I really love this short video. It talks about praying for Missionaries and God answering the prayers. It just goes to show how important it is to pray for those on the front lines and how our prayers can make a huge difference.
1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT – Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. [16] But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
As a Christian we are all called to share our faith with others. Some do it from the pulpit, some online, some as missionaries, some with their family and friends, some with work mates. We all have a role to play.
I think we need to understand our call and our role. We are not all called to preach from the pulpit in church, but we all have a “pulpit” where God uses us to reach others for His Kingdom.
One key I believe is to share our faith with gentleness and respect. I think at times we can forget this, especially in the online world. I have seen too many combative videos of people “slamming” down the other person to prove a point and win the argument.
I know God calls some people to be apologists of the faith. Their role is to make a case for the faith we hold as Christians. But this above verse still applies. We need to do it with gentleness and respect. I do not think it is a good example to belittle others online or in person to make a point.
I know from experience that some people are argumentative and they want to debate you on your faith. Often in front of others. I know that is not my role. When this has happened I mostly say if you are genuinely interested we can talk quietly over a coffee, but if you just want to debate, I am not your person.
I find for me that I sow seeds of faith, let people know I am a Christian, try to be a nice person, do good deeds and be open to people asking questions. As the verse above says, “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this with gentleness and respect”.
So, today if you are in a position to share your faith with someone else, remember first and foremost to be kind and gentle. Focus on listening carefully to their questions or objections and respond in a way that is both helpful to their faith journey and honours Jesus.
As Christians we all get asked questions about our faith and belief in God. Sometimes people are genuinely inquiring. At other times people are confrontational.
In the above video the person answers the objections “I am a good person God will let me in to heaven” and “I believe all religions lead to God”. They are really good and simple answers to remember.
I have learned over the years that prayer always precedes evangelism. Prayer helps us to be prepared and in a right place with God. It also lets us to know who we should share our faith with and when is the right time.
At times I have tried to boldly share my faith with someone at the wrong time and they were just not open to listening. Where at other times when I am more in tune with the Holy Spirit after praying, it just flows and the person has been open.
Below is a prayer I pray regularly. It helps me to be in a right place with God and more open to the Holy Spirits promptings.
Prayer
Dear God,
I pray that You will use me to reach others for Christ. Please help me to be effective in sharing my faith. Please help me to know whom to talk to and I pray that You will give me the right words to say when the time comes. I pray for all my family, friends and neighbours. I pray that the Holy Spirit will draw them to Jesus and make them aware of their need for salvation. Please use me to lead them to Christ. I also pray Lord that when people come to You that You will help me to teach them about You and how to follow You each day. I pray that I will help make disciples.
I ask this in Jesus’, Amen.
Today is my third post in my evangelism tips series. This one is about being prepared before hand.
Evangelism tip #3 – Have some evangelistic tools ready
There are a variety of evangelistic tools that you can use to reach people. Sometimes people seem to want to talk about things at the strangest times. Having something on hand can help in those situations. Here are a few examples –
Tracts – Like the tract in the image above, you can keep one handy in your purse or wallet just in case an opportunity arises. They are very handy if you don’t have much time or perhaps are a bit nervous about sharing your faith. You can give it to someone to read later. I have a friend who reads it through with people and answers their questions as they arise.
Audio messages – A simple gospel message recorded may be all it takes to reach someone. Perhaps you could record your testimony or what you believe and give it to people who ask questions.
Websites – Look out for websites that may help you to reach your friends. If people have tricky questions I might send them to a page on GotQuestions.org. If they want to know how to begin a relationship with Jesus, I might send them to BillyGraham.org, or my own website here.
DVDs – The “Jesus film” is a great way to reach people. In just over an hour you see the whole life of Christ and at the end if gives the opportunity to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour. You could buy one for yourself and one to give away! Or like the tip above, you can refer them to the website.