Outdoor Service Continues
Sunday’s Worship Service will be in the parking lot. I hope you are able to attend. While you are there, please remember to practice social distancing.
Good Saturday Morning Faith Family Member!
I hope and trust all is well with you. Below, you will find a document on the subject of “How to share your faith.” My prayer is that it will help you to make disciples of Jesus. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Blessings as you fulfill The Great Commission.
In Christ,
Pastor Tom
HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH!
When I was a senior in High School one of my Christian friends invited me to an Evangelism Class offered by Campus Crusade at Bethel College. In the class we learned all about what it meant to share our faith. After the sessions were over, the group went to the U of M campus and individually shared the good news to one student. Needless to say as a first-timer I was nervous. Somehow I fumbled through the presentation and the student shared that he already was a Christian. Over the years it’s gotten easier for me to tell the wonderful story of how Jesus died for the sins of the world.
Before Jesus ascended into Heaven He gave this encouragement to his followers,
“19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
All believers are called to make disciples. Unfortunately statistics show that many Christians don’t. Partly it’s because of the fear of failure, the fear of rejection, don’t feel it’s their job, or they just simply don’t know how to do it.
Here are some pointers that can help you share your faith more often:
1. Live the Life:
When I was working for Anoka County, I was hesitant to be known as a minister. My concern was that I would be treated differently and be put on a pedestal. But God had other plans; on the first day of work, my co-workers were told that I was a minister. This actually turned out better kingdom-wise than I could have imagined. Because of how I lived my life, I had the opportunity to share my faith and to perform a number of marriage ceremonies for my friends. Living a Godly life can be one of the best witnesses to the world! Christians and non-Christians are watching us to see if what we say, lines up with what we do. And don’t worry about being perfect, when you drop the ball apologize and point others to Jesus.
2. Pray, Pray, Pray:
One of the most common reasons people don’t share their faith is that they don’t know what to say or when to say it. Prayer can be a great help in this area. When we seek the Lord in prayer, He can help us to have peace, He will give us words to say, He will show us opportunities to share and He will give you His Spirit. One great example of believers who prayed for help in sharing their faith is found in Acts 4:29-31. 29 “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
3. Listen then Speak:
One time I was flying home from a mission trip. Being that it was a long flight I struck up a conversation with the person sitting next to me. After sharing about why they were in a foreign country, they asked me the same question. That gave me an opportunity to share my faith. When you take an interest in others, they will often reciprocate.
4. How to Get on Topic:
- Casually mention that you are a Christian who goes to church.
- Ask questions about what your friends, coworkers, and colleagues believe.
- Invite a friend to ask you questions about your faith, and allow for them to raise their own objections to Christianity.
- Ask a friend to go to a church service with you.
- Share a personal struggle or problem that you’ve had, and show how the gospel helps you deal with that issue.
- Buy a friend a book that is about Christianity, and offer to discuss the book with them over coffee or a meal. (from Nicholas Davis, Core Christianity)
5. You have the Cure:
When you go to the doctor with an ailment you tell him your symptoms and he determines what the cure is. When talking with people, notice their symptoms; lonely, guilt, regret, sin and then point them to the ultimate cure, Jesus.
6. Keep the Story Simple:
Explain the Gospel in a way that people can understand. Jesus is God’s only Son. He died for our sins. He was buried and rose again. We need to turn away from the things that are wrong in our lives and accept what Jesus did on the cross for us and receive Him as Lord.
7. What to Say:
To share the Gospel, you can follow these 4 simple steps:
A. Tell them about God’s plan—peace and life.
God loves you and wants you to experience the peace and life He offers. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He has a plan for you.
B. Share our problem—separation from God.
Being at peace with God is not automatic. By nature, we are all separated from Him. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God is holy, but we are human and don’t measure up to His perfect standard. We are sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
C. Talk about God’s remedy—the cross.
God’s love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “‘He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed’” (1 Peter 2:24).
D. Our response—receive Christ.
You cross the bridge into God’s family when you accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
8. Thank the Lord for Tracts:
When it comes to sharing your faith a tract can be a real help. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has the “Peace with God” tracts available for purchase. They are simple and assist you in knowing the scriptures to say and what to pray.
9. Practice, Practice, Practice:
One of the most helpful things I have done before I share the gospel is practice what I am going to say. I write down how I came to know Jesus, how I am different know and write down Scriptures that people need to know.
10. Remember GOD Saves Souls:
If you feel inadequate to share your faith, remember its God that does the saving. In John 6:44 Jesus said “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” Our job is simply to pray, live, share our story and scripture the rest is up to God.
God bless you in your journey to share the good news of Jesus!
Sincerely,
Pastor Tom