This article is a review of the book “Honest Evangelism” by Rico Tice (review written By Nigel Williams of Printing Evangelism). We believe this book is a must read for evangelists in the uk – or even abroad.
It’s not very often I feel compelled to do anything with a book. I find books difficult to read at the best of times. In fact, most books that I read, I don’t finish! So I often just stick to the Bible – which is THE best book anyone can ever spend time in.
For many years I have heard of Rico, but not really looked into what he does. That was until I attended the FEW conference recently. Rico spoke at this conference and it was captivating.
The book “Honest Evangelism” was originally published 2015, published several times until the edition that I have read (2021 edition).
Within a few pages, there some quotes from preachers / teachers you may or may not agree with. But at the end of the day, I would want anyone who follows those preachers to read this book.
With an introduction from D.A. Carson, (Donald Arthur Carson). Donald summarises the book along the lines of how society is rejecting Jesus – actively negative towards faithful Christianity. Not forgetting that first generation of Christianity experienced exactly that. Jesus spoke truth in His day and that is exactly why they did not believe – see John 8v45. The world is running at direct odds to Biblical truth, that it is positively repulsive to many people. But, it is exactly the proclamation of that truth to blind eyes, deaf ears and hard hearts that causes some hearers to truly believe upon the Lord Jesus. So in light of this widespread public rejection of the Gospel – Rico gets it. We need to be faithful in proclaiming a truth that is true to God’s Word. Rico shows it as it is and how we can work with in amongst the reality. Being an aroma of life to some and stench of death to others. 2 Corinthians 2v15-16.
Rico seeks to deal with how we should and can be a faithful witness in the hard times and the good times. When mocked and when welcomed.
For someone who as been around as long as Rico, his first words in the introduction might come as a surprise. He speaks of how he finds evangelism hard. Don’t we all? - If we are honest.
If you find evangelism hard, then this book is for you to read.
Rico seeks to draw our hearts to God’s. To be Christ-like. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). The lost of course being those who are not saved. So, if Christians are to be Christ-like, then surely, we are to be about seeking out those who are lost too. Leading them to the One who can save them. So that there can be rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:5-7).
Evangelism – sharing with people what Jesus has done – is a means of God’s grace. Just as fellowshipping with His people, taking communion, worshipping through song, hearing God’s Word preached etc.
Jesus is full of grace (and truth) -John 1:14. When we seek to be like Him, He pours out His grace upon us. Even when the flesh is weak. For when I am weak, then I am strong! 2 Corinthians 12:10.
Open this book to discover why Evangelism is worth all the challenges it brings to our flesh. Be greatly challenged, as I was, about why we still won’t evangelise – chapter three is the most challenging of all. The great battle within that causes us to make excuses for not making Christ known to those who God puts in our paths and sphere of life.
The book then goes on to explain what we need to remember, and what we could say to people. Practical applications of how to bring eternal conversations to the ones we are to witness to as a lifestyle. Not forgetting that God has designed us the way we are for a reason. Use your talents and gifts to guide you to people who God would have you witness to.
This book is real. Rico does not shy away from admitting failures in his Christian walk. It’s what he does with those failures that matters. We too need to seek to build on our failures and flaws – take them to the Lord in prayer and keep going.
Rico demonstrates a reality that we don’t have to be good at witnessing, but rather, be faithful in doing it. I actually think that if we think we are good at witnessing, then we are in a bad place.
I often come away from a conversation thinking I could have done this or that better. But here is something to grasp – we never will be able to do an amazing job at witnessing to the lost. Why? Because Christ is so amazing and has done so much for sinful man, that we can never really begin to full y explain it. But we can point people to His living Word and rest in the knowledge, that by God’s Holy Spirit, they can begin the discovery there. A walk on a path that will be full for all of eternity!
Another thing that Rico stresses in the book is that God has put people around us, because God wants those people to hear the Gospel. He appeals to us that we when we know we should witness, that our hearts should be fixed upon Christ and His glory above our temporary, possible discomforts.
I have personally been seeking to try to witness to people for over 20 years now – online, through correspondence and in person 1:1. I too will admit it is hard to do and my flesh can sadly too often want to do other things.
You may never see the fruit of your labour in this work. But there is great joy to be found in carrying out this essential duty.
It is my prayer that you read this book - if you know the Gospel and want to serve the Lord faithfully. Trust me, you will be challenged and greatly blessed here. In fact, I think you will also want this book to be read by others too. So, pray and read it. Then seek to encourage others to do it too!
When you have read the book, do let us know what you think of it in the comments below.
To purchase a copy, visit http://mcbs.springroad.org.uk/