We share our faith daily with others through the way we live. Others look at us to see if “we practice what we preach”. They look at our actions; our re-actions; and our attitudes. But what I’m speaking of at the moment is sharing with another the how’s and why’s of becoming a Christian.
The how’s are easy enough to remember. We teach them in Sunday School regularly and in Vacation Bible School yearly. In fact, if your church purchases VBS materials through Lifeway, then you know that each year Jeff Slaughter writes a new ABC song each year.
This year’s song was called, “Why Don’t You?” Jeff began the song with John 3:16. The chorus of the song used the ABCs of Becoming a Christian:
(A) Admit to God you’re are a sinner
Repent and turn from your sin
(B) Believe that Jesus is God’s Son
And that He came into the world to save everyone
(C) Confess your faith in Jesus
As your Savior and your Lord
And choose to live your life for Him forevermore
Scripture verses associated with the ABCs are Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9-10, and 10:13. John 3:16 is also used. It has been said, John 3:16, the best known Bible verse, is the gospel in a nutshell. The Roman Road to Salvation, another popular way to share the how’s of becoming a Christian, uses these same verses.
The why’s of becoming a Christian can be and should be answered with your own personal testimony. What was your life like before knowing Christ as your personal Savior and what is your life like now? How is your life different? Write down your personal story so that you can easily share it with others.
Though well acquainted with the how’s and why’s of becoming a Christian many still find sharing their faith with others difficult. Why? Is it fear of failure or is that we are stifled by feelings of inadequacy?
The modern world preaches self-sufficiency but as Christians we are to be completely reliant upon God who “has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant,” (2 Corinthians 3:6, NIV). “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose,” (Philippians 2:13, NIV).
We are inadequate, but God is not. We are to have faith and make the effort; it is God who does the work. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ has said, “Witnessing is taking the initiative to share Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and leaving the results to God.” When Jesus was telling His disciples of coming trials they would endure, He told them, “Just say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit,” Mark 13:11, NIV.
Jesus, your Lord and Savior, has done great and wonderful things for you. Go and tell others—they are waiting to hear your story. “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,” 1 Peter 3:15, NIV.
God Bless!
