A Word Along the Way has been a part of my Journey as a Follower of Christ since early on. As a young believer there was a hunger for the Word of God, not only for hearing it but practical ways of how to walk it out.
During many early church goings and bible studies my wife and I quickly found ourselves to be irritants to the Sunday school teachers and Bible study facilitators as we had lots of questions. Although many Christians at the time claimed Jesus “was the answer” we soon came to realize that many Christians could not give an answer to some very fundamental questions. This followed us from fellowship to fellowship, where in the Sunday Service there was no shortage of theatrics, skits and chats seeped in opinion and we were told that the deep dives happen in bible study. But attending bible studies only turned out to be more kicking around the can of no authoritative answers and an abundance of someones or entire groups opinions.
Clear answers became a hunger, because I truly believed that God had answers and that for every opinion, circumstance or challenge within the world, there was a revelation from the Most High that would give light.
This mindset was the foundation on how I approached evangelism (sharing the Gospel). Although I have nothing against tracts and handouts which I believe are valid points of contact and good icebreakers or leave behinds, I do feel that they are not the end. My approach to evangelism is more “apologetic” in that I believe the gospel addresses real people in a real environment, who have real concerns, real fears, real objections and a real worldview that poses real questions that need an answer. Therefore my approach isn’t “Jesus loves you” and then hand them a tract. It’s more conversational, more hands on and more time consuming. Yet at the end of the exchange I feel that the truth of God has been revealed, the person to whom I’m talking with is well aware of what they should do and have a clear decision to make.
Because questions have been answered. This is 1 Peter 3:15 in action “Instead, exalt the Messiah” as Lord in your lives. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have.”
Word Along the Way is much of that, continued. I seek to help people gain confidence in the Word of God so that they may be able to live it out in their everyday lives. Word Along the Way is also for those who might not know God right now yet they have certain questions that haunt them and are seeking answers for. Such as “Who am I?” And “What is my purpose?”
Rest assured the God of all the universe, of things seen and unseen is sufficient for all your needs.
He comes to the disciples along the road as well as to the woman in Samaria.
