Horizons International

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, - 1 Peter 3:15

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17

We are often tempted to think that we need just the right time and place to speak of Jesus. Our everyday interactions may feel too common and small to use for Christ. The good news is, they're not. If Satan never stops deceiving souls, how can we stop proclaiming Christ?

Think about the people in your community that you come into contact with regularly. Perhaps it's a cashier at your grocery store, or a barista at the coffee shop. Even the simple question, "How are you today?" provides the opportunity to share about God's goodness in your life.

If you're afraid to share the Gospel, then share it afraid. If you wait until you're never timid or nervous, you may never start at all. Pray for boldness, but know that the Gospel is still powerful even when the messenger is weak.

God save us from living in comfort while sinners are sinking into hell! - Charles Spurgeon

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18

If you're afraid to get out of your comfort zone to share Christ, remember that Christ left the comforts of Heaven to rescue you.

Sharing the Gospel is inherently uncomfortable, and that's okay. It is an offensive, shocking message to a blind and dying world. But it's also the only message with the power to save and bring life out of death.

When a plant shows signs of growing, we don't suddenly neglect it and assume it will do fine on its own. Rather, we continue to nurture it and provide the care necessary for it to thrive. Discipleship is like that. We want others not only to come to Christ, but to grow in Him.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. - Proverbs 9:9

Finding a mentor doesn't have to be complicated. Pray. Look for those around you whose lives are full of good fruit and obedience. As Paul said, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) Find someone you can imitate as they imitate Christ.

As important as it is to disciple others, don't forget your own need to be discipled. Old or young, we all need someone wiser encouraging and admonishing us in our race. In caring for the spiritual health of others, don't neglect your own.

Your age does not exempt or disqualify you from Kingdom work. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12

Disciple others and be discipled.

Don't assume that your friends never struggle with faith or wrestle with doubts. Reach out. Ask how you can pray for them. As Christians we don't exist in a vacuum. We flourish in fellowship and suffer in isolation. Mutual encouragement is critical in our spiritual growth.

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:25

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. - Hebrews 3:13

Discipleship doesn't only inform others of the Good News, it teaches everything that flows from it. "teaching them to follow all that I commanded you" - Jesus

"Disciples make disciples."