Make an eternal difference in New England
For the past several months at the Baptist Churches of New England, we have emphasized the importance of ‘multiplying Christ followers’ through our weekly evangelism webinars. Without a doubt, our network of churches must constantly be vigilant and intentional in engaging lostness and making disciples in New England.
And to further encourage ourselves toward this mission, let’s briefly turn our attention to John chapter 9. In the beginning of the passage, we read about a blind man in need of physical and spiritual sight.
“As Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:1-5 (ESV)
From this passage, there are four things you can do (based on Jesus’s example) to effectively share your faith with others.
1. See the person in front of you. Don’t just walk by.
Jesus did not ignore the blind mind. He recognized the person’s condition. The Bible says ‘he saw a man blind from birth.’ You can’t meet a need unless you recognize that there is a need! So look for opportunities to meet the needs of those around you. Keep your eyes open.
2. See the person as one in need of a Savior.
Compassion, not condemnation, is your first response. That person needs Jesus. The disciples saw a sinner. They blamed the blind man for his condition (‘Did he sin?’). The disciples thought he deserved his blindness. And that reasoning would be enough to keep moving. But Jesus saw his value – a person made in the image of God – and one in need of Himself.
3. See the person’s unmet need as an opportunity for God to heal them.
No one is a lost cause. No one is beyond God’s healing. In fact, often times, an unmet need opens the door for a person to be receptive to God. Despite being blind all his life, Jesus was about to change everything! The blind man’s sight was about to be restored so ‘the works of God would be displayed!’ The blind man would never be the same again – physically or spiritually. And his unbridled enthusiasm resulting from his healing would put the spotlight directly on Jesus!
4. See that you make haste. Don’t miss out on sharing Jesus with others.
Today and every day after, you are given opportunities along the way to share Jesus with others. Don’t waste your opportunities. You only get so many. You won’t live forever. Life is short. Jesus said, ‘We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.’ So live with urgent intentionality as a witness for Jesus. Many are in need of ‘the Light of the world.’
Hal Haller serves as the associate executive director for the Baptist Churches of New England, where he also oversees church planting.
