Paul instructed Timothy to ‘preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season’ (2 Timothy 4:2). In short, we are to preach at all times because the gospel is always relevant. But there are points in the calendar that lend themselves to making easy connections with biblical truths.
Whenever we preach or engage people in personal conversation, we seek to capture the minds of our hearers so that they listen to a reasoned presentation of the gospel. We then aim to maintain their interest throughout the message until we close with a personal challenge. If we begin with what is already on people’s minds, we can more easily gain their attention. If they are in town to buy Christmas gifts and decorations, we can start there. If many are wearing or selling poppies, we can use that. If people are dressed for a local or national sporting event, we can draw on this.
we seek to capture the minds of our hearers so that they listen to a reasoned presentation of the gospel.
The Lord Jesus did this in His ministry. When He met the Samaritan woman at the well, He spoke to her about drinking and water in order to point her to the living water that only He could give (John 4:7–10). Paul observed the Athenians’ altar to the ‘unknown god’ and used it as a springboard for his gospel preaching (Acts 17:23).
Whether you are involved in public preaching or personal conversation, it is worth giving prayerful thought to utilising these events for gospel proclamation. Here are thirteen occasions we can use to connect with the gospel in our evangelism.
New Year
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Reflecting on the past and the need for repentance; numbering our days; the thought of eternity (Psalm 90:12).
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The brevity of life (Luke 12:18).
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The uncertainty of the future and the One who never changes (Hebrews 13:8).
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The failure of man-made resolutions without the work of God’s grace in the heart (Jeremiah 13:23).
Valentine’s Day
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What is true love? That Christ laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16).
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The comfort of divine love for those who have lost or missed romantic love (Isaiah 54:5).
Mother’s Day
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A picture of sacrificial love, often with little thanks or reward.
April Fools’ Day
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How can we be truly wise and not fools? (2 Timothy 3:15).
Easter
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The easiest cultural event to link to Christ. Yet many are unaware of the events of Christ’s death and resurrection and their implications for us.
VE Day
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The need for victory over evil: how can we have ultimate victory over sin and death, our great enemies?
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Gratitude to those who gave their lives for our freedom. Christ gave His life for our freedom from a greater tyranny.
GCSE / A-Level Results Day
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Will you pass heaven’s entrance exam?
Harvest
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Sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7–8).
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Laying up treasure in heaven (Luke 12:16–21).
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God’s goodness (Acts 14:17), which should lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4).
Remembrance Day
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The origin of conflict – the Bible alone gives a coherent explanation (James 4:1–3; Genesis 3). We have all caused conflict on smaller scales.
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See also the points under VE Day.
Black Friday / Boxing Day Sales
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What is the best offer? (Isaiah 55:1–2).
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What do you value the most? (Mark 8:36).
Christmas
There are many themes we can draw upon at Christmas:
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Gifts and the greatest gift.
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The deity of Christ.
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A Saviour is born.
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Good news of great joy.
Olympics or Sporting Events
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What are you aiming to win at the end of life?
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Training and winning the prize.
Local / General Elections
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The need to trust in a perfect King, not to look to human rulers (Psalm 118:8–9).
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Who will you choose? (Joshua 24:15).
Also, be mindful of local events you can connect with.
Some of these occasions last only a day and may not be worth creating a whole new message for. However, an existing message can often be adapted with a new title and a few well-chosen pictures to make it seasonal and relevant. For example, a message entitled ‘Peace’ could become ‘Will There Be Peace This Christmas?’ A message on the cross could be adapted for Remembrance to ‘Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice?’ or simply ‘Lest We Forget’.
As with any gospel presentation, we use the connection but do not linger too long on the illustration. We must get to Christ and Him crucified. When the Lord spoke with the Samaritan woman about water, that was just the beginning. He went on to expose her sin and reveal Himself as the promised Messiah.
May the Lord help you as you seek to use every opportunity to make Christ known.
It’s a good idea to have a stock of relevant gospel literature at hand. Why not order a selection of relevant titles from the OAM store? We supply a range of Easter and Incarnation-themed leaflets.