer it up in general conversation. In addition, being an introvert, my desire to seek out new relationships is very constrained. I typically do not go looking for people to add to my circle of friends. This vastly limits the scope of people I have reached in my life. That said, I think the relationship aspect far out weighs the method. Paul showed us the “method” can be changed when he spoke of the “Unknown God” on Mars Hill. I think as you said, Bill, you have to reach people where they are at. You have to find a commonality, a connection, and then share how Jesus impacted in our own lives. I have found that sharing my experiences seem to go a lot further than telling someone they need Jesus. -Especially in today’s culture. All that said… there isn’t a one size fits all solution. People are unique and God has the power to reach us in different ways.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Surprisingly it is not my strongest suit either Ryan. I prefer the “be a friend” approach. Show I care. Be empathetic. Meet a need. Then pray for an open door. But like you, I don’t have any specific method. I just want to be available.

  3. Diane Ronzino says:

    Wow! This is good, Bill. You are so right! What might touch my heart may never touch yours. That is why Holy Spirit must lead us and give us the words to share.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      You are so right Diane. The Holy Spirit gives us the words we need to say at the right time.

  4. Pam says:

    Yes! God wants everyone to come to know Him and uses us to reach others right where they are. Well said, Bill!

  5. Linda Stoll says:

    Hey Bill … I’ve been wanting to ask you about writing 2 blogs. How does this work for you? Are they separate audiences? Different topics? Do tell!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Hi linda! Sorry I’m in Ohio so it took me longer to reply. My “shadow” blog is a daily devotional one that I write except on weekends. The cycleguy one is different topics altogether. I always put a preview of my Sunday sermon on it and will include other subjects as well. Sadly, I can’t keep it as current as I’d like. I take seriously the devo blog. Hope that helps.