What is truth? Some think that it’s whatever you want it to be. The key in defining this depends on what worldview you hold. A Biblical worldview is what really shows someone what truth really is. Truth is the Word, and the Word is Truth. You want to know how to reach anyone for Christ? The Word. In reaching people for Jesus we must point them to the Word and in doing so we will point them to Truth.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
He is the way. He is life. Jesus is Truth.
If we want to point this generation to the Truth, here are some things to consider in the process.
Truth is the Word, and the Word is Truth.
Real
But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.
In reaching this generation for Christ I believe that we need to be transparent and real with them. There are enough things in this culture that represent lies and falseness. This generation is also bombarded by lies every day. Truth will bring light, and light will reflect that Truth is real. This generation is hungry, but some of them don’t realize what they are hungry for. They will know if you are real or not if you show a genuine concern for them. You see, relationships are vital in this effort. People, whether they admit it or not, want to be cared for but they also want to be about purpose. Jesus brings both to the table. We just have to be faithful to Him in our efforts to reach this generation. It’s about Him and not us. He is real, and we should be as well.
Unique
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
There is nothing that compares to the One true God. He made us in His own image and loved us like no other. Now getting someone to believe that or buy into to this is another matter. The world says that there are many ways to God and many ways to heaven. As we see above, the biblical worldview says that’s not the case. There are so many people who want to be their own god. That’s where more lies enter in. Why don’t more people follow God? Because they want to be their own god. The enemy wanted that as well so don’t kid yourselves in thinking that this will be an easy task. The enemy says no, but if you have surrendered your life to Christ, you don’t belong to the enemy. This unique and loving God wants you to boast about Him. When our devotion to God becomes contagious, others will want what we have.
Why don’t more people follow God? Because they want to be their own god.
Trust
I travel the nation and preach the Gospel. This one is tough. On many occasions I’ve had conversations with students, and trust is something that a lot of them don’t have. Especially in others. Maybe that’s caused from their past. Maybe that’s caused by their present situation. Whatever the reason, they have a hard time trusting others. When we are passionate about Truth (Jesus), are real with our lives and are contagious about the One true God then maybe that will help show those who we are ministering to that we want to earn their trust. We live in an entitlement society. Trust has to be earned, and it may take time, but when they trust us, our prayer is that they will even embrace Jesus and trust Him even more. He’s worth trusting in.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Ask God not only to save but to use your life to help lead and guide someone to Him. Revival is coming. This generation could be a part of it.
Honor
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
When the person you minister to comes to a place that they surrender their lives to Jesus, your job isn’t done. So many times, we (the church) “evangelize” by helping them surrender to Jesus, and then it’s like “good luck or welcome to the family” and that’s it. Evangelism without discipleship is abandonment. There’s so much more to do following salvation. Now that they have sold out to Jesus and embraced His Truth, they need to be discipled and led to go deeper in that walk. Don’t stop at conversion. Help them in this new adventure and show them how to dig deeper in the truth of the Word.
This article isn’t the magical components to reaching a lost generation or person. It’s just some practical ways to engage lostness. There could be so much more I could say, but I will end in this. Don’t forget to pray and prepare. Prayer is a powerful spiritual discipline. Ask God not only to save but to use your life to help lead and guide someone to Him. Revival is coming. This generation could be a part of it. You know what else is pretty awesome as well? You can be a part of it too. Get to work and start pointing people to Jesus, He is Truth.
Ryan is married to his amazing wife, Karistin. They have a beautiful daughter, Annslee, and a handsome son, Cross. He has served in student ministry for 20 years and will always have a passion for younger generations to live their lives to positively impact The Kingdom. Ryan serves as the president of M516, a Christ-centered ministry designed to reach the corners of the earth with the redeeming message of the Gospel for all people.
