Tag: Witness

Courage to speak the truth

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JEFF TURNER

The idea of sharing one’s faith can make people feel eager, while others feel uneasy or even afraid. These reactions are not unusual. The New Testament speaks to these feelings and addresses them directly. In Romans 1, Paul says he is not ashamed of the gospel.

While some believers would agree with Paul, they also admit that speaking about their faith can make them nervous. There is an important difference between feeling anxious and feeling ashamed. Anxiety can come from the difficulty of the message itself. When speaking to someone who is trying to feel good about their life, the message of the gospel brings a hard truth. It tells them that they are sinful and stand guilty before God, facing judgment. This is not an easy way to begin a conversation, and it can make anyone feel uneasy.

When talking about salvation, there must be an understanding of what a person is being saved from. It is not about finding meaning or purpose. It is about rescue from eternal judgment because of sin. .

One helpful way to begin may be to focus first on that good news. A simple opening, such as telling someone that you have something important and good to share, can make the first step easier. From there, the deeper parts of the message can follow. In the end, the call is to move past fear and speak with honesty.

The message is serious, but it also carries hope, and that is worth sharing.

For God has not given us a spirit of [a]timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,

2 Timothy 1:7–8

Faith shared without limits

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

Some people who want to share their faith look for guidance in books and resources from the local Christian bookstore. And it is here they often find different ideas that do not always agree. Some teachings suggest a quiet approach. They say a person should prepare their heart, then wait for God to bring someone into their life who is ready to hear the message. Other teachings encourage action. They point to the words of Jesus Christ in Gospel of Matthew, where he calls his followers to go out into the world and share the good news with everyone. How are believers to speak to others about their faith? Instead of looking for a “one size fits all,” consider what the Bible says. The instruction to go into all the world does not set boundaries. It opens the door to many ways of reaching people.

Sharing the message can happen in many places and situations. It may take place from door to door, on the street, in a classroom, or between neighbours. It can happen during times of work, in moments of rest, or even in difficult settings like conflict or competition. It can grow through friendships or simple conversations. The point is that there is no limit to where or how the message can be shared. The call is to speak about it at all times and in all places.

Our faith is not limited by method, but it is guided by truth. And our focus should remain on presenting the message honestly and fully, so that those who hear it understand what it truly means.

How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”

Romans 10:14–15