Engaging Conversation

In our zeal to get the word out about the gospel of life in Jesus Christ, we tend to put an emphasis on speaking. Of course, Scripture does ask how people are to hear without someone preaching (Rom. 10:14). A presentation that unfolds the glorious logic of the gospel amidst the glorious illogic of grace has great value. (Note the GOD's good news icon on the CHOP home page for a systematic presentation of the gospel.) Speaking, however, does not mean merely spouting off.

In what I consider to be one of the best instructional manuals for the proclamation of the gospel the Old Testament has to offer (Isaiah 6 is a close companion), God in Isaiah 55 provides a presentation of the gospel (vv. 1-2), focusing on the everlasting covenant (v. 3) bound up in Jesus Christ (cf. Is. 53) and the call to listen to God (cf. John 5:24) and repent (vv. 6-7), the wisdom of God (vv. 8-9) and efficacy of the Word in the purpose of God (vv. 10-11).

In Isaiah 55:2, the prophet asks the question, "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread..." Part of listening is seeing where people are investing their efforts for spiritual life and what currency they are using (usually works righteousness). Then we can urge upon them the call to "listen diligently" to God that they might delight themselves in that which will truly satisfy and lead to eternal life (55:3). God uses us to convey what He says to which people are to listen.

In other words, we want to engage people for the gospel at the point of their searching. That means we will need to listen. This sort of evangelism will be conducted in dialog rather than monologue. When we say the gospel must be preached that does not necessarily bring to mind the pulpit ministry model. Rather it addresses the dispensing of truth instead of some sort of negotiated plan of salvation. When Paul tells Timothy to "preach the word" and to "do the work of an evangelist" (2 Tim. 4:1-5), he is engaging Timothy in the same sort of reproof and correction (cf. 2 Tim. 3:14-16) we see in Isaiah 55.

The title of Ronald Johnson's book on evangelism captures the concern, How Will They Hear If We Don't Listen? "If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame" (Prov. 18:13) is one of the many communication principles of Proverbs 18. That principle applies to the communication of the gospel as well. As Christ's ambassadors, we have only one answer but we minister that answer to people in keeping with the work of the Holy Spirit who gives ears to hear and creates itches we need to listen to in order to scratch.