A Call to Share Jesus in a Skeptical World

More Than Words: The Compelling Call to Share Jesus in a Skeptical World

In an increasingly secular and often cynical world, the thought of sharing our faith in Jesus Christ can evoke a spectrum of emotions. For some, it’s a burning passion, an undeniable urge to declare the good news. For others, it’s a source of anxiety, a fear of rejection, awkwardness, or simply not knowing what to say. Yet, at the heart of Christian discipleship lies an undeniable, unwavering mandate: to share the message of hope, transformation, and eternal life found only in Jesus Christ.

This isn’t merely about evangelism programs or rehearsed speeches; it’s about a lifestyle of spiritual overflow, a natural byproduct of a heart captivated by Christ. It’s about more than words – it’s about a compelling, Spirit-empowered invitation to experience the radical love and truth that has redefined our own lives.

We will delve deep into the biblical imperative for sharing our faith, exploring not just why we should, but how we can do so effectively, authentically, and courageously in our modern context, all rooted firmly in the timeless truths of God’s Word.

The Unmistakable Mandate: Why We Share

The call to share our faith is not an optional extra for the super-spiritual; it’s woven into the very fabric of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

1. The Great Commission: A Non-Negotiable Command. The most explicit and undeniable command comes from Jesus Himself. In His final instructions to His disciples before His ascension, He declared: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a divine imperative. “Go therefore” implies movement, intentionality, and a global scope. “Make disciples” is the ultimate goal, not just converts.

This command is echoed in other Gospel accounts:

• Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
• Luke 24:46-48: “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
• Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

These verses collectively paint a clear picture: as followers of Christ, we are called to be His witnesses, to proclaim His message, and to participate in His mission of making disciples globally.

2. The Compelling Nature of the Gospel. The message we carry is not merely good advice; it is the ultimate good news. It addresses humanity’s deepest problem – sin and separation from God – and offers God’s ultimate solution – reconciliation through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This message of salvation from eternal condemnation, forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal life in God’s presence is so profoundly good that to withhold it would be unloving.

Paul expressed this urgency: “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting, for necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). This “necessity” isn’t a burden but a holy compulsion driven by the love of Christ.

3. The Love of Christ Compels Us. “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). When we truly grasp the depth of Christ’s love for us – how He laid down His life while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) – our hearts are compelled to share that love with others. It’s not about earning God’s favor, but overflowing from the favor we’ve already received.
4. The Destiny of Humanity. The Bible makes it clear that there are only two eternal destinations: eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him. “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This sobering reality underscores the urgency of sharing the Gospel. While salvation is God’s sovereign work, He uses human instruments to proclaim His truth. Knowing that people without Christ are lost provides a powerful motivation to speak up.

More Than Words: A Lifestyle of Witness

While there are times for direct proclamation, sharing our faith is far more encompassing than a one-time conversation. It’s a lifestyle, a way of being that consistently points to Jesus.

1. Live a Life Worth Emulating (and Questioning): Our actions often speak louder than our words. When our lives consistently reflect the character of Christ, it creates curiosity and opens doors for conversation. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

This means cultivating the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). When we exhibit these qualities in a world often characterized by their opposites, people notice. Our integrity in business, our peace in turmoil, our joy in suffering, our patience in exasperation – these are powerful testimonies.

2. Be Prepared to Give a Reason for Your Hope: Peter exhorts us: “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). This implies two things:

• A “Reason for the Hope”: We need to know what we believe and why we believe it. This doesn’t mean having all the answers to every theological conundrum, but being able to articulate the core tenets of the Gospel and how Christ has transformed our lives.
• “With Gentleness and Respect”: Our posture is crucial. We are not called to win arguments or belittle others’ beliefs, but to share truth in love, honoring the individual, even when disagreeing with their worldview. Aggression or arrogance repels; humility and genuine care attract.

3. Practice Hospitality and Build Relationships: Jesus spent time with people. He ate with sinners, engaged with outcasts, and shared life with His disciples. Hospitality creates a space for genuine connection and trust to develop. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). Inviting neighbors for a meal, offering a listening ear to a colleague, being genuinely interested in people’s lives – these are foundational to sharing faith effectively. People rarely care what you know until they know that you care.
4. Pray Fervently for Opportunities and for People: Prayer is the engine room of evangelism. We pray for open doors, for softened hearts, for boldness, and for the Holy Spirit to prepare the way. “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak” (Colossians 4:2-4). Pray specifically for the salvation of your friends, family, and colleagues.

Overcoming Obstacles: Addressing Common Fears

Many believers struggle with sharing their faith. Let’s address some common fears and how the Bible provides solutions.

1. Fear of Rejection/Awkwardness:

• Biblical Perspective: Jesus Himself was rejected (John 1:11). The apostles faced persecution (Acts 5:40-41). Rejection of the message is not a rejection of you, but often a rejection of Christ. Our identity is in Him, not in the outcome of our evangelistic efforts. Focus on faithfulness, not results. “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).
• Practicality: Start small. Share a snippet of your testimony. Ask open-ended questions. Practice with trusted friends. Remember, it’s about planting seeds, not necessarily seeing the harvest instantly.

2. Not Knowing Enough/Feeling Inadequate:

• Biblical Perspective: God uses ordinary people. Peter and John were “uneducated, common men” (Acts 4:13), yet they spoke with boldness because they had been with Jesus. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit, not our eloquence or theological depth, that transforms hearts. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
• Practicality: Focus on your personal testimony: what God has done in your life. No one can argue with your experience. Learn a simple Gospel presentation. Don’t feel pressured to have all the answers; it’s okay to say, “That’s a good question, I’d have to look into that.”

3. Fear of Offending Someone:

• Biblical Perspective: The Gospel is offensive to the natural man because it exposes sin and demands repentance. “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). However, while the message may offend, our delivery should be loving and respectful (1 Peter 3:15).
• Practicality: Focus on building rapport. Listen more than you speak. Ask questions to understand their worldview and concerns. Present the Gospel as good news, not a judgmental condemnation.

4. “It’s Not My Personality”:

• Biblical Perspective: God uses all kinds of personalities. Some are bold evangelists, others are quiet encouragers. We are all called to be witnesses, but how that manifests will vary. “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6-8). Witnessing is a spiritual gift, but it’s also a commanded act of obedience for all believers.
• Practicality: Identify your natural strengths. Are you a good listener? Are you naturally hospitable? Do you have strong relationships? Leverage those. For some, sharing faith might be inviting someone to church; for others, it might be a deep theological discussion.

The Role of the Holy Spirit: Our Essential Partner

We are not alone in this mission. The Holy Spirit is our indispensable partner in sharing the Gospel.

• He Convicts: “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). It is the Holy Spirit who opens blind eyes and softens hard hearts. We plant the seed, but He gives the growth.
• He Empowers: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). He gives us the courage, the words, and the wisdom we need.
• He Guides: He leads us to the right people at the right time. He provides the “divine appointments.” “And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them” (Acts 16:7).

Our responsibility is to be available, obedient, and reliant on Him.

Practical Steps to Start Sharing Your Faith

1. Cultivate a Vibrant Relationship with Jesus: This is the absolute prerequisite. A deep, personal walk with Christ will naturally overflow into sharing Him.
2. Pray Specifically: Pray for divine appointments, for boldness, for wisdom, and for the hearts of those you want to reach.
3. Identify Your “Oikos”: This Greek word refers to your household or sphere of influence (family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, schoolmates). These are the natural relationships where you already have trust.
4. Listen and Ask Questions: Be genuinely interested in people’s lives, their struggles, their hopes, their beliefs. Look for “spiritual thirst.”
5. Share Your Story (Testimony): Practice clearly and concisely sharing what your life was like before Christ, how you came to faith, and how your life is different now. Make it personal and authentic.
6. Learn a Simple Gospel Outline: Be able to explain the core message of sin, God’s love, Christ’s death and resurrection, and the call to repentance and faith.
7. Invite: Invite people to church, to a small group, to a Christian event, or to read a Christian book.
8. Be Patient and Persistent: Evangelism is often a process, not an event. Plant seeds, water them, and trust God for the harvest.
9. Partner with Your Church: Participate in your church’s outreach efforts, training, and prayer initiatives.
10. Live Authentically: Be the same person at home, at work, and at church. Let your life be a consistent reflection of Christ’s love.

The Enduring Joy of Sharing

While the journey of sharing our faith can present challenges, the joy and privilege of participating in God’s redemptive plan are unparalleled. There is profound joy in seeing lives transformed, in witnessing repentance and faith, and in welcoming new brothers and sisters into the family of God. “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).

Sharing our faith is not just a duty; it’s a profound expression of love – love for God and love for lost humanity. It is the very heart of the Christian mission. Let us, therefore, shake off fear, embrace our calling, and step out in faith, knowing that the Spirit of the Living God empowers us to be His compelling witnesses in a world desperately searching for hope. The message we carry is more vital than ever, and our willingness to share it can literally change eternal destinies. Let’s make the most of every opportunity, for the glory of God and the expansion of His Kingdom.