'Potential Converts'? or Precious People

Gee, comms are open again! After weeks of silence, a voice from the wilderness... Melissa and I have subsequently returned from a fantastic ministry trip to NZ, and have fought off the wretched effects of 'the lag', to enjoy two weekends of outstanding ministry from Chris and Meryl Wienand, and Michael Eaton! Our greatest joy in returning is seeing how the 'glorious gospel' is capturing and enthralling hearts as we revel in our 'Kingdom Status' series through Ephesians. There is greater life, joy, freedom and laughter among the community as the gospel takes centre stage - long may it continue! Surely the loudest, brightest 'advert' for Chritianity is a community of life, joy, freedom and laughter. As Paul said in Romans, the Kingdom is ... righteousness, peace and joy in the Spirit.
Here's a thought on evangelism in the light of shining brightly with His gospel in a dying world ...
I am becoming increasingly convinced that our motive and methods of evangelism are far from the heart of God. Generally we want to win converts from the jaws of hell and we do it in a way that is programmed, parrot-fashioned and with a pointing finger. I would like to say that they aren't potential coverts, they are precious people and, it may seem trivial, but this change of perspective will transform how we reach out with news that is very good. What is Father's thought on this? We don't need to look further than Luke 15 where we see Jesus, the exact representation of Father, showing the Father's heart.
Firstly, we see Jesus embracing the 'sinners'. The way we act around 'sinners' often reveals that we consider them as some disease-infested freaks, allergic to their very presence as we turn our noses up at them. (Allow me some dramatic license please). Ah, but he dined with them showing His love for them beyond their ghastly living. He loved them in the midst of their wayward lifestyles.
Secondly, in all three parables we see in the pursuit of the one and the joy at their return that Father considers the lost to be of great value! The wretched sinner is worth a lot!! The pursuit and pleasure reveal the precious prize that even one presents! This weekend we scratched the surface of redemption truth, and we came to the conclusion that we are worth much - to say the least - to our Father. We asked the question : how much do you cost? Some didn't respond, some replied '£30 000', others made up crazy cosmic figures. All fade away when we consider the price placed on our heads by Father - the very life blood of Jesus! 1 Peter 1:18,19 ' not with silver or gold ... but with the precious blood of Christ'! That's the worth of a 'sinner' on the street, in the classroom, the office, the park. His love and His first and final thought on our worth should undergird our partnered pursuit of the wretched. We will live with greater compassion, share the glorious gospel with greater love as we remember that the world, though it is shipwrecked on the reef of sinfulness, is not a worthless waste, but it is indeed precious and worth much, the very life blood of Jesus.
We will not invite 'potential coverts' for dinner or work on 'pet evangelistic projects' during our lunch breaks and speak of a gospel with no love and carrying no power and conviction; pointing out their faults and telling them how cross God is with them. No, we will love precious people without the agenda of a notch on a belt, and this love will pave the way for His power and He will back us with signs and wonders as projects become people again, because we embrace and love as He does and consider lost treasures to be truly precious!!
Let's live loud with love, open our homes to our neighbours and welcome the skeptics to our dining-room tables and love on them with His supernatural, irresistable love and show people how much Father loves them and desires their company for eternity!!!! We will see the wilted flowers raised again as He shines in us and they begin to ask 'what is it about you?'

Let's win this world of worth with Christ!

Mountains of love,
Ryan and Melissa