Evangelism

Message delivered by Pastor Clarence Walker of Fresh Anointing Christian Center on Sunday 12/12/10

Scripture Reference:Matthew 2:1-8
Today's message connected the story of the Magi and the Star with evangelism in today's world.

In regard to evangelism, there are many effective methods, but one of the most effective is relational evangelism.

R-relational
E-evangelism
A-actively
C-converting
H-hearts

Relational evangelism is sharing the Gospel with people in your direct sphere of influence, i.e. family, coworkers, friends, classmates, etc. In this group are people who are ONE key ingredient away from accepting the salvation of Christ -- that ingredient is my testimony. People right around me are in pain and in crisis, and only need to hear what Jesus has done in my life in order to begin to follow Him to their own salvation and deliverance.

Just as the Magi followed the star to find Jesus in Bethlehem, I am to be the "star" that others follow today to find Jesus and His righteousness.

How can I be that "star"?
1) Overcome my need to be seen and up front.
2)Follow Daniel 12:3
-be wise by making soul-winning my priority (Proverbs 11:30)
-shine bright by standing out among others by my integrity
-lead and turn others to righteousness by what I say and how I live


The Magi didn't follow just any star; being a "star that others can folow" means being the right kind of light.

Things the Star was not:
1)It was NOT a comet! Comets are just "dirty snowballs" that have picked up debris from other matter in the universe.
We cannot be like comets, reflecting only the righteousness of others, but lacking a personal light that can only be obtained through a personal relationship with God through Christ. We must be ORIGINALS!!! Not "Frankenstein Christians" made up of pieces of everybody else. We each have a unique light that God has given us that must be used to lead those around us to God.
2)It was NOT a meteor!A meteor is a falling star that is ablaze for a moment, but eventually falls and tumbles to the ground destroying everything in its path.
We cannot be like meteors, on fire for a bit only to burn out due to lack of integrity, and subsequently destroying our witness for all those who are watching or following us. We have to make "what we do for Christ" last for more than just a minute. We must choose to endure in our walk.
3) It was NOT a planet! Some scientists believe that what the Magi saw in the sky was a moment when the planets lined up in a straight line. It is important to remember that planets revolve! We cannot be like planets, going in circles, around and around but going nowhere. We have to move forward in God with intention.
4) It was NOT a supernova! A supernova is a star that expands until it explodes and gives off light from the explosion.
We cannot be like supernovas, all "puffed-up" and prideful, expanding on our own hot air, until we explode. The only light that shines is the result of what's left once we explode in a spiritually fatal fall, which is unnecessary if we remain humble in Him.

Our star, like the one that signaled the birth of the Messiah, must be mobile, visible, and pointing to Jesus. Our star, like that star, is an outpouring of God's
Shekinah Glory that dwells within us as believers. Sinners will follow people demonstrating the Glory of God.

According to 2 Corinthians 4:6, God came to my darkness and spoke to it, and said "Let there be light!"

I am commanded by God to do like Isaiah 60:1, "Arise, and shine. For your light has come and the glory of God is risen upon you."

As a relational evangelist, I am to let my light shine for those in my immediate circle by living out God's principles and sharing my personal testimony.