You often hear stories about Vikings terrorizing a town or plundering a monastery, but eventually they became Christians. The Viking King of Sweden Eric IX worked to spread Christianity. Tragically, he was murdered by a rival faction as he was leaving mass on Ascension Day, May 18, 1160. He was regarded as a martyr.
 

People in all walks of life have died for their faith. While it’s unlikely for Americans to be persecuted for their faith, we face a society that is less and less Christian. Sadly, people seem to have become more reluctant to talk about their faith in Christ. How will anybody come to believe if we don’t share the faith?

I believe evangelism is not primarily asking people to come to church, but rather sharing with them the Good News of Jesus. We do in two ways. First, we treat people as Christ commanded us. Love your neighbor as yourself. Nobody will listen to us if our actions don’t reveal Christ. Second, we tell people how our faith in Christ has made a difference to us. That’s the part that is most lacking among today’s Christians.

I’ve heard the excuse that “I don’t know enough to talk about religious matters,” or “People will be upset with me if I talk about my faith.” Are these good excuses? Think about the people who gave their lives for the sake of the Good News. Is it really an impossible task to talk about our relationship to Christ? I don’t think so. Give it a try, and see what happens.

Read Matthew 10:7 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

 Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A7&version=NRSV