There are many ways to preach the gospel. It is not necessary, and maybe not even advisable, to knock on doors in the middle of a busy day, or to harangue passing crowds from a street corner. These approaches probably alienate more people than they attract.
Rather, Christians should preach the gospel primarily through their lives and lifestyles. The most effective lessons are delivered through example.
When neighbors watch a Christian family faithfully arise every Sunday morning to attend services at their Church, unbelievers will wonder what causes them to forgo the attraction of a relaxing in pyjamas with a late breakfast and a second cup of coffee.
When faced with serious issues, such as an unexpected teenage pregnancy, Christian parents will support their daughter and do their best to see that she gives birth to a healthy baby. This will lead to questions from friends and acquaintances as to why the family did not opt for a safe and face-saving abortion. What an opportunity to share Christian values on the sacredness of human life, from birth to natural death!
It is from the defining moments of life that the best opportunities for sharing faith often emerge. Confronting a serious illness with courage, asking for prayers, yet showing the ability to accept the will of God, whatever it may be, is an eloquent example of the strength that the Christian faith bestows on believers.
After the birth of a baby, family and friends, Christian and non-Christian, who attend the Baptism or Christening, and the reception following the ceremony, will note the Christian joy that the new addition has become a member of God's family. The atmosphere of happiness and celebration will not be lost on unbelievers, and they may ask why it was felt that such a ritual was necessary. Opportunity knocks again.
It is at the death of a loved one that the opportunities to share the Christian faith are most abundant. Non-Christians cannot help but envy the atmosphere of peace and acceptance that envelops the Christian family at such a time. It is an ideal time to share the faith with other mourners and visitors.
The Christian family, comforted by the prayers of their priest or minister, have surrendered their loved one into the welcoming arms of a Loving Father, secure in the knowledge that Jesus Christ has paid the debt due to sin, by His sufferings death on the cross. If the deceased was repentant, he or she is already safe in care of Almighty God.
Every day, Christians witness to their faith simply by living the life Jesus advocated. They volunteer in their community, they give a fair day's work for a a fair day's pay, they do not curse, swear or take the Lord's name in vain, they care for their families, and contribute to charity. They do their best to love God and their neighbors.
Are Christians perfect? Of course not, but they do their best to follow the teachings of Jesus. In these days especially, when so many in society have strayed far from their Christian roots, Christian lifestyles are very noticeable.
In the grand scheme of things, living good Christian lives probably gains more converts than knocking on doors or preaching on street corners will ever do, and it annoys no one, except maybe the devil himself.
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