Recently, I received an email from a sincere and godly woman who had been in some anguish over a friend who was not currently a Christian. Her great concern was motivated by her love for this unsaved friend and her realization of the consequence for those who reject the gospel. She had a deep desire to see her friend come to Christ. However, she seemed to be so paralyzed when it came to sharing her faith. She had never been trained and didn’t feel comfortable bringing up this difficult topic. In desperation she wrote to me asking me to please instruct her on how to share her faith. This email was not atypical. There are many believers who don’t feel they are properly prepared to be an effective witness for Christ. So often we don’t share with others because we fear the “What If’s”. What if they ask me something that I don’t know the answer too? What if they get offended? What if they reject my offer? What if? What if? What if? After pondering these “What if’s” long enough most of us never get going in our evangelistic ministry. I too have struggled with these hindrances throughout my Christian experience, but have been able to oftentimes overcome them by doing 4 simple things. Hopefully these will help you.
1. Pray! Pray!! Pray!!! - Before I open my mouth I ask the Lord to break my heart for the individual who is not saved. Far too often we as Christians come across as used car salesmen, a little bit insincere and very pushy. This is usually because we are evangelizing from a legalistic mind and not a compassion filled heart. People respond more readily to a humble offer from a loving friend then a pushy preacher. It is in prayer that our confidence is built up and our compassion is developed. I encourage some of you to begin to pray daily for at least one unsaved person who you would like Christ to reach through you.
2. Know the Gospel - We as Christians must know what exactly we are offering people. Never forget the average person is well aware of other belief systems out there. So the question on their mind is what is so unique about Christianity. I believe that the answer is found in the nature of the gospel message found in the New Testament. According to Acts 4:12 salvation is found in a person, namely Jesus! Other beliefs emphasise salvation based upon works, but what does a person do if they aren’t able to work at the same pace as others. Some religions offer salvation based upon some secret knowledge, but what does a person do if they aren’t very intelligent or learned. Some religions offer salvation based upon feelings and emotions such as enlightenment, but what happens when you don’t feel saved. The security found in Christianity is that salvation is based upon our relationship with a person, which does not change. You see when someone places their faith in Jesus they are adopted into the family of God. Now, adoption is the act of being added into a family. In other words a Christian is simply a child of God. The beauty of being anyone’s child is that there is nothing you can do to no longer be there child anymore. If you are a child, you don’t lose your relationship simply because you don’t do certain works, or have not attained to certain knowledge or don’t possess certain emotions. So when we are sharing our faith we have to explain to people that men was created to have a relationship with God. Our sin has caused us to be separated from God, because of our separation we have experienced a number of negative consequences such as loneliness, depression and pain. However, God loves us so much that he sent his Son into the world to die for our sins and enable us to have a relationship with Him. Finally, because of Jesus we can now enter into a relationship with God by trusting in Christ with all of our hearts and surrendering our lives to Him.
3. Know Your Testimony - Most people are not argued or debated into the faith. Most individuals don’t come to Christ because of a new understanding of some deep theological or doctrinal truth. The fact is the number one reason why people come to Christ as seen in the New Testament is because of the simple presentation of the gospel coupled with the personal testimony of someone who has become a follower of Christ. Over and over again the Apostle Paul shares his testimony with those he wants to win to Christ. The question that many folks will have is “why are you a Christian?” Before you share your faith with anyone make sure you know how to answer this question.
4. Start the conversation - the tough thing about sharing your faith is that reading a book isn’t enough, nor is taking a class on evangelism, you have to actually start talking to people. The best context to share your faith with someone is when you are in a relationship with them. Don’t be afraid to take your time getting to know their heart and unique challenges. Do your best to discover why they aren’t currently a Christian. And at the right time the door will be opened for you to ask them the all important question “would you like to become a Christian?” This is the most important question a person can be asked.
If we are faithful in doing these simple things we would find God using us to bring many people to Christ. I hope this helps some of you to get started on the wonderful journey of being His witnesses to those we love.
