ICS Daily Devotions
Friendship Evangelism
John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
We all have a responsibility to share the Gospel with our OIKOS, or personal community. To that end, it is helpful to know the spiritual condition of those in our OIKOS in order to know how to go about it. Broadly speaking, unbelievers will fall into two categories, namely Type A and B, which can be further broken down into five levels.
Type B (Level 5) represents the largest group of people. Typically, their mindsets are: “Christianity is just another religion” and “We are all going to the same place but just taking different roads”. They have no interest in the Christian faith and may object strongly to the sharing of the Gospel. We need to develop relationships with this group and expose them to the reality of Christ in our own lives. Our personal testimony is a powerful tool in making them aware of what Christ means to us, because it is an event that took place in our life, a personal encounter which cannot be disputed. While many deny, ignore or even reject the Gospel, this gives them cause to stop and think.
Type B (Level 4) represents the second largest group. They have an awareness of the Gospel but are not receptive; they have heard about Jesus but choose not to believe.
Type B+ (Level 3) is slightly more receptive. They don’t object to being friends with Christians and may attend church or Christian gatherings occasionally. We need to engage in friendship evangelism, and sharing your life experience after conversion is effective because as you share how God met your needs in the same situations that they are facing, you will present a wonderful report of God’s care, which may lead to an opening to pray for their situations.
Level 2 (Type A) is open to the Gospel. They may already have some understanding of Christianity and are willing to attend church. It is appropriate to do Bible Study, explain the message of salvation to them or even lead them through the Sinner’s Prayer if they are ready.
Level 1 (Type A) is very close to making a decision for Christ—they may just be waiting to be asked. The best way is to pray for them.
Therefore, let’s take time to write out our personal testimony, go through our own OIKOS, and be wise in working towards sharing the Gospel with those who are ready, to do it with boldness and love for the lost.
Sermon Series: We Are an Ambassador for Christ
