When a person repents and receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the next “step” is for them to share their faith. However, an inexperienced convert is often uncomfortable trying to explain the gospel.
I remember vividly the first time I shared my faith. Mrs. White lived in a tiny apartment down below mine. I had been to Bible college for almost a semester and one of my classes was entitled, “Evangelism 101.” I had a notebook full of very specific information on how to introduce someone to the Lord and I had a heart for that sweet 80-year-old blind woman.
So, down the stairs I went, notebook in hand. I sat on her bed; she was in the only chair. I opened my notebook, laid it across my lap and began to read the information. Since she couldn’t see, I just kept reading the “instructions” for becoming a follower of Christ. She was deeply engaged and soon began to cry.
I went through the scriptures as outlined in my notebook. Did she understand that she was a sinner? Yes! Did she comprehend Christ’s suffering and the gift of salvation? Yes! Was she ready to put her faith in Jesus? Yes!
So, it was time for her to pray. The notebook said to have the person kneel and so ignorantly, I made her drag her crippled body down onto the floor but you should have heard her prayer! It was amazing and I can’t wait to meet up with Mrs. White in glory!
Without that notebook I would not have been able to share my faith. I was willing but spiritually ignorant and untrained, much like the blind man in John 9. When he was asked about the details of his miraculous healing, he answered straight forwardly. “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed and now I see.”
He wasn’t prepared to give a full theological report. He did not have an extensive background in the scriptures. He didn’t even know what Jesus looked like. (Think about that.)
He just knew what happened to him. He couldn’t give a full assessment of the Biblical effect of the encounter. He could just tell His story, “I was blind. Now I can see.”
This week is a great time for all of us to do the same. Instead of worrying about our theological deficits, let’s just determine to share our faith. Let’s tell our story. Our salvation is a unique experience that the Son of God has wrought in our hearts. It is powerful. It is meaningful. And we need to share it.
Maybe we could grab a cup of coffee with a friend and begin something like this, “Jesus has made an incredible difference in my life, can I share my story?” And watch what the Holy Spirit can do!
I remember vividly the first time I shared my faith. Mrs. White lived in a tiny apartment down below mine. I had been to Bible college for almost a semester and one of my classes was entitled, “Evangelism 101.” I had a notebook full of very specific information on how to introduce someone to the Lord and I had a heart for that sweet 80-year-old blind woman.
So, down the stairs I went, notebook in hand. I sat on her bed; she was in the only chair. I opened my notebook, laid it across my lap and began to read the information. Since she couldn’t see, I just kept reading the “instructions” for becoming a follower of Christ. She was deeply engaged and soon began to cry.
I went through the scriptures as outlined in my notebook. Did she understand that she was a sinner? Yes! Did she comprehend Christ’s suffering and the gift of salvation? Yes! Was she ready to put her faith in Jesus? Yes!
So, it was time for her to pray. The notebook said to have the person kneel and so ignorantly, I made her drag her crippled body down onto the floor but you should have heard her prayer! It was amazing and I can’t wait to meet up with Mrs. White in glory!
Without that notebook I would not have been able to share my faith. I was willing but spiritually ignorant and untrained, much like the blind man in John 9. When he was asked about the details of his miraculous healing, he answered straight forwardly. “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed and now I see.”
He wasn’t prepared to give a full theological report. He did not have an extensive background in the scriptures. He didn’t even know what Jesus looked like. (Think about that.)
He just knew what happened to him. He couldn’t give a full assessment of the Biblical effect of the encounter. He could just tell His story, “I was blind. Now I can see.”
This week is a great time for all of us to do the same. Instead of worrying about our theological deficits, let’s just determine to share our faith. Let’s tell our story. Our salvation is a unique experience that the Son of God has wrought in our hearts. It is powerful. It is meaningful. And we need to share it.
Maybe we could grab a cup of coffee with a friend and begin something like this, “Jesus has made an incredible difference in my life, can I share my story?” And watch what the Holy Spirit can do!
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.