Just Walk Across the Room! (Part 1)

Last night we wrapped up our fall Encounter series titled, "Just Walk Across the Room." This series comes from Bill Hybels’ book called the same. There are very few things harder for most folks than to actually talk to people about Jesus. I think there are several reasons for this:

1: We are afraid of rejection - To get past this one, we have to remember that IF someone rejects our sharing, they are not rejecting us - they are rejecting God! (That gives great freedom and makes all the difference in the world.

2: We think we have to know it all - NOT! It is a cliché but so true, people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Hear me - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO KNOW IT ALL! In fact, most people are turned all by "know it alls." All you have to know is I once was lost and now I am saved - this is what I was like before and this is what I am experiencing now as I journey through life with Jesus. People can’t argue with your experience. They might disagree but experience speaks volumes.

3: We assume people don't want to hear about Jesus and His church - Let me tell you what I know - people need the Lord and down deep, they know it. Moreover, if it is done right, and our life matches our words, than even the hardest person is intrigued and will at least listen to someone share about Lord and/or receive an invitation to church. They might not always come, but you will have scattered seed that we can trust will one day come to life!

I could go on and on but I will stop for now. To get ready to share with people, we have to think about our story. We have to fine tune our “elevator talk,” if you will. What I mean by that is if you were in the elevator and someone asked you about Jesus, what would you say? Remember, you don't have much time.

Try writing out your story in 100 - 300 words. Remember KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Don’t be offended, I say that to myself all the time. :>) In 100 - 300 words, share what your life was like before Jesus, how you came to know He is real and gave your life to Him, and what is life like now that you are a born again child of God living in a relationship with Jesus! Three part story - before, conversion, and now!

Send your story to mystory@newhopenc.org and we will read it and offer suggestions if you need assistance.

YOU WILL NEVER DO ANYTHING GREATER IN LIFE THAN BE A PART OF LEADING SOMEONE TO FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST!

So let’s work on it...together! We can do this. You can do this.

Prayer – Father, bless every person that reads this post this morning. Fill them with the Spirit of God and give them a holy boldness and courage to draft their own story. Father, I know this is so hard for people but I truly believe that once we craft testimony, you have a miraculous way of opening doors for us to share. God, use our church to be a life saving station. A beacon of faith, hope and love in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas. Lord God, give us hearts that beat with yours. Give us hearts that break at the thought of lost people dying and going to hell. Use us, the people of newhope, to offer precisely that – new hope for those you send our way. God, I praise you, even in advance, for those who will come to faith as a result of your people preparing and sharing their personal testimony. I pray this in the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.

I look forward to reading your story!