The Story

As we read that first chapter of John's gospel and see Andrew finding his brother, Simon, and Philip finding his friend, Nathaniel, with news about Jesus, we see the heart of evangelism.  For most of us the call to share our faith in Christ with others is a frightening thing.  We fear being rejected.  We fear being regarded as offensive.  We fear we do not really know the right words to say.  There are many reasons why so many are hesitant about sharing their faith in Christ which often means that opportunities often fall by the wayside.   

Over the years of ministry I can remember too many sure fire plans for evangelism and sharing faith that caught fire for a few moments and then fizzled out.  Programs do not enable people to know about Christ like one person simply living out their life of faith and talking to another person.  There are no magic words which must be said.  The only ones which need to be used are the ones which come from our own heart.    

Long years ago during the Asbury Revival I remember a moment when a group of us who were traveling and sharing were given an opportunity to share our faith at Evangelical Theological Seminary.  For a group of college boys, it was a bit overwhelming to consider sharing our faith in such a setting until the one who invited us encouraged us by saying, "Simply share your story."  Each of us have a story.  It has a beginning and it also has a life which is being fleshed out each day in our walk with Christ.  This is the story which is uniquely ours that we have to share.