Share Your Faith in Four Words and One Napkin: How to Share your Faith in a Clear and Understandable Way
Arena Men,
It was a pleasure to interview Philippe Prosper (aka rapisamaritalart) on the Men in the Arena Podcast. A former professional martial artist and international Kung Fu champion,
Philippe is passionate about sharing Christ within the business and entertainment world and has done so with Nick Canon, Shaquille O’Neil, and many more.
Although Divine appointments often come unscripted, a man must know the basics of the faith to pass it on to those he loves and to defend what he believes.
As a Youth for Christ Campus Life Director in the early Nineties, I have trained in a method I used two months ago to lead a firefighter from Mississippi to Jesus, along with all three of my sons as children. All you need is a napkin, pen, and four words, verses, and sketches. Are you ready? Here is how I do it.
To memorize this method, I will stick to some of our most commonly memorized verses.
God…created, loves, knows, has a plan for you, and wants a relationship with you. Fill in the blank. This is incredible news! I remember exactly where and when Gary McCusker shared this with me for the first time. For me, it was a life-changing concept. The Creator of the universe wants to know YOU!
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
(See: Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:13-16, and Romans 1:20)
On a napkin, I draw a giant circle representing God and a stick figure of myself on the other side.
Sin…is missing the mark, is common to every man, and separates us from God on earth and eternity. If the “God” is really good news, sin is as bad of news as one can have.
Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
(See also Romans 3:12, and Isaiah 59:2)”
On a napkin, I simply draw a cliff under God and my stick representation, creating a massive chasm between myself and God that neither religion, good works, nor being a “good” person will cross. A medium is needed. A bridge. Something to fill the insurmountable gap. Thus, the third word and solution.
Jesus…lived a sinless life, died for your sins, rose again on the third day, is the Savior of the world, and is the only Bridge between God and men. This is history-changing, life-altering, eternity-living news!
In John 14:6, Jesus made an incomprehensible statement with, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
(See: Romans 5:8, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Peter 3:18, and Hebrews 4:15)”
No one. Not you. Not me.
On a napkin, I draw an image of the cross spanning the sin gap between me and God. For added effect, I write the word ‘JESUS’ inside the crossbeam spanning the canyon. At this point, I ask listeners if they agree with what I am saying or have any questions. If they agree and have no questions I move on to the closer.
The fourth word.
Trusting…is the only way to be saved. It is more than cognitive assent. It means giving your life to Jesus, believing with all your heart, confessing publicly that you believe, and inviting Him to take charge of your life.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says it best, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (another great verse I often quote is Romans 10:9-10)
On a napkin, I draw an arrow of me crossing over to and inside the God circle from the first drawing. I explain that salvation is much more than agreeing with my words and drawing. It is the surrender of your life—to the best of your limited knowledge and ability—to Jesus!
The Invitation. No, this is not the fifth word in our sharing sequence. At this point, I ask them to pray (out loud) and tell them exactly what we have discussed to the best of their ability. I have heard the most beautiful prayers during this time! Wow! Wait until you experience it for the first time.
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Be Prepared in Season and Out to Share the Message,
Jim