As Christians we must realize the responsibility we have to the lost to share Christ with them. The only way any man, woman, boy or girl can be saved is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). As Christians we must also realize our responsibility and privilege of belonging to the family of God. We are a community. Jesus says our love for one another is to be such that it is the evidence of our discipleship (John 13:34,35). In this article I want to talk to you about three habits you can develop and maintain that will make you effective in reaching out to the lost and reaching across to the church.

Imitation. Be like Jesus. The Bible says that the child of God should glorify God in the name “Christian” (1Peter 4:16). Are you? Do the people that you work with or go to school with see Christ in you? Do you refrain from gossip, backbiting and profanity? Do your family members who are not Christians see that God is your first priority? Do you try to maintain the attitude of Christ with others (Philippians 2:5ff)? Do others see that it is not your surroundings that determine your ethics, but your Savior? This gives the next habit credibility.

Invitation. Bring others to Jesus. The following paragraph was adapted from the Madison Church of Christ bulletin: 

“Begin to pray that God will bless your efforts, opening doors for you, and creating opportunities for building friendships…Invite people into your life before inviting them to church. Do things together. Serve them by delivering a meal when they are sick, watching their kids, and listening when they need to talk. Slowly introduce them to others in the church. Invite them and church friends for dessert and coffee. If everyone connects well, look for ways to get together in the future. The more “church people” your unsaved friends feel comfortable around, the less threatening the doors of the church will be.

 

Start small…. Invite them to “neutral” church functions, such as a women’s luncheon, a youth event, small group Bible Studies, one-day retreats, or Vacation Bible School. These may be ways to ease your friends into the spiritual aspect of the church. When you sense the time is right, simply ask your friends if they would like to attend church with you next Sunday. If they say no, do not become discouraged, and do not give up. Refuse to allow their negative response to create an uncomfortable tension in your relationship. Continue to be their friend, and wait for other opportunities to arise.”

 

Involvement. Be the body of Jesus. The Bible says that Christians are members of one another (Ephesians 4:25).Are you living like that? Do you take the initiative to be involved in the lives of others? Are you friendly to our visitors at church assemblies? Do you take the initiative to strike up a conversation? Do you only sit next to people you know? I’ve never heard of a church building roof falling in because a member failed to sit in his or her usual spot in the usual pew. Let’s get out of our comfort zones, make visitors feel welcome, and get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Imitation—Be like Jesus.

Invitation—Bring others to Jesus.

Involvement—Be the body of Jesus.

God bless you,

Brad Fry