Dial It In: Our Witness
Why We Share Our Faith
(Luke 19:10) “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
(Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
We Share Our Faith…
1. Because this is our calling in life.
(Matthew 5:13-16) “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
(2 Peter 3:9) The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
2. Because people need the Lord.
(John 3:17-18) God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. 18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.
3. Because people want the Lord.
(John 10:10) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
4. Because I once was lost.
2 Corinthians 5:14 (NIV) For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all.
(Galatians 5:22-23) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG) But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings Patience not pressing. gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Joy that overflows
Peace that subdues
Patience that endures
Kindness in action
Faith that prevails
Gentleness of heart
Strength of spirit
“I want my life to be so attractive that people who know me but don’t know God will want to know God because they know me.”
1. Recognize the moments God gives me.
(Psalm 37:23) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
2. Refocus on the manner in which I live.
Positive not negative.
John 3:16 (GNT) For God loved the world so much that he gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.
Common ground not battle ground.
(1 Corinthians 9:22) When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
Their perspective not my perspective.
(Acts 17:22-23) 22 So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, 23 for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.
Patience not Pressing
(2 Timothy 2:23-25) Don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people. They should gently teach those who oppose the truth.
Unconditional love not conditional love.
3. Relay the message of hope to a broken world.
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
When you enter that beautiful city, And the saints all around you appear, I hope that someone will say: it was you who invited me here.