Intrusional Evangelism

I saw this video of famous magician, Penn Jillette, from Bill Giovannetti, a pastor friend's blog, http://www.maxgrace.com

This is an interview of Penn Jillette who speaks about someone who came up to him after one of his performances and gave him a small pocket bible. I know in the past I was not the type who would feel comfortable just going up to someone and sharing Christ with them, but after seeing this video, I think I could be convinced to at least "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (I Peter 3:15 - ESV) I like the words, "with gentleness and respect." This attitude helps to preserves the dignity of the person and yet the message of the Gospel can still be communicated with a heart-felt passion that rings with truth and sincerity.

When I first viewed this video, I could see that Penn was visably moved when he described the situation where this guy gave him a bible after one of his performances. It was evident that God’s spirit was dealing with Penn. Despite his comments about "still not believing in God, etc.", his protests were not very convincing to me.

This seemed to be just another step or seed that God is using in this man’s life to hopefully bring him to Himself. I don’t even think Penn was aware of how the Lord was dealing with him, but it’s obvious that something was happening in this man’s heart - he even seemed to be wiping a tear away as he spoke. The key to this is that the guy who shared the bible with him was genuinely concerned about Penn, he was respectful and gracious and THAT was what impressed this guy.

It still comes down to where "people don’t care what you know until they know how much you care." Penn Jillette could tell how much this guy cared and that made an indelible impression on him.

Another friend of mine commented on that blog about a book tht I'd like to read (thanks Marianne) called Unchristian by Kinnamon and Lyons where she describes "the perception that Christians are insincere and interested only in converting others."

See this link to read some reviews on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/unChristian-Generation-Really-Christianity-Matters/dp/0801013003/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231436421&sr=8-1

I want to become more like that man who shared a bible and the message of the gospel unashamedly with Mr. Jillette and was not afraid of the rejection that could have occurred.

Lord use me as you see fit.