{"id":519,"date":"2020-12-15T21:57:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-15T21:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jayjohnston.org\/?p=519"},"modified":"2021-01-11T21:56:51","modified_gmt":"2021-01-11T21:56:51","slug":"living-your-life-out-loud-for-jesus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jayjohnston.org\/index.php\/2020\/12\/15\/living-your-life-out-loud-for-jesus\/","title":{"rendered":"Living Your Life Out Loud for Jesus"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDo you have family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers who need Jesus? Let\u2019s be bold and share the story of Jesus with those who need to hear.<\/span>\n

\nAs you prepare to share, remember that living a consistent and godly life speaks volumes. <\/b>As Christians, our inconsistencies confuse those who are without a personal relationship with Jesus. We must first demonstrate to those around us that we care about them. I encourage you to find ways to spend time with friends and family without putting yourself in a compromising position. You need to demonstrate God’s love in and through your life.<\/span>\n

\nOne of the keys to showing you care is listening.<\/b> As you have conversations, listening is crucial. They may have questions, and if you cannot answer all of the questions, that\u2019s okay. Let them know you will find the answers and get back to them promptly. Then as you share, be real and share what Christ is doing in your life today as a personal testimony. This will make a difference as you share the Gospel story. Let them know Jesus is real to you.\u00a0And of course, be in prayer for them. I encourage you to develop a list of people in your circles to begin praying for today.<\/span>\n

\nHowever, you cannot take someone to a place if you don’t know the path.<\/b>While you\u2019re living your life out loud for Jesus, I encourage you to read the Bible and pray daily, actively share your faith, and connect with a local Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church. As you practice spiritual disciplines and engage lost family and friends in spiritual conversations, they will see if you are committed to the cause of Christ. If you are living out your passion for Christ, it will help others see clearly and be drawn by the Holy Spirit’s work to desire a relationship with Jesus.<\/span>\n\nI also urge you to be careful with your words and your actions.<\/b>\u00a0Allow the fruits of the spirit to dwell in and through you. Let love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control flow out of you. We must demonstrate love to everyone and keep our eyes fixed on things above and not on what the world offers.<\/span>\n

\nLet me be clear \u2014 it\u2019s not just about living a godly life, and it\u2019s certainly not our good works that will determine where we spend eternity. We must also speak the truth of God\u2019s Word.<\/span>\n

\nBelow is a simple, biblical plan that has been used to share Christ with thousands of people.\u00a0You can take this and share it with all who are without Christ. And remember to share your testimony as well \u2014 it\u2019s powerful because of Christ’s transformation in you.<\/span>\n

\n4 Simple Steps To Sharing the Gospel<\/b>\n
    \n \t
  1. Tell Them About God’s Plan \u2014 Peace And Life.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nGod loves you and wants you to experience the peace and life He offers. The Bible says, “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” (John 3:16). He has a plan for you.<\/span>\n\n

    \n
      \n \t
    1. Share Our Problem \u2014 Separation From God.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nBeing at peace with God is not automatic. By nature, we are all separated from Him. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God is holy, but we are human and don’t measure up to His perfect standard. We are sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).<\/span>\n\n

      \n
        \n \t
      1. Talk About God’s Remedy \u2014 The Cross.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nGod’s love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “‘He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed'” (1 Peter 2:24).<\/span>\n\n

        \n
          \n \t
        1. Share Our Response \u2014 Receive Christ.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nYou cross the bridge into God’s family when you accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).<\/span>\n\n

          \n\nTo receive Christ, a person must do 4 things:<\/b>\n