If we are going to share our faith with those around us we must be in constant awareness. We need to be aware that everyday presents an opportunity to share the Gospel and every person is a possible recipient of the Gospel.
So if we are going to approach these people we encounter with the life changing message of Jesus Christ we need to have a plan. We must be proactive in our approach. We can not wait patiently for a “sign” or lightening bolt from the sky. We must be active advancers of message of the Good News of Jesus.
To do this we must start by building a bridge to the person we want to share with. Sure there are times where we may not have time for this. We may need to go straight into the Gospel message without even knowing the person. That is a common, biblical, and necessary of way of sharing. There are also people in our lives that we encounter on a daily basis at work, school, or in our family that we must share with. Many times if we want to be effective in our sharing with these people we sometimes have to earn the right to be heard. They need to see us living our life consistently for Christ before them. We need to love them as we love ourselves. We need to take up an interest in them as a person. When we do these things many times God may use this to help prepare there heart and mind to hear what we have to share.
Once you'’ve “built the bridge” however short or long it may need to be at some point the conversation and relationship must turn. There must be a time where we approach the person about their faith and eternity. There are many ways to do this but a common and effective way is to ask them a thought provoking question about faith, God, or eternity. One that is widely used is, “What do you understand it takes for a person to go to Heaven?” You may also ask, “Do you ever think about spiritual matters?” These questions draw a response that enables you to share what God says on these subjects in His Word.
Once the conversation has been started, ask for the opportunity to share your story. Then in 3 or 4 minutes share with the person how you came to know Christ personally and how having a relationship with Him has impacted your life and eternity. Once you have shared your story ask the person if anything similar has ever happened to him or her. If the answer is yes ask them to share their story with you. If the answer is no, then you share how it can happen to them.
At this point in the conversation we must be clear and direct. We are at the most crucial point and it is important that we share the truth of the Gospel. As you share with your friend it is important to point out to them their need for a Savior. People do not understand why the Good News is “Good” News many times until they understand the bad news. The bad news is that we are all born into this world as sinners (Romans 3:10,23) and separated from a Holy God. The sin we have committed comes with a penalty and that penalty is the wrath of God (Rom. 6:23). After sharing the need for salvation with your friend you need to not leave them hanging! Share the Good News! Explain to them how Christ came into this world as 100% God and 100% man, the Son of God, and lived a perfectly sinless life. Teach them how His death on the cross satisfied the wrath of God; it paid the debt to God that we could not pay. Make sure you also share with them the Good News of how Christ three days later rose from the dead and is one day coming back to the earth. This message is Good News. It important when sharing with people that they know Jesus is not just a great way to know God or a good idea, but that He is the only way to God (John 14:6). After you have shared the message tell the person they can be brought into a right relationship with God just like you were by turning from their sins and trusting Christ as their Lord and Savior.
After you have shared the message give the person the opportunity to respond. Many people witness but never take the next step of asking the person if they would like to become a follower of Christ. If they say “yes” then encourage them to run to God in faith and allow them an opportunity to approach God in prayer and to communicate to Him the decision they are making to place their trust in and to follow Christ.
If they say “no” don’t be discouraged. You have planted a seed that may very well bear fruit one day. It is not your duty to convert people only the Holy Spirit can do that. It is our responsibility as Christians to be faithful and obedient in sharing the Good News.