Keep in mind, you can’t open someone’s heart to the truth of the Gospel—only God can! In the Bible we’re reminded that God guided others —like Moses, who at first asked God to choose someone else to lead Israel to the Promised Land, or Jonah, who didn’t think the wicked Ninevites deserved God’s mercy so he tried to run the opposite way.

God does not call the equipped; He equips the called—and as Christians, we are all called to share what Christ has done. Some of Jesus’ last words on earth were, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Sharing our faith is a command, not a suggestion. And God is with us when we obey Him.

So, What Do We Do?

Unbelievers look at Christians as hypocrites because many of them say one thing but do another. So, one of the best ways to share our faith is to live a godly life. Prove to those around you that you care. Spend time with them, help meet their needs and offer to listen when they have problems. You might not be able to answer all of their questions or solve their problems, but they won’t be able to deny the reality of Christ’s love in you.

Read your Bible often and attend church. These things help you grow in your own faith. When you’re passionate about Christ it demonstrates there’s something different about you, and others will want to know why. Reflect Christ through kind words, patience, a gentle temperament, choosing to love difficult people, carefully monitoring what you watch or listen to, and treating others with respect.

Prayer is another important part of sharing your faith. Pray for and with those you interact with. Pray for their salvation or opportunities to bless them and share what God has done in your life.

We must also do more than live godly lives. People need to hear that God loves them, Christ died for them and that they can have eternal life. “‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:13-14). We must share our faith!

4 Simple Steps to Sharing your faith

When you experience Christ working in your life, you will want to share His love and forgiveness with others. Jesus calls His followers to be “lights” to the world. We are to shine brightly for God, making His name known and glorified in all the earth. To share the Gospel, you can follow these 4 simple steps:

1. Tell them about God’s plan—peace and life.
   God loves you and wants you to experience the peace and life He offers. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He has a plan for you.

2. Share our problem—separation from God.
   Being at peace with God is not automatic. By nature, we are all separated from Him. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God is holy, but we are human and don’t measure up to His perfect standard. We are sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

3. Talk about God’s solution—the cross.
   God’s love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” (1 Peter 2:24).

4. Our response—receive Christ.
   When you accept Christ’s free gift of salvation you cross the bridge into God’s family. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
   

Ask them if they want to receive the free gift of salvation.

Before leading them in a prayer, remind them that their prayer will focus on these 4 things:

• Admitting they’ve sinned.

• Asking forgiveness and be willing to turn away from their sins.

• Believe that Christ died for them on the cross.

• Receive Christ into your heart and life.

 Here’s a sample prayer you can help them pray to receive Christ:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. Help me to trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In your name I pray, amen.”

Encourage their next steps.

Congratulate them on making the best decision of their life and encourage them to connect with God in a real and sensible way. Direct them to this page on our website that will provide next steps and resources to further their walk with God: https://centerpointpagosa.com/grow-in-christ/

Other Resources to Sharing Your Faith