Sharing Your Faith with Confidence: Explain and Respond

The call to share the gospel is clear throughout Scripture, yet many believers feel uncertain about how to engage in spiritual conversations. The good news? God has already equipped His people to confidently explain Jesus through His Word and invite others to respond in faith.

In Acts 8, Philip provides a powerful example of how to share the gospel. When the Holy Spirit led him to an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah, Philip didn’t hesitate—he ran to the opportunity (Acts 8:30). His approach was simple yet effective:

1. He asked a question. “Do you understand what you’re reading?” (Acts 8:30).
   
   
2. He explained Scripture. Beginning with Isaiah 53, he pointed to Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy (Acts 8:35).
   
   
3. He invited a response. The Ethiopian saw water and immediately asked to be baptized (Acts 8:36).

This encounter highlights a practical, biblical approach to evangelism: be Spirit-led, engage with curiosity, share Jesus clearly, and call for a response.

Many believers hesitate to share their faith due to fear—fear of rejection, not knowing enough, or saying the wrong thing. But the truth is, if you know the gospel, you can share the gospel.

Paul reminds us, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). The power is in the message, not the messenger. Like Philip, we must trust the Holy Spirit to guide our conversations and prepare hearts.

Here are a few practical ways to grow in confidence as you share your faith:

1. Listen First – Instead of diving straight into a gospel presentation, ask questions and listen to where someone is spiritually. This builds trust and helps tailor the conversation.
   
   
2. Know Key Scriptures – Be familiar with passages like Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:16, and Ephesians 2:8-9. These verses clearly explain sin, salvation, and grace.
   
   
3. Practice Explaining Jesus in Scripture – Just as Philip used Isaiah 53 to point to Christ, challenge yourself to find gospel connections throughout the Bible.
   
   
4. Be Ready to Invite a Response – After explaining the gospel, simply ask, “Do you believe this?” or “Would you like to place your faith in Jesus?” A clear invitation allows the Holy Spirit to work.
   
   
5. Pray for Boldness – Pray regularly for opportunities and the courage to take them. The early church prayed for boldness, and God empowered them (Acts 4:29-31).

Opportunities to share Jesus are all around us. Studies show that most people are open to spiritual conversations, yet many churches struggle with evangelism. The Great Commission isn’t optional—it’s a command (Matthew 28:19-20). When God prompts us to speak, the time to share is now.

So, what’s stopping you? The same Spirit who empowered Philip empowers believers today. Go and join that chariot—someone is waiting to hear the good news.

This blog is based on a message preached by Lead Pastor Dr. Brian Stone as part of the Modern-Day Evangelism series on Sunday, February 16. You can watch the full message here.