Ancient Anglican

We have the example of Jesus’ ultimate vulnerability in the story of the Passion. Jesus cedes control of the situation to the other person so that he may draw them to himself.

When we begin to look at Jesus’ interactions with others, we discover his interactions are not reducible to a set formula or even a set teaching.

Peter writes that we should always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks why we place our hope in Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:15.

All stories share certain traits, but no two stories are eh same. Everyone has a different experience of transformation.

The Parable of the Sower offers us two ways of considering evangelism.

Evangelism is theocentric (originating in God) not anthropocentric (originating in the needs of humanity). It is defined, directed, energized, and accomplished through the Trinity and not through us. We have a role to play as simply the messenger or storyteller.

Evangelism is the act of simply inviting someone to participate in this story of the Risen Christ. Our problem is that we make evangelism too complicated, and like Moses, we create excuses to stay on the sidelines.

Evangelism is an invitation and a summons to switch stories and therefore to change lives.

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger and of great kindness. He will not always accuse us, nor will he keep his anger for ever. As a father cares for his children.

And just as in pain (Heb: itstsabon) does the woman bear children, so also in toil (Heb: itstsabon) will the man bring food from the ground.

The man said, “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me fruit of the treee, and I ate.”

The seed, therefore, of sin is in the suggestion, the nourishment of it in delight, its maturity in the consent.