How to Evangelize: One Beggar to Another

Sharing our faith can be frightening at times. Maybe we don’t think we have all the answers. Maybe we don’t want to be rejected. Whatever the reason that opposes us reaching out, think about what D.T. Niles shares: “Evangelism is like one beggar showing another beggar where the bread is.”

The reality is that we are all beggars with great needs that can only be met in Jesus. As we go in faith, we lead others to Jesus, the bread of life.

In 1 Samuel 2:8, we read, “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.”

We were rescued from the curse of the dust and the unregenerate life and we are called to “lift” beggars from the dunghill and the trash heap! To lift someone off the heap gives the impression they can’t lift up themselves, either because they are too weak or they are ignorant about where they are!

To come close, under or alongside another is a personal ministry of love.

Here are some ways to lift up people:

• Listen to their story. Seek to understand before trying to be understood.
• Learn their story. Understanding context to what people are saying and feeling.
• Love them with God’s story. Share clear messages from God’s heart.
• Lead them beyond themselves. Encourage and empower them to walk in faith.

God’s love lifts them and puts them on a throne! We were meant to rule; not to be victims and subjects of the world.

Our Royal Position

We are no longer beggars, but sons and daughters. We have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13.) We see our need for God and this is a place of transformation.

Unfortunately, many don’t know they are beggars. They fill their lives with things; possessions that try to fill the void that only eternal things were made for. As we herald the good news, people hear an eternal reality.

The busyness of life crowds our minds from this simple reality: we are pilgrims and sojourners in this land. Our home is heavenward and the only thing we can take with us there is people.

Approaches to Evangelism

In our post-Christian world, the responses to hearing about Jesus vary. Some are glad to hear while others resist. It is not our responsibility to persuade the listener about what we are sharing but to present a clear picture of who Jesus is as the bread of life. He is the one that fills the hunger and quenches the thirst.

How we approach the person may be more remembered than what you say to them. Often, God pursues the person multiple ways and for long periods of times.

So, we are simply part of that marathon.

Three approaches to evangelism are:

• Intellectual approach – Answering questions and debating.
• Moral approach – Personal sharing and testimonies.
• Spiritual approach – Explaining the Bible in a relevant way.

Each approach has their strengths, but before embracing one, it is wise to ask questions to see where the person is coming from and get a feeling for their receptivity. The tendency with any push-back is to go on the defensive and, in some cases, we shut the person down with our words. Remembering we may be one in a long line of pre-salvation ministry to the person, our mission is to present a clear picture of who Jesus is rather than try to persuade the person to believe.

As we lift up Jesus, He will draw all men unto Himself (John 12:32.)

What is your view of Jesus? Your personal understanding of Jesus will be a powerful and credible witness of Jesus to an unbeliever. Our story and history of how we came to Christ is a great tool for people to relate to you and your journey. We are presenting the heart of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is the one who persuades.

A personal revelation of who God is to you is a powerful witness to others.

Share the Good News

D.L. Moody once said, “Every Bible should be wrapped in shoe leather.” Many are sitting in darkness and the light of the Gospel is not there. Satan wants to shut our mouths so that we don’t share; he knows the Good News is the power unto salvation! People need to hear what God has put in your heart. There is a “Go” in Gospel!

There are many beggars today seeking for bread. Lead them to the table of grace!