Sharing Christ Within Your Personality Style

I recently took this personality test to find out what my personality type is according to the Myers-Briggs - an introspective self-report questionnaire with the purpose of indicating differing psychological preferences in how people perceive the world around them and make decisions. It classified me as an INTJ-T, which is:

• 78% Introverted
• 59% Intuitive
• 64% Thinking
• 51% Judging
• 75% Turbulent

This put me in a category of only 2% of the population with the likes of C.S. Lewis, Dwight Eisenhower, and Thomas Jefferson just to name a few. Pretty good company I would say.  Here are some of the unique characteristics of being an introvert:

Introverts Reach Inward To Gain Energy.

Introverts gain strength and build up energy during their downtimes in quiet environments. They like social gatherings, but with the least amount of people as possible. We like people, but not too many. 

Introverts Enjoy Quiet Environments

Put an introvert in a noisy environment, and watch their energy drain quickly. When the action in at the climax, they start to yawn and get tired. If they are driving and need to concentrate on directions, they always turn down the radio. 

Introverts Think Alone

Introverts can work with people, but when it comes to sorting their thoughts, they need time alone. They are usually good listeners, and are deep thinkers. 

Introverts Don't Like Shallow Relationships

Introverts prefer having a few close friendships rather than a multitude of acquaintances. They really care about what people think, and how they feel. Introverts want solid relationships and to thrive in one-on-one conversation. 

Introverts Prefer to Communicate in Writing. 

Introverts prefer to communicate in writing because they care about what is being said. They want to be able to look at it from different points of view, and analyze what is written. Since they are deep thinkers, they may write a few drafts of an email before sending it out. They prefer to write instead of talk face-to-face. 

They Tend to Focus On One Thing At a Time

Multitasking is difficult for an introvert and get overwhelmed very quickly, especially under too much stimulation. Introverts need to focus on one thing at a time in bite-sized pieces. Too many tasks can lead to procrastination and needing to recharge by playing video games, reading, or working on something like a puzzle or coloring. 

Even though I am very introverted, and this list describes me to a T, it doesn't excuse me from evangelism. I just do it differently than those who are extroverted. It's not that I have to do it a certain way, but it's the way that is most comfortable. Let's face it, evangelism and sharing Christ with strangers is difficult and uncomfortable no matter how it is done. But I can do it in a way that is most comfortable and fits my personality.

Introverts, like myself, care what people think. So we are very sensitive in how we approach others. I don't like just sitting on a corner and passing out tracts. I've done it, but I hate it. I would rather have a deep one-on-one conversation with someone instead of shoving a tract in their face. I am a quiet person who thinks deeply and wants to reach others who think deeply. So instead of talking to every person I see, I am more selective in the people I want to talk to. I would rather pick someone who is alone, rather than someone who is with others. Someone who is resting and not on the move to the next thing. We may reach fewer people in a witnessing night, but those interactions are much deeper and meaningful. At the end of an evangelistic outreach, it's the introverts who are going to have the cooler stories about the people they talked with.

For example, lets say I go to the Des Moines Farmers Market to share my faith. It's super busy, and thousands of people there. An uncomfortable environment. As I walk through the crowds I immediately feel the weight of the atmosphere around me, and I am getting drained. I people-watch just trying to get through it all. What can I do to make this situation better for an introvert like me? First, I find that if I pull off to the side somewhere and put my back to most of the people, I can have a comfortable conversation despite the environment that I'm in. I try to pick the quietest place in the area, even though it may be noisier than usual.  It helps me focus on just a few things in front of me, like a tree, a building, etc. Second, I choose a person who I feel would be the most comfortable to talk to. I choose someone who is sitting alone, not in a group, and someone who is sedentary and not on their way to somewhere else. Lastly, I am concerned how I may approach them. I think through some things I could say, tracts I can give them, but I have to be careful not to take too much time, and blow the opportunity. Maybe I spent time writing a tract and will present it to them at a more perfect time. When the conversation is done, if it was a good talk, it fires me up and excites me. If it's not, I may feel even more drained than when I started, thinking too much on what was said, and analyzing it to the point I am worried about what I said or didn't say.

Even though I am very introverted, it doesn't stop me from trying new things and new ways of sharing my faith. I have open-air preached at least ten times in my life to thousands of people. I have shared Christ with a groups of teens, and even had heated debates with atheists and homosexuals. It's important to at least try something new, and see what works. It's part of finding ourselves and developing out own style of witnessing. This way us deep thinkers at the end of the night or a conversation can step back and analyze how things went and what we can do to improve for next time.

But my point is that your personality style is not a blessing, nor a curse. It is yours. It is how God created you to be. He knew what He was doing when He formed your innermost parts before the foundation of the world. Use it to your advantage and hone in on those strengths for God's glory. Just get out there and share your faith while you still can. 

Joyful Inconvenience

We go through life being inconvenienced for many different reasons. Whether at the store when they don't have our favorite ice cream. We are inconvenienced when we are stuck in traffic trying to get home to our wives who have an amazing night planned. And, we are inconvenienced when we break down on the side of the road and are late for an important event and can't do anything about it. No matter what, when things go awry and not the way we planned, for the worse and not the better, we are not happy, and deserve better. Or do we?

For the past 3 weeks I have been in Georgia away from home training for my new job. Away from my wife, listening to lectures, watching films, taking tests, and working with people my personality is not compatible with to then come back to the hotel, grab a meal, and go to bed to wake up hours later and do it all over again. For 3 weeks. I was ready to come home. Guess what? Didn't happen. Got to the airport and my flight was delayed. Then delayed some more to the point where I missed my connecting flight. With no flights available, I am stuck in an Atlanta Ramada Plaza that looks like it hasn't been updated since it was built in the late 1970's. Not to mention that they gave me meal tickets to use at the hotel that hasn't had a working kitchen since Ronald Reagan was President of the United States. I'm not happy, or joyful, and yes, feeling put out. 

So where does the joy come in? It comes in Jesus Christ. That no matter what situation I am in, I can use it for Christ's glory.

People ask me often why I am so patient and that in really sticky situations I let things (for the most part) roll off my back like water on a duck. Not always the case trust me. My friends know me better. But for the average person I'm pretty patient. How did it happen? The Lord for one. Of course, but also there are some things I do to help me through a situation, like I'm having right now.

Heartbeat?

Next time you're having a crappy day, and things are just not going your way. No matter what you do, it's just not working out, do this. Take your right index and middle finger, put them together, and put them up to your neck and feel your heartbeat. Is it beating? Then you're doing pretty good. Seriously. When I get really messed up, depressed, sad, angry, put out, I just feel my heartbeat and say, "Yup, still beating. Praise the Lord. Doing good today." Now this may not work for everyone and I would never belittle any condition people may have like chronic pain, disease, cancer...etc...etc. I've met people who would be thankful their heartbeat wasn't there. But for most of us, the average person, that heartbeat is the only thing keeping you from sudden death. I mean think about it. You have a pump in your chest that never needs maintenance, lubrication, oil, repair, or primed and pumps at least if not over 100,800 times a day, every day, without stopping. How can you think about that for a few minutes and not praise God for what you have?

Look Up.

Many times when I've been down or anxious, I go outside on a nice clear night away from city lights, and look up at the stars and think to myself, "I am a very insignificant part of this entire universe that God created for His glory." Depressing? No. Because I am traveling 67,000 miles per hour on a rock that is spinning at 1,000 miles per hour, the sun that heats the earth enough to grow plants, lets us see, create solar energy, among hundreds of other thing but not too close that we burst into flames or far enough that we turn into Popsicles and freeze to death. Every morning I know the sun will rise and at night I know the sun will set, and there is nothing I can do about it. You know what? It's cool with me. I can't control what goes on in space, but God is in control. He's way better at it than I would be. Read Job 39-42 and prepare to be amazed at God's glory and His control on our lives. 

Look Out. 

Now when I say "look out" it's not a warning, but a comfort. Every once in a while I will put my face up against the bathroom mirror, close one eye, and stare at my eyeball. I'll study it, check out every line and detail. The colors, the shapes, size, and just say to myself, "wow, God created that, and that is just one small piece of me." Blows my mind every time. He took care to make that, among many other parts. Designed and engineered for His glory. I am His special creation. What is He going to do with me today?

God's Plan Usually Isn't My Own

Here is my point. I am a part of the entire creation. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, created in God's image for His glory. God is the potter, and I am the clay. Formed with a purpose and function with love. Since He created me, He can do whatever He wishes in my life. Do we really have free will? What if I made a pencil from scratch. Does my pencil have free will to write whatever it wants?  Do I own the pencil? Can I write anything I want with the pencil? What if I snapped the pencil in half and threw it away? Can I do that? Do I have that right, or does that make me a mean person? So if I am God's creation, made with a purpose and function, does that give me the right to do whatever I wanted? Nope. Does it give God the right to do whatever He wanted with me? Yup. 

So I think about this and wonder, "what if I am here in this Hotel for a reason other than missing my flight?" What if this was God's will I was here? Here's what happened to me today. For the past three weeks I've been reading a book my John Piper called, When I Don't Desire God, How to Fight For Joy. So I had it in my hands when I checked in and the guy who was working the counter saw the book and commented on it. I told him what the book was about and he took a picture of it and said he needed to read it. He's been a joyless Christian for months and has been praying for a revival in his heart feeling bad that he doesn't have a desire for God much lately. What if I was meant to talk with him and encourage him, and give him a Gideon New Testament to put a smile on his face (which I did). God has plans for us that we don't know. A man plans his ways, but God directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9). 

Better Than I Deserve

Years ago I had the privilege to know a man at church named Ken Hunt. I never really talked with him until one day he overheard me telling someone about a problem in my basement and he offered to help. After helping me with the basement we ate dinner my wife cooked and chatted about things to get to know each other. One thing about Ken is that when you asked him, "How you doing?" he always answered, "better than I deserve." One day I asked him about it and  was curious what he meant. He just answered something like, "No matter what we get in this life, it is better than what we deserve, and that's hell." That was a key moment to my thinking as a Christian, that no matter what I receive in this life, it will be far better than anything I deserve in the next. Thank God (literally) that He sent His Son to willfully pay my fine with His life blood on the cross so I can have that better life. This helps me have a thankful heart as much as I can. 

So, tonight I will be sleeping in my clothes with the light on, but thank God I have a roof over my head and a lock on my door. I'm not going to get much sleep, but thank the Lord He will allow me to get up another day and breathe His air. 

I have a heartbeat. Life is good, and no matter what, it's better than I deserve. 

Ways To Conquer Fear In Witnessing - What You Know About God Will Determine How You Respond To Fear

“We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear causes another. When man’s terror scares you, turn your thoughts to the wrath of God.” - William Gurnall

This is probably the most biblical answer to conquering fear. Not only what the Lord HAS done for me, but what He WILL do for me in the future. We need to rely on God in His promises and what He said he will do. And why would we trust that God would help us? We need to trust in how God describes Himself in the Bible.

A Consuming Fire
Deuteronomy 4:24; 9:3
Hebrews 12:29

A Fortress
2 Samuel 22:2
Psalms 18:2; 91:2; 144:2
Nahum 1:7

A Defense
Psalm 5:11; 31:2
Isaiah 31:5; 37:35
Zechariah 9:15; 12:8

A Refuge
Exodus 33:22
Deuteronomy 33:27
Psalms 27:5; 31:20; 46:1; 71:3
Isaiah 25:4
Zechariah 9:12

A Shield
Genesis 15:1
Deuteronomy 33:29
Psalms 33:20; 84:11; 115:9

But it’s not just what God says about Himself in His Word, but also what He says about believers in Him. It’s important to understand what our relationship with the Lord is. It should be noted in the following that there are more instances where God calls us these things. Writing them all down would make this blog too long. There are more than likely other words that God describes Himself and us. God in His Word calls us:

The Bride of Christ
Isaiah 62:5
2 Corinthians 11:2
Revelations 19:7; 21:2; 22:17

Children of God
Romans 8:16-21; 9:26
1 John 3:10

Sons of God
John 1:12
Romans 8:14
Galatians 4:7
Philippians 2:15
1 John 3:1

Heirs of God
Romans 8:17
Titus 3:7

If we are the bride of Christ; children, sons, and heirs of God, wouldn’t you think that God would take care of us? Even though I don’t have children, I have a wife. If anyone messes with my wife, they mess with me. The Lord knows what we can deal with, and the extent of the trials we will face. But you may not be convinced of this promise yet. We see the heart of God’s faithfulness as our provider in Matthew 6:25-34, and as our Father who is looking for us in the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), and the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). In Romans 8:28 reads, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes”. No matter how bad the situation is for us, God will use it for His good.

So if this is all true, then what does God’s Word say about giving in to fear. What does this mean? It means that we do not trust in His faithfulness and we call Him a liar.

Revelation 21:7-8 – He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolotars, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

Of all these sins worthy of eternal hell, cowardly leads the pack. Why is that? Cowardly, in the King James is fearful. In Greek, it is deilos, which is having a fear that keeps you from doing a thing. The word is also used in Matthew 8:26 and Mark 4:40 which talks about when the disciples when they were fearful of being on the stormy waters of the Sea of Galilee. Why is that so important? Our courage is fueled by our faith in God. If we lack courage, it’s only because we lack faith. If we lack faith, we insult the integrity of Almighty God.

So today, think about God. Meditate on His power, might, and Holiness. When you feel scared, and fear about sharing your faith, think of the One who you are glorifying as you talk about Christ, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Think about it, you are giving glory to God, worshipping Him as you share your faith. It can't get any better than that.

Ways To Conquer Fear In Witnessing - Suffer With Courageous Chrisitians

We are not just to be growing with and fellowshipping with other believers, but also doing the will of God, and work of God with them. Learning and studying with fellow believers is a good thing, but actually applying it to our walk is even better. Even when we suffer, strive, and painfully go through it together. James 1:22 says that we are to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

My same bold Christian friends not only encourage me to go and share the gospel, but they actually go with me. We have been through much. When people have ripped up my tracts and thrown them in my face…they were there. When I was yelled at and ridiculed during a St. Patrick’s Day parade and an overzealous homosexual got in my face and took out his aggression on the one Christian that came his way…my friend was there to pull me back up. The reason why we are so close, is that we experience the same things because we are doing it together. I understand how my friends hurt, and they understand me. We feel it together.

“Do you feel like you are not as close to people in the church as you would like to be? Do you feel as though the church is not as productive as it should be? Do you feel distant, and useless at times in your walk?” The only way people can grow together spiritually is that they disciple one another and grow closer through suffering for the gospel. I am closer to the people I suffer with on the street than with those of my home church. There’s something to be said about suffering together for the gospel.

Paul, in 2 Timothy 1:8 asks Timothy, his protégé to, “share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.” Share with me is a word translated as Strong’s # 4777, “to suffer hardship in company with. Be partaker of afflictions.” The “together part” of that is from Strong’s # 4862 which is one of the strongest bonds a person has with another. Denotes union together, but much closer than #3326 or #3844. It’s by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, and instrumentality. It’s close, not casual, bonding as one. True fellowship is true discipleship.

Wow, wouldn’t you want a connection like that with the people of your fellowship? Who wouldn’t want that?

So how does one find courageous Christians? Start doing what God wants you to do in the first place and they will come. Pray and seek God to bring people to you to help, guide, and even to be led by you. Seek out the evangelism ministry of your local church and ask what programs are available to you to be a productive soul-winner for Christ. And when the opportunities do come up, don't back down, but be bold and step out of your comfort zone, and God will use you in mighty ways. Don’t give up searching for like-minded people for help.

Ways To Conquer Fear In Witnessing - Fellowship With Courageous Christians

9 Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.

10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?

12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJV)

A good place to find that encouragement is from other people who have courage themselves. I have a select few of Christian friends who would go, and have gone with me at any time and fulfill the great commission arm in arm with me. These are some bold men and women who encourage me to step out of my comfort zone and do what God has called me to do. Even though each of us has different gifts, strength, and weaknesses, we complement each other where we fall short. The interesting part is that we are all of different denominations, but Christians none the less.

As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
(Proverbs 27:17 NKJV)

Help each other out. Get to know one another, and how to help those who need it. Help others to be better at evangelism. Encourage one another in the gifts that they were given. When they fall short, pick them up and dust them off. I need encouragement. There are many times I come away from a witnessing encounter that has just been aweful, or I just don't feel like going out and doing it. If I need it, I know there are others who do too.

Ways To Conquer Fear In Witnessing - Let Love Swallow Your Fears

One of the conquerors to fear is just having love. Agape love is not self-preservation love which in itself is selfish, but a love for the other person you are witnessing to. It’s a sacrificial love. Love for the other person should help us take any pressure from people who stand against the bible, and biblical truth. Not only love for the other person who we are witnessing to, but also love for the Lord Himself, and being obedient to the calling He has given us.

1 John 4:17-19 – Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.

A couple of years ago my wife was sick and had to get a spinal tap and opted not to have the blood patch (which if you don’t receive a blood patch it can be extremely painful). Her mother was living in Illinois was clinically depressed and also very fearful of driving. But the love she had for her daughter overpowered her fear of driving, and she drove the entire eight hours to Iowa.
Having a love for the person you are witnessing to should overpower any fear we have in seeking and saving that which is lost. If you don’t feel love for others, ask God to give you His heart in the matter.

When I come across lost people, many ask me, “If God is such a loving God, why is it that He sends people to hell to punish them forever?” God gave them a way out through Jesus Christ, they just choose to deny it, and want another way.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

God doesn’t want people to go to hell, and neither do I. Do you really believe that verse? I mean really believe it? Love others and live out the verse and go share your faith while you still have time.

Ways to Conquer Fear In Witnessing - Think Ahead And Reflect

There are only two times you can think about a conversation and reflect on it. Before it starts, and after it ends. That’s it. I’m not talking about the “what if’s”, but preparation.

Think Ahead Of The Situation

There are some things that you can do to prepare before a conversation takes place.

1. Meditate on the Word. Read the Word, think and ponder what it says, then apply it to your life. Like chewing the cud. Read (eat), meditate (chew), put it in your heart (swallow), remember (regurgitate), then chew and the cycle starts over. It’s also known as musing if you are a reader of the old King James Version. Joshua was told to meditate on the Word (Joshua 1:8). David mediated on God’s Word (Ps 1:2; 63:6; 77:12; 119:15, 23, 48, 78, and 114). Ways to meditate on scripture can be found here thanks to Don Whitney of The Center For Biblical Spirituality.
2. Carry a New Testament with you wherever you go. You can find a pocket New Testament at your local Christian or used bookstore. Or you can get one from Gideon’s International. You would be amazed at how often you can read God’s word when you carry it with you. I carry one from Gideon’s International and I read it when I am standing in line, or in the bathroom, or even when I am waiting for a plane. Anytime I have even a few minutes, I am thumbing through the pages of God’s Word.
3. Learn how to share your faith. Thanks to the internet, there is a wealth of information available to us to help us share our faith. Websites like Living Waters, Custom Tract Source, and Pocket Testament League are good websites that have online training, books, and tracts available for you.
4. Practice answering questions that may be posed to you. How would you answer tough questions from homosexuals, atheists, evolutionists, and new agers? How would you answer cults and false teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and Christian Science? One way to practice is to have a conversation in your head, and answer your own questions. Also role playing with a friend is very helpful too to get even more people involved.

Reflect On Your Conversation

1. After you have had a conversation with someone, reflect on it.
2. What was something you should have said?
3. What was something you shouldn’t have said?
4. How was your tone of voice, posture, or approach?
5. What was something that they said that you need to get information on?

You may be thinking to yourself that’s a lot to remember, and that it gets away from being led by the Holy Spirit. What I am suggesting is that you learn from the experiences…not be worried about them. Practice makes perfect. Even though we are not called to be perfect, we are called to be faithful. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Years ago when I was struggling as a new evangelist I kept a journal of my experiences and what I needed to learn. It helped me in my growth and I contribute alot of what I learned by realizing things and writing them down.

As always these are just suggestions how to get better and work out what God has already given you. If you have a better idea, or something different to share with me please do. I am no expert, and I enjoy "talking shop" and learning from people who may know something I don't.

Ways To Conquer Fear In Witnessing - Kill Fear With Logic

Kill Fear with Logic

WWSD (what would Spock do?) Think about it…if fear is illogical (from a previous blog), kill the fear with logic. Is it logical to be afraid to witness to a 70 year old and be worried they will beat up a 30 year old you? I doubt it. Not only can you run away, but defending yourself would be easy. And who says you have to witness to people you feel uncomfortable talking to. Start with people you feel comfortable with…and go from there. Crawl before you walk, and walk before you run.

What if God puts it on your heart to leave a tract on a table, or go talk to that grandmother sitting on a park bench? He didn’t ask you to open-air preach. He didn’t ask you to talk to a gang of teenagers in a bad neighborhood. He didn’t ask you to witness to 100 people today. He asked you to leave a tract. He asked you to talk to a grandmother on a park bench. She's not going to knife you to death, she's not going to beat you up, and she probably won't chase you down the street. Ask yourself, "What is the worst that could happen in this moment?" The absolute worst that could happen is that she ignores you and walks away. But what she really is walking away from is not you, but Christ. We are not called to be successful at witnessing, but to be obedient to do it.

God knows us better than we do. Do the simple things God tells you to do. Start experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit. Don’t quench the fire…fan it.

Ways To Conquer Fear In Witnessing - Don't Feel the Fear...Just Do It.

Don't Feel the Fear...Just Do It!!

Let’s face it…witnessing is not what our flesh wants to do…period. If we are given enough time, we can think of 400 reasons why we shouldn’t go. If you think about what you are doing…the more likely your mind will wander and think about the “what if’s”. The “what if’s” will always get you in trouble (and more than likely negative). But we never ask ourselves, “What if this person gets saved by me sharing the gospel with them?”

Every time I go out to share my faith I go out dragging my feet, and come back clicking my heals...every time. Even when I have had the hardest conversations, I knew I was obedient to what God wanted me to do. I have to say that to date, I never regretted sharing my faith….just regretted not sharing my faith.

Do you know which tract is the hardest to give out? It’s the very first one. When Tony and I go out passing out tracts or witnessing, the first person we see as we get out of the car gets a tract, even if we are not at our ultimate destination yet. We don’t stop and think about it.

A couple weeks ago before my shift at work I went open-air preaching with my friends at Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market. As soon as Paul was done preaching, I was on the box next. Why is that? Hesitation to fear is like wood to a fire. Hesitation feeds fear and only makes it stronger.

What are you waiting for? Give that tract out, talk to that family member about the Gospel. Here’s some homework for you to do. First, verbally say hello to 3 strangers. Next, try to engage the next person in a conversation about anything (weather, news, sports). I find it the best to talk about my surroundings and what is going on right in front of me (dogs at the petstore, jewelry a person is wearing, an interesting tattoo they have). If you feel comfortable, move it to the spiritual. But the key is to have that conversation. If needful…use a gospel tract as a door opener. But always end the day by doing it.

Just do it, is a trademark of Nike. Nike is the Greek word for “victory”. Have a victorious day and go share your faith while you still have time.

Ways To Conquer Fear In Witnessing - Change your perspective on risk

Change Your Perspective On Risk

Instead of saying, “If I witness to this person, what do I have to lose?” (Your life, your job, your friends) Say, “If I witness to this person, what do I have to gain?” (A brother/sister in Christ, being obedient to God). Why does witnessing always be associated with a negative feeling? Why do we as Christians focus on the negative? How do you feel about the following verses?

1 Peter 4:12-14 – Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

Matthew 5:11-12 – Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Luke 6:22-23 – Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

Wow, wouldn’t you love to have the Spirit of glory and of God rest upon you. Wouldn’t you love to have great rewards in heaven, or even glorify God in being reproached for His name sake? It would be to God as worship. I would take that any day of the week. For even if we suffer…it would be a win / win situation.

Ways To Conquer Fear In Witnessing - Change your perspective on fear

Change Your Perspective On Fear

Instead of thinking what would happen to you if you share your faith (get beat up, made fun of, yelled at), think about what would happen if the other person you want to talk to doesn’t receive Christ (enslavement to their sin, eternity in hell, separated from God forever). Think about it…no matter where a person is who died, they will be there longer than 999,999,999,999 centuries (100 years). Let’s face it…it’s a long time to be wrong.

And what do we know about hell? Here are some descriptions of hell from the bible.

• A lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).
• A place of everlasting burnings (Isaiah 33:14)
• A bottomless pit (Revelation 20:1).
• Where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched (Mark 9:43-48).
• A place of torment (Luke 16:22-24).
• A place of everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46).
• Weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 24:51).
• A place of weeping and outer darkness (Matthew 8:12).
• Everlasting fire (Matthew 25:41).
• A place where people wail (Matthew 13:42).
• A place where people have no rest (Revelation 14:11).
• A place where people gnaw their tongues (Revelation 16:10).

Just meditating on what hell is like, should move us to reach out to the lost and share our faith. And who goes to hell? The bible says:

• Those who are not found written in the book of life (Revelation 20:15)
• The wicked (Psalm 9:17).
• He who does not believe in Jesus (John 3:18.

Lord, help us to change our perspective on fear. Help us to swallow our fears and seek to save that which are lost no matter what happens to us…it is not even close to what will happen to those who do not know Christ.

Conquering Fear - What Do We Fear?

In order to really grasp fear, and look it in the eye, we need to realize what we fear, and the situations when fear arises. Though, for sake of time and space I have limited this to sharing your faith. I understand we have fear in many other areas in ministry…but in the end, when we boil everything down, you can use how to conquer fear in other areas of ministry, and the reasons for them.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE DON’T SHARE THEIR FAITH
I’ve compiled a list of reasons why people don’t share their faith, and fear being the cause of most of them. The other “cause” we will see later.


I Fear I Will Suffer

Well, in my opinion (I speak as a man)…tough. Let’s face it; you will suffer for the gospel. In my “calling” as an evangelist, I have been yelled at, stuff thrown at me, insulted, ridiculed, made fun of, spit on, laughed at, lost friends over, tracts ripped up and tossed in the river, among other things that I’d rather not mention. But I will say this…to date, I have never had so much as a finger touch me. Though people said they wish that they could kill me, I was never punched, kicked, tortured, stabbed, shot, set on fire, drowned, or mauled. I consider myself blessed in that area.

I wish that I could say that people don’t suffer for their faith in America. People do. There are many Christians who are suffering for the gospel because they are trying to live out their faith in a world that is hostile to Christian ideals and principles.

The Bible has many references to Christians suffering persecution. Here are a few:

2 Timothy 3:12 – And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (NASB)

Philippians 1:29-30 – For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.


I think of the fate of some of the apostles themselves.

Philip: Stoned to death, Phygia, A.D. 54
Peter: Crucified upside down, Rome, A.D. 69
Paul: Beheaded, Rome, A.D. 69
Andrew: Crucified, Achaia, A.D. 70
Matthew: Beheaded, Ethiopia, A.D. 70
Thomas: Speared to Death, Calmino, A.D. 70
James (the less): Clubbed to death, Jerusalem, A.D. 63
John: Abandoned, Isle of Patmos, A.D. 63

Think of this…if we are the body of Christ, and Christ is the head of that body, why would the world only crucify the head and not the body? It is a blessing that the body suffer persecution. In 1 Peter 4:14 it says that the Spirit of Glory and God rests upon you. Don’t you want the Spirit of God to rest upon you? I sure do. Suffer today for Him, with Him, and rejoice.


I Fear I Will Be Rejected By Others

Though we may not pay a price regarding our lives, but our livelihood. Fear of losing a job, friends, or even family may get in the way of the One Whom we should serve. But in reality, shouldn’t we be fearful of God Whom we have received as LORD and Savior? When we forsook our sins, and came to the blood stained cross and asked for forgiveness we were like dead men risen again. What did those who were risen from the dead when Jesus walked the earth in human form? They were grateful, for those whom were cured from their disease, risen from the dead, they wanted more of Him. Shouldn’t we be like that too? Shouldn’t we be more like them.

The bible talks about what we may lose if we turn to Christ.

Matthew 10:21-22 – “”And brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.”

Matthew 10:34-35 –“Do not think that I came to bring peach on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.”

We might have to give up everything for the cause of Christ. For those who do, will only come blessing from the Lord. The Lord will protect and guide us in our times of trouble.


I Fear That God Won’t Be There When I Need Him

I can’t remember a time where God ever let me down with anything I ever brought before Him. The only thing that I would ever even come close to that would be when my sister died when I begged the Lord to save her. But, ultimately, she let herself down. I, among others, shared Christ with her, numerous times, and numerous times she rejected every attempt. So in reality…who let who down? It wasn’t the Lord. He was faithful to send those who knew the gospel to minister to her. But she denied it every time. I cannot blame Him for that.

In the times that I needed His guidance, mercy, love, kindness and wisdom…the Lord provided abundantly what I needed when I needed it. It’s never what I thought “I” needed, but what God knows I need.

In Hebrews 13:5 it is written by God of Himself: I will never leave you nor forsake you. Do you believe that?

God not only teaches through His Word, but also through circumstances. Sometimes we as humans need to be “shown” something that we just can’t learn by reading.


I Fear That I Don’t Know Enough To Share The Gospel With People

Learn. You may be thinking that was a very insensitive answer. But seriously…in America, we have an overwhelming abundance of resources at our disposal…more than what missionaries in other countries have. We have libraries, books, seminars, classes, internet, DVD’s, CD’s, ministries dedicated to teaching evangelism, and other people who know more than we do. But we learn what we need to know with anything else.

Let’s say that your employer asked you to study for an exam, and whether or not you keep that job is based on the score of that test. What do you think you would do? You would study like crazy. Not only that, but you would be studying throughout the year so when it came time to take the exam…you would be more than prepared.

But with a more sensitive answer…you know more than the lost who don’t know really much if anything about the gospel. As a former Roman Catholic from New Jersey, I never knew what the Bible said about anything. In fact, until a couple months of being a believer, I never even heard of John 3:16…never. If someone would have even shared John 3:16 with me, I may have listened, or at least have the desire to read the Bible, and to know what to read. At least some sort of seed would have been planted in my heart. But it wasn’t until I came to Iowa when God really started to work on me.

But if you do get into a bind and don’t know what to say, a good backup plan is to share your testimony. So with that, know your testimony and how you got saved. No one will ever tell you, “Now that’s not what happened!” How could they? Were they there when it happened? And while you are sharing your testimony, in your mind think of something and pray the Holy Spirit gives you wisdom.

God will hold you more accountable because you live in a place where information is freely given. You will not be able to use this when you come before God on the last day.


I Fear That I May Say the Wrong Thing

Who says you will say the right thing either. I mean…who is the one who converts people anyway…you or the Holy Spirit. If you stick with the basics, and relay them to the other person…you really can’t say anything that will be out of line.

Think about this one. Who is Jesus? Ok, why did He come and die on a cross? What will happen to people who don’t receive Him as Lord and Savior? What is John 3:16 and what does that mean? Let’s face it…it’s not rocket science. How could you mess it up and say the wrong thing?


I Fear I Won't Make Any Sense

To the lost, the gospel doesn’t make sense, and that’s not your fault. But the bible says that because of the hardness of their hearts they cannot understand the things of God. But that shouldn’t keep us from sharing it with them either.

When I was a pagan and lost as lost can be, I remember the first time a person shared the gospel with me. I had just moved to Iowa from New Jersey and went to the Iowa State Fair for the first time. Walking around, I found myself at a booth displaying a model of Noah’s Ark. I thought it was the most fascinating thing, and the man who was in charge came over and talked with me for a while. He gave me a gospel tract and asked me some questions about Jesus Christ. I was Roman Catholic at the time, and I couldn’t understand him no matter how hard I tried…even though I was leaning in to the conversation and really hanging on ever word he said. After an hour I was getting impatient, I grabbed him by both shoulders, looked him straight in the eye and said, “I want to understand what you are telling me, but for some reason I can’t. You might as well be speaking Greek.” When I went home I must have read that tract 50 times front to back, and still it didn’t click. 19 Months later I walked into Heartland Christian Fellowship on March 2, 2003 where the Pastor shared the gospel with me, I understood it, and gave my heart and life to the Lord. Why…I don’t really know. Maybe I wasn’t ready until then to receive it. God only knows. But that shouldn’t stop us from at least sharing it with the Lost.



I Fear Because I Don't Know How To Get Started

Isn’t that with everything though? Really…how does anyone know anything? They learn it. It’s the same thing with sharing your faith. When I got saved I didn’t know either…in fact I used to make fun of people who did. But all I had to get me started was the burning desire in my heart to reach out to the lost, and to tell people of the God who lived within me. I hooked up with a man who has been sharing his faith for years, and learned from him. He discipled me in many areas, and from being under a godly man whom God raised up, I am a better Christian because of it.


I Fear I'll Be A Bad Witness

I can see that if you are a new believer, and really don’t know much, and come from a really rough background that fearing you would be a bad witness would be a thing to think about. You might drop an “F bomb” here and there, light up a cigarette and blow it into the person’s face, and may even start yelling at them when they don’t “get it”. No, I really don’t believe that one either. It’s the people who come from really rough backgrounds that turn to the Lord, and He changes them from the inside out, that really speak volumes about what God is doing in their lives. Take the apostle Paul. A man whom the bible said “ravaged the church of God” and Jesus met him on the road to Damascus, and transformed his life.


ARE THESE REALLY REASONS?

By looking at each reason why some of us don’t share our faith…what we find by going over each one is that they are not reasons…but excuses. Each one of these has been proven to be ineffective in keeping us in fear.

Today…cut the noose of the fear of man with the sword of the spirit. Take the first step in conquering your fear.

Backward Chrisitan Soldiers

God forgive us. Please pray for the church in America.

Sung to the tune of "Onward Christian Soldiers".

Backward Christian soldiers, fleeing from the fight,
With the cross of Jesus nearly out of sight.
Christ, our rightful master stands against the foe,
But forward unto battle we are loathe to go.

Like a mighty tortoise moves the Church of God,
Brothers we are treading where we’ve always trod.
We are much divided many bodies we,
Having many doctrines not much charity.

Crowns and thorns may perish kingdoms rise and wane,
But the Church of Jesus hidden does remain.
Gates of hell should never ‘gainst the Church prevail,
We have Christ’s own promise but we think that it will fail.

Sit here then ye people join our useless throng,
Blend with ours your voices in a feeble song.
Blessings, ease, and comfort, ask from Christ the King,
With our modern gospel, we don’t do a thing.

(anonymous)

Conquering Fear - What Fear Really Does....

Just to reiterate…these blogs about conquering fear can be utilized in all areas of ministry and not just evangelism. There is anxiety in dishing out food to the homeless, needing to councel couples who may be talking about divorce, or even speaking in front of the congregation for the first time. There is fear and anxiety in all types of ministry. Even worrying about giving more can stress us out. But for the purpose of why this blog was written, evangelism is what we will talk about. Just keep in mind not limited to evangelism.

Why Does Satan Use Fear?
In a war, it’s important to know your enemy. Who is our enemy in this case…it’s Satan, and his angels. It’s not the people we meet on the street and witness to. It’s not even the person who is yelling at us when we are on the ladder open-air-preaching. These people are victims of the devil. But when we are taking people from Satan’s team to our team, he’s not happy. Since Jesus died on the cross, and rose again, Satan has no more power over death. The only thing he can do is to keep people from coming to the Lord in repentance and faith. So the way Satan can do this is (1) after a person has heard the Word, to take it out of their hearts (Matthew 13:3-4, 18-19), and (2) to keep them from hearing it at all (Romans 10:14-17). For the lack of time and space we will only concentrate on the latter…hindering Christians from sharing their faith.

How Does Satan Use Fear?
Satan is not going to use all his power and make this elaborate spectacle to get you to not share your faith. He’s not going to kill your whole family, send demons into your sister, burn your house to the ground, and put a lot of effort into this. He just wants to hinder your walk the easiest way possible. Frankly…if I saw a demon possessed person…it probably would strengthen my faith. Fear is probably the easiest way to get a person not to witness. Since fear is a tool of the enemy…what does fear do really? Well, let’s take a look at a common fear most of us have…the fear of man.
Proverbs 29:25 – The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.
Another version might say: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe”.

What does the fear of man look like? It could be the fear of losing favor or friendship with men. Fear of their reviling or persecution. Fear of what people think of you.
Back in biblical times, a snare would be a trap to catch unsuspecting animals for food and can be one of two things. One, a noose of some sort would be hidden by leaves or sand and blended into the surrounding ground so that animals won’t be able to see. When the animal’s foot gets caught, the noose tightens up and the animal cannot get away, and is stuck in one spot. It tries to break free and tires out over time. Not only that, but they are used to keep them in one spot. That’s the key here. Another way can be a hook in the nose or jaw as in fishing. The hook is hidden by a tasty worm, the fish see it, and swallow it not knowing they caught a hook. Then the fisherman reels in the fish and has complete control over the fish and pulls it where he wants it to go where. The fish on the other hand has no control. It tiers out from the fighting and is brought to surface, right to frying pan and then to the dinner table.

So think about us as Christians trying to share our faith. An unsuspecting Christian wants to witness and share his faith. He thinks it’s safe, and has the desire. Not thinking of the spiritual forces surrounding him, he goes in and makes his move. Anxiety grips his heart, and he starts to sweat. The “what ifs” run through his mind and reminders of what happened the last time he tried to give away the gospel. “What if I get made fun of?” “What if I can’t think of what to say?” “What if they get mad at me?” His heart races faster until he says “I can’t do this” and he quits trying. The person walks away, and the opportunity is lost. The snare in this situation was the fear. It kept you from moving forward, and kept you in one spot. Where is that? Its right where Satan wants you and you are tired out from the stress of breaking free. Like a hook in your jaw he just made you go where he wanted and you’re tired out.

When I did open-air-preaching for the first time I was scared to death. I was never gripped with fear like that before. I knew that God wanted me to do it, I just didn’t think it was then. I had the perfect opportunity and I couldn’t back out. It was either now or never in my mind.
Now you may be thinking, “yeah, but how do you know this is Satan at work. I don’t really believe he has any power over what I do.” Well, think on this.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 – (24) "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, (25) in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may come to know the truth, (26) and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will."

Notice what is says in verse 26. Escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will."

Like a hook in your jaw he tells you where to go, and what to do. Now you may not like what I’m about to say…but I’ll say it anyway…and this is what got me. Look in verse 25. Who is Paul talking about…“Those who are in opposition”? Who is this? It’s unbelievers who are in opposition to God’s will. So what am I saying? I’m saying is that when we succumb to fear, we are being led by Satan and acting as though we are unredeemed…as though we are an unbeliever in opposition to God.

I want you to stop and think about this before you go any further. Meditate biblically on that for a little bit and let it sink in. We will never be free from the feelings of anxiety or fear, but we can overcome those to do what God has called us to do.

Next we will talk about how to break free from the snare around our ankles and the hook in our jaw.

Conquering Fear Introduction...What Is Fear?

A couple of months ago I was asked by my pastor to compile a seminar to teach people how to share their faith. In working with that…I thought it would be beneficial to you to “test drive” some areas I want to cover, and beneficial for me so I can get some feedback from my followers and other bloggers who suffer (as I do) in this area. All I ask is that you be honest with your comments, and don’t worry about hurting my feelings. Believe me I can take it. But also I should say that I may have to defend my “opinion” and may comment back. Just remember to do it in love and respect, as I will adhere to the same standards. So as you give me your feedback these blogs may change as I edit them, and therefore your comments “may “disappear. So, with that being said…let’s get to it.

What Is Fear?

When you ask why people don’t share their faith…it’s almost a given that they will say they are afraid to. Frankly, it’s probably the #1 reason, if not, within the top three. In order to conquer fear, we first need to examine what fear is, and where it comes from. According to Webster’s Dictionary, fear is…

1. A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. The force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil.
2. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us.
3. Anxiety, solicitude.
4. Reverence, due respect, and venerate.

For the basis of this blog, we are going to focus on the first and second. As for the third, I can sum it all up by this…

Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Fear of the Lord is a good thing. If you are a Christian, you should already fear the Lord. It is a reverential, respecting fear. The kind of fear you would have with relation to electricity. Electricity is a good thing and we use it. We just wouldn’t stand in a puddle holding two 240Vac lines touching them to our tongue. Just hearing the buzz, standing under 500KV power lines is enough to make us awe with due respect. Just how much more should we stand in awe of God.
But in this lesson we are more concerned about the fear that goes along with being ashamed of Christ. The definition from Websters Dictionary of ashamed is:

1. Affected by shame; abashed or confused by guilt or a conviction of some criminal action or indecorous conduct, or by the exposure of some gross errors or misconduct, which the person is conscious must be wrong, and which tends to impair his honor or reputation. It is followed by of.
2. Confused by a consciousness of guilt or of inferiority; by the mortification of pride; by failure or disappointment.

Shame would be:

1. A painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt, or of having done something which injures reputation; or by of that which nature or modesty prompts us to conceal. Shame is particularly excited by the disclosure of actions which, in the view of men, are mean and degrading. Hence it is often or always manifested by a downcast look or by blushes, called confusion of face.
2. The cause or reason of shame; that which brings reproach, and degrades a person in the estimation of others. Thus an idol is called a shame.
3. Reproach; ignominy; derision; contempt.
4. The parts which modesty requires to be covered.
5. Dishonor; disgrace.

Notice what the difference is between fear and shame. It’s embarrassment. Living in this country there is really nothing to fear. The laws are on our side (as of this writing). We are not being hunted and thrown into prisons as Christians are in other countries (Iraq). On a large scale, people are not losing their jobs, homes, and businesses because they are a Christian (India). There are no soldiers in the “State Run Churches” with cameras taking your picture and your name so that if you apply for a government job you will be denied because you are a follower of Jesus Christ (China). But we do in this country feel the fear of “what will my friends think if they find out I’m born again?” Or we think, “I can’t witness to my boss…my review is coming up and I’m due for a raise or promotion. I don’t want him to think I’m one of those people.” We do not fear for our lives, but our livelihood. We care more about what people will think of us, and if our selfish pride gets damaged. That in my opinion is gross and disgusting. How can we who are sinners be ashamed of Him who knew no sin? How much more should He be ashamed of us? So in this fear and being ashamed will be talked about because that’s what we fear here in America.

Where Fear Comes From

Being that fear is an emotion…we will never be entirely free from it. But where does this fear of impending danger or anxiety come from. I believe that we are born with only two fears that all newborns and infants have in common...the fear of falling, and the fear of loud noises. So all other fears we have are acquired, either by learning, experience, or belief. This is the heart of the issue right here.
In sharing our faith we have this misconception that fear comes from Satan. Is that true? If fear is an emotion, and comes from within, does he really cause fear? No. What Satan may do is give us situations or thoughts in our minds that would trigger emotions of fear. This is important in determining the solution to the problem and conquering fear.

Why Do We Fear?

Have you ever heard the term “ignorance is bliss”? There is some truth to that isn’t there. Don’t try this at home, but think about it in your mind. Give a child who’s learned to crawl or first learning to walk a steak knife. Would there be any fear in that child at all...probably not. Why…because the child has no idea what it is he or she is holding, and what can happen to them from holding it. What the child may do is take that knife and curiously stick it in several places (in the mouth, wall outlet, a couch, the family cat, etc…). Now what happens? The child takes the knife, looks at it. It’s shiny. He or she walks over to an outlet and sticks it in the outlet. Electricity passes through the knife to the child’s arm, and the vibration of current sends the child screaming. The child goes from ignorance to experience in a matter of seconds. He or she will think twice about touching the knife, or even going near a wall outlet? Not for a long time anyway.

As we get older anyway we start to have thoughts of our own. Our mind and the devil play tricks on us. By this point we have had so many bad experiences that we automatically think that whatever we do will turn out bad. This goes along with witnessing and sharing your faith…the crux of the issue at hand. Remember when you were first a believer…a newborn into Christ’s family? What was that like? Pretty exciting wasn’t it? Like a first-time pregnant woman, you had this new life inside of you and you just wanted to tell everyone right? You wanted everyone to know the joy you had, and to experience that for themselves. But then you quickly realized that a lot of people didn’t share the same feelings as you did. Maybe you were made fun of or ridiculed for believing Jesus your “imaginary friend”. Maybe some of you tried to witness for the first time and got tongue tied and couldn’t answer any hard questions because let’s face it…you just got saved yesterday and this is all new to you. Or maybe it caused tension in relationships that were strong before you knew Jesus and now had to “choose” between this new found friend and Lord, and your old pal. It could be quite discouraging, and the next person you witness to, your heart starts to pound, you start sweating, and then panic sets in.

I remember when I just got saved, and living in Iowa I had a chance to go back home to NJ through my work. I had to go through some training at the home office and decided to take some extra time off, and extra tracts and share the best Person that ever happened to me to my friends and family. I was bold let me tell you. It was zeal without knowledge that’s for sure. But I was bold enough until I started receiving some backlash. One night, one of my best friends and his wife sat me down like a scolded child to “talk some sense into me”. The more I resisted and trying to get out to my car and get my Bible so that I could show him what I wanted to say…the angrier he got. She kept laughing like it was some kind of joke (and I was the punch line). I also tried to talk to my cousin, and even my two sisters. My younger sister saying, “You’re not going to do this to Mom and Dad are you?” just made me sink in my seat. The older sister laughing at me didn’t help. But she passed away July 6, 2007, and guarantee she’s not laughing now (no matter where she is at this point).

When Do You Fear?

This goes along with “why” somewhat. Especially in witnessing, when do we get anxious and nervous? It’s when we are going to open our mouths and speak for Christ. We never seem to get nervous when we are singing songs to God, or reading our Bibles, or studying the Word. Even Christian service like feeding the poor, cleaning the church, or mowing the lawn we don’t feel a bit nervous. For even Jesus, when he began His Galilean ministry that the first time He spoke out and preached people wanted to kill Him (Luke 4:16-30). Let’s face it, the only reason we are persecuted is that Jesus is not present in the flesh or they would crucify Him all over again, so they persecute us instead.

So, Now What?

Whether we are fearful or being ashamed there is hope. If there was hope for those in the Bible who felt both, there is hope for us. So now that we tackled the “who, what, where, when, and why” of fear…how then do we conquer it. Let’s face it, we all fear something at sometime. For the remaining blogs, I want to concentrate on the fear that comes from sharing your faith. It’s a false fear. You can use this acronym to describe it.

False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

Especially in the United States, we don’t hear about angry mobs killing Christians leaving pools of blood on the sidewalks were their heads were lopped off their bodies. Have people in the United States been martyred for their faith? You bet. Rachel Scott, and Cassie Bernall of Columbine High School would be two. We still as of today have religious freedoms this country was founded on. Our freedoms are ever changing, and soon one day will disappear. Christians all over this country have been persecuted for sharing (and even just believing) their faith. For some examples, I urge you to look at www.silencingchristians.com. The time to act and use the freedoms while we still have them is now. Fear will only get in the way.

It’s not the absence of fear that we strive for but the conquering of it. For the rest of the upcoming blogs, I will tackle the issues and show you that you have not to fear about anything. This in turn will be a lesson for me as well, as I do suffer from the same. So “buck up” little camper…we are all in this together.