Jesus went from village to village teaching. When the time came for him to expand his ministry Jesus called the Twelve to himself and began to send them out two by two. Each pair served as Jesus promo team, his street squad. For us they serve as an example of book promotion Jesus’ way.
Book Promotion Jesus’ Way
“Take nothing for the journey except a staff,” he said. “No bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.”
If this sounds like your book promotion budget give thanks. You are already well on your way to promoting your books in the way Jesus promoted his message.
Authority and Power—Not Money and Marketing
“I give you my authority. When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. Preach repentance. Heal the sick. Drive out unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:8-13)
The efforts of the Twelve proved so successful that people came from all over. So many pressed in on them that Jesus and the Twelve could not eat. Seeking to escape the crowds they left in a boat. In response people ran on foot from all the towns and reached the place where Jesus and the Twelve landed. Picture paparazzi and fans flocking to catch a glimpse of a rock star. That’s the scene along the shore. We know from the feast that comes later that day that five thousand men, plus women and children, gathered to hear Jesus.
That’s the result of his power and authority flowing through twelve disciples. Their promotional efforts brought a huge crowd. Do our promotional efforts draw such a following?
Words From Jesus
If not consider these words from Jesus.
“The words I have spoken to you are Spirit. They are life.” (John 6:63)
Do our words bring life to our books? Or do we grumble about our sales, complain about negative reviews, call our books “dead”?
Jesus gave his disciples power and authority to drive out DEMONS and CURE DISEASES. (Luke 9:1)
Do we believe we have this power and authority? Does this promise from Jesus quicken our spirit? Or do we allow a spirit of negativity and sickness to rob our books of sales and success?
“I give you authority to trample on SNAKES and SCORPIONS—to overcome ALL the power of the enemy. NOTHING WILL HARM YOU.” (Luke 10:19)
Do we reel from attacks from the enemy? Do we cower as those defeated and wounded? Or do we advance as those who are more than conquerers in Christ.
“You will be CLOTHED with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)
Have we received power from on high? Are we clothed in his Spirit? Or are we only attempting to promote our books through works of the flesh?
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit COMES ON YOU.” (Acts 1:8)
Can we recall when the Holy Spirt came upon us? Have we felt its power flowing through us into others?
“Anyone who has faith in me will do even greater things than the things I have done.” (John 14:12)
Are others stunned at how the words of Jesus, spoken by us, quicken their spirit? Have we witnessed his power drawing others to him for healing, comfort, provision, protection . . . the abundant life Jesus promised?
“Because I am going to the Father, I will do whatever you ask in my name so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for ANYTHING and I will do it.” (John 14:12-13)
When we ask Jesus, do we limit our requests to our daily needs? Or do we search our heart for the treasures he has placed within—those visions and dreams he as confirmed in our spirit but which have yet to be evident in circumstances?
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. WHATEVER you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. WHATEVER you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)
Finally, have we bound others by an unforgiving spirit? Or have we freely giving them forgiveness and reminded them that Jesus forgave all who came to him. Freely we have received forgiveness. Freely we will give.
When we are in Jesus and Jesus is in us—when we are filled with his Spirit—his power and authority flow out to others. If we believe our books bring glory to the Father and Son then let us go in prayer and ask Jesus to intercede on our behalf.
