Kingdom Expansion- ( How to lead others to Christ)
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The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;
And he that winneth souls is wise.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
I read a survey that 95% of believers never lead another person to Christ (BAMA survey 2021)
61 % of believers have never shared their faith.
This coincides with the words of Jesus Matt 9:35-38
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
What keeps believers from sharing their faith?
Do know-how ( Share your testimony)
Not empowered by the Holy Spirit- (lay before God)- Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Feel like they are not a good example ( Repent and confess sin)
Do not want to offend others- ( Be wise and gentle) - Matt 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Here are four reasons you should share your faith …
1. It’s good for your heart. Every time you share the gospel with others you are also sharing it with yourself. Sharing your faith is a reminder of how good God has been to you. The gospel tells us that we are loved, valued, adopted, freed, and forgiven in Christ. It does the heart good to remind ourselves that we don’t have to work for God’s approval because we are already fully accepted by God in Christ!
2. It builds a healthy church. Churches that don’t share Jesus die. The mission of the church is to make followers of Jesus and that starts with leading people to a relationship with Him. It’s also evidence that a church is maturing in its faith when they make evangelism a priority. Jesus commanded us to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
, Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
, so people who are growing in their faith share Jesus out of love and obedience to Him.
3. It blesses the world around us. Sharing your faith tells the world that you care about them. Evangelism is at its core compassionate because it seeks to rescue those who realize how broken and helpless they are apart from Jesus. People need Jesus. When you share Jesus with your neighbor or a co-worker or a student in class with you or a family member you are demonstrating your love for them. This is why we want to generously bless those around us in the way that we serve so that the message we speak is affirmed by the way that we live! 2 Tim 4:5
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
4. It pleases God. Obeying God pleases God (1 Samuel 15:22
And Samuel said,
Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to hearken than the fat of rams.
, Heb 13:21)! God desires people to trust in Jesus (2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
, and when they do heaven throws epic parties (Luke 15:10 So when you joyfully share your faith with people that God desires to be saved it brings great pleasure to Him. In the same way children desire to please their parents because they are loved by their parents, we also desire to please God because we are loved by God!
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
The next time you are struggling to share your faith with someone God places in front of you, remember that the benefits far outweigh the costs!
1. KINDNESS GOES A LONG WAY.
1. KINDNESS GOES A LONG WAY.
This may seem obvious, but too often when Christians share the faith, it turns into a heated argument. The cross is offensive enough. When I share the faith, I need to make sure that I am respectful and kind. I know plenty of people who have turned away from Christianity even though they think it’s true, because church people were jerks. As you seek to share your faith in a kind way, you may be surprised that people are more willing to listen.
2. HONESTY SHOWS AND GAINS RESPECT.
2. HONESTY SHOWS AND GAINS RESPECT.
Some people who share their faith put on a character. They become “spiritual.” This “spiritual” person never doubts, worries, or sins. This “spiritual” person always loves Jesus more than life. This “spiritual” person doesn’t respect people enough to say, “I don’t know the answer to that question.” This “spiritual” person is afraid to admit that he or she may need to learn something about what others think.
Too many Christians are afraid to be honest. They fear that honesty will lose people’s respect. It doesn’t. The truth is that honesty often gains respect. When Christians treat people as people and not as numbers or “sinners,” they often gain respect. When Christians admit their sin, when they ask for forgiveness after failing to show kindness, they often gain respect. Don’t be afraid to be honest.
3. ORDINARY CONVERSATIONS MATTER MOST.
3. ORDINARY CONVERSATIONS MATTER MOST.
You don't need a formula, a method, or a program to share the faith. You need to have ordinary, honest, kind, and respectful conversations about the faith. Try this: ask people if they would like to talk about Christianity. Sometimes just asking, “Can I talk with you about Jesus?” opens people up.
If people don't want to talk, you probably won't persuade them by raising your voice or trying to force them. Respect their decision. Remember that these conversations are hard for people. To have serious conversations with some people, you need to gain a certain level of trust. Frustration, anger, or force will only push those people away. Be patient. Make yourself available. Don't worry.
4. YOU CAN ONLY SHARE WHAT YOU KNOW.
4. YOU CAN ONLY SHARE WHAT YOU KNOW.
I have found that a big reason most people fail to share their faith is because they know very little about the faith. Think of it like a language. It is much easier to read a foreign language than to speak it. It is much easier to hear and understand the gospel than to teach it and talk about it. To talk about the gospel—to share it—requires a certain amount of gospel fluency. It takes regular Scripture reading and prayer to attain gospel fluency. Too many Christians haven’t given enough time to learn the faith. When you take the time to read Scripture, pray, and study the Christian faith, you will discover that you, too, will have much to say about God and the gospel.
5. SHARE THE ACTUAL GOSPEL.
5. SHARE THE ACTUAL GOSPEL.
The message we share with people is not about hell, morality, or the church. Hell, morality, and church are important. But the message of the gospel—that which is of first importance—is that Jesus came to save sinners. You don't really need to convince people that they are sinners. You don't need to ask them if they keep the Ten Commandments. Tell them about what Jesus did on the cross. The fact that Jesus suffered and died on the cross is evidence enough that there is something wrong with the world. Most people have a sense that there is something wrong with their life. Talk about what Jesus came to do and why he came to do it. Start with Jesus, and you might be surprised how many people will grant that they are sinners who need a savior.
6. DON'T TALK TOO MUCH. LISTEN.
6. DON'T TALK TOO MUCH. LISTEN.
Whenever I share my faith, there is a lot I want to say. I want to tell people about Jesus’ perfect life. I want to talk about his crucifixion. I want to speak about the glorious resurrection, but I have to remember that a conversation is not a speech. I am not giving a sermon. I’m supposed to have a conversation. Throw out the agenda, and give up on trying to get in all you want to say. Trust God. Enjoy the conversation.
7. PLAY THE LONG-GAME. PERSEVERE.
7. PLAY THE LONG-GAME. PERSEVERE.
Becoming a Christian can take a long time. Sometimes when people hear the gospel, they immediately believe it and become Christians. The Holy Spirit's regenerating work of creating faith happens in an instant, but only God can see that. You and I see people questioning, learning, doubting, and believing. No one believes everything all at once, because no one can learn it all at once. There is a lot to learn in Christianity.
We should expect people to take time to ask questions and to express doubts. Learning takes time. This is why sharing the faith is not something Christians do once. Whenever a pastor preaches, he should be reminding the congregation of the mercy and love of God in sending Jesus Christ to die and rise for sinners. As Christians, you and I will be learning the gospel for the rest of our lives. As you share your faith, trust God to save your friends and family in his timing.
CONCLUSION ( Would like to receive Christ as LORD and Savoir today)
CONCLUSION ( Would like to receive Christ as LORD and Savoir today)
In sharing the faith, like me, you will often fail. It happens. Don’t worry about it. When you fail to show kindness, to speak honestly, to be authentic, to share the gospel message, to listen, or to display patience, admit your fault and ask for forgiveness. Remember, God draws straight lines with a crooked stick.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.