“Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:20
During college, one of my freshman courses required our class to go to a public place and pass out “The Four Spiritual Laws” tracts to strangers. However, my professor wanted more of us than just passing them out; he wanted us to take the opportunity to share our faith, but I only got as far as giving them away to people passing by.
The whole point of the class was to teach us how to share our faith, but even though he taught us the “how-to’s,” because I wasn’t prepared emotionally or spiritually to actually engage with individuals on the topic, I felt uncomfortable and insincere in my evangelizing efforts.
Even though I had grown up in church, served as president of my youth group, and was active in Youth for Christ throughout high school, I still lacked the boldness and know-how to share my faith.
Like my college class experience left me feeling inadequate, when it comes to sharing their faith, many Christians may feel lacking and uncomfortable telling others about God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. To some, it feels forced and awkward, not knowing how to explain it, like their efforts fall flat.
Nowadays, too, it seems even harder to approach people because so many are easily offended. They act like telling them about God's goodness is us trying to force religion down their throats, a defense the devil has undoubtedly cooked up to convince us to give up and not even try anymore.
During his lifetime, Dr. D. James Kennedy, the founder of Evangelism Explosion, faithfully visited people week after week in their homes, sharing the gospel.
As well, wherever he went, Kennedy evangelized, regardless of a person's religion, ethnicity, or standing in life. He didn’t hesitate to share his faith with them all, often much to the chagrin of some who traveled with him and felt uncomfortable at times with his directness.
Kennedy was absolutely fearless in his boldness and commitment to tell the Good News to everyone he met. Like Jesus instructed us in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.”
Although I had gone through the steps in my college course to tell others of the Good News, I just didn’t have the boldness and confidence to approach people and feared facing their reactions and possible rejection.
But with God’s help, we can push past fear to share the gospel, trusting Him to work through our weaknesses and stumbling words, knowing we don’t have to be eloquent to share God’s truth because it's His Word that brings life. John 6:63 explains how “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”
While some believe sharing the gospel is best done organically, as opportunities arise, what if those openings don’t ever come? For many, it may not.
As the Apostle Paul asked, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14).
If the opportunities don’t ever come naturally or we don’t know how to initiate them, that’s where Gospel tracts and training programs like Kennedy’s Evangelism Explosion help us learn how to present the gospel to others.
Even though my heart wasn’t in my college class field trip out in the real world, it’s possible God moved through one or more of my randomly handed-out tracts to actually help lead someone to Christ.
Stories are told by some who have been led to Christ through a tract that reached them directly or indirectly because, despite our shortcomings, God can do much through our little.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Father,
Embolden our hearts to tell others about Your gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help us to love people in a way that causes us to be more concerned about where they are headed eternally than our own insecurities and weaknesses.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/VioletaStoimenova
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Thursday, 20 June 2024.
SHARE
