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As You Go is book that is filled with stories about how the author authentically shares his faith in Jesus as he goes through his life at work, while traveling, etc. It is a great encouragement to be prepared to share the hope that we have in Jesus.
(5 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 ESV) Here are some of the key learning from the book:
- Life is short - eternity is forever - Prioritize what will make an eternal difference.
- Only 3% of believers are sharing their faith with anyone
- Matthew 28:18-20 is a command not a suggestion
- God’s love is the Agape version, which can be defined as “the steadfast, sacrificial zeal that diligently, objectively, seeks the true good of another."
- Full time Ambassador - Change your mindset to be in full-time Christian ministry and be a full-time marketplace Ambassador for Christ, regardless of your work or vocation.
- Live out The Great Commandment and The Great Commission -
- Love God, Love Your Neighbor, and Love Your Enemies
- Share the Good (Great!) News of the Gospel, As Your Go, and “Make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
- What does “As You Go” look like? - Prayer and Intentionality are always involved!
- Prayer is the first step in carrying out the Great Commission
- God will bring people to you to share the Gospel, if you only ask Him to.
- Use Words Only if Necessary! - Let God’s love and light shine for all to see.
- “In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matt 5:16
- "Share the Gospel at all times. Use words only if necessary.” St Francis of Assisi
- Let God Transform You - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
- Be alert and available at all times - God wants to use your life.
- As You Go, Make Disciples! - Live your life enthusiastically and be willing to engage.
- Relationships Matter! - God designed us to be in relationships.
- “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” Abraham Lincoln
- “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend."
- “Facts don’t change our minds. Friendship does.” James Clear, author and entrepreneur
- Your next mission trip would be a walk to your next door neighbor’s house.
- An important element in building meaningful relationships is Common Ground.
- Gentleness and Respect! - God saves, Not you. Lossen up and have fun! “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
- Just love God, show up, hang loose, and have fun.
- Remember that a person’s salvation is between God and that person; it’s not your responsibility.
- Stories are interesting, Yours and Mine - Would you share your story with me?
- Often you can simply ask a person if they will tell you more about their story.
- The best way to reach out to someone is to ask powerful open-ended questions and then listen.
- God is at work and He is giving you the privilege of being a part of that work.
- Stay in Touch and Keep Praying
- It’s in God’s time, not yours.
- Build relationships a little at a time and love them as God commanded.
See Page 194 is As You Go
- Discipling All Nations -
- “Christianity without discipleship is Christianity without Christ.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- “To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.” Billy Graham
- Discipleship and Spiritual Reproduction
- “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who’ll also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2
- Discipleship is proof that our faith is authentic
- Isaiah 60:22 says, “One shall become a thousand”, the power of spiritual multiplication and reproduction.
- Final Thoughts from the author, Victor Dawson:
- Pray intentionally every day for God to engage you with the right people, ones that He wants you to impact and those that He wants to have impact you.
- Be alert and expecting to have divine appointments.
- Be willing to engage with someone to see what God has in mind.
- Keep praying and stay in touch.
- You do the sharing: God does the saving. Relax and have fun talking about Jesus.
