Changing the Spiritual Climate
2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some
understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting
anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
NIV
Our God does not want anyone to perish. This is why He is so
patient with us. He loves us and will do anything to see us
saved. However is the whole world saved? No. Why not?
2 Cor 4:3-4 "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is
veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has
blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see
the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the
image of God." NIV
The Bible tells us that those who are not saved are being
blinded by the devil himself. If they are blinded, what
should be our first purpose when witnessing to them?
Acts 26:17-18 "I will rescue you from your own people and
from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their
eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the
power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness
of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith
in me.' NIV
Our purpose should be to open their eyes. Why are their eyes
closed? Because they are blinded by the devil. Is it
possible also that their eyes are closed because they don't
like what they see? If we approach them them with the "turn
or burn" attitude, it's no wonder they want to keep their
eyes closed!
Now how does Jesus us recommend to approach people?
Luke 10:5 "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to
this house.' NIV
Our first responsibility is to speak peace "shalom" to the
ones we are approaching. In other words we are empowering
them to succeed. We are encouraging them to succeed. No
"turn or burn" approach is encouraged by Jesus. Compassion
and love should be our motives.
Luke 10:6-9 "If a man of peace is there, your peace will
rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that
house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the
worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to
house. "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is
set before you." NIV
Our second responsibility is to have fellowship with that
person. Get to know him/her and show interest in what he or
she is doing.
Luke 10:9 "Heal the sick who are there and tell them,
'The kingdom of God is near you.' NIV
Thirdly healing the sick is encouraged. This is only
possible if you rely on God's Spirit for direction.
Fourth you preach the gospel message to him/her.
The fastest way to have someone shut their door to the
gospel message is by showing no interest or having no
fellowship with them, and by preaching "turn or burn". No
divine love is shown in this approach. This is not Jesus'
way!
Peace is a crucial part of our message. God is referred as
the "God of peace".
Rom 16:20 "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under
your feet." NIV
The gospel is referred as the Eph 6:15 "gospel of peace"
NIV
When you begin to walk in peace, you change the spiritual
climate around you. Look at Jesus how he transformed His
surroundings with His peaceful attitude. Peace was
constantly among His chosen words. Look for example when the
woman who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years was
miraculously healed by touching Jesus' tunic, His words to
her were: Luke 8:48 "Daughter, your faith has healed you.
Go in peace." NIV
How can you release God's peace? Simply by pronouncing the
word of peace towards your neighbour.
If someone has spoken badly about you, do something nice to
them. Release peace (blessings) to them. Before you know it
they will experience peace and will be your friends.
Eventually you will be able to share with them what is so
precious to you: Jesus Christ.
Which approach are you taking? The "turn or burn" approach?
Are you satisfied with it? Or are you feeling quite
unsuccessful with this approach? Why don't you try the
Jesus' approach. Pronounce peace to those you encounter.
Have fellowship with them. Do something special for them.
Pronounce a word of healing towards them or their loved
ones, then when the Lord leads you through His Spirit share
the Lord's gospel with them. You will be amazed by the
results.
In His love,
Rob Chaffart
Answers2Prayer Ministries,
www.Answers2Prayer.org