I know I believe in Christ, but how do I tell others? I’m not sure I have the words in English, much less another language!
We often worry about having the right words to convince others to believe in Jesus, but the Holy Spirit is the one who brings people to faith through law and Gospel. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). We are simply vessels whom the Holy Spirit uses to tell others about His salvation. This is why MCN’s tagline is Intentional Gospel Proclamation (not explanation). We can’t explain someone into faith, but we can proclaim the Word that God promises won’t return empty (Isaiah 55:11)!
The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word as a means to bring people to faith.
John 20:31 says, “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Spending time in the Bible will help build confidence in using its words to tell others about Christ. God’s Word speaks powerfully to all cultures, and you may even find yourself learning more about the Bible and seeing aspects of God’s character and work in the world in a new light as you read Scripture with people from a different language and culture.
There is power in the stories of the Bible – even as read from a children’s Bible!
Much of the Bible is made up of narratives (not theological statements), and sharing these stories is powerful! (Did you know Luther’s Small Catechism is full of narrative suggestions for exploring each of the main points it teaches about?) Oftentimes children’s Bibles provide clear, easy Bible stories with pictures that are great for crossing language barriers and introducing the faith to those who are new to reading God’s Word. Lutheran Heritage Foundation even provides children’s Bibles in many of the languages where our Mission Partners serve!
As the Apostle Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).
Share God’s Word and the Good News of salvation with freedom and joy knowing God is the one who creates and grows faith!
