The Power of Sharing Your Faith: A Guide for New Christians
Introduction
The word Gospel means Good News. My Bishop, Charlse Jones, explained recently the word Gospel was used to describe a great victory in battle. I have often observered people don’t need to be encouraged to share their faith when it is fully experienced as Good News. Take for example proud new Grandparents. You can not stop them from sharing!
Indeed some new Christians can be so excited as to be annoying. Yet their joy can also be contagious for their community of Christians. It can remind us of our “first love.” We are reminded to continue to share in the Great Commission.
On the other hand at a time like this many new Christians hesitate to share their new faith beyond their Christian community. However, this is where need to share the most. Perhaps with less enthusiasm; yet most convincingly.
Sharing Your Faith is Important
It is so important Jesus commands it.
Matthew 28:19-2019 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.”
A Natural Overflow of Your Faith
When you truly believe, sharing your faith becomes a natural part of expressing what you hold dear
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
We are God’s plan for salvation of the whole world. People like to think Eva gelism is the jobk of great preachers like Billy Graham. However, his success was largely dependent upon the efforts of friends and family bringing people to the crusades and helpiing them get connected to churches after the event.
A Way to Impact Others
It has been called “secondary evangelism…” when we bring someone to a place where Primary Evangelism happens! Sharing the message of Jesus can change lives, offering hope and salvation. A good way to share is to invite someone to such an event.
Overcoming Common Fears and Obstacles
Fear of Rejection
I would guess our greatest fear is of rejection that might come from family and friends. This may be over come by advice attributed to St. Frances. “ Share the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words,” This is to say, “Actions speak louder than words.” The we can be ready and prepared whan others ask what happened; what changed?
1Peter 3:15 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.
I always remember my sister in law gave me this scripture in a card at my ordination.
Beyond this advice also remember the power of prayer.
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Feeling Unqualified
You don’t need to have all the answers, sharing your personal testimony is powerful. See below on how to share.
Not Knowing What to Say
He is some practical advice on keeping it simple and authentic, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide you,
Luke 12:12. “… the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
See my post on sharing your testimony. It can be summarized as 3 parts. How my life was before faith. How I came to faith. How my life is better now.
How to Share Your Faith
As mentioned above. Do your best to live out the change in your life and be prepared to share your three part testimony.
The Cursillo movement and its multiple spin offs teach Friendship Evangelism. Simply stated Make a friend, Be a friend. Share your friend Jesus with your new friend.
During a sermon series on Evangelism a parishioner said too me, “I think everyone who is an Episcopalian in this city already goes too church.” This poiint to two things. She didn’t think she had any good news and church growth is not evangelism.
Explaining the Gospel Message
Perhaps the best known message is,,,
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Another is Victory in Jesus.
1Corinthisns 15: 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Share how Jesus has for you and can for the other provide victory over the problems of life.
Where and When to Share Your Faith
Everyday Life
In the ordinary, everyday conversations with friends, family, and co-workers.
Opportunities in Difficult Times
Times of hardship can be key moments to share the hope found in Christ
Romans 8:28 is my personal “go to” verse. “All things work together for good for those who trust in the lord.”
My late wife, a person with ma y health issues and a strong faith liked Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,”
Through Service
Act of service and kindness can open doors for conversations about faith.
James 2:14-17 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
I have found this to be true in many outreach ministry settings. Our churches have had a variety of such ministries: a storefront clothing ministry, food cupboard, soup kittchen, etc.
The Role of Prayer in Sharing Your Faith
Pray for Boldness Ask God for the courage to share.
Acts 4:29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
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Rely on the Holy Spirit
We don’t share the gospel alone—the Holy Spirit is with usand works in the hearts of those they reach. Our calling is to share the Gospel. However, it is the Holy Spirit who speaks to the heart. It may be in the moment or it may be later.
Dealing with Rejection and Difficult Responses
Always respond to opposition with Grace and respect, even if the message is rejected
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Conclusion
Sharing faith is an important and rewarding part of the Christian life. Focus on being authentic, loving, and reliant on God when sharing the gospel. Take some time to think through your testimony. Find a person to befriend. Be a good listener and share the Gospel and caring.
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