Army-Reaching the Lost

Reaching the Lost
Through an evangelistic lifestyle

Learn How to Talk about God to People Who Don't Know Him...

You have a story to tell. About how God reached out to you, and showed you His love. Sharing that story with people who don't know that God loves them is what we mean by living an evangelistic lifestyle. Watch video by Pastor Miles

It's not complicated. It's a way of life...a lifestyle.

The second letter in the Rock's A.R.M.Y. stands for Reaching the Lost. Maybe it should also stand for Relationships--because "evangelism" is simply building relationships with people who are far from God. It's having the courage to share your story of how you came to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. And it's being willing to listen to people's pain, to hear their hopelessness, and to understand how lost they feel deep down. You know; you've been there. And so has Jesus.

Don't be afraid. Tell them about Him. Everyday, any time, anywhere.

The Apostle Peter wrote, Do not fear...intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. 1 Peter 3:14-15

Are you ready? Can you give an account of the hope that is in you? Is God calling you to DO Something --to learn more about how to share your story?

Remember, the church exists today because believers of the first century were obedient and went out into the world. They were the first A.R.M.Y., sharing their own stories on how God changed their lives, and living a lifestyle example of what it means to follow Jesus Christ. Your story really does matter.

"The skeptic may deny your doctrine or attack your church, but he cannot honestly ignore the fact that your life has been changed." --Chuck Swindoll

Maybe your story is still in development. If you feel like someone who can't yet say "I've accepted Christ," we would love to have you come experience God at one of our Sunday services or to talk with you about any questions you might have. Call us! (619) 226-ROCK

How To Create Your Story

• What was your life like before you met Christ?
• How and when did you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior?
• How has your life changed since you accepted Christ?

What was your life like before you met Christ?

You might have an answer like this: "I had no peace. I was addicted to [fill in the blank: drugs, alcohol, food, sex, approval]. I had no hope in my future. I was lonely..." Or, "A friend reached out to me when I hit rock bottom. He didn't judge me--he just said he knew Someone who could help me get my life together..." Or, "I knew this person in my life who always had joy even during her bad days, and I asked her why, and she shared with me about her relationship with Christ..."

Here are some other questions to get you thinking: What was the theme in your life at this time? What was your early experiences with church and how did that affect you as you grew up? What were you thinking as you began to consider whether Jesus Christ was who He said He is? What fears or reservations did you have about Christianity?

How and when did you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior?

Share how you decided your way of living just wasn't going to work anymore. Did you decide all at once, or did your decision come gradually? Were you alone or with friends? Maybe it happened at an event? Was it a Sunday service, a small group meeting, a concert? Or perhaps it was a private encounter with God, at the beach or in your home. How did you feel once you had made the decision?

How your life has changed since you accepted Christ?

Think about how knowing Christ has enriched your life: "Now I have peace." "Now I am not addicted to [whatever]." "Now I know God has a purpose for my life, and it's [fill in the blank]." "Now I'm not lonely, and I've joined a small group who truly care about me." "Now I have joy because I am serving in a ministry that I have an interest in, and meeting people who love God and encourage me." "Now everything isn't totally perfect, and I still mess up sometimes, but my life has changed from being self-centered to trusting God and the people in my life..."

Helpful Reminders

• As Christians, we must not avoid those who don't believe--people who aren't "like us." Our mission is to share the love and forgiveness we've experienced from Christ, not to hide it!
• The reason Jesus came to earth was to reach out to people with God's love; in other words, to Reach the Lost. To live the evangelistic lifestyle!
• You will need to prepare to experience two reactions when you share your story with people who don't believe in Jesus Christ.
  • One, there will be opposition from the evil one, Satan, who doesn't want anyone to know about God's love. He and his fellow fallen angels are committed to preventing you from sharing your story and the love of Christ. Here are some suggestions for preparing:
    • Run your questions and concerns by your Accountability Partner.
    • Faithfully read the Bible, focusing on the areas you might need to discuss.
    • Pray alone and with your Accountability Partner against Satan and anything else that will prevent the truth of Jesus from being heard.
    • Practice, practice, practice! Share your story in a safe environment like your small group to make sure it all makes sense.
  • Two, there will be questions from the people you share your story with. (Sometimes it's the hardest to talk with family members, but don't give up.) Below are suggestions on how you can prepare.
    • Read scripture; study! Turn to relevant books and other resources.
    • Pray for the other person's understanding.
    • Equip yourself by attending church, small groups, RockU class, and so on.
    • Stay in relationship with the person your sharing with.