YOUR STORY CAN MOVE OTHERS TO CHRIST

Each Christian has a personal story of how he/she came to know Jesus in a personal, life-changing way. You can use your personal testimony to spread the Gospel of Christ.

Telling others about Jesus:

Use your testimony. Even if you had a less-than-dramatic experience in becoming a Christian, it is still important. You can talk about how the Lord is changing your life on a daily basis. Tell how He is helping you raise your children or do your job. This is particularly helpful if you sense a similar need in your friend.

Your story has power. First, it's personal. You don't have to memorize Bible verses, or worry about telling it correctly. Second, it is conversational. It's not a sermon. It can be shared over a cup of coffee or after a round of golf. Third, no one can dispute it. If you have joy, peace, and love in your life as a result of knowing Christ, that will be evident. Fourth, it is interesting. It's natural for friends to want to know more about each other. Even if your friend is antagonistic to the Gospel, he/she may still be interested in why you value your relationship with a man named Jesus.

Plan your testimony. You can use Paul's testimony in Acts 26 as your outline. (1) Tell about your life before Christ. You don't need to go into embarrassing detail, but you do need to be frank enough about your story so that those who hear it can compare the you back then with the you right now. (2) Describe the conversion experience that you had. Be honest and genuine and provide the relevant details. After all, this is when you receive the gift of eternal life. (3) Explain what your life is like now. What have you stopped doing, or started doing as a result of your new life?

Point people to Jesus. This is your story, but it has meaning only because Jesus is part of it. The purpose of your story is so that the other person will come to Christ.

Clearly explain the Gospel message. Take pains to explain the Gospel clearly and simply. It's easy to get caught up in the emotion of reliving your life-changing story, but the real story is the Gospel.

Share several key Scripture verses. You'll probably want to share John 3:16; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; John 14:6; and John 1:12. Add any favorite verses you may have.

Avoid abstract Christian terms. As a test, define the following terms as simply as you can, so your non-Christian friends understand them: saved, born again, sin, faith, repentance, receive Christ, lost, eternal life.

Explain how you actually received Christ. Share enough detail so the other person will know what to do if he/she has the desire to know Christ. Often, not knowing the logistics of receiving Christ keeps people from doing what their hearts long for.

Dan Owens has been with the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association for 10 years, originally as a crusade director and now as the team's first full-time associate evangelist. He also serves as LPEA's Director of Training for Evangelism and Discipleship.

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