The pattern is simple and straightforward. Use the rock to focus on Jesus' claim to be the only resurrection which He proved in the sight of many by raising Lazarus from the dead. Share as much of John 11 as you are able. Refer to the instruction sheet if required. Don't hesitate to show the instruction sheet. This is an "open book test." Share your personal testimony about when you were saved. Do not be ashamed of even feeble efforts at sharing the gospel, "because it is the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16).
YOU JUST WON FIRST PRIZE!
Problem #2 - Shyness or a natural fear of personal rejection.
Previous rejections of your personal faith can be a source of emotional and spiritual pain. This is especially true of Christians who were ill-prepared and sent on an evangelistic mission led by men and not God. Past experiences may have left you sensitive with low spiritual esteem.
Your krazostone provides you a measure of protection here. By having the stone as a conversation piece, if the Gospel is rejected outright, they have rejected God's message, not you personally. Your feelings of esteem are not hurt. Future doors of opportunity may remain open. Over time, after a series of more positive encounters, you will be bolder and better able to identify with Paul when he says in Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Paul addresses this subject repeatedly. It was an obstacle then as much as it is an obstacle today (Philippians 1:19-21, 2 Tim. 1:7-9, 2 Tim. 2:15, 1 Peter 4:16). In Matthew 10:32-33, Jesus says "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will also disown him before my Father in heaven." These two verses take on a deep and powerful meaning when considered in the light of Romans 1:16. When you accepted Jesus as your Savior, you signed up to share the Gospel. Consider the attitude of the apostles in Acts 5:41-42, "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" (of Jesus).
Problem #3 - How do we measure success?
In business, success is usually defined by numbers that allow for "tracking" and control of the production process. Human nature being what it is, Church leadership wants to find a gauge to help them understand how successful their evangelism outreach is progressing. Tragically, evangelism reports are reduced to the number of tracts handed out, cards signed, doors knocked on or face-to-face presentations of the Gospel. God measures success very differently. Lives are progressively molded until the right moment when the seed, planted years ago, watered and nurtured as the Holy Spirit wills, blossoms into a new life ready to be molded by the "Master's hand." Only
1 Cor. 3:6-7 defines the process correctly. "I (Paul) planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."
Counting cards, handouts, doors knocked on, and face-to-face confrontations tells us nothing about God's nurturing system. Perhaps we should pay less attention to the numbers and let God keep the ledger. "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life” (Rev.20:12).
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