Ok, so last Monday we were learning a bit about how the theme of inheritance is woven through the scriptures. She started talking about (although this seems strange...i don't remember how she got here) our sphere of people we come in contact with on a daily basis. I think she started by talking about how everything that happens in our life does not catch God by surprise. That God is sovereign (which is a good reminder for me right now!) and He is in control of our lives. She started asking how we are impacting those around us for Christ. She basically said that we are to be good stewards of what we have now that God has given to us. I always get excited about this kind of talk because it is evangelism and that is my heart. Alot of people are fearful of sharing the gospel with those in their daily sphere. I understand being fearful. Maybe your afraid you will lose them as a friend, they will think you are a lunatic, you could lose your job or they might even ask a question you can't answer. You want to know what these are called....discouraging thoughts...or what I refer to as excuses! A huge motto of mine is NO excuses. We are living in a world where so many are dying without the hope of Christ. Every day around 150,000 people die. How many of them have heard? Romans 10:14 says "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?" How will they know? Who will tell them if you don't? I know this is putting alot of pressure on you, but do you think that maybe God put you in that persons life for a reason? I like the analogy Ray Comfort uses when he shares about those who don't evangelize. "Its as if you are a doctor who has a cure for a terminal disease. You see those with the symptoms and know their outcome, yet you do nothing to help them." Being silent is just allowing them to live unknowingly with the disease of sin. When you think about it in that way, it sounds almost cruel right? Ok lets go back to the list of why I am afraid to share my faith:1. Im afraid I will lose them as a friend
I can tell you from personal experience that not all witnessing encounters with friends and family members go as planned. I have had family members say things that were not true about me. I have had "friends" who did not really talk with me after I shared the gospel with them. The important thing here is that I cared about their eternal salvation. I shared the gospel with them in LOVE. I was kind about it. I would take them out to lunch, coffee or invite them over. I would share it in testimony form. They knew me, they knew my story. It is a great way to share. Now, not all my experiences have been bad. People have thanked me, genuinely and given serious thought to what we discussed.2. They will think i am a lunatic
Well, that could happen. But you know what else could happen? They could start thinking about eternity and put their faith in Christ. Shouldn't the possibility that they could repent cause you to share? I have had people who thought I was crazy, or that Religious girl....who in times of hardship come to me for wisdom and prayer. You never know what is going on inside somebodies heart when you are sharing with them. A great example chad always shares is from Acts 24:24-25 Paul is invited to share about "The Way" with Felix: "But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.” You see, Felix was trembling....but do you think Paul knew that? NO. Be bold, God will open doors and give you opportunities. If you do not see results that is ok. You never know what God is doing on the inside.
3. I could lose my job.
Yes, that is why it is important to be wise. At my work, I could get in trouble for sharing so I am wise. I usually will "prayer walk" around in the classroom. I pray for the students, the teachers, the administration, the families and for the believers on campus. I pray that the students would come to faith in Christ firs of all. But more than that I pray that the believers on campus would rise up and share the gospel with their peers or co-workers. I am always looking for opportunities to share. I have had students come up to me and talk with me about Christianity several times when working, but I never initiate a conversation because that could get me in trouble....your work might be different (well probably is!). At your work you could let people who are having a hard time know you are praying for them (better yet pray for them right there!), you could write notes of encouragement with a scripture inside, you could invite co workers over for dinner and share the gospel, you could put scriptures near your desk.
4. I might be asked a question I can't answer
My best response to this one is to tell them "I don't know the answer, but I will find out and let you know." Then do it! Look up the question they ask, find a Biblical answer and get back to them, and pray pray pray!
So, yes, it is scary to share your faith with others. But it is vital. Where would we be today if the 12 disciples had just stayed in the upper room and never gone out and shared the good news of the risen Lord? They are an example we should follow. Be brave, Be bold and pray continually. Step out in obedience and share Christ with a lost and dying world, how will they hear unless you tell them?
OK one last thing. Yesterday I was at work. When I'm working I have my Bible out and I read it, when the kids are being good. I have noticed that this causes religious conversations to start around the room sometimes and kids are encouraged by seeing me read the word. Yesterday there was a college student "observing" the class and teaching a lesson. She had never taught before and was terrified. After her lesson she sat next to me and started asking me questions about the bible and why I read it. I was able to share the gospel with her through testimony form and encouraged her to read her bible. I even gave her a tract and a card for my church. I am praying for her. My point in telling this story is that I used my bible out on my desk as a way to open a door to share the gospel. Look for doors, and try to create doors for sharing the gospel with others. You can ask about how people celebrate Thanksgiving and share what you do that is Christ centered. You can also share how you celebrate Christmas, as believers we have different ways of celebrating than non-believers. There are doors everywhere.....just remember to pray and be obedient. Please share with others it is so important.
Alright this totally rambled....sorry....kinda a random post
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