Christianity: How You Can Be a Fruitful Witness - (Part-1: Being Sure You Are a Christian)
AJ Heil
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8:00 AM
As a believer of Christ, ask yourself:
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"What is the most important experience of my life?"
Many of you will inevitably say, "Accepting and knowing Jesus as the savior of my life." You know it's the "right" answer, but how do you let it affect you?
Now ask yourself:
"What is the most important thing that I can do to help another person?"
The answer will probably be similar, "To help him or her know Christ personally [as I do]".
Yet, our answers to these questions are often not reflected in our lives. Consciously, we know that Christ is the most important thing in life, but our actions often show otherwise.
It is said that the average Christian is living a frustrated and defeated life. In fact, the vast majority of "Christians" in the world have never introduced anyone to Christ. Many would like to do so because they know in their heart that it is what God has called us to do.
Despite our conviction, doubts and worldly desires often swallow our ability to put evangelism and conversation about Jesus at the forefront of our lives. Here is a brief synopsis covering one way to have assurance and confidence in sharing your faith with the people in your life...
Personal Preparation
1. Be Sure That You Are a Christian
Much of the frustration that Christians experience is often related to having doubts and uncertainty in life; many are not sure of their present and eternal relationship with God.
You may believe in God intellectually, even from an early age, yet have never experienced new birth in Christ. You may be moral, devoutly religious, active in the church, and you may even look like a godly person to those around you - But that does not mean you are truly a Christian.
Be sure you are born again. This can only be done when, by faith, you receive the gift of God's grace which is made possible only through the Lord Jesus Christ. Commitment to Christ involves not only you intellect, but your emotions, you will, and your entire being. If you have never felt the assurance of His salvation, you must strive to acquire it.
Baptism does nothing. Religion does nothing. Reading your Bible and praying does nothing to assure that you are a Christian and that you have the gift of eternal life.
All of these things should be by-products; Mere repercussions of our faith in the life, death, resurrection, and meaning of Jesus Christ.
"For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift—not from works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9)
So often, I think that I can accomplish things by my own power; thinking that the things I do and my ideas have worth in the world - That I produce something with lasting meaning. Then I realize, that in time, all things will fade. The only things that are truly worth pursuing in this life are Holy things. After much examination, I find Jesus is the only thing that give true, pragmatic, lasting meaning to human existence.
If you have never experienced the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ - one of lasting difference and constant joy - or you have never had assurance of your salvation (consumed with doubts and guilt), I want to give you the opportunity to reconcile with Him now. Please pause for a moment and pray expressing the desires of your heart. Enter into a life of meaning and purpose - Seize the opportunity to do something of lasting significance. If the following prayer serves as an aid to you, and expresses your desire, make it yours also:
Lord Jesus, I need You. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord.
Thank you for forgiving my sins. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.
Thank You for coming into my life. The rest of my life I will thank You that You are in my life and will never leave me. thank You that I now have eternal life as You have promised me.
After you have received Him, begin each day by thanking Christ for his gift that gives your life meaning and purpose in the glory of the cross (Matthew 28:20). Find confidence in the fact that your faith allows you to acquire the gift of grace and eternal life in Christ - Seek answers to any doubts or questions you may have. Leave the things that can't be explained to faith and hope, which leads justification only by the power of God through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
"Be strong and courageous; don't be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"(1 John 1:9)
"Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Some paraphrases, citations, concepts, and wording used from the following source:
Bill Bright, Transferable Concepts: How You Can Be a Fruitful Witness (Peachtree City, GA: Campus Crusade for Christ, New Life Resources, 2009).
I will say that, from my experience, it is a very difficult thing to bring another person to Jesus. I have repeatedly asked others to come to church with me, to discuss scripture with me, to participate in mission work, etc, etc....and I cannot think of a single time that my urgings have directly resulted in an individual coming to Christ.
However, the Lord moves mysteriously. i have often been approached by someone who tells me that I made some positive impression on them years previous and that my actions (I usually do not even remember it, but they do) resulted in their becoming closer to the church or to God.
So I say this---Go forth and simply set an example of what being a Christian is all about. People will notice, although you may never know what impact you had. I believe it is the tip of the iceberg when someone tells me that I somehow made a difference for them.
Isn't that great to hear? I believe, when others provide that kind of feedback, it provides evidence that the Holy Spirit is working in your life.
Your comment reminding me of a piece of scripture I was reading and meditating on earlier this week:
"When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body."
(1 Corinthians 15:37-38)
I think scripture draws parallels to much of what you said in your comment... And I also think scripture calls us to be intentional about sharing our faith and making ourselves more fruitful witnesses, which I will definitely go on to detail in upcoming posts.
Thanks for the awesome comment!
AJ
Clint, you are so right! Many times it's the little things, and the way we live our lives.
AJ, thanks for the amazing post! This is great!