Building Courage In Evangelism For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2Timothy 1:7

#1 reason for not doing evangelism The fear of rejection, being turned down, laughed at, looked on by others as “religious fanatics.” Who should we be trying to please? For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. ~ Galatians 1:10 Building Courage In Evangelism What we need is “fearless evangelism”

Why we need courage “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.” ~ Luke 9:25-26 “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” ~ Revelation 21:8 Building Courage In Evangelism

Five steps to build courage 1. 1.Pray for boldness 1Co 2:1-3; Ep 6:19-20; Ac 4: Share Christ in ways that are not face to face   Leave cards or tracts on tables when you eat in restaurants   Leave them in phone booths, laundrymats, restrooms, etc.   Insert them in letters to friends, neighbors (even bills) 3. 3.Let your light shine naturally Mt 5:16; cf. Mt 6:1-18   Offer thanks in public places (though not to be seen of men)   Keep your Bible with you, unashamed to hold or read in public   Express faith when talking (e.g., “I will pray for you.”) Building Courage In Evangelism

Five steps to build courage, cont Personally hand out tracts, DVDs, Bible lessons Give a tract to a friend and say, "This is a short explanation of the gospel of Christ. I would like for you to read this and tell me what you think.” Ask if they would be interested in hearing what the Bible says about..., and give them a DVD or tract on the subject. Ask them if they are interested in studying the Bible on their own time, at their own pace, in their home, through a correspondence course. Go “two by two” for moral support, if needed. Building Courage In Evangelism

Five steps to build courage, cont Should people say no, remember: They are not rejecting you, but He who sent you. Lk 10:16 They judge themselves unworthy of eternal life. Ac 13:46 Look for someone else with whom to share the Word. Ac 13:46 You succeed every time you sow the seed (share the Word). Take satisfaction knowing you are serving the Lord Jesus! Building Courage In Evangelism Five simple steps to building courage in evangelism, with one more thought on the subject of courage... Five simple steps to building courage in evangelism, with one more thought on the subject of courage...

Building Courage In Evangelism Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. 2Timothy 1:8