Living a Fruity Life

It's funny how this Evangelism Linebacker thing has spread like wildfire . . . it's crazy. When I'm in airports or when I am speaking at conferences people recognize me as the evangelism linebacker. And they want me to tackle them! This past week, my queen and bride (my wife Vicki) and I were teaching at the Billy Graham School of Evangelism at the Cove in Asheville, NC. And once again people, I'm talking like old preacher dudes, loved the linebacker. So thank you for making the linebacker a big hit . . . God is using it in huge ways.

Last blog, we talked about corn and evangelism and how evangelism is a process. We talked about the spiritual process of (1) preparing the soul for the (2) sowing of spiritual seed into a person's soul, (3) the cultivation of that spiritual seed in the soul, which leads to the harvest; that is someone receiving Jesus as their Savior and Friend. And that God uses His people in this 4 part process of people coming to faith.

So what are practical ways to do this? Here's your answer . . . you ready? It's by living a FRUITY life! Say what? Yes . . . it's by living a FRUITY life; this simply means that we walk in the Spirit and let Him produce the Fruit of Spirit in and through our lives. Through the Holy Spirit's power, our lives will reflect God's love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:23).

Think of it this way: when we eat fruit, it produces health. Likewise, when the Fruit of the Spirit is evident in our lives, we are spiritually healthy. Therefore, when we connect with people and treat them like Jesus would treat them, their souls are prepared for spiritual seed -- we cultivate their souls, and then as they respond to God we can reap the harvest as they come to faith.

Friends, we make evangelism way too complicated; it's not about high pressure used car salesmen techniques, it's about living FRUITY lives. Be FRUITY my friends.
derwin

I Love Corn And Evangelism

I love corn . . . especially with butter and paprika like Esqueleto from Nacho Libre eats. Speaking of corn, last week my family and I drove to Indianapolis, Indiana, to visit some friends. Right away I noticed that once we entered the state of Indiana, there were corn fields everywhere . . . big, tall corn fields.

Now being from the hood, that is, urban San Antonio, Texas, I know nothing about agriculture. From what I have been told though, in order to produce corn you must follow four steps: (1) Prepare the soil, (2) sow seed into the soil, (3) cultivate the seed, (4) and reap the harvest.

Did you know that Jesus describes evangelism this way? Read John 4:35-39. Not later, now . . . I’m waiting . . . thanks. In Biblical evangelism, God uses people to (1) prepare the soul, (2) sow spiritual seeds into the soul, (3) cultivate the soul, and (4) reap the harvest of the soul (when people receive Jesus as their Savior).

In my last blog, I said, “I have never led anyone to the Lord, but God has used me in the process.” God uses various people in this process. At West Georgia University, after I preached and nearly 400 teenagers received Christ as their Savior, God was using me in the reaping phase of the process. For those who did not receive Christ and remained unbelievers, God used me to either, (1) prepare the soul, (2) sow spiritual seed into their souls, or (3) cultivate their souls.

In next week’s blog, we will look at ways to prepare the soul, sow spiritual seed into the soul, cultivate the soul, and reap the harvest. Thanks for taking this journey with me.

The Linebacker Loves Evangelism!

The Linebacker loves evangelism (this means sharing the Good News)! I get passionate about the reality that the living, all-powerful, all-amazing God of the universe desires for people to know and love Him. It excites me . . . as a matter of fact, I feel like blowing somebody up right now!!! Think about it: we've been created for God and by God to enjoy Him and to enjoy being enjoyed by Him.

A few weeks ago, my seven year-old son Jeremiah, also known as "Big Bull", joined me on a trip to West Georgia University. Over 2200 high school football players from all over Georgia were present. For two nights, I preached my guts out. And during the day "Big Bull" and I connected with players and coaches over lunch and dinner. God, in His awesome way, drew nearly 400 teens and coaches to place their faith in Him. I am simply humbled and in awe of how God uses people, in conjuction with the Holy Spirit, to transfer people from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Col. 1:13).

I am honored to be a small player in this supernatural process. Did you notice that I said process? Evangelism is a process, not an event. And in the process of people coming to faith, God uses people to play various roles. My next blog will focus on how evangelism is a supernatural process.

CHALK TALK: POST YOUR THOUGHTS

1. When you think of evangelism, what thoughts come to mind? Be honest. As I travel around the country teaching on evangelism, people say things like: "I am tired of being made to feel guilty because I've never led anyone to the Lord." Quick note: I've never led anyone to the Lord either! However, God has used me (and you) in the process (1 Cor. 3:6-9). Others say "I am afraid that people will reject me or I will not know enough if they ask me a question I do not know." What are your thoughts? Post your thoughts, you may just impact someone's life!

2. How can this blog benefit you? How can I help you be a more effective Jesus-lovin', Jesus-sharing person?

3. Share this blog with your friends. It is my heart-beat to help people enjoy Jesus and enjoy sharing Jesus with those who do not know Him and the life of love He freely offers.

Time for the Linebacker to go; I've got sermon preparation for a new series entitled "A New Kind of Life" at the church I co-pastor. If you would like to listen to my sermons, click on the sermons icon. Or if you are in Charlotte, stop by and worship with us.

Drink lots and lots of grace today. And do not forget to carry a few extra bottles of grace with you because God will bring thristy souls into your life. Peace out.