Our basic relationship with people who do not know Jesus is one of outreach. We are Christ's ambassadors to this world. So, how do we reach out to those in this world?

Lifestyle

If I have not repented, then I am no different to anyone else. I have head knowledge of Jesus but nothing else. If I try to tell others of the benefits of knowing Jesus while not demonstrating those benefits in my life, then I am a hypocrite. To represent Jesus, I must be demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in my life. Actions speak far louder than words. In this uncertain world, joy and peace are in short supply. Jesus was perfect. I will not become perfect while I am still in this world but the fruit of the Spirit growing in me should be far greater than what exists in the lives of most normal people. It is this fruit that will draw people to Jesus. There is nothing we can say, from our own wisdom, that will draw people to Him.

Jesus sent people out

Jesus sent seventy two people to go ahead and talk to people about Him. They didn't have Bibles or gospel tracts. They did have a relationship with Jesus and, as a result, they were able to lay hands on the sick and see them healed. Read the full story in Luke 10:1-12, 17-20. When the seventy two returned, they were so excited about all that had happened.

There is a church called International House of Prayer. They have their own university, IHOPU, and each year towards the end of the academic year, they send out their students to various places around the USA. Like the seventy two in Luke 10, they come back with lots of exciting stories of what happened.

In this passage, Jesus only sent His twelve apostles out. Also, He told them not to charge a fee for delivering this message. In Luke 10, the seventy two did not charge a fee but they were to accept hospitality, meals and lodging.

The Gospel Message

We are not to take a powerless message to our community.

By Matthew 28, Jesus had been crucified and raised from the dead. He had won the victory that mankind had lost in the Garden of Eden. All authority in heaven and on earth now belonged to Jesus and He wants us to use this authority here on earth, not only to lead people to Him, but also to disciple them. Once we lead someone to Jesus, our job has only just begun. We need to make sure that they then learn all the basics of this new life.

Talking About Jesus

So, how do we talk to people about Jesus. Every situation will be different so don't assume there will be a set message you can quote. Most people do not come to know Jesus as the result of an evangelistic message or crusade. Most people come to know Him because they see Him in the life of someone they know. What you do speaks more powerfully than anything you say. It is important that you have repented and the fruit of the Spirit is growing in your life. Then, when people know that you are a follower of Jesus, they will understand why you are different. Just talk about Jesus naturally as opportunities arise. Do not try to force anyone to your way of thinking or talk incessantly about Jesus. That will not help. Not everyone will be interested. It is important to pray for people that the Holy Spirit will be working in their lives so that they can understand.

Biblical Examples

In John 4, Jesus was weary and sat beside Jacob's well. He asked a Samaritan woman to give Him a drink of water. This would be a perfectly normal thing to do if the woman was Jewish but this woman was a Samaritan. The first lesson here - we are not to despise anyone. Everyone deserves a chance to hear about Jesus. She understood the history of Israel and so, Jesus did not need to explain any of this. Jesus spoke about knowing Him was like 'living water'. The woman did not understand and went off on a tangent about not needing to draw water again. Jesus put the narrative back on track by asking about her husband. Jesus knew that she had had five husbands and was now living with someone who was not her husband. This then showed the power of God. What Jesus did was give her a 'word of knowledge'.

If you are close to God, you may also be able to give words of knowledge. Not everyone can give words of knowledge. Everyone who is serious about following Jesus will be given some gifts of the Spirit. Use what you have. Don't try to be someone else. The woman in this story was so excited, she went and told everyone in her village. Some came to be followers of Jesus because of her experience. Some others became followers of Jesus after they spoke directly to Jesus. For us, some may become followers of Jesus because of our words. Jesus is no longer here in the flesh but He has sent His Holy Spirit. Some will only believe after they are convicted by the Holy Spirit. Some will never believe, no matter what we tell them or how much we pray for them.

In Acts 17:22-34, Paul addresses the Athenians in their public forum, the Areopagus. The Athenians had no knowledge of Jewish prophecies of the Messiah so he had to begin by talking about their own religion. We need to know where people are coming from when we talk to them so we have a valid place to start. Some responded and believed. Most didn't. Paul moved on from Athens to Corinth. Paul initially spoke to the Jews but they mostly were not interested either. He then spoke to the Corinthians and found so many were interested he spent a year and a half there. Just because someone is not interested does not mean the next person will not be interested. If we continue without becoming discouraged, we will be successful.

Making a Decision

Once someone comes to the point where they want to begin to follow Jesus, they must make a decision.

It only needs to be a simple ABC:

• Admit you are a sinner (someone not doing what God requires and separated from God as a result)
• Believe that Jesus died to pay for my sin and rose again that I may have life.
• Choose to turn away from your old life (repent) and to follow Jesus.

Pray a prayer to this effect. The words you use are not important. What is important is that you commit to repent (turn away from your old life) and be baptised.