How to tell people you believe?

We tell people how we believe by our every day actions and manners, and when called by the Spirit, to use words.

Emsmom1 said:

As I mentioned in my other thread, I am a new believer. I am wondering how to tell people? The vast majority of my friends are non-believers. I told one of my best friends "I believe in Jesus," but I don't think I did a great job explaining-he seemed both bewildered and a little amused. And my parents will be so happy but I am reluctant to tell them. I think part of it is admitting they were right (I'm still rebellious enough to not want to admit that!) and the other part is the fact that my mom is incredibly intrusive (used to read my diaries, listen to my phone calls, etc.) and will ask me a million questions and I'm not up for that right now. I guess that's kind of selfish.
And there is my other best friend who is a scientist who will probably think I've lost my mind. I don't know how to tell her.
Any advice is appreciated. Again, I am new to all this.

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Many possible situations. We should pay attention to how we feel led.

With someone I think already knows the gospel (usually an older person) I might say something like ,
"We all need forgiveness. It's good Christ came to save us!"

For someone I think doesn't yet know the gospel well but has a hint, but if I sense skepticism, and little room to say much, I might like to sometimes say widely agreed on universal truths which also point to Christ. For instance, "Look at human nature, and you see why we needed a Redeemer."

As the answer just above says, the spirit helps us at times feel we need to say something, and we might be surprised (or glad) at what come to us to say.

Emsmom1 said:

As I mentioned in my other thread, I am a new believer. I am wondering how to tell people? The vast majority of my friends are non-believers. I told one of my best friends "I believe in Jesus," but I don't think I did a great job explaining-he seemed both bewildered and a little amused. And my parents will be so happy but I am reluctant to tell them. I think part of it is admitting they were right (I'm still rebellious enough to not want to admit that!) and the other part is the fact that my mom is incredibly intrusive (used to read my diaries, listen to my phone calls, etc.) and will ask me a million questions and I'm not up for that right now. I guess that's kind of selfish.
And there is my other best friend who is a scientist who will probably think I've lost my mind. I don't know how to tell her.
Any advice is appreciated. Again, I am new to all this.

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Hi Emsmom1, we are called to be God's "witnesses" .. e.g. Isaiah 43:10. Being a witness for God is somewhat like being a witness in a courtroom, IOW, you testify to others about your personal experiences (with God in this case), specifically what you know of Him and of the faith personally, NOT what you don't know.

You might want to tell someone why you decided to become a Christian, for instance, and what being one has meant to you so far. And if they ask you how they can become one too, you will certainly want to help them with that (just tell them how you became one ).

You do NOT need to have a doctorate in theology, or even know very much about the Bible, and if they ask you a question that you cannot answer, always be upfront and honest with them about that (you might say something like, "you know what, that's a great question, one that I'd like to know the answer to myself, because I'm still pretty new to the Christian faith so I don't know everything about it yet").

Then tell them that you'll find out what the answer is from your pastor and that you'll get back to them as quickly as you can with it (and if they agree to let you, and they probably will because you were being honest with them, you'll have another opportunity to talk to them about Jesus & the Christian faith, just like that ).

BTW, prayer is a big part of this. Pray for the opportunity to witness/share what you know (that God will lead you to the people that He wants you to talk to, pray 'while' you are witnessing (for the right words to say, and for God to grant them the "ears" they need to hear His truth), and afterwards for their salvation (unless they decide to come to faith on the spot, of course).

Remember this too, we are called to be His faithful witnesses, not to "win souls" (because only the Holy Spirit can actually do that). IOW, while we are to witness/testify to others about what we know, it's His job to help them "hear", and then to change their hearts and minds and lives, to save sinners and to make them into wholly new creatures in Christ as His workmanship (masterpiece) .. e.g. Ezekiel 36:26-27; Ephesians 2:4-5, 10, 2 Corinthians 5:17.

That said, yes, witnessing is not easy, especially at first. So keep praying, and remember that saving them is His job, not yours So, if they do not become Christians on the spot (and most will not) you have not failed to do what you were called to do, which is to be a faithful ~witness~ for God. I hope that helps a little.

God bless you!

--David
p.s. - eventually knowing a verse or two of Scripture to use when witnessing can be helpful, like John 3:16, 5:24 and/or Romans 10:9-10, or something else of your choosing (perhaps a Scripture that goes along with your personal testimony) because, as the Bible makes clear,

Hello again @Emsmom1, one last thing about witnessing to others, whenever possible, try to ask them leading questions (rather than giving them answers), questions that will help them come to the conclusions that they need to come to about God, the Gospel, their great need for a Savior, and the like.

These kind of questions will cause them to think through things for themselves, and if they end up responding negatively to the conclusions that they themselves come to, hey, it certainly makes it harder for them to get mad at you

--David

Emsmom1 said:

As I mentioned in my other thread, I am a new believer. I am wondering how to tell people? The vast majority of my friends are non-believers. I told one of my best friends "I believe in Jesus," but I don't think I did a great job explaining-he seemed both bewildered and a little amused. And my parents will be so happy but I am reluctant to tell them. I think part of it is admitting they were right (I'm still rebellious enough to not want to admit that!) and the other part is the fact that my mom is incredibly intrusive (used to read my diaries, listen to my phone calls, etc.) and will ask me a million questions and I'm not up for that right now. I guess that's kind of selfish.
And there is my other best friend who is a scientist who will probably think I've lost my mind. I don't know how to tell her.
Any advice is appreciated. Again, I am new to all this.

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1 Peter 3: NASB

15but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

Tell them the testimony of your changed heart. The inner work our Almighty God in us through our Lord Jesus Christ. Tell them of the hope that is in you. A Hope that will never fail because Jesus Who promised it is faithful and true.

Especially your parents. I am sure their daily prayers and supplications to God have you as a focus. They love you for all their faults as we all have faults. Jesus forgives us our shortcomings, we must do the same for others...especially our parents.

They may have heard you say the words in the past as you are probably being raised in the faith. It will give them eternal comfort and joy to know that the words previously said are faithful and true in your heart. That Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior and you proclaim His death and resurrection now and until He comes again in Glory!

Welcome to the Body of Christ, His Church. That you now belong to Jesus Christ, you now belong to His body, His church and you are now a fellow laborer for His Word to bring the Gospel of Salvation to all and serve your brothers, sisters and neighbors in the Love of Christ Jesus. Praise be to God!

Just say what you want, Emsmom.

Emsmom1 said:

As I mentioned in my other thread, I am a new believer. I am wondering how to tell people? The vast majority of my friends are non-believers. I told one of my best friends "I believe in Jesus," but I don't think I did a great job explaining-he seemed both bewildered and a little amused. And my parents will be so happy but I am reluctant to tell them. I think part of it is admitting they were right (I'm still rebellious enough to not want to admit that!) and the other part is the fact that my mom is incredibly intrusive (used to read my diaries, listen to my phone calls, etc.) and will ask me a million questions and I'm not up for that right now. I guess that's kind of selfish.
And there is my other best friend who is a scientist who will probably think I've lost my mind. I don't know how to tell her.
Any advice is appreciated. Again, I am new to all this.

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I find out what they believe first. Really it boils down to believing life on earth was created or not. When this comes up .... I stated I see definite design in the world and not a bunch of random happenings.

Regarding scientists or those that hold to evolution .... it's a theory.

Both scientists and people of faith believe whatever happened to populate the earth with life ... happened from out of the cosmos.

Not much is really known about the cosmos yet because it is so vast.

It's futile to debate this turned into that on earth .... because whatever started out in the cosmos .... and in the scientific community ..... many many MANY different theories about that ... especially now since dark energy and dark matter has been discovered.

You believe in creation ... nothing wrong with that .... others do not believe in creation .... nothing wrong with that ... it's simply different beliefs and each believe want they want and their beliefs belong to them and each should respect that. Agree to disagree and don't fret about it.

Don't tell them. Show them. I missed out on this for years looking to construct a spoken message instead of making my lifestyle and interactions point to Jesus more clearly. Then I changed my behavior and people approached me, "What happened to you?" Go for this I say.

For me, it's part of my identity. Don't be hostile nor squeamish.

Emsmom1 said:

As I mentioned in my other thread, I am a new believer. I am wondering how to tell people? The vast majority of my friends are non-believers. I told one of my best friends "I believe in Jesus," but I don't think I did a great job explaining-he seemed both bewildered and a little amused. And my parents will be so happy but I am reluctant to tell them. I think part of it is admitting they were right (I'm still rebellious enough to not want to admit that!) and the other part is the fact that my mom is incredibly intrusive (used to read my diaries, listen to my phone calls, etc.) and will ask me a million questions and I'm not up for that right now. I guess that's kind of selfish.
And there is my other best friend who is a scientist who will probably think I've lost my mind. I don't know how to tell her.
Any advice is appreciated. Again, I am new to all this.

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Tips for Sharing the Gospel:

1.) Pray before you share.

2.) Evangelism isn't something you do to someone; evangelism is simply sharing what you love with others.

3.) Use plain language. What do you mean by “experiencing God”? What does the word “Gospel” mean? What do you mean by “atonement” or “redemption” or “give your heart to Jesus”?

4.) The truths of the Gospel are the important thing: Try to avoid getting sidetracked into endless apologetic discussions. There is definitely a place for answering sincere, legitimate questions, but always offer an answer with a view to steering the conversation back to the Gospel.

5.) When a person responds with “I don't believe that,” remind them that one's belief doesn't establish what is true and real. God's existence doesn't depend upon the individual's belief in Him. If God exists, every person must one day face Him and be judged regardless of what they choose to believe about Him at the moment.

6.) When someone says they are a good person, take them through the 10 Commandments and check.

7.) It is very helpful to place God's justice within the context of the courtroom. For example, when someone says something like, “On the whole I've done more good things than bad,” ask them if this argument would work with a murderer who stood before a judge and demanded to be let off the murder charge because on balance he had done more good than bad in his life. Obviously, it would be enormously unjust for a judge to agree to such a thing.

8.) When a person is challenging your worldview ask them to justify and clearly define their own point of view: How do you know that? What do you mean by that? More often than not, the unsaved person has not thought carefully about what they believe and why. Asking them to actually justify their worldview can be a great way to “put a stone in their shoe” and perhaps prompt a discussion about why the Christian worldview is worth their serious consideration.

9.) Use as much Scripture as possible.

Isaiah 55:10-11
10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

10.) Be faithful in sowing as well as reaping. Not every effort of evangelism will result in a saved soul.

I would urge you to deal with your pride immediately. That part of you that resists acknowledging that you've been wrong is spiritually dangerous! If you let it remain in your life, it will sow seeds of sin in a multitude of areas.

Greg Koukl has a great book on sharing one's faith called "Tactics." I would highly recommend getting it and employing its strategies for talking with the lost about your faith.

Emsmom1 said:

As I mentioned in my other thread, I am a new believer. I am wondering how to tell people? The vast majority of my friends are non-believers. I told one of my best friends "I believe in Jesus," but I don't think I did a great job explaining-he seemed both bewildered and a little amused. And my parents will be so happy but I am reluctant to tell them. I think part of it is admitting they were right (I'm still rebellious enough to not want to admit that!) and the other part is the fact that my mom is incredibly intrusive (used to read my diaries, listen to my phone calls, etc.) and will ask me a million questions and I'm not up for that right now. I guess that's kind of selfish.
And there is my other best friend who is a scientist who will probably think I've lost my mind. I don't know how to tell her.
Any advice is appreciated. Again, I am new to all this.

Click to expand...

There's no impetus that you have to go around telling everyone you know that you're religious now. It's up to you, if it comes up in conversation then it comes up in conversation. If it's something you want to talk about with people you care about, then sure that's something you can talk about.

But don't let yourself feel some kind of pressure about it.

-CryptoLutheran

Just say you trust in Christ.