Door Openers, Mystery Tellers, and Salt Shakers Sermon Door Openers, Mystery Tellers, and Salt Shakers Eph 6:19-20; Colossians 4:2-6 Introduction

Christian, have you ever been scared to talk to someone about Jesus?

“I really can’t consider a Christian a good, moral person if he isn’t trying to convert me.” -Dartmouth student

To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:18-20 ESV)

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison —that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:2-6 ESV)

Door Openers, Mystery Tellers, and Salt Shakers

“I’m not much of an evangelist”. Then be a DOOR OPENER through prayer.

Pray for those you know who are regularly on the front lines. - Make a list of specific people and begin praying for them, i.e. AN INCUBATOR OF PRAYER

“I’m not much of a pray-er “I’m not much of a pray-er.” Then start with evangelism THERE IS A DIRECT CORRELATION BETWEEN PRAYER AND EVANGELISM

Pray for open doors for the MYSTERY TELLERS. -WHAT TO PRAY FOR- Pray for open doors for the MYSTERY TELLERS.

Pray that they would have boldness to go through the open doors Pray that they would have boldness to go through the open doors. Pray for the whole mystery of Christ to be made plain when God opens a door.

BE A SALT SHAKER

Col 4:6 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person. PRAY FOR WORDS THAT MAKE OTHERS THIRSTY.

LET’S GET PRACTICAL… Listen for the 3 “NOTS”… - “Things are NOT going well right now” - “I was NOT prepared for this…” - “I’m NOT from here”

Their “NOT” could be your OPEN DOOR moment

1. Cautiously interested 2. Indifferent 3. Antagonistic 4 1. Cautiously interested 2. Indifferent 3. Antagonistic 4. Actively seeking, but afraid of the cost

1. Cautiously interested – May I ask, Is there something that you don’t understand or that raises an objection? 2. Indifferent - May I ask what needs or issues does religion or biblical faith not address?

3. Antagonist – May I ask, why you think Christianity is stupid, irrelevant, harmful, etc? 4. Actively seeking, but afraid of cost – May I ask, what you are afraid of?

DOOR OPENERS MYSTERY TELLERS SALT SHAKERS