All Things

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church in Corinth, said this: "I have become all things to all people." - 1 Corinthians 9:22

In Paul's day, he encountered all kinds of people. Men, women, Pharasees, Saducees, emperors, guards, prisoners, priests. How could he possibly reach them all with The Gospel?

Becoming all things to all people required Paul to change his approach on how he shared the gospel. to what end?

I teach a disc golf class in the summer. I meet a dozen or so kids each year, boys and girls, each with different physical abilities and experience. Yet, I must somehow reach them all with 'the disc golf gospel.' How is that even possible!?

To the eight year old girl who has never played before I must teach at that level. She must be instructed in the basics.

To the more experienced teenage boy I must teach more advanced skills, offering tips on disc selection and techniques. How is this done?

1. Listen and Observe - It doesn't take long to figure out if someone can throw a Frisbee or not. The key is in watching HOW they throw it and go from there.

2. Instruct and Demonstrate - Once we know what each student CAN do we move on to instructing them how to do it better and even teach them some NEW things.

Sharing the Gospel effectively with others can be done in exactly the same way. We listen and observe where someone's beliefs are at. Jesus said, "by their fruit you will recognize them." We can do this by asking them questions or observing their life. Then listen where their answers are coming from.

The next step is the tricky one, but essential - instructing and demonstrating to them the love of Jesus. Scripture is good but it must also be lived out with actual examples.

Show them real-life parables, then switch to a similar parable taught by Jesus. The next thing you know you're talking with them about Jesus.

In a disc golf class we teach what we know so that others can better enjoy the sport we love.

In sharing the Gospel we teach what Jesus demonstrated and said so that others can enjoy the peace and joy that salvation brings.

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." - 1 Peter 2:21