Baptism is the fruit of Following the Holy Spirit

I got the following story via email in response to the most recent Evangelism Coach Newsletter.

With the author’s permission, I share it here as a guest article while I’m away on Evangelism Training Ministry in Nicaragua.

Of course names are changed for privacy.

I appreciate the challenge I receive from your writings.  Today, was no exception.

It seems that I was rather disengaged on the evangelism front this year.  I’m not exactly sure why.  I suppose it doesn’t matter why as much as how can 2009 be better.  It all begins with faithfulness.  Will I live a life of determined obedience or not?

I must say that for me 2008 ends on a high note.

Nearly two months ago, a man–Sam–who I hadn’t seen in church for a year just showed up.  I didn’t know Sam well, but shortly after he briefly attended church (the previous year), I was prompted to stop by his home and give him a Bible.

That was the last I saw of him until he recently stopped by church.

Fast forward to six weeks ago, he sits right in front of me at church.  At the end of worship, he turns to me and says, “I need God in my life.”

I asked loads of questions, engaged another friend, and we prayed with Sam.

The prayer focused on Sam’s current problems.  Only later in the day did I recall his statement about needing God in his life.

A couple days later, I scheduled coffee with Sam.  We went.  I asked about his statement.  Yep . . . he was looking to accept Christ.  Dah!

Anyway, right then and there Sam did invite Jesus into his life.

The Holy Spirit had prompted him to verbalize his need for God. And, the Holy Spirit continued to engage him, which resulted in a faith commitment.  Certainly, there was a party going in heaven.  On earth my friend Sam and I were pumped too.

So  . . . back to ending 2008 well.  Tomorrow, Sam will be baptized in our church.  Sam has three boys and a wife.  Maybe 2009 will be the year for his entire family to come to Christ.  This time I’ll be listening well.  I promise!

Keep that antenna up!

Prompted by the Holy Spirit

Notice the statement: “I was prompted [by the Holy Spirit].”

In cooperating with the Holy Spirit in evangelism, we get these nudgings every now and then.  My friend was attentive to one.

Phillip was attentive to a nudging to “Go stand next to that chariot.”  (Read Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.)

Leaving the Bible with Sam was a gift that eventually led to his return to church, his conversion as an adult, and the celebration of his baptism.

Let me ask you this?

Did you see how “I need God” is an evidence of that Spiritual Thirst?

See also Pastor White’s video Testimony: Can Pastors find time for Evangelism?

As you go into 2009, how can you develop that skill of listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and cooperate with God’s work in Evangelism?