Real Hope: RevivalSample

Sharing Christ in Ordinary Conversations

I think there’s a misunderstanding that I’d like to confront. Somewhere along the line, many Christians have come to believe it’s not their responsibility to share their faith and tell others about Christ.

The rationale behind this varies. Some think that it’s their pastor’s job to preach the Gospel, not theirs. Others believe proclaiming the hope of Christ is the domain of the traveling evangelist or revivalist. Some people say it would be rude to push a biblical view of salvation on others. Some think if they live an upstanding Christian life, their good works will do the talking, so they don’t have to. Finally, and perhaps most prominently, many feel like they’re not worthy or – more specifically – not equipped with enough Bible knowledge to reach out to those who need Jesus.

My friends, eternity is at stake, and excuses aren’t good enough. I’m going to tell it to you straight: As a Christian, it is your responsibility to share the Good News with those around you!

“How?” you may ask. Here are four easy tips to share your faith as a part of everyday conversations.

Pray and Study. How is your relationship with Jesus? Are you spending time daily with God? As you draw closer to Him, He will fill you and prepare you for the conversations. Even my grandfather, evangelist Billy Graham, said he wished he had spent more time praying and studying the Bible. Therefore, never neglect your spiritual development.

Speak. Your life must exemplify your faith, so people will notice there’s something different about you. However, your actions alone are not going to bring them to salvation. What will you say when they ask you about your beliefs? Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (ESV). Don’t be pushy. Don’t shove your faith down your friend’s throat. Be aware of the opportunities God will present to you. Be prepared. Be bold. Like a farmer in spring, plant the seed.

Share your story. Don’t know what to say? It’s easy! Just share your own story. Talk about your life before you met Jesus, how you were introduced to and decided to follow Him, and how He has since changed your life. It’s a natural fit because it’s your narrative of Christ’s work in you. You can’t forget your own story, and people can’t argue about it because it’s personal to you. It’s the easiest way to share your faith.

Quote Scripture. God’s Word is powerful, living, and breathing. It penetrates the heart and soul. When you use Scripture and point to God’s Word, it has a direct impact. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty…” (ESV). God, Himself is declaring His words will have an impact. They will not return void. You don’t have the verses memorized? Open your Bible (or even the Bible app on your phone) and read the Scriptures. It will be just as impactful, and you can use it as an opportunity to show your friend how to use and find passages in the Bible.

My friends, you don’t have to be a “Super Christian,” and you don’t have to know the entire Bible. You don’t need training in evangelism. What you need to do is open your mouth, and you can begin with your own story and with the Word of God. You may not see an immediate impact. You may plant the seed others will harvest months or years down the road, but you will be doing what you are called to do. You will make an impact on eternity as Jesus works through you!

Written by WILL GRAHAM