Every day, I walk by a world population clock. It shows the number of people hearing the gospel, the amount of believing and the amount that does not have access. The number for those that will not have an opportunity to hear the gospel is 4 Billion and counting. 4 Billion people will not have access to hear the good news. I began to wonder why most Christians never share the gospel. Now before we dive deeper, I should let you know that this is just a theory as to why Christians do not share their faith.
We all know the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words.” You can tell what someone really believes by how they act. If you ever go on a date with someone, watch how they treat people, especially waiters/waitresses. Your date may say they are nice to people, but watch how they interact with people that are serving them. If they blow up on the waiter at Longhorn’s, chances are they really are not a nice person. The same applies to those that follow Christ. They may say they love Jesus or perhaps know all the Sunday school answers. Then when you look at their actions, they say otherwise. Someone who doesn’t share their faith may be considered a pluralist. How? Well, let me explain.
First off, a pluralist is someone that believes that there are many ways to heaven. In essence, they believe that there are many different ways to salvation. They may believe that Jesus has given them salvation, but other religions are possible to give them salvation.
Next, we have to understand the Gospel. The Gospel is the greatest message ever given to humanity. It is the message of reconciliation of humanity back to God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Humanity now has way back into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. What a wonderful message! Yet, Christians never seem to share this message. I recently read a survey that said that 64% of Christians believe that sharing their faith is a responsibility of every Christian. That’s a decently high percentage but it is disheartening to know that it has dropped 25% in the last 25 years. Christians today are growing less likely to share their faith.
Christians who share their faith share it because it is important to them. They want people to hear this message of grace which they have received. For Christians that have never shared their faith, their obedience to Christ and His commandments are brought into question. Of course, I know there are other reasons that people don’t share their faith. Some include fear, awkwardness, or perhaps lack of training. Despite our fears, Jesus tells us in John 14:15, “If you love me, then you will keep my commands.” One of the commands is to make disciples, Matthew 28:18-20.
Now how are those who don’t share their faith acting as a pluralist?
Remember, the phrase, “actions speak louder than words.” It could be that it is innately believed that Pluralism is a valid view. The Gospel challenges our current predicament. It is the only worldview that offers salvation. But it could be that deep down, we may not actually believe this and it is shown by our actions. By not sharing their faith, they are refusing to share the only worldview that offers true salvation. (John 14:6). If we truly believe Jesus is the only way, our actions should be telling others that as well.
Now how do you counter such a belief with action?
- Understand the Gospel
A lot of Christians are scared to share their faith because they fear they do not know the Gospel. We believe we need to know the Gospel deeply but in reality, its much simpler. If you have been saved, you know the Gospel. The World is a fallen place and Sin has destroyed our relationship with God (Genesis 3). We needed a savior to restore our relationship with God and that came through Jesus Christ when he atoned for our sins by his death, burial, and resurrection. By placing faith in Jesus, you have restored to God (Romans 10:9). It is through grace, and grace alone that we are saved, which means nothing we do merits our salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10).
- Understand that every person is lost, not just you.
Romans 3:23 tells us that “all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.” In the moment of salvation, it may feel it is just about us. I do not mean to diminish salvation in our lives, but when you look at it as a whole, salvation is offered to everyone. That’s why Jesus was offered to the whole world, not just you (John 3:16). While Christ died for you, he died for our neighbor, the person we hate or hold a grudge against, the bully, and our family. Christ died for every ungodly person, which is everyone in this world (Romans 5:6)
- Share
This is the only step that actually demonstrates this message. Once the previous steps are correctly understood this step becomes more natural, but it still will be difficult. This lets lost people actually know that there is a way to get into a relationship with God. We actually have to tell people and not just live it out with our lives. I will be honest, it is hard to actually share. Even though it is hard, God can use a bad Gospel presentation. God cannot use no presentation. It is not about our style or use of words. The best part about sharing the Gospel is that Jesus promises to be with us (Matthew 28:18-20). Practice makes perfect and the more we practice the more natural it gets. It is a lifelong practice. The best way to practice is to get an accountability group and do it together. Or you can always start where you are in your current relationships.
Once these steps are put into practice we can start reaching those around us, and then by God’s grace the rest of the World.
Here are some resources that you can use to share your faith: