Question: I've always had a problem sharing Jesus with other young people. I'd like to change this. How do I begin to share? What do I say? What scriptures can I refer to?

Answer: Imagine making an A in your hardest class...or getting a new red convertible for your 16th birthday...or winning a million dollars in the sweepstakes. Would you talk about it? Sure! You wouldn't need anyone to teach you how!
Early Christians didn't hold "How to Witness" seminars. Instead, they witnessed out of the spontaneous and breathless excitement that comes in knowing Jesus Christ.
So, begin to witness by constantly re-evangelizing yourself. Reflect on who you are - no longer an orphan or a hopeless sinner, God is your Father. Christ has paid the price for your sins on the cross, and you've turned from self and sin to Him in faith. Now He has filled you with His Spirit and is growing you in love.
Next, ask God to give you opportunities to share Him with others. Look around you and begin to practice deeds of kindness - holding a door open, giving someone a ride, listening to someone who needs to talk, befriending the lonely.
Then, quietly insert the gospel. A question is a fine way to begin. "What's your philosophy of life?" "Do you find it fulfilling?" "Have you considered the claims of Jesus Christ?" "May I tell you what He has done for me?" "Is there any good reason why you can't accept Him right now?"
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes has a marvelous witness tool in the booklet, "More Than Winning." It's full of scripture, presents the simple plan of salvation, and should be easy for you to memorize and put into your own words. If you write to: Sharing the VICTORY, 8701 Leeds Road, Kansas City, MO 64129, they'll send you one.
- Stephen & Kathryn Crotts

Question: A friend asked me why I wear a cross around my neck. I told her, "I wear it because Jesus died on the cross." She asked me, "If one of your friends died in bed, would you wear a bed around your neck?" I don't know what to say. I wouldn't want to say something to turn her off to God, but I do want to give her a reasonable answer. What do I do?

Answer: I would say to your inquiring friend, "Thank you for asking. If you'll read Deuteronomy 6 in the Bible it asks us to be careful not to forget God. This cross in my busy life helps keep me aware of who I am and of the Lord's commitment to me. You see, even though I am a sinner, Christ took my punishment on the cross. Think of it! He'd rather hurt Himself than let me hurt! But God raised Jesus from the grave, so proving His power over sin and death. Now He asks me to believe in Him, to live in His love.
"Does this make sense to you?" I'd ask. "Not everyone who dies, dies in such a way. Would you like to study these things more deeply?"
- Stephen & Kathryn Crotts

Question: What signals from friends should we look for to bring Jesus and our testimony into a conversation?

Answer: Whenever I am in a conversation with a non-Christian, I try to look for three things.

1. Personal pain or concern - A person going through a personal trauma may be aware of the fact that they are weak and hurting and in need of divine aid. Many times people share their pain as a "feeler" for someone to reach out to them. Their pain is a chance to share my concern and - even more important - that I have someone who cares for all of my needs.
2. Any area of religion - When a person begins to speak of "God" in general terms or "church" or a particular denomination he attends or attended, I try to use the opportunity to ask questions such as, "Have you come to the place where you know for certain that you will be in heaven?" If there is honest ignorance on their part I ask them if I may share with them from the Bible how one can know that he has eternal life.
3. Moral issues - Any time an issue of marriage, divorce, morals, sex, or child rearing is brought up, I seek to share what God's Word has to say and specifically, to share how His ways have changed my life.

Question: How does a Christian know when it's the right time to share Jesus with a non-Christian friend if the friend doesn't ask about God, but does recognize your faith?

Answer: The Apostle Paul said to the Corinthians, "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). The best attitude to have toward a non-Christian is to always be looking for a receptive time to share your faith. What makes a non-Christian receptive is more how we share then when. If our lives are consistent, and our words godly and pure, and our love for them genuine, they will usually be open to us. As to when they respond - that is the business of God. Our job is to sow and water, and wait for God to bring forth fruit.
- Tom Nelson

Question: I have a friend who plays with me on the varsity basketball team who really needs Christ right now. I have asked him to come with me to church several times, but he keeps avoiding the question. What should I do?

Answer: Don't first share church with your friend, first share Christ. Questions are a good way to get started. Ask your teammate, "What's your philosophy of life?" After he finishes sharing, you might inquire, "Do you find your philosophy meaningful or are you searching for more?" You may press him on a few points by asking, "What if everyone chose to live like you?" "What does your world view understand about death?" When he's finished, you might ask two more questions, "Has anyone ever shared with you the gospel of Jesus Christ? Would you mind if I shared with you what He's done for me?" The Fellowship of Christian Athletes has a small pamphlet called More Than Winning, which presents the gospel in a simple way. You might like to keep a few on hand to give your friends and others. We've always told students, "If you'd like to pursue such deep questions, we meet together each week for an hour to look for answers, and you'd sure fit in!"
- Stephen & Kathryn Crotts

Question: How do I witness to someone who hates me?

Answer : Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:43-44). We suggest you make your words few and your deeds many. Pray for your enemy. When this person is ugly to you, turn the cheek and go the second mile with them. Never return hate for hate. Find a way to be kind to them. A cheerful greeting, asking them to help, recognition when they do something well. When they verbally abuse you, answer softly, "Is something wrong? Why do you want to hurt me?" If the situation gets too abusive, put some distance between the two of you and leave them to others.
- Stephen & Kathryn Crotts

Question: How do we explain to a friend that it takes more than just being a good guy to have your sins forgiven and to attain everlasting life when the friend acts like he doesn't want to hear it?

Answer: We don't try to. Once you have clearly explained the gospel to someone you don't hound them because they will then see our insensitivity as the gospel's unworthiness. The Bible says, "do not cast your pearls before swine." Rather than pound him by repeating the message, go to God repeatedly in prayer and wait for his heart to soften. Hopefully, he'll inquire of you.
- Tom Nelson

Question: There is so much to say when witnessing. How do I begin?

Answer: If there is one area that strikes terror into the hearts of Christians, it would be witnessing and yet it is a privilege and a command from God as "ye shall be my witnesses." Here are some points to help you get started.

1. Live a consistent life before the eyes of all people. A lifestyle must be followed by words to explain it, but a witness must be preceded by a life to support it. Others will trust a Christian even before trusting Christ.
2. Pray, pray and pray. Evangelism is the spoils of prayer. Paul prayed for protection, open doors, boldness, clarity, and responsiveness.
3. Direct the conversation. I find it is much easier to talk about Jesus after I have moved the conversation to spiritual matters. I may speak of the need for morals, one's need for someone outside of them, the world's problems, etc.
4. Look for an opportunity to share a brief testimony. I will share how I have found assurance and hope through Jesus Christ. I note the listener's response. I can tell of animosity or curiosity or apparent agreement.
5. Ask a question. My favorite is: "If you were to die today and stand before God and if He should ask you, 'Why should I let you into my heaven?' What would you say?" Only a Christian will know the true answer to this question.
6. Ask if they would like to know the Bible's answer for eternal life.

Question: How do you approach someone about Christ without throwing it in their face?

Answer: To "throw" the Gospel in someone's face involves non-Biblical actions.

1. Lack of concern: Some people witness coldly and mechanically. It is merely a duty. When one shares without a heart of love and concern it will always come across as insensitive.
2. Insensitivity: We must always respond in love to how a non-Christian is feeling. Though we don't change the context of our message we must be sensitive to the context of how we share it. Paul quoted Scripture to Jews and poems to Athenians.
3. Lack of integrity: Many simply spew the Gospel in contrast to their own lives' inconsistency. Such an error calls a person to a blind "leap-of-faith." Before we trust Christ we trust a Christian.

Question: What should I do if my roommate is a different denomination than me? Should I witness to her at the risk of offending her or leave the whole situation alone?

Answer: Within the belief in Jesus as the Son of God and salvation coming through faith in His death and resurrection we have numbers of denominations. If your roommate has truly been converted to Christ by believing in those non-negotiable points that make for true Christians, then you should simply enjoy her fellowship and not worry about challenging her church. If, however, she is truly not a Christian (of which all churches have within them), then you should share that which makes for all true Christians - the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Tom Nelson

Question: Pastors and other Christian leaders often make me feel guilty that I don't share my faith verbally. I'm the shy, quiet type who tries to live my faith in how I compete, study and treat my parents and friends. Is this enough?

Answer : The early, New Testament Christians didn't have training conferences on witnessing or arm twist one another into doing it. They talked about Christ with spontaneous excitement because their sins were forgiven, death was conquered, life had meaning, they had peace within, they could love. If I gave you 25¢, I doubt it'd make much impact on how you live. But, if I gave you $1 million, your lifestyle would probably change significantly and you'd no doubt talk to others about my generosity. Same with Christ. When he becomes your Savior and Lord, your way of living is transformed. Like you said, you study, compete and treat people differently. What a great witness! The verbal part varies. God gifts some Christians with outgoing personalities, but don't compare yourself and miss the uniqueness he's given you. Continue to let your light shine naturally, then consider asking God for the skills to talk more openly about Him. Try asking people you're close to: "what do you believe?" Does your faith satisfy? What do you think about Jesus Christ? The Lord doesn't call us all to preach but he does expect each Christian to witness in word and deed according to the personality he's given them.
- Stephen & Kathryn Crotts

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