Branded for Christ

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The brand on cattle was the most effective means of identification. It was permanent. We, too, have been “branded” indelibly by Christ to denote his divine ownership. As Christians, we have been “branded” by his cross to show that he, and he only, has the right of ownership over us.

Our God wants us to be comfortable in our presentation of relational evangelism. We become comfortable by training, memorizing Scriptures, praying, and articulating the greatest message that the world needs—the forgiveness of sins and salvation through Christ.

We need less settlers, but more pioneers in the church to accomplish the Lord's will. The pioneer takes risks, tries new methods, and launches ahead in their church work.

What is the content of the message? Everyone must heed the divine mandate in The Great Commission to share the gospel and to make disciples of all nations. Some, who think they could be more effective, try to water down the gospel message. This is wrong. We must, with a clear clarion, speak of God's love in Christ and Jesus as our personal Savior.

THE DON'TS OF SLIPPERY LASSOS:

1. Don't begin with “Are you saved? Do you know Jesus?”

2. Don't invite to worship services initially.

3. Don't argue or debate religion.

4. Don't use fear of punishment.

5. Don't quote a lot of Bible verses.

6. Don't exhibit a “better than thou attitude.”

7. Don't use doctrinal terminology.

8. Don't use feel good concepts or water down sin.

9. Don't give up in exasperation.

10. Don't make them feel uncomfortable.

11. Don't exhibit insecurity.

12. Don't use community canvasses.

13. Don't use a shot-gun approach.

14. Don't be a pessimist.

Cowboys are embarrassed and ashamed if they throw a “bellyrope,” where the lasso is slippery and fails to accomplish the task. So often, the Christian throws proverbial “bellyropes,” missing their mark for an effective witness. Throwing “bellyropes” can be very discouraging for the church-at-large, for it is ineffective. As Christians, we throw too many slippery lassos. As the cowboy constantly practices, we, too, have to develop good roping in lassoing the prospect. It isn't easy.

THE DO'S OF GOOD ROPING:

1. Develop a one-to-one relationship with a person.

2. Use prayer.

3. Use the Scriptures.
4. Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance.
5. Get to know the person.
6. Be equipped through training.
7. Be prepared to share the power of your personal testimony.
8. Focus on Christ.
9. Demonstrate Christian love.
10. Build trust.
11. Consider their spiritual background.
12. Be aware that timing is important.
13. Overcome your fear and timidity.
14. Be humble.
15. Be succinct.
16. Nurture the prospect.
17. Be committed.
18. Become a good listener.
19. Demonstrate zeal and excitement for the gospel message.
20. Relate the urgency of the gospel.
21. Be creative in articulating the gospel.
22. Be an encourager.
23. Use humor.
24. Demonstrate a servanthood attitude.

Scriptures asks, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) The spurs of a cowboy are designed to incite the horse to move forward. The gospel motivates Christians to actively be involved in evangelism. We have to rely more upon the power of the Holy Spirit to incite, motivate and stir us up for more action, as we spread the Good News of salvation. Dig in your spurs! Move ahead with the evangelism program in your church.

When Jesus was at Capernaum, people flocked to see him. (Mark 2: 4-12) But Jesus was there for a purpose—namely, to heal the paralytic man who would appear before him. The people were so excited to see Jesus that they became door-blockers to the entrance of the home, preventing the stretcher-bearers from entering. But, undaunted and with great creativity, the bearers dug a hole in the roof and lowered the man down to Jesus by ropes. What great ingenuity! The stretcher-bearers could have rationalized, given up and said,” We did our job, we took the man from point A to point B. Our job is complete.” But no, they realized that their job was not completed until they brought the sick man into he presence of Christ.

There are various congregants. Gawkers stand idly by and watch. Door-blockers hinder people from being brought to Jesus. Stretcher-bearer will at all costs, bring a person to Jesus. Undaunted by weather, situations, personal sacrifices or lack of time, they will always accomplish their God-given task. Roof-breakers, at all odds, are willing to take the ultimate risk to tear off the top of the roof in order to bring someone to Jesus. Will you go the second mile to be a stretcher-bearer and roof-breaker to bring the sin-sick world into the presence of Jesus?

What are some of the road-blocks and deterrents in our venue of witnessing? We are not biblically-grounded in the Word. We are fearful. We don't feel comfortable in our witness. We believe evangelism is another person's job. We do not have the answers to anticipated questions. We lack commitment. We feel unworthy. We are apathetic and indifferent to the world. The devil is at work. Many Christians approach the topic of evangelism with fear.

What is the definition of fear?

F alse

E xpectations

A ppear

R eal