The Gospel in Everyday Words

Your life tells a story. Through it, you’ve come to know things about God that others need to hear.

Maybe you’ve come to know God as faithful or forgiving. Maybe you’ve experienced His guidance or His invitation into a personal relationship.

1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to be ready to explain our hope in God. We are to be kind and gentle in our conversations.

Social media and smartphones have brought many new helpful tools. Websites, media posts or a short video clip can be great conversation starters. Or you can use an App that answers questions or shows relevant videos. These tools, often carried on your phone, help you be ready to talk with people that God brings your way.

Here is a real-life example of how this can work.

I was standing outside Walmart when a guy pulled up in a car. The sticker on his car read: "Born Again Pagan." We had a brief conversation.

Me: "Excuse me. Can I ask you about your bumper sticker?"

Man: "Sure. Greatest thing that's ever happened to me."

Me: "You mean worshipping the god of wind, fire and rain. Right?"

Man: "Yeah. My brother told me about it. It's changed my life!"

Me: "Well, I don't know a lot about paganism, but I used to be an atheist. I have studied philosophers. And then a friend told me how I could know God. And when I asked Jesus into my life, my search ended."

Man: "That's me. I'm searching."

Me: “Maybe no one has ever shared with you how you could know God in a personal way. Can I show you a website that walks through how to start a relationship with Him?

Man: "Yes. Thank you!"

You can have easy, natural conversations with people who aren’t Christians. When God gives you an opportunity, share something true you’ve learned about Him. Then show them tools like websites, books, videos, and apps where they can explore more on their own.

Remember to follow the advice of Peter: Gentle. Respectful. Kind.

Application Questions:

• Think through your life. What are two or three things you know to be true about God, based on your experiences? See if you can summarize it in one sentence. This will help you be prepared when God opens a door for conversations.

Prayer:

“God, help me be prepared with what I know to be true about you. Show me a website that will help nonbelievers most. And then help me notice when you want me to say something to a person. Amen.”

Marilyn Adamson,

If you’d like to learn practical ways to share God’s truth in everyday conversations, visit our partner page to explore resources that can help you start meaningful discussions and point others to Jesus.