This was
not the first time I have had such an encounter. I am no expert on Mormon
evangelism. But there are several things I have learned that help me share my
faith with Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, or anyone else who comes to my door.
First, have
no fear. I am not afraid of being sucked into a cult or being brainwashed. I
know the truth. I am secure in my faith. The truth always holds up. Once you are over the fear of being brainwashed, it is easy, even fun, to
engage in a conversation with someone, respectfully question them on their
beliefs, and share the truth. In fact, I have found that the person at the door
is far more afraid of me than I am of them. As the questions arise, they often
begin to sweat and stutter because their system of belief just doesn’t hold up.
They do not know for sure that they are going to heaven. I know I’m going to
heaven because Jesus Christ paid the price for my sins when He died on the
cross and rose from the dead. I am forgiven and have no need to work my way to
heaven. The work was done by Jesus. Why would I trade a grace-based, know-so
faith for a works-based, hope-so faith? I have nothing to fear.
Second, do
not get angry. Some people get angry at the people at the door and speak
harshly to them or slam the door in their faces. I believe this is the wrong
approach. When we speak in an unkind manner, emotions rise and block the
reception of ideas in the mind. By keeping the conversation friendly, one can
reason with another person. If I had been unkind, I would have missed the
opportunity to share the truth with the three young men at my door. When I stand
before God one day, I believe He will be interested in how I shared the
truth, not in how I chased people away. Also, it is important to remember that
the people who come to your door honestly believe they are doing good. I want
to encourage people to do good. I just want them to know what good really is.
They are not trying to do bad. They are just uninformed. So inform them!
Third,
share the truth! Having a nice conversation is not enough. At some point you
must share the true Gospel, that Jesus Christ (God in human flesh – not a
created being) died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins so that all
who believe in Him will have everlasting life. It is not my job to save them –
only God can do that. It is my job to share the truth. Every Christian should
be prepared to share the Gospel at any time. When the opportunity comes, be
ready.
When
someone comes knocking at your door, whether religious groups or even salesmen,
it is an opportunity for evangelism. Take a little time to share Jesus with
those who come to your door. If you can, go knock on a few doors yourself.
