What do you think of this short video on evangelism?  

What thoughts does it bring to mind?

Why is there such a passive and suppressive stigma associated with Christian evangelism and how can we actively work to change it?  

On a daily basis, I run into people that profess to be Christians;  People that, amidst the same breath, actively condemn the behavior of those around them.  More often than not, these 'Christians' do this by pointing to actions and choices that appear to be undoubtedly wrong and sinful.  Such things as premarital sex, making fun of other people, hurting others, swearing, and clothing choices (or lack thereof) rise to the top of this list.

Without falter, the condemned actions and behaviors are being labeled in the lives of people that are non-Christians and those who would, likely, never profess to be Christians.  Over and over again, I hear the constant chatter concerning those individuals that partied last weekend, consumed alcohol to the point of drunkenness, and acted sexually immoral.  It is SO common for these stories, and the condemnation of this behavior that follows, to be heard from people who refer to themselves as Christians.

Condemning sin in non-Christians is senseless, useless, and not worth gossiping about.
Yet it is so common.

1. Pray

2. Go

Along with personal preparation, 'taking the initiative' to share your faith can also be broken down into several 'steps' in order to make it a more tangible and practical concept. The first of these steps is prayer - An absolutely essential element when involved in evangelism!  The second step on initiative involves taking the time and performing the actions to directly share your faith with others. 

"But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed,  but set apart the Messiah as Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.  However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame."  (1 Peter 3:14-16) (HCSB)

Scripture actively commands us to bare witness of our faith to people that we interact with.  By sharing the reason for the love that we display as Christians, we are able to evangelize directly to those around us.  

I don't know about you, but many times in my life, this seems like quite a tough calling.

It is convicting to me because I then realize that my relationship with Christ is not where it should be...

Where I should want it to be.  

So how do we acquire the hope and defense that Peter is talking about in this passage?

Very few professing Christians are actively witnessing and sharing Christ with others on a regular basis.  When done with the right motives, sharing Christ with others can boldly show that Christ is at the pinnacle of your life.  However, when witnessing is done for the wrong reasons, out of a feeling of obligation and not joyously through repentance, rejection and hostility may be a common response to the message that you have to give.

You may be taking time to witness every week to people in your life, but still be living as a worldly, carnal individual. In the same way, you may be spending hours in prayer and Bible study every day, but still not be living for the cause of Christ.

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Witnessing and evangelism must be done for the right reasons and through the right motives - Not for self gain, to appear better than others, to look like a "Good Christian", to be an example to others, to feel like you accomplished something worthwhile, to be affirmed in your salvation - No, none of these things.  Witnessing must be done solely for the cause of Christ in order that God may be eternally glorified and honored through your life, death, and the age to come.

In order to witness effectively, you need to learn to rely on the power and work of the Holy Spirit, and not on your own abilities, to effectively exemplify Christ in word and action.

So, how do we become filled by the Spirit?
And how do we know when we are filled by the Spirit?

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...