In the corporate world, it is common to be equipped with an elevator pitch. The premise is to be prepared to provide a short description of who you are, what you do, an idea, product, or company that explains the concept in a way such that any listener can understand it in a short period of time, typically the time it takes to ride an elevator in a skyrise office building – 30-60 seconds.
How many Christians can actually articulate the basics of their faith in the time it takes to ride an elevator? The answer, unfortunately, is not very many. So how can we be prepared? Jesus grasped the importance of a very effective marketing message – your words are important – Proverbs 18:21.
Matthew 10:7 – In only 7 words – “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand” – Jesus provided a very clear message to a targeted audience who fully understood it’s meaning – The Messiah has come. He is here right now in our midst. Receive His message. This is a very precise, detailed and important message.
Now let’s look at Peter: Peter’s “elevator speech” to the Gentiles came as a result of his prophetic dream and his encounters with non-Jews. He was shaped by these things, and in turn, he shaped his sharing of the faith in a new way. He drew on context, experience and on the firm foundation of his faith to craft a simple explanation for his audience. We need to facilitate a similar process within our communities so that each one of us can take into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and chance encounters the good news of Jesus Christ and how this good news makes a difference in our lives.
Share your journey. By accepting Jesus we are incorporated into God’s family, we are signed, sealed, and delivered, but we are also sent. And in that sending we learn, grow, and share in community. What is your story – share the power of the Gospel by sharing how Jesus changed your life.
Every one of us has a faith story. Each disciple is on a faith journey. The joy is in the sharing.
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