Speak Light – Share Your Jesus Story

Salvation Matters.
Share Your Jesus Story!

The world’s a mess. So God sent Jesus to be the saving light of the world. The startling truth is that outside of life in the presence of Jesus, we’re all just stumbling through a life in the dark on the way to the deeper darkness of death. Watching people die isn’t something love does.

• Love moves toward people in pain. It doesn’t move away from them in judgement. Love doesn’t spend great energy criticizing, belittling, or tearing down; it simply offers the take-it-or-leave-it truth of grace.
• Love saves! Love preserves and protects life. (Who wouldn’t give their life for their kids?) Love moves toward! Love never does nothing. That’s why the Bible tells us:

“For God so loved the world, that He sent His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

• God sent Jesus into a messed up world to save humanity, to help it see the light and leave the dark.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” But if the good news about Jesus is really true, why doesn’t everyone (or at least more people) believe it?” John 8:12

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19

• Salvation really matters! The cross is the exclamation point declaring how deeply and personally we matter to God.

“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8

To follow Jesus, the light of the world, means salvation begins to matter as much to us as it did to Jesus. The light that died on His cross invites us to die on ours!

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’” Luke 9:23

• By picking up His cross, we’re committing ourselves to share His purpose, His passions, and His and priorities.
• Those who really get it wouldn’t trade the world for a saving personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They say “Jesus, I love you more than anything or anyone in the world.” That’s why Jesus said in Luke 14:33 “… those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”

The God who sent Jesus to be the light of the world is sending US to be the light of our world!

 “You are the light of the world!” Matthew 5:14-16; 14
“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21
“Therefore, living going and making disciples…” Matthew 28:18-20
 “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

The point of it all is that by trusting God’s grace, Jesus’ story becomes the story of our lives!

Speak Light.
Share Your Jesus Story!

So what’s the best way to share your story? Our stories typically divide into three parts:
1. My life before Jesus.
2. How I came to know Jesus personally.
3. How Jesus has changed my life.
– Remember, we’re not selling or pushing anything, we’re just speaking the truth of love in love.
– It’s just relationship! People aren’t projects.
– Living Jesus through selfless service is the currency of authenticity.
– Begin where people are, not where you want them to be.
– Find common ground and never argue. Speak light into pain, healing to hurt.
– Pray believing in hope! There’s no one who can’t be saved.

As to how we actually help people come to accept and follow Jesus, the Gospel story typically divides into four parts. Help people understand:
1. Hope is real. God loves us toward real life forever. (John 3:16)
2. We’re broken. We’ve all sinned and are separated from God. (Romans 3:23)
3. Jesus saves. Grace paid for our sin and offers us the free gift of eternal life.
(Romans 6:23)

4. We choose. Everyone must individually accept or reject Jesus as their own
personal Lord and Savior. (Revelation 3:20) Invite people to pray and commit their
lives to Christ.

“You will fear the darkness only to the extent that you yourself are not providing light.” — Marianne Williamson