Penn Jillette is half of the world-famous magical act known as Penn and Teller. In addition to being a super talented performer, he’s also an outspoken atheist. But that didn’t stop a fan from giving him a Bible after a show one night.
And the atheist’s response to the gift should be an encouragement to every believer.
No two Christians share their faith the same way; some quote Scripture while others pass out tracts. Some use methods like “The 4 Spiritual Laws” or “The Roman Road.” But Eugene Peterson’s evangelistic strategy was much simpler.
He just used his fists.
Charles H. Spurgeon pastored thousands but impacted the lives of millions. The Church is indebted to the Prince of Preachers for his teaching, scholarship, and example. But those who were lost in their sin owed him much more.
That’s because he never gave up on them.
When Moung Nau died in Burma in the 19th Century, he did so as a Christian. The Buddhist had been reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in his native land by the efforts of an American missionary who labored and suffered like no other.
But would that missionary’s success be worth the horrible anguish he faced?
Billy Graham has been the greatest evangelist in American history – and arguably, the world. But Graham wasn’t the first world-famous evangelist from America. In fact, he wasn’t even the first world-famous evangelist from America named Billy! That honor belongs to Billy Sunday.
And like the umpires that officiated the game he once played, he “called ‘em like he saw ‘em.”
Joseph was a proud Maasai Warrior living in eastern Africa when he first heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the side of a hot, dusty road. In that moment, he dedicated his life to Christ and immediately made plans to share the Good News with members of his tribe.
But this warrior had never been in a fight like the one he was about to walk into.
What kind of reputation do you have? Are you known as a caring parent, a hard worker, or maybe even as a devout Christian? Do you like your reputation, or would you change it if you could?
D.L. Moody certainly had a reputation…and it was one that was defined by the Great Commission.
If we know anything about D. L. Moody, it’s that he was one of the greatest evangelists and preachers of the modern era. He could weave truth and love in such a powerful way that sinners were compelled to devote themselves to following Jesus forever.
His preaching could even motivate believers to obey the Great Commission.
Those of us who live in the shadow of the great Billy Graham assume the world-renowned evangelist never had any doubts about the Christian faith. We tend to believe he has all the answers to all the questions…and that it’s always been that way.
But that’s not the case, and a conversation he had in 1949 proved it.
A woman once approached the great evangelist D. L. Moody to air a grievance. (Moody was an international evangelist of great renown in the 19th Century.)
The woman said to him, “Mr. Moody, I don’t like the way you do evangelism!”
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