One of the greatest blessings our ministry has is to encourage, inspire, and equip people like you who are disciple-makers. I’m convinced that most, if not all, the biblical prophecies associated with Christ’s return have been fulfilled. That fact suggests to me that all believers have a responsibility to share our story and God’s Word with those people He puts in our path. In these End Times we need to go public with our faith.
Maybe some of these thoughts will help equip you to be that messenger who can be used by the Holy Spirit to help transform a person’s life. The Apostle Paul in writing to the believers in Rome said this: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 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 10:13-14
In Eugene. H. Peterson’s Biblical Paraphrase, The Message, he gives us a good understanding as to how Jesus used the illustration in Matthew 5 about Salt and Light to talk about our role in personal evangelism.
SALT AND LIGHT
“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
Scripture is very clear about going public with our faith. Discipleship is a relational process that requires people to become actively involved in their faith. Evangelism is not just for dramatic believers, gifted orators, ordained clergy, or international missionaries. It is for everyone who proclaims to know Jesus. The Great Commission found in Matthew 28 – “Go Make Disciples”- was a command to each person who calls themselves a child of God. The encouragement we receive from God’s Word helps equip us for the mission:
- Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
- Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
- 1 Timothy 2:3-4 “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
- Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”
- Mark 16:15 This is a command “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to all creation.”
The key to sharing your faith is to be available. Why not look for opportunities this spring to proclaim your allegiance to Christ. You can do it! You need not be pushy or a zealot. All you have to do is to tell people what your life was like before Christ and after Christ.
Personal Application:
- What are a few of the most inspirational moments in your life?
- When your private world was falling apart how did Jesus help you through those difficult situations?
- What are the unique gifts, talents, and experiences God has given you that could help explain to others your gratitude, grace, and spiritual journey?
- Think about one person you know who needs to hear about Jesus. Pray that God will allow you this week to connect with that person and provide a way for you to share your story.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.