Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1515288
Keep This Page In Your Saddlebags! Billy Graham Crusade Editor's Note: BSHDFC is a Christian motorcycle ministry. That means that our #1 agenda is to live a solid Christian witness AND #2 to share our faith with others the best we can. Here are some simple things to remember. You might even want to keep this page in your saddlebags. Are you afraid to share your faith because you don't know what to say? Maybe you're sharing the Gospel but nothing is happening; people aren't committing their lives to Christ. Are you doing something wrong? You can't open someone's heart to the truth of the Gospel—but God can, by His Spirit. Remember, God does not call the equipped; He equips the called—and as Christians, we are all called to share what Christ has done in our lives. Some of Christ's last words on earth were, "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Sharing our faith isn't just a suggestion, it's a command. And God is with us when we obey Him. One of the best ways to share your faith is to live a godly life yourself. Be a good example! Non-Christians often look at Christians as hypocrites because we say one thing but do another. Show those close to you that you care— spend time with them, help meet their needs and offer to listen when they have problems. You might not be able to answer all of their questions, but they can't deny the reality of what Christ has done (is doing) in your life. 1. Tell them about God's plan: God loves you and wants you to experience the peace and life He offers. The Bibl e says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). He has a plan for you. 2. Share our common problem—separation from God. Being at peace with God is not automatic. By nature, we are all separated from Him. The Bible says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Roman s 3:23). God is holy, but we are human and don't measure up to His perfect standard. We are sinful, and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). 3. Talk about God's remedy—the cross. God's love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, "'He Himself bore our sins' in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; 'by His wounds you have been healed'" (1 Peter 2:24). 4. Our response—receive Christ. You cross the bridge into God's family when you accept Christ's free gift of salvation. The Bible says, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). To receive Christ, a person needs to do 5 things: l Admit you're a sinner. l Sincerely ask forgiveness. l Be willing to turn away from your sins. l Believe that Christ died for you on the cross. l Receive Christ into your heart and life. Romans 10:13 says, "Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." Here's a prayer you can pray to receive Christ: "Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In your name, amen." 3 Final Thoughts for Black Sheep 1. Understand that your own life is a great part of your witness. If my relationship with Christ isn't vital, then I really don't have a lot to share. People not only listen to your words, they look at your life. We still fail and aren't always a good example, so our only hope is to come to God and surrender it all to Him again. 2. Realize that we earn the right to be heard by caring and sincerely listening to others. Everyone has a story. You can't just blunder into a situation and callously share without first listening first. The Bible says that Jesus was a friend of sinners. That's our example—to be a friend, to listen to people, to sincerely care about their eternal soul. 3 . Keep it simple. The Gospel is already simple. Christ died for our sins. He was buried. He rose again. We need to turn away from the things that are wrong in our lives, and accept what Jesus did on the cross for us and receive Him as Lord. Don't complicate it. So many times we throw in things like our denomination or other doctrines or we use religious terms that a lot of people don't understand. We end up confusing them and creating barriers. Explain the Gospel in a way that people can understand. b