What? Me? Share My Faith?!? 2016.10.09

I've spoken before about how, in one way or another (or in many), we live in fear. This holds true when it comes to "evangelizing". It's funny as to how quick the excuses start to flow - "don't know what to say", "need to get to know them better", to "i'm not good at this". Even though we've been commissioned to share our faith (Matt 28:18-20), we still get nervous. We are so comfortable living within our comfort zone, but we need to live by some truths that should help us expand that comfort zone.

It's thru God's power that people are saved, and not our own
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the
power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes
Romans 1:16

Knowing this should take a lot off our shoulders when it comes to sharing our faith. If people aren't receptive, it's not something that we should take personally. They are rejecting God. And God is the one who they'll have to answer to in time.

When we share our faith, we develop a deeper understanding of Jesus
I pray that your partnership with us in the faith
may be effective in deepening your understanding
of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.
Philemon 6

When we share about how our lives have dramatically changed because of God, we're reminded of God's love & work in our lives. Our appreciation deepens, along with our love for Him.

Even Jesus was rejected
The story of the rich, young ruler (Matt 19:16-30) is a great example as to how someone can have an actual conversation with Jesus, about a topic that was initiated by the ruler, only for him to walk away sad. In the end, the decision is up to the person, and where they are in their life will probably have a huge impact. But they are not rejecting you, but possibly trying to stay within their comfort zone, holding onto the things that they hold dear in their life.

We are blessed when we are rejected
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you
and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:11-12

Sharing our faith is a win all around:
  • If the person comes to God, this is an obvious win
  • If they seem interested but never come to Jesus, seeds have been planted & God could water them - win
  • If they reject your attempt, you get heavenly rewards - uhhh... WIN!!

Let God do the talking
11"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities,
do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,
12for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
Luke 12:11-12

I've always felt that when I try to speak or form an approach when sharing my faith, it goes dismally wrong. Let God speak thru you and you will be amazed.

God will be with us
18Then Jesus came to them and said,
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything
I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20

The last half of v20 says "I am with you always". Sharing our faith may seem like a scarey, solo act, but Jesus is with us. He never left the disciples, and He will not leave us.