This past Sunday we closed our series Discount Devotion, where we learned how to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus. Our focus this week was on sharing our faith. Here is a quick recap of the message.
1. In order to share our faith we have to overcome the lies that the enemy places in our head. Our faith is not designed to be private. It's designed to impact others. You are good enough to share, it just takes practice. You aren't too messed up to share, everyone has their issues...it's our common denominator. It is your place to share, and your responsibility. If God has done something in your life that has changed you, why would you not want to share that with others?
2. We discussed 5 ways that you can begin sharing your faith. Some are obvious, while others...not so much. But all 5 of these can make a major impact in drawing people to Jesus. Here they are.
1. Share your story: don't compare your stories to others. It's your story. Own it. What were you like before your relationship with Jesus? What got your attention to your need for a relationship with Jesus? What make you want to commit to a relationship? And finally...what has a relationship with Jesus done in your life? Share your story.
2. Be Kind. You will never lead someone to Jesus that you don't value. You will never lead someone to Jesus that you aren't kind to. It just makes no logical sense to be mean or rude to someone as an effort to show them a loving & compassionate God.
3. Know the true Gospel. Know what Scripture actually says about what Jesus did for you. This isn't a works based faith that requires Jesus' sacrifice + your works. That's not what Scripture decribes. The Gospel is entirely about what Jesus did for us. Know that. Believe that. Stop making it more than that because you will make it so much harder on yourself than it is supposed to be.
4. Pray for lost people. This is a simple one, but it is often overlooked. We get so focused & consumed on self that we forget there are people dying & going to hell every day around us. Pray for them. Ask God to place specific people on your heart, then connect with them about ways you can be praying for them. God will draw you to the people you are praying for.
5. Invite people to church. Easy right? But we don't do it nearly enough. As we head into Easter most people are more willing to respond to an invite than any other time of the year. Use the season as an opportunity to invite the people you care about. Let's partner together to make h