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Tips on Evangelizing the Modern Heathen
Friends in Christ, we are all saddened to hear of fellow missionary John Chau's martyrdom. His last known words were, "My name is John, I love you and Jesus loves you!"
Although, technically his last words were repeats of the pagans' words, followed by their laughter. I imagine it was something like:
...It doesn't have to be this way.
Anyway, Chau called the Sentinel Islands Satan's Last Stronghold. I don't know that I quite agree with that. I think the elite coasts and a few troubled places in the heartland of the United States just may be Satan's Last Stronghold. I say that because despite the strong Christian roots of our great society, many people on these ends have not heard the Good News because the atheists and the homosexuals censor their information. In California it's illegal to talk about Jesus outside church and in Oregon, they'll blow weed smoke in your face if you carry a Bible in public.
So I think we would do well to understand our own land and peoples as being lost and in need of guidance. I've compiled a few tactics we here at Landover Baptist Church have found to be ever so successful when out and about. I share them in love with the hopes that those who live among the heathen can find better and better ways to share the Good News!
Although, technically his last words were repeats of the pagans' words, followed by their laughter. I imagine it was something like:
Heathens: "Get away from our island! We will kill you with our arrows!"
John Chau: "Get away from our island! We will kill you with our arrows!"
Heathens: Laughter
Arrows: twang
John Chau: gurgle gurgle
John Chau: "Get away from our island! We will kill you with our arrows!"
Heathens: Laughter
Arrows: twang
John Chau: gurgle gurgle
...It doesn't have to be this way.
Anyway, Chau called the Sentinel Islands Satan's Last Stronghold. I don't know that I quite agree with that. I think the elite coasts and a few troubled places in the heartland of the United States just may be Satan's Last Stronghold. I say that because despite the strong Christian roots of our great society, many people on these ends have not heard the Good News because the atheists and the homosexuals censor their information. In California it's illegal to talk about Jesus outside church and in Oregon, they'll blow weed smoke in your face if you carry a Bible in public.
So I think we would do well to understand our own land and peoples as being lost and in need of guidance. I've compiled a few tactics we here at Landover Baptist Church have found to be ever so successful when out and about. I share them in love with the hopes that those who live among the heathen can find better and better ways to share the Good News!
- Think of your neighborhood as the Spiritual New World (Matthew 28:16-20) The inhabitants have never seen nor heard of our Great Messiah with the Glowing Locks and Steely Blue Eyes that Pierce Your Soul before. Any conversation is a good time to plant the flag and draw as much attention as possible. This is especially important in elementary schools, doctor's offices, the DMV, etc.
- Tell the natives you are worried about them (Psalm 14:1) Share with them how bad they look, how angry they seem, how empty their lives are. They have been living with such loss for so long they think it's normal. Invite them to ask you questions about your faith and if they don't, go right ahead and introduce them to Christ. Assure them that while they cannot see or hear or touch or feel Him, you know He is standing right there at your side. You know because you know that you know.
- Don't give them the chance to defend their beliefs (2 Corinthians 10:5) They are culturally indoctrinated, brainwashed if you will, and are only solidifying their beliefs to themselves when they do this. It's the mark of immaturity, like Hanna Swanson still playing with dolls and will tell you her latest storyline if you ask. Hanna just celebrated her 42nd birthday and if she had been found in the pool just 30 seconds sooner she would have grown up like a normal lady. This is what atheists are like mentally and emotionally. You don't do them any favors by letting them babble on. They can't grow when stuck in a mental and emotional loop.
Don't let them lump you in with those Christians who are an embarrassment to Christ (Matthew 7:15) This is another defense mechanism and falls short when you show them they are attacking false Christians. Remind them they don't hate Christians or Christianity, they hate false Christians and a false facsimile of Christianity.
- Talk about how the LORD works in your life (Psalms 96:3) If they don't believe you, share another story, and another and another. Don't give up because you don't know which seed just might take root. Continue to talk about your Walk with Christ and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
- Judge them (2nd Timothy 4:2) Shame is a grand tool sanctioned by Jesus Christ Almighty Himself. It encourages sinners to face their actions and subsequently feel humiliated. Contriteness and repentance aren't far behind!
- Remember this is the most courageous thing you can do! (Matthew 5:10) Christians in the US are the most persecuted group in world history and you run the risk of ridicule, anger, or even being disinvited to Thanksgiving Dinner with extended family. But great are the rewards!
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