LIFECHANGE EVANGELISM
How do we evangelize? Some churches send out teams, or go door to door. Some have big events to draw a crowd and then preach the Gospel to those who come. Some train counselors and have altar calls.

I notice how Jesus did things. He meets a man possessed by several demons. No one can control this man, not even with chains; he is out of control. After he meets Jesus and Jesus addresses his central problem (which is always spiritual), he is self-controlled. Jesus tells the man to go back to his family and tell them what God has done. The next time Jesus comes to that region, crowds flock to meet Him. The man was a powerful evangelist because his life was powerfully changed.

Next, Jesus is sleeping in the boat on the lake, and other boats are out there, too. A furious storm arises, Jesus speaks to the wind a waves, and all is calm. The disciples are amazed because Jesus has power over the forces of nature. (All authority in heaven and earth includes the wind and the waves.)

Next, Jesus meets a man whose daughter is on the verge of death. All hope seems to be lost when word comes that the little girl is dead, but Jesus goes anyway, and when He speaks to her she gets up! Then he tells the parents not to speak about it. Of course, they don't follow that advice very well!

I realize that when I see Jesus in power, and when my life is changed by that power, then I don't have to be an eloquent speaker, or a trained counselor, or an organized administrator. My life itself becomes my most powerful witnessing tool.

If Jesus makes no change in me, it doesn't matter what manipulative or guilt-driven techniques I use to convert others; no one wants what I have to give. On the other hand, if Jesus radically and miraculously changes me, others will ask what makes the difference; and all I need to say is, "Let me be clear: Jesus made the difference!" Amen.