17 Feb 2013 by Adeline Lum-
Most of us are familiar with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) but how many of us squirm at the thought of sharing the gospel with a family member, friend or stranger?
We may think that we are only limited to bringing our friends or family members to church and letting the pastor do his or her evangelical reach. As for us, why should we try sharing the Word when we are not qualified due to lack of skills or lack of knowledge? Until the day when we’re qualified, then only should we talk about Jesus to our friends and family.
Firstly, right after Jesus commanded the Great Commission, Jesus promised that he will be with us always until the end of age (Matthew 28:20). Hence, we should not be afraid of our disqualification because He is with us in spirit. And His spirit is not of timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
And in terms of feeling qualified to share the Good News, let’s look at how Apostle Paul felt about his criteria in evangelism.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5
1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power 5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
So, what criteria did Paul think he has? He thought he was weak, fearful and even trembling. He was not an eloquent speaker nor did he know better about the testimony of God. But his inadequacy is a gift to depend on God, so that his message and preaching demonstrates the power of the Spirit, and not his own wisdom.
Nevertheless, although God does not need us to be qualified, He did expect us to be prepared to defend the reason for believing in Jesus with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). It is also important for us to be sound in our basic doctrine by ‘rightly handling the word of truth’ (2 Timothy 2:15) but not necessarily obtaining a theology degree before sharing.
Have you prepared yourself in sharing your testimony of the good works Jesus has done for you?
Basically, there are three parts of a testimony including:
1. How is your life before accepting Christ?
2. What made you accept Christ?
3. What has changed after you accepted Him?
Lastly, if you find an opportunity to share the sinner’s prayer with a friend or family member, here are three areas to cover in the form of ABC.
Admit that you’re a sinner and turn away from your sins.
Believe in your heart that Jesus died for your sins.
Confess Jesus as Lord and invite Him into your life.
Dear Viewers in Christ, if you find this article edifying to you, please share with your friends or loved ones by using the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article). The Lord will surely bless you as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you. Amen.
References for pictures:
http://tlaphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/vivian_shy_face_1920.jpg
http://s1.hubimg.com/u/1681156_f520.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7P79IP2QgB8/Tk7Zqn036PI/AAAAAAAABeY/_YcYboPSeno/s1600/proverbs_28-1.jpg
http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/webfm_send/905
http://www.theopenedbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/bible-reading.jpg
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