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Today we are reminded of the important of task our faith along with some practical ways to

King David is known as a godly man who trusted God in difficult days (e.g. David vs. Goliath). As king, David wrote Psalms/songs that became the hymnal of the Hebrew people.

The scriptures also tell us of his incredible inconsistency, his great sin against God and people (e.g. sexual sin with Bathsheba; the cover-up & murder of her husband).

After King David was confronted by Nathan about his sin, David genuinely repented. It was at that point - being forgiven so much - that he was compelled to tell others how they could be forgiven as well. Find David’s confession of sin in Psalm 51, where he writes these powerful lines of the song:

Willing to be cursed and cut off from Jesus so that his Jewish people could know Jesus?!? No wonder Paul was willing to keep coming back to synagogues to share the good news of Jesus despite the 5 times he got whipped (2 Cor 11:24) by other Jews, and the time other Jews stoned him and left Paul for dead (Acts 14:19-20). Just a few sentences later, Paul writes these words, likely with tears in his eyes:

Do you CARE about the SOULS of others? WHO is going to reach your friends, family, & community?

Followers of Jesus are expected & empowered to share their faith with others.

Today we explore some practical ways to do just that, as we prepare to share with the precious people God has put within our circle of influence.

Consider those whom God has put in your circle of influence. Start with… 

• FAMILY Anyone in your family who doesn’t show evidence of following Jesus?
• Your spouse, children, grandchildren, cousins, nephews/nieces?
• FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS Which of them have you NEVER had a Gospel conversation with? Don’t take it for granted that they follow Jesus just because they seem like good people.
• FREQUENT CONTACTS This includes co-workers, your children’s teachers/coaches, folks who have common interests like sports or hobbies (pickleball, gym, aerobics, fishing, cooking, crochet). How about adults whose children play on your child’s team?
• ACQUAINTANCES & STRANGERS God puts people in your path - waitresses, people who serve at stores you shop at.

1. Know WHY you Believe WHAT you Believe.

Keep growing and sit under the leadership of people who can help you answer your questions and show you HOW to share the gospel with others. 

2. LIVE what you believe.

The person who believes God’s Word must follow Jesus’ example to obey God, serve others, & speak the truth. My life needs to match what my lips are saying.  

3. PRAY for Open Doors & Clear Words.

Notice the 2 requests Paul asks the church to pray for:

• God may open to us a door: Paul wants them to pray that God will make a way, set up divine appointments & open opportunities to share the word of Jesus with others. 
• that I may make it clear: Paul has the task of declaring the mystery of Christ to unbelievers and He wants God to use him to communicate clearly. 

Paul shifts gears to remind the Colossian Church of THEIR ministry as ambassadors…of OUR ministry as ambassadors.

The Ambassador is wise with his TIME & TALK. Our speech should always be gracious, that is - we speak to people with the same kindness God has shown us. Your speech should attractive, seasoned with salt. God calls US to take every opportunity we have to speak truth with grace. 

Typically, people will respond by:

• Claiming Jesus & fully relying on Jesus. Ask how they are growing. Encourage this person to seek & share Jesus.
• Claiming Jesus with NO fruit. Ask: “Do you consider yourself to be a FOLLOWER of Jesus?”
• Other claims - good works, many ways to God, other religion, or atheist. 

The goal is NOT to talk them into praying a prayer, but challenge them to FOLLOW Jesus the rest of their life!

Way of the Master technique - helps people ADMIT that they are sinners & need forgiveness - by Ray Comfort.

Look up Ray Comfort on YouTube.

Watch the "Wake Up Call".

Share your Story (in 3 minutes): B.C. days ➤ trusting Jesus ➤ NOW

[Write it down. Ask a mature believer for pointers and how to tweak it.]

* Don’t chase rabbits & Don’t answer what you don’t know. Don’t fall for this trap.

  If the question seems legitimate, say, “I’m not sure. I’ll take some time to research that and get back to you.”

Most spiritual conversations won’t end with the person ready to trust Jesus. You don't have to convince an atheist that God exists & get him to trust Jesus in one conversation. Plant the seed, be patient, point them to read Scripture, live a righteous life in front of them, and be ready to answer questions.

These open-ended questions are designed to help you LIVE what you LEARN with your Family, Friends, or Small Group.

1. Have you ever shared your faith in Jesus with a non-Christian? Was it difficult/easy? Why do you think so many Christians are so scared to share Jesus with others? How might being prepared to share keep us from being so scared?
2. David prayed in Psalm 51:12-13 that after God restored him, he would teach others. How does personal forgiveness motivate us to share with others?
3. Paul expressed deep sorrow for those who didn’t know Christ (Romans 9:2-3). Who in your life do you deeply long to see come to Jesus?
4. Why do many Christians avoid sharing their faith? How can preparation and practice help remove fear? Have you ever had a moment where you felt an opportunity to share Jesus but didn’t? What held you back?
5. What would change if you truly saw yourself as an ambassador, speaking on God’s behalf, IF YOU KNEW that God had been preparing them by convicting them of sin and their need of a Savior? Explain your answer. 
6. Ambassadors Warn of God’s Wrath & Offer God’s Peace. Why is it important to share BOTH of those? In other words, why can’t we just tell them God loves them, WITHOUT warning them of His judgment against those who reject Him? (Leaders note: If people don’t see the depth of their SIN, they don’t see their desperate need for a SAVIOR to who paid for their sin.) 

Practical Application – Preparing to Share:

1. Paul asks for prayer that he would have open doors to share the gospel (Colossians 4:3-4). Who can you pray for this week that God would open doors for you to share with?
2. "Know WHY you believe WHAT you believe." If someone asked, "Why do you believe in Jesus?"—how would you respond?
3. "Live what you believe." How does your lifestyle either support or contradict your faith in Jesus?
4. "Pray for Open Doors & Clear Words." How can praying before conversations help us be better ambassadors?
5. "Start the Spiritual Conversation." What are some good ways to start a faith-based conversation with someone?
6. “Challenge Them to Follow Jesus.” Why is it important that we challenge people to FOLLOW Jesus instead of trying to talk them into simply praying a prayer that isn’t sincere?
7. "Share Your Story." Can you briefly share how you came to faith in Christ in 3 minutes or less? (Challenge participants to write and practice sharing their testimony.)
8. “Show e’m & serve ‘em!” Share about someone you know who took some time to see trust Jesus. How can living your faith & serving others impact those who you’ve already shared the good news with?

Personal Challenge & Prayer:

1. Who is one person in your life that needs Jesus? Will you commit to praying for them and looking for an opportunity to share?
2. What’s one thing you need to do this week to grow as an ambassador for Christ?
3. How can we pray for each other as we seek to show and share the Good News?
4.