I Confess, I Don't Know How To Proselytize In Public

 “But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” (Matthew 10:19-20, KJV)

Oh wow, I've talked about this before.

I remember many times recently when I have the chance to speak to a stranger for a few minutes.  In my mind, I'm thinking, "OK, now's your chance to preach the Gospel."  Nearly every time, I'm silent.  I don't know what to say.  I don't like using the platitudes of "Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?", or "Do you know where you'll be when you die?"

I often wonder, "Am I truly ashamed of Christ?"  If so, then Christ will be ashamed of me (Mark 8:38, etc.), and I think that means Hell.

So why don't I even mention Jesus?  It's easy for me to write about Him online, yet in public, cold, the words won't come out!  Obviously, everyone needs to hear the Gospel, because their own eternal souls are at stake!  I warn people in public about natural disasters, and yet warning people in public about eternal disasters is put on the back burner.  (Most all I can muster is appear to talk to myself, saying "Acts 2:38!" and the like.  At least the message is somewhat broadcast.)

I do have a few reasons for my hesitation.  For example, let's say someone does respond to Christ.  Naturally, they will want to attend a Bible believing church to fellowship (Hebrews 10:25).  Problem is, I cannot recommend one to them, not even my own family's church (an American Baptist church whose denomination I have previously exposed as unbiblical).

However, the true Church is not necessarily housed in a building.  The true Church is the entire body of believers, albeit scattered in many places around the world.  Best I can do is keep in touch online, which, by the way, if you're reading this, and believe to be a believer, please contact me.  I am no pastor, I preach only what I know (I Corinthians 13:9).

I pray the Holy Spirit gives me not only the words to speak in public, but the boldness (Ephesians 6:20) to do so.  Relying on His sword, the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17), helps.