Ask Meredith - Question #1

Question: What do you say to people when you tell others about Jesus Christ?

Answer: I was recently in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip and was really challenged about sharing my faith in a way that is clear, not only overseas but even more so at home with the people I encounter every day. While in the DR, we would visit towns and villages during the day and simply strike up a conversation with those we met. I remember reading a Spanish tract to a group of kids that had gathered in a certain village and then asking the kids if they understood what Jesus had done for them and if they wanted to give their lives to Christ. There were some instances where I would just walk up to someone and ask them if they had a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is very important to explain that Jesus is the only way to get to the Father (John 14:6) because many people think that if they only believe in God it is enough, but even demons believe in God (James 2:19). Others think that their works will get them to heaven, if their good deeds outweigh their bad. But the Bible tells us that our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) and that we are only saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

A few months ago I struck up a conversation with a girl behind the counter of the Fossil store in the mall and somehow we got on the subject of Christian music and how my husband plays keys for Jeremy Camp. Jeremy happened to be doing a show in Chicago that night so I invited her to the concert and later to Harvest, our home church. The first Sunday at Harvest after the service, she grabbed me and began to sob, exclaiming "This is what I've been searching for!" After about a month of conversations about salvation through Jesus alone and her coming to Harvest, she came to know the Lord AND got baptized in the same day! The Lord totally dropped her in my lap, and I have never seen someone so eager and searching for Truth. She is now a growing believer and telling others at her work about her Savior, Jesus.

When you share your faith, it is important to convey the love of Jesus from the sincerity of your heart versus preaching at someone in hopes of 'converting' them. Many times when you are intentional about building a relationship with someone the Lord has laid on your heart, they will not recognize and accept their need for Jesus right away. But as you speak truth in love with your words and match those words with your life, they will see the light of Christ in you. There are a couple of practical ways to share your faith that are easy to remember. The first one is ABC: Accept that you are a sinner, Believe that Jesus died for your sins, Confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Savior. Another way is what is called the "Romans Road" in which you share Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, and Romans 10:9-10 and explain the deep need in all of us for a Savior and that the only way to receive redemption and salvation from our sins is to believe and confess Jesus as the Lord of our lives. You can always share your personal experience of how Jesus has saved you and changed your life. Always be looking for opportunities to share the Gospel with those you come in contact with, for YOU are the light of the world and God is longing to reach others with His love through YOU!