Years ago I took an intensive discipleship class. As part of the class we had to write our testimony in such a way that it could be given in under three minutes. Why three minutes? Because after three minutes, most people stop paying attention.

You might think it is impossible to share the entire Gospel message in three minutes or less. And you’re right. It is impossible to share the entire Gospel (parables and all) in that short amount of time. But you can share the meat of the message in that amount of time and here is how…

A brief introduction

The first thing you have to do is initiate the conversation OR turn the conversation in the direction of the Gospel. My friend Sara had an experience that I’ll share to show you what I mean.

Sara was at the drug store picking up a prescription for her husband. As she was waiting in line, a woman came and stood behind her—also waiting for a prescription. Sara could tell the woman was trying not to cry out loud, so she turned around and said, “I don’t know what’s wrong, but I want you to know I’m going to start praying for you right now.”

The woman tapped Sara on the shoulder a few seconds later and asked her why she would do that. Ding! Ding! Ding! The door was pushed wide open for Sara to tell her. And she did.

I have no idea what happened to the woman. Neither does Sara. But we know she left there that day hearing the truth that Jesus died for her sins and that He loved her and wanted her to accept His gift of salvation.

The brief introduction you make to the Gospel can be words spoken, a card, an email or text—something to let someone know you have the answer to their problem.

What to say

When it comes to sharing the Gospel, you really shouldn’t say very much. Instead, you should read the scripture. It’s great to have it memorized, but when you show someone in black and white, it gives it a bit more relevance and power. It’s not just your words, but God’s Word.

Don’t get bogged down in history of the Old Testament or even the miracles and parables of Jesus’ ministry. Instead, focus on the who, what, how, and why.

The following is a list of verses that you should read to someone that will reveal these things to them. Read them in the order listed. And be sure you use the NIV, NKJV, or the NAS so that you will be reading a translation vs. a version, which is a person’s interpretation of what the original next means.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
John 3:16-17

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 5:9

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:18-20

Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel. Live it! Share it!

~ By Darla Noble

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