It Is Time To Share Jesus – Learn How – Part 1 of 3

Class Video Under The Class Study Notes

Summary

The class explores the importance of sharing the Christian faith without fear, emphasizing the necessity for believers to actively witness to others about Jesus Christ. The class discusses practical strategies for evangelism, including asking these insightful questions to gauge spiritual beliefs and using scripture as a tool for conversion:

• Do you have any kind of spiritual belief?
• To you, who is Jesus?
• Do you believe that there is a heaven and a hell?
• If you died right now, where would you go? If heaven, why?
• If what you believe is not true, would you want to know?

Seventy George Thomas and Bill Fay (from the shared video), share personal experiences and testimonies that highlight the transformative power of the Gospel and encourages Christians to overcome the fear of rejection and the sin of silence. The message urges believers to recognize their responsibility in the Great Commission, emphasizing that sharing one’s faith is an integral part of being a Christian.

Highlights

1. Great Commission: Christians are commanded to share their faith and cannot remain silent.
2. Scriptural Foundation: Using Bible verses in conversations provides a powerful way to witness without argument.
3. Five Key Questions: Asking targeted questions can uncover a person’s spiritual beliefs and readiness for the Gospel.
4. Global Perspective: The need for evangelism extends beyond local communities to global missions.
5. Personal Transformation: Sharing faith leads to personal joy and fulfillment in a believer’s life.
6. Overcoming Fear: The fear of rejection should not prevent Christians from witnessing about their faith.
7. Evangelism as a Lifestyle: Witnessing should be integrated into daily life, not just confined to church activities.

Key Insights

1. Emphasis on Action: The class underscores that witnessing is not optional but a command from Jesus. The charge to “go” in the Great Commission serves as a reminder that Christians are called to be active participants in spreading the Gospel rather than passive observers.
2. Scriptural Engagement: By encouraging the use of small, easily transportable Bibles, both George and Bill highlight the practicality of engaging with scripture. This approach allows believers to evangelize effectively without being encumbered by large texts, making the act of sharing faith more approachable.
3. Fear of Rejection: The class addresses the common fear many Christians have about sharing their faith, suggesting that this fear often stems from a misunderstanding of evangelism. The class emphasizes that success in evangelism is not about conversion but about the act of sharing one’s faith.
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The class points out that it is not the individual who converts but the Holy Spirit. This understanding alleviates pressure from believers, allowing them to focus on the act of sharing rather than the outcome.
5. Personal Testimony: The importance of personal experiences in witnessing is highlighted. Sharing one’s journey and transformation through Christ can resonate deeply with those who are spiritually seeking, making the message of the Gospel relatable and impactful.
6. Joy in Witnessing: Witnessing is portrayed as a fulfilling and joyful experience. The class suggests that sharing faith leads to greater enthusiasm and vibrancy in a believer’s life, counteracting feelings of lethargy or complacency.
7. Global Urgency: The class stresses the urgency of evangelism in a world filled with spiritual need. Points are made showing that many people are lost and that every Christian has a role in reaching out to those in their immediate circles as well as those globally.

In-Depth Analysis

1. The Great Commission: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) serves as the foundational mandate for Christians to evangelize. This directive highlights the necessity of action and emphasizes that witnessing is a communal responsibility, not just an individual one. The concept of being “sent” resonates with the idea that believers have a purpose that extends beyond personal faith, impacting the lives of others.
2. Utilizing Scripture: The strategic use of scripture not only reinforces the message being shared but also invites the listener to engage with the text. This method fosters an environment where questions can arise naturally, allowing for deeper discussions about faith. The emphasis on reading scripture aloud further engages the listener and allows for the Holy Spirit to work within them.
3. Overcoming Personal Barriers: The text delves into the psychological barriers that prevent believers from sharing their faith, notably the fear of rejection or lack of knowledge. By framing evangelism as a conversation starter rather than a debate, the speaker alleviates these fears, encouraging a mindset that values sharing over winning arguments.
4. Experiential Witnessing: The personal testimonies shared in the text illustrate the power of lived experiences in evangelism. When believers recount their journeys, they provide tangible evidence of God’s work in their lives, making the Gospel more relatable and credible. This approach emphasizes that witnessing is about relationships and authentic conversations rather than formulaic presentations.
5. The Urgency of Evangelism: George highlights the alarming statistics regarding the number of Christians who have not shared their faith recently. This statistic underlines a pressing need for believers to take action, not just for their spiritual growth but for the eternal destinies of those around them. The urgency to witness is heightened by the awareness of the lostness of many people, motivating believers to step into this role.
6. The Role of Community: The collective responsibility of the church community in evangelism is underscored. By encouraging one another to witness, believers can create an environment of support that fosters boldness and courage. When church members share their stories and encourage each other, it builds a culture of evangelism that can influence the entire congregation.
7. Joy in Sharing Faith: The class session closes with the idea that witnessing brings joy and fulfillment. This perspective is crucial as it reframes the act of sharing faith from a duty to a privilege. When believers understand that sharing the Gospel is a source of joy, they are more likely to engage in evangelism enthusiastically.

In conclusion, the class serves as a compelling call to action for Christians to share their faith without fear. By emphasizing practical strategies, scriptural engagement, and the importance of personal testimony, the message encourages believers to embrace their role in the Great Commission actively. The insights drawn from the text remind Christians that their witness can lead to transformative experiences, both for themselves and for those they encounter.

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