WHERE DO I START?

You start by trusting God

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 says, “When I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God” 


Here Paul, the renowned apostle, revealed that the results of his preaching were not dependent on his personal skills, knowledge, or expertise but on the power of God.


Since the biblical principle applies to all of us, we can know that in order for someone to come to knowledge of Jesus Christ, it depends more on God, than our own gifts, abilities, or expectations.

HOW SHOULD I APPROACH SOMEONE?

One of the greatest obstacles for Christians with unbelievers is pride and arrogance.  It essential that we share our faith with humility.  Unbelievers are rarely offended by a Christian who humbly shares what God has done in his or her life.  When we decide to be vulnerable, honest, and real about our own mistakes, past regrets, and present challenges, it will allow people to see your weaknesses.  The great news, when people see of our weakness, they also get to see and hear about God's strength and provision.

When we are haughty, proud, and egotistical, we take the risk of creating barriers of spiritual pride.  When we give the idea to unbelievers that they are inferior to us, not only will the mostly likely reject what you say, they will also resent you and feel as if you are a hypocrite.  So this begs the question.

How many people are won to Christ when we’re filled with pride and arrogance? Very few.

WHAT SHOULD I SAY?

1 Peter 3:15 states, "But in your hearts revere 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 this with gentleness and respect."


Contrary to what many people may think, you do not have to be a theologian to share your story of redemption.  Simply put, Jesus died on the cross for you, He bore your sin and shame, and He paid the penalty of your sin.  The result?  You can inherit eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.


So, as you speak with unbelievers, may your conversation center on the person and work of Jesus Christ.  

Salvation is not meant to be complicated.  Matter of fact, God made it fairly simple when He sent Jesus Christ in bodily form to bear our judgment on His shoulders.


So, as you share your story, make sure that you can share our past life.  Our doubts, fears, mistakes, lack of purpose, sin, and hopelessness.  May they be able to see where God has brought you from.  Simply put, share that we are powerless in our life to overcome sin and death, but God made a way for us to be forgiven of sin and to walk in a new life in Him.  In essence, we can't, but God can!


WHAT SCRIPTURE CAN I SHARE?

Why are we separated from God?

As humans, we stand guilty before God because of our sin.  Although we desire to be good people, we are flawed because of our sin.


“There is no one righteous, not even one;  there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.
(Romans 3:10-11)

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)


What is the Penalty of our sin?
The penalty for our sin is death.  That means that we are condemned in our sin and will not only die physically, but spiritually as well.  

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)


Who paid our penalty?
The penalty for our sin was paid by Jesus Christ!


But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 
(Romans 5:8)

What should be our response?

If we repent and confess our sin, then proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will be saved from our sin and God's penalty will be transferred to His son, Jesus!


If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9,10)


For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)