Carnal vs Spiritual Christians
In first Corinthians 3.1 Paul describes two kinds of Christians: “Carnal” Christians are those who haven’t matured to become “spiritual” Christians. Carnal Christians have had a genuine born-again experience with the Lord, but they haven’t progressed much in their relationship with him since then. There can be different reasons for that, but one of the biggest reasons – for Americans certainly – is our prosperity, including our technology. In Matthew 6.19-21 Jesus said to not lay up treasures on earth, but to lay up treasures in heaven. Note in verse 21 WHY we should do those things: “For (Jesus said).. where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”. Take a minute and ask yourself: What are YOU interested in just now? Are you excited about discovering something new in God’s Word, or is checking your phone for stock quotes or messages from new online friends more important?
Of course we need to have things in this world, but when our affections for those things become more important than the Lord, it’s time to make some changes. Seek the Kingdom of God first every day. Read, study and memorize God’s Word. Abide in Christ CONTINUALLY. Carnal Christians don’t do those things: Spiritual Christians do. Carnal Christians hide from sharing the gospel: Spiritual Christians are sharing it wherever they go before they even say a word. It shines from them. That can be your experience when sharing the gospel too, but only IF you make good choices toward God first.
Spiritual Christians Share the Gospel
As for what words to use when sharing the Gospel. You might start by telling your own testimony. How did you become a Christian? It doesn’t have to be fancy or highly polished. Just tell who you were before the Lord saved you, how you came to accept him, and how your life is different now. You should also be prepared to explain the basic points of the gospel message. It makes sense to practice telling both your testimony and the basics in under a couple of minutes each, for those times when you have to be brief.
Sharing the Gospel of Christ isn’t memorizing and repeating a script: It’s expressing his presence in your life at the prompting of the Holy Spirit within you. Still, when talking with strangers or unbelievers, I try to ask one simple question: “Are you a Christian man (or woman)”. It’s easy to say, people seldom take offense, and it goes right to the bottom line. It raises the most important question that a person is likely to ever hear. Of course many will say yes who aren’t really Christians, but that’s okay.. Maybe you can explain the difference, but even if the conversation ends there, “ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN” is the one thing I’d most want that person to hear and remember.
Really, it’s the same question that God asked Adam in the Garden in Genesis 3.9. Adam had sinned and was hiding from God. When God asked Adam “Where art thou?”, it wasn’t because God didn’t know where Adam was. It was because God wanted Adam to know where Adam was.