Yikes, Do I need to tell people about Jesus?! (High School 11-9-11)

“When do you start really sharing your faith with your friends?” was the question asked on Wednesday night.  When do we make Jesus an important part of our conversation with the people we meet?  And how do we go about leading someone to Christ so they can become a Christian?   Joe wanted to get us talking about when “Do” we talk about our faith with our friends and people we come in contact with on a daily basis. 

If we are truly followers of Christ, then we will want to share His story with others.  Sometimes, it is hard to share our faith for many reasons like; we don’t want our friends to think we are freaks, we may be shy, maybe we don’t know what to say, or maybe we are afraid we will say something wrong.  The reasons are endless for why we don’t share or faith.  However, if we really love Jesus then we will share Him with others even if it is hard; because we know how great His love is for His creation (Jn 3:16) and to be obedient to His Word (Matt. 28:19).

John 3:16

 ¹⁶ “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Matthew 28:19

¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

If we know information (The Good News) that will help those around us live full and happy lives why would we keep that to ourselves?  Doesn’t that seem a little selfish?  At some point in all our relationships (friendships, co-workers and acquaintances) they should find out that we are a Christian.  Of course, it should be evident in the way that we live and conduct ourselves.  But, we need to speak about our God to those around us.  God’s word says that we need to be a light in the darkness. 

Matthew 5:14-17

 ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

But how do I tell others about Christ?  I think some of the students were a little freaked out when Joe put them on the spot and said, “Lead me to Christ right now!”  It was good to challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort spot and tell Joe about the one who has saved us.   We came up with two different ways and I will add a third.

1.      Invite them to church and let the Pastor do it!

This can be an easy way of sharing your faith however; it cannot be something you solely rely on.  Each person we talk to may need something different.  They may need to know Christ right then.  They may not feel comfortable going to a church yet.  Reasons are endless as to why this cannot be the only way to share your faith.  But, it still is a good way and effective way of letting them hear about Jesus.

2.      Tell them the plan of salvation!

Maybe, you heard about the ABC’s of salvation in Sunday school when you were a kid…it still is a great reference in helping us to remember to lead someone to Christ.

A  Admit you are a sinner.
"There is no one righteous, not even one ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:10,23. (See Romans 5:8; 6:23.)

Ask God's forgiveness.
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Romans 10:13

B   Believe in Jesus
(put your trust in Him) as your only hope of salvation.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (See John 14:6.)

Become a child of God by receiving Christ.
"To all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12 (See Revelation 3:20.)

C    Confess that Jesus is your Lord.
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 (See verse 10.)

3.      Share your testimony. (this is my personal addition)

Sometimes, just sharing how you came to be a Christ follower is all you need to say.  It is important to build relationships with the people that come into our lives.  We do that by being real and genuine.  If we honestly follow Christ then we will care about His people.   Not to get another “Tally Mark” that says, “I lead that one to Christ” like we are in some kind of competition; but, rather out of care we must tell others about Jesus’ big love for them.  To simply sum up, if you asked Christ to be a part of your life share how you did that!

It is then important to lead them to a “Bible” believing church, get them a Bible (have them start reading in John or the other gospels) and begin the process of discipling  (growing in their faith and knowledge of Jesus)

Whew that was long!!!!!  But, we had some really great discussion.  Let’s take the time this week and share Jesus with others and invite them to the Jesus Hut!

Get Joy!  See you next week! 
Pastor Christina