Wednesday; January 16

One of the premier examples of evangelism in the New Testament comes from an early disciple named Philip.  After a successful campaign in Samaria Philip was dispatched by an angel to meet up with a man from Ethiopia.  When Philip caught up with him the interaction began this way, “Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’” (Acts 8:30).  Isn’t it interesting that Philip begins – not by telling the man what he needed to know – but by asking the man what he wanted to know.  He opened the conversation with a question – not a statement of his own faith.
In his book The Trust Edge, David Horsager quotes Patricia Fripp’s philosophy, “The key to connection is conversation.  The key to conversation is questions.  Therefore, learn to ask great questions.”.  Personally, if someone is hoping to convince me of something the best way to engage me is to develop a rapport with me.  I am not impressed with “30 second elevator speeches” nor do I relate well to someone I feel is trying to turn a conversation into an attempt to “sell” me something.  If you want to get my interest, take the time to get to know me – and the best way to get to know me is by genuinely asking me questions. 
Honestly, I can’t imagine that I am the only one who feels that way, so can this give us an insight into a key to evangelism?  Could it be that effective evangelism is developed by having solid grasp on the principles of Christianity and a genuine interest in the lives of the people we are trying to teach.  Does this take time – yes, but it is bound to demonstrate the love of Christ to those who need to experience it.
          Think About It!

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