by Brian Walters, Director of Adult Ministries @ MBC Loudoun

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20).

Since I have made the career change into full-time ministry, one of my biggest struggles has been the lack of opportunities to share my faith with others. In my previous job there were always opportunities to share my faith with unbelievers.  Now, finding opportunities to share my faith with unbelievers has been challenging. When reading the Great Commission I feel an even greater weight to share my faith because Jesus isn’t saying share your faith if you aren’t busy, or share your faith if you feel like it, or to share your faith when you are not on vacation, Jesus is giving every believer a command to share their faith with others regardless of the place or the time.
Certainly there are many ways God can lead a non-believer to faith in Jesus Christ, but probably the most likely way he leads people to Christ is through using a believer. It is impossible for a person to become a follower of Christ if they don’t hear the Word of God, as it says in Isaiah 52:7, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Plus, I don’t think Jesus would have commanded us to share our faith if it wasn’t important to do so.

So my take away from Core Value #3 is to keep my eyes peeled for every opportunity God shows me to share my faith and to make sure I do it.  Also, to remember that I’m just the tool and God is the one that wields that tool to lead others to Christ. A person cannot be transformed into a fully devoted follower of Christ, if he/she first doesn’t put their faith in Him.

Challenge: Ask God to give you the courage and the opportunity to share your faith or invite at least one person to church within the next week.