Knocking on doors

If someone needed a brief synopsis on the Bible, what would you say that would describe its core intent? Would you try to outline 27 fundamental beliefs? Would you tell them about the signs of the times and the present ramp-up to install the second papacy? Would you tell them the latest breaking news on the healthy vegetarian lifestyle or the recent results from the health study from Loma Linda? Should they hear of the perpetuity of the Ten Commandments, especially the 4th? Would you simply quote John 3:16 and expect them to understand its depth?

Or would it depend on the situation? Where is the person coming from when he or she made the request? Was the request audible or a need understood by the direction of a conversation? Maybe they want to read the Bible but don’t know where to start. What could you say that would peak their interest and point them in the right direction? One friend of mine believed he should read the Bible like any other book; he started with Genesis and ended around the middle of Ezekiel! Last I heard, he never finished.

I enjoy going door to door with a friend to pass out tracts. It’s really an exciting adventure. You never know who you will meet. A lot of people say, “No thank you.” Some people are actually rude—but I expect that. Some people will talk. And talking is really what I’m after anyway. Even 5 minutes can provide a chance to at least communicate that there are people who love the Bible and love to share it, and who refuse to be offensive to people. As soon as they hint that the conversation is over, it’s a quick “Good-bye,” from me, and “have a nice day! Thanks for your insight.” Or maybe a quick prayer for a loved one, if they would like.

I believe the crux of the whole Bible is in what Paul said, “He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.” 2 Cor. 5:21, 19. Connected with that are short excerpts from Isaiah 53, and Philippians 2:5-9 and then the Gospels if there is time. Always sensitive about information overload, the whole idea is to say something effective and to leave them with something to think about later. The cross is what the Bible is all about. Seeing the cross is what salvation is all about, whether they see Jesus there while we talk or later when the Spirit reminds them of it at the most opportune moment.

All we need is a few Bible verses and lots of love.