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Sharing Jesus
by Poppy Smith
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Evangelism Insight – by Kathy Collard Miller
I was talking on the phone recently to a friend who used to live in our area but moved away. Now we rarely chat but when we do, I enjoy her company. This time, she was raving about her neighborhood friend who seems so "spiritual." They were having a garage sale and she said, "Kendra would touch something and put her vibes on it and within moments, someone would come along and buy it. She does yoga and she's so peaceful. She's amazing!"
My mind did somersaults trying to think of ways to combat a spiritual, yoga-studying, peaceful woman who was having an impact on my friend. When she lived close, I had the opportunity of sharing the gospel with her and she came to church with us, but it seemed like I never could get past first base to help her see God's offer of salvation. It was obvious she found her yoga friend more interesting.
A few days after our conversation as I thought about it, I realized I had gone down the wrong road. I was trying to combat something that couldn't be fought. But I could use my friend's spiritual longing to draw her closer to God. I was focused on the yoga friend and not my friend's longing for spirituality. Wonder if I'd said something like, "I think I hear you longing for spirituality in your own life. Is that true?"
I don't know what would happen after that, but I can trust God to direct the conversation if the opportunity comes again.
So I'm going to try to remember: don't try to combat something but instead, look to the heart of the person. What are they wanting? What are they seeing that they want? I might then be able to lead them to the idea that God can offer that to them.
Building on Kathy’s blog, Karen writes: As Christians, we are going to make an amazing trip some day. The destination is far greater than any paradise island on earth. We can invite anyone we want! It is their own choice to go with us or not, but the invitation is ours to give away.
Why do we often keep this wonderful prize to ourselves? What makes us hesitant to share the good news? Are we afraid of what others may think of us? Are we afraid to step on toes or hurt their feelings? Or do we simply not know when or how to lead a friend to Christ?
Too often we expect Christian leaders and speakers to do the job. But YOU are the one who is there walking and talking with people in your circle, and you have something that could change their lives and destiny.
To be ready the next time an opportunity arises, check out these simple, yet very helpful steps:
- Prepare your testimony. Everyone loves a story. People cannot argue with your story. It’s your experience. Write it out. What was your life like before Christ? How did you meet Christ? How has your life changed? If you don’t have a dramatic story because you came to faith as a child, talk about why you love God and how He has directed, comforted, or touched you in some way.
- Practice giving the plan of salvation. There are many Scriptures you can use. Review them often so they will be on the tip of your tongue ready to share at any opportunity. Check out WANT TO GROW? for a clear sequence of Scriptures to memorize and use.
- Pray for opportunities to share your faith. Too often we miss times when we could have inserted a comment or compelling question that could have lead to further discussions right then or later. Learn to recognize those open doors in conversations at work, on the bus or on your walk through the neighborhood. Be sensitive to hurting people around you who need comforting or physical help. Wherever you are, offer to pray for them. Follow up with them to show you really care.
- Present the Good News. The ticket for the trip of a lifetime is paid for. Profess your faith in Christ Jesus confidently and plant the seeds wherever you can. Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”
I hope these comments on sharing your faith with friends and family are helpful to you. If you have helpful tips or experiences you’d like to share, be sure and contact me.
Copyright 2009 - Poppy Smith. All rights reserved.
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