Honest Evangelism – Review by the Book Butterfly

Honest Evangelism receives an honest review here from Steph Nickel. Steph believes that the book, by Rico Tice, is “challenging and amazing.”

Honest Evangelism

There are so many books on by To Be Read pile, both paper books and ebooks, that I rarely consider re-reading a book—no matter how much I enjoyed it. However, on this summer’s To Be Re-Read pile is a thin book with just of 100 pages.

Honest Evangelism: How to talk about Jesus even when it’s tough by Rico Tice is challenging and amazing. And did I mention challenging?

Talking About The Bible and Faith

For the most part, I find it fairly easy to talk about the Bible and matters of faith with fellow Christians, even with unbelievers with whom I have a relationship and who seem open to discussing spiritual topics. However, there are those I find it difficult to share the gospel with.

And I’m not alone.

Evangelism Can be Hard

In the introduction, the author says, “I find evangelism hard. The problem with being an evangelist is that people assume that you find evangelism effortless; but I don’t find it easy, and never have.”

Who do I find it particularly difficult to share the gospel with?

My son, who would have called himself a Christian until his early 20s but has embraced another worldview. He is now in his mid-30s. My daughter-in-law, who violently opposes many biblical truths. Family members I rarely see and with whom I’ve missed countless opportunities to naturally bring matters of faith into our conversations when we were together. Plus, I’m embarrassed to admit, our neighbours, who are very approachable and friendly.

Who’s on your list?

My mom was a Christian and she introduced me to Jesus. Like all of us, she made some big mistakes. But I’m so thankful she had the confidence that it was never too late to do the right thing, no matter how many missed opportunities were in our past.

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The Author of Honest Evangelism

Today is a new day, and God, in His grace, gave me breath once again. Therefore, I can seek to make the most of the opportunities that come my way this day.

The author of Honest Evangelism would agree with this outlook.

The book has eight brief chapters that overflow with insight and encouragement. Among them, “Is it worth it?”, “Why we (still) won’t evangelise,” “What do I say?”, “Be yourself,” “Getting started (or re-started).”

What Prevents Us From Sharing the Gospel

One thing that stops me from sharing the gospel more often is the fear of not knowing what to say to some of the objections the other person might raise. The author gives us a good perspective when he says,

“This is my job. It’s not just the pastor’s job; it’s not just the experts’ job. I may not be a Bible teacher, but I am to be a Bible sharer. I’m to be myself, but I am to be a witness.”

Tico Rice

The Author’s Desire

Back in the introduction, the author sums up his desire for those who read Honest Evangelism.

For me, telling people about Jesus has often been nerve wracking. But it has been joyful. My hope in writing this book is that I’ll help you experience some of the heavenly joy in finding the lost that floods out at the end of one of Jesus’ most famous parables, about the shepherd who finds a lost sheep.

Tico Rice

He goes on to share the story from Luke 15:5-7. In the ESV, it reads this way:

“And when he has found it [the lost sheep], he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Luke 15:5-7 (ESV)

Moved By Compassion

May we be moved by compassion for those who do not know Jesus as Saviour and may we be willing to go in search of them—even though it may make us uncomfortable, even though it may cost us much more than our comfort.

As the author says near the end of the book,

Do we react to people with compassion that will give everything and risk everything to bring them to their Shepherd?

Tico Rice

I’m not there yet, but I pray that the Lord will fill me to overflowing with love for Him and love for others.

Re-reading Honest Evangelism

I’m looking forward to re-reading Honest Evangelism while I’m on holidays this month. Even more than that, I’m looking forward to, once again, sharing the gospel and trusting God to draw those who hear to Himself.

As I flip through the book, I notice the many asterisks and brackets I added the first time I read it. It’s time to re-read those portions as well as see what else stands out to me.

I’d encourage you to pick up this thin volume, Honest Evangelism, and ask the Lord to encourage and motivate you to share the gospel with those He brings into your life. There is far more wisdom and insight in this little book than you would think possible.

Happy reading and happy sharing!

How has God called you to evangelize? Contact us at HopeStreamRadio,  or comment below.