Rose Publishing - Sharing Your Faith Made Easy

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

1 Peter 3:1516

Yes, really. Jesus has sent all his followersnot just pastors and missionariesto share the good news of salvation (Matt. 28:1820).

This is an exciting mission, but sometimes it can feel overwhelming. At times it might seem more like a scary burden than a joyous privilege. Maybe youve witnessed ugly confrontations between Christians and non-Christians over matters of faith. Perhaps you remember that one time you tried to talk about God with your friend and everything got really awkward. Maybe youre hesitant to even bring up anything religious with your family members, because every time you do, they just seem to get angry. No wonder the phrase sharing your faith sometimes makes us cringe.

The God who sent you on this mission of sharing the gospel message knows all this. He understands your fears and has not left you on your own. His Word has a lot to say to help you, encourage you, support you, and keep your mind and heart focused on whats most important.

In this book, well look at what Gods Word says about sharing your faith. Well tackle tough questions like these (and others):

• How can I talk about the Christian faith when Im not a Bible scholar? What would I do if someone started firing hard questions at me?
• What exactly is the gospel , and how do I explain it to nonbelievers?
• Why would I, of all people, try to tell anyone about Jesus? Most days my life is a mess and my faith isnt exactly rock solid.
• Our culture is so polarized and secularis it even possible to have civil, constructive spiritual discussions anymore?
• How can I begin talking about God with others? Where do I start?

For readers who want to wrestle with this subject furtheror for those who want to read through this book with a few others (highly recommended!)weve included some reflection and discussion questions at the end of this book.

Sharing Your Faith: Who? Me?!

Its one of the most remarkable scenes in world history.

A group of slack-jawed, wide-eyed folks on a mountainside, watching breathlessly as Jesus of Nazareth disappears straight up into the clouds.

Moments before, his last words to this small band of believers had been equal parts command and prophecy: You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

What?! Witnesses... to the ends of the earth ?

Even more shocking is the group being commissioned.

A dream team of proven leaders? A whos who of religious scholars?

More like a Who? Them ?! collection of nondescript nobodies.

These were Galilean fisherman and tax collectors, not the ancient equivalent of Harvard MBAs or seminary grads. Regular folks with plenty of flaws and almost as much doubt as faith. Individuals with shady backgrounds (in some cases) and quirky personalities, who often found it hard to get along.

And yet...

This was the group that would soon be empowered by Gods Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). These were the ones who would begin telling others about their life-changing experience with the crucified, resurrected Jesus.

This first generation of Christians had none of the resources we have, none of the technological blessings we enjoy. No publishing companies. No radio broadcasts. No cell networks or movie studios. They lacked cars and commercial jets, interstates and the internet. But each one had an authentic encounter with Jesus Christ and each one had a voice.

Saint Paul Preaching by Raphael

So they opened their mouths. They told their stories. And like ripples in a pond the gospel message began to spread in every direction. Even when hostile authorities cracked down, these simple followers of Jesus continued to speak up.

It wasnt long before the apostles and other Christian missionaries were fanning out across the Roman Empire (and beyond), leaving little groups of new believers in their wake. The good news of Jesus was spreading. The church of Jesus was growing.

And today? The upstart movement that began on a Jewish mountainside almost two millennia ago flourishes all over the world.

Fast forward to this moment. You are reading this sentence right now because countless peopleregular folks whod been changed by the gospel of Jesuseagerly shared that good news with neighbors and strangers, who passed it on to their relatives and coworkers.

If they could do it, we can too. More than all the great material resources we havesmartphones and apps and Christian bookswe have Gods Word to guide us, his Spirit to strengthen us, and his people to encourage us.

And so the answer to the very common Who? Me ?! question is, Yes. You . Youre a recipient of good news!

And good news, as we all know, is meant for sharing.

Qualities of an Effective Witness

Many Christians assume they need a seminary degree, or at least hours and hours of training, before they are qualified to talk to others about their faith. Not true. While formal evangelism training is always helpful (and highly recommended), its not necessary . To point people to Jesus, what you need most is:

Grace Jesus demonstrated a remarkable ability to meet people in their mess and to accept them and love them as they were (yet without condoning their lifestyles). Instead of fixating on their flaws, he saw what they could become (John 1:16).