17
Day
Try Out This Approach to Sharing the Gospel
Duane Brown , OMS Church Partners
1 Peter 3:15-16 ( NIV )
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord . Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have . But do his with gentleness and respect , keeping a clear conscience , so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander .
“ We teach our pastors never to argue with anyone when they share the Gospel .” The man who said this lives in the Middle East and is a key leader in a rapidly-growing movement of house churches . As he shared reasons for the movement ’ s swift expansion , I was struck by his statement .
How clever and unforgettable . I have repeated that simple strategy countless times .
As we seek to reach family , friends , or even strangers , let ’ s aim not to argue , even as we desire to defend our faith against a multitude of hostile and questioning people .
“ I ’ m not an evangelist . I can ’ t remember the last time I shared my faith ,” you say . But consider the many times you exhibit Christ by your deeds : you hold the door for a stranger and tell them God loves them ; you bite your tongue even though a driver cuts you off in traffic ; you bring a meal to a recently-hospitalized neighbor and tell them you ’ re serving in Jesus ’ name . By sharing Christ in these ways , you maintain a clear conscience and leave a wide-open door for more opportunities to tell others about the love of Jesus .
- 19 -