Offensive Evangelism

© 08-10 Colin Melbourne

Street Evangelizing

Q: I'm feeling prompted to evangelize on the streets of my town, but I just don't know how to approach people with the Gospel. Do you have any tips? Philip from Sweden

A: That's a good name for an evangelist, and Sweden surely needs more evangelists. Yes, here's lots of Practical Evangelism tips.

Dealing with critics of evangelists

Q: How do you answer people who accuse you of being arrogant, in implying that your way is right, and theirs is wrong; that Christianity is better than their religion?

Personal Evangelism

<< Highly recommended: Here's how to do it. There's nothing more rewarding than leading the lost to the Lord.

A: I get this all the time, along with being accused of "wrecking native cultures".

Sometimes a tactful gentle response is appropriate;

"Well, I hope I don't sound arrogant because I have no merit of my own, and I'm not sure "better" is the correct word to use. We simply honour Christ by proclaiming His message, and let people decide for themselves if they accept or reject His Word."

More often I prefer to give the truth straight out in the style Jesus dealt with the Pharisees.

"It's not arrogant to tell the truth, all religion is false, Jesus Christ is the truth, the absolute truth. And His Name is the only name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved. If a person is not following the LORD Jesus Christ they are doomed, and Hell-bound. These are Gospel facts Christ commanded me to proclaim to every creature, and I'm simply obeying Him, because I love Him."

I don't mind if they react with churlish abuse, that's exactly how I used to respond before I was saved. I've discovered the Truth finds sinners out wherever they try to hide.

Do not be afraid of confronting sinners with the truth in love. If they are offended, they need it, to jolt them off the rutted road to Hell. In the end, they will thank you for your uncompromising honesty.