Tom Zobrist

"Be yourself! Don't try to be something you're not. You don't have to impress anyone. Follow your own heart and be true to who you are."This worldly advice of "being yourself" is usually considered a good thing when it is in the context of not pretending to be something you're not and being phony. However, in some cases, being yourself is not beneficial and the Bible tells us following your heart makes you a fool! I know from vast experience that when I'm totally myself, I will be opinionated, ill-tempered, annoying, and probably downright offensive. When I'm being myself, pursuing Christlikeness is virtually impossible.

It's not just in the area of progressive sanctification where being ourselves is a problem. It can also be a real hindrance to evangelism when we want to be careful not to offend unbelievers with anything other than the gospel. To offend with the message of sin and the cross is one thing, but to offend with our own personalities can hinder expressing the love of Christ. When considering this potential problem and how to effectively reach others, the Apostle Paul is a great example.

"For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you." As most of you are well aware, that is 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Paul was a missionary, church planter, apostle, preacher; he was many things, but many times we forget that he was a creative evangelist. In Acts 17, when Paul was at Athens in the Areopagus speaking with the philosophers and religious leaders, he used their own idols as a jump off point for the gospel. Verses 22-23 say, "Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you." No doubt one of Paul's greatest contributions to the church was his example of creative evangelism.

Our churches are busier with ministry than we have ever been before. With the internet we can share with the world all that is happening; from concerts to special speakers to fund raisers of all kinds. We have celebrities and musicians come in and talk about God, but frequently while attending these events, I am disappointed at the lack of clarity of the gospel message that is given.

The church has never been more aware of our world's needs and has developed a wonderful spirit of compassion. We plan medical mission trips and sports mission trips and mission trips to make sure people have fresh water and mission trips to build houses for the homeless. I in no way want to mitigate the physical needs of our world and we can use all of these as part of creative evangelism but let's never forget what the world's greatest need is; the gospel! And they need a clear understanding of what the gospel actually is. Jesus died and was buried and He rose again the third day. All who put their faith and trust in His sacrificial death for the forgiveness of their sins will never perish but will have eternal life.

We are told from the day we are born that we are good and perfect and deserving by a culture that doesn't understand that we are sinners from the moment of conception and that there is no remedy for that sinful state within ourselves. Have you ever wondered why intelligent, educated people can't work together and solve our world's problems; why we still talk about racism and why there is social injustice? It's because our greatest need is the gospel! We need to realize our life condition is a result of sin and the remedy is not more money or programs or politics; it's the gospel of Jesus Christ!

The most effective way to help our hurting world is to share the gospel. There is no one right way to share it so be as creative as you can knowing your audience and using that knowledge to find common ground and using this common ground to share about our Savior. It's a simple message but how we present it can go a long way in breaking down barriers.

When contemplating creative evangelism, remember that it is God who saves, not us. No one is ever saved by clever words or creative evangelism but rather are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. So, what's the point then? Why do we need to be creative? Although creativity may not save, it can effectively create avenues to share and perhaps keep doors open for those who may follow behind us as the next seed planter of the Truth. Creativity also gives us the freedom to not feel like we have to follow the same plan every time but go through the open doors the Lord presents. The important thing is that we speak up; to friends, neighbors, family members, and co-workers. Get out and get involved in the world with people that need Jesus. Find what you have in common and then share the gospel; the glorious simple message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The evangelistic experience is life-changing; for you and the one with whom you share!

"Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word." Acts 4:29