5 Ways to Talk about Faith

Let’s talk about faith. (gasp!)

Religion and politics…we’re supposed to steer clear of these conversations topics.

But then…how will people ever hear about the Lord? How can we seek justice? How can bring change into a hurting world??

Jesus’ life and the lives of his first disciples demonstrate ways to talk faith…

1 – Live a life that draws questions

Nicodemus saw Jesus’ miracles. He then came to Jesus to understand. (John 3:1-21)

The rich young ruler came to Jesus to ask about eternal life. (Matthew 19:16)

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need….And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:44, 47)

Paul and Silas chose to not escape from prison following an earthquake. The guard comes to them “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:16-40)

2 – Live a life that draws people

“Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God…a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus…” (Luke 8:1, 4)

3 – Relate to other people’s situations

To fishermen, Jesus says, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

To the Athenians, Paul said “I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship I even found an altar with this inscription: “to an unknown god. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:22-23)

4 – Be willing to start the conversation

Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman; “Will you give me a drink?” (Jn 4:7)

Philip ran up to the chariot and asked “Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30)

5 – Go to places where people may be interested in hearing

“When they (Barnabas and Saul) arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues.” (Acts 13:5, 14:1, 17:2-3, 18:19)

“From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga and Pamphylia…On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word to them saying, ‘Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak.'” (Acts 13:13, 15)

“On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. On of the women listening was a woman named Lydia…The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message…” (Acts 16:13, 14)

As this day progresses, I will seek to be more vocal about my faith!

Your Turn

How do you share your faith?

Which of these five ways come most naturally for you?

Posted by Sharon R. Hoover

photo credit: Collin Key via photopin cc