This is part of a 12-week series designed around some basic Christian disciplines that will propel you to spiritual growth!
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Here is the podcast above in a nutshell…
Welcome back to Beginning as we continue our journey of spiritual maturity! This week we focus on a big theological word, that is intended to be an integral part of every believer’s life: evangelism.
We’ve already covered some of the basics: salvation, baptism, Bible Study, prayer, giving, and serving. But of all the things a believer can do to help others and express thankfulness to the God that saved us, sharing the Good News is a chart topper.
Last week we discussed sharing your life through serving, and this week we will speak of sharing your faith through evangelism.
Now, let’s make sure you haven’t bought into some bad teaching that comes in two forms related to evangelism: 1) it’s someone else’s job, or 2) I can’t do it. A little Bible study should correct those lies! Here is what we know about sharing your faith:
- IT’S A COMMAND – Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- IT’S A RESPONSIBILITY – Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
- IT’S A NECESSITY – Romans 10:14–15 – 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Wow… you have beautiful feet. It’s pretty clear I would think, so now it’s just a matter of doing what we see God’s Word directs us to do. Here are a couple of things I would suggest.
Write out your testimony, but keep it to about 2 minutes. Your testimony has a unique quality; it’s ‘nuh-uh’ proof. I have never heard anyone have their testimony argued. It’s your story, so it’s got real power!
To make sure your testimony focuses on Jesus and doesn’t wander through the sordid details of your brokenness (we want to glorify God, not the devil), just finish these three statements:
- MY LIFE BEFORE CHRIST WAS…
- THE REASON I ACCEPTED CHRIST WAS…
- SINCE I HAVE ACCEPTED CHRIST…
Finally, find a way to share the Gospel truth. You don’t have to be a Bible scholar or a theological genius, but we should be able to respond when there is a need. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
There are many resources like the Four Spiritual Laws, Bridge to Life, One Verse Evangelism, but my favorite is 3 Circles Conversation. You can see this in detail at this link.
So what’s next:
- write out your testimony and practice on live folks (family, friends, etc.)
- practice 3 circles on live folks (family, friends, etc.)
- start praying for 2 people. Someone you have enough of a relationship with you can share the Gospel, and someone who is not that close yet (whether you know them or not yet, pray for them!).
Make sure to check out the podcast for more on this topic and We’ll see you next week here at Beginnings!
Seeking more of Him and less of me,
Andy Addis
Pastor, CrossPoint Church
John 3:30