We live in difficult days when it comes to sharing our faith. Relativism, pluralism, consumerism and other factors make sharing the gospel tough. However, we must
remember that the gospel thrived in the first century in a culture that was far more hostile than ours was.

In the film Gladiator, Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a betrayed Roman general who becomes the great hero of the arena. There are some spectacular scenes of battles and beasts in the coliseum. It is amazing to read accounts that many of our forefathers in the faith were slaughtered like that. How could Christianity spread in the face of such persecution?

Stowell writes: “The NT strategy in that context was simply to be committed to living out the principles of righteousness in such a way that the results of righteous living – believer’s good works – became such compelling evidence of the reality of their faith that those in a world whose unrighteousness brought disintegration and despair noticed the dramatic contrast and in time came to inquire what it was that had made such a dramatic difference between believers and the world around them” (p.46).

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16 that we are to be the light of the world. His light is to shine through us in such a way that others may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. The key element is not so much what we say as how we live.

However, we are to speak up for Christ. We need to pray for the lost, speak to them of our faith and take advantage of opportunities.