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7-Day Plan · Step 4 of the Pathway

Sharing Your Faith

Faithful witness is not pressure or performance. Seven passages on knowing the gospel, telling your own story, starting honest conversations, using God’s Word, and answering with grace.

Grow in the Word. Walk in the Commission.

7 daysKJV ScriptureRead · Understand · Apply · Pray

How to use this plan

Each day follows the same seven steps. Read the passage first and let Scripture speak before the commentary does. All quoted Scripture on this page is the King James Version; everything outside the quotation boxes is explanation written to help you understand and apply the passage.

  1. Read — the passage itself, in full.
  2. Understand — what it means in context.
  3. Key Truth — the central point in one sentence.
  4. Reflect — an honest question to sit with.
  5. Apply — one concrete action.
  6. Pray — bring the day to God.
  7. Next Step — what carries into tomorrow.

Day 1

Remember the Gospel

Read

1 Corinthians 15:1–8 (King James Version)

1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

7After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Understand

Before Paul asks anyone to share the gospel, he makes sure they have it right. He reminds the Corinthians of the gospel he preached, which they received and in which they stand, and says he delivered “first of all that which I also received” — the message was handed to him, not invented by him. Its content is short: Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; He was buried; He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Then Paul names witnesses — Cephas, the twelve, above five hundred brethren at once, James, all the apostles, and himself last of all. A witness carries a message he did not compose. Getting it right comes before speaking it well.

Key Truth

The gospel is Christ crucified for our sins, buried, and risen the third day, according to the scriptures.

Reflect

  • Could you state the gospel right now without notes, including the death, the burial, and the resurrection?
  • Could you explain the gospel clearly without Christian jargon?
  • What parts of the gospel do you need to understand more deeply?

Apply

Practice explaining the gospel in one minute. Include our sin, Jesus Christ, His death, burial, resurrection, and the call to repent and believe.

Pray

“Father, help me understand the gospel deeply and communicate it faithfully. Keep me from adding to it, removing from it, or making myself the center. Give me confidence in Jesus Christ and Your Word. Amen.”

Next Step

Tomorrow’s passage explains what a Christian actually is when they speak of Christ.

Day 2

You Are an Ambassador for Christ

Read

2 Corinthians 5:14–21 (King James Version)

14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Understand

Paul names what drives him: “the love of Christ constraineth us.” Not guilt, not obligation, and not the fear of failure. Because Christ died for all and rose again, those who live no longer live for themselves. God reconciled believers to Himself by Jesus Christ and gave them “the ministry of reconciliation,” committing to them “the word of reconciliation.” Therefore, Paul says, “we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” An ambassador carries a message from someone else; he does not compose it, and he does not enforce it. The message itself is verse 21: the sinless Christ made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

Key Truth

Believers are ambassadors for Christ, carrying the word of reconciliation entrusted to them.

Reflect

  • When you think about speaking of Christ, what actually motivates you — His love, or pressure and guilt?
  • What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ?
  • Who has God already placed around you who needs to hear about Christ?

Apply

Write down the names of three people who may not know Jesus Christ. Commit to praying for them throughout this plan.

Pray

“Father, thank You for reconciling sinners to Yourself through Jesus Christ. Give me love for people who need the gospel and courage to speak faithfully. Amen.”

Next Step

You carry a message. Tomorrow you will put words to what God has done in you.

Day 3

Share Your Testimony

Read

Psalm 66:16 (King James Version)

16Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Acts 26:9–23 (King James Version)

9I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

10Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

11And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

12Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

13At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

14And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

15And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

16But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

19Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

20But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

21For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

22Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

23That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Understand

The psalmist offers a simple pattern: “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.” A testimony declares what God has done. Paul’s defence before Agrippa shows the same shape at length. He tells what he was — convinced he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, and persecuting believers to strange cities. He tells what happened — the light on the road to Damascus, the voice, and the commission he received. And he tells what followed — that he was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision, but preached that people should repent and turn to God “and do works meet for repentance.” Paul is speaking on trial to a hostile audience, yet his account stays factual, respectful, and centred on Christ crucified and risen.

Key Truth

A testimony declares plainly what God has done, and points to Christ rather than to ourselves.

Reflect

  • Can you tell what God has done for you without exaggerating it, and without making yourself the hero of the account?
  • If someone asked why you follow Jesus, what would you say?
  • Does your testimony glorify your past or glorify Christ?

Apply

Write a three-minute testimony. Spend the least time on your past and the greatest amount explaining Jesus and the gospel. Practice saying it aloud.

Pray

“Jesus, thank You for what You have done in my life. Keep me from making myself the hero of my testimony. Use my story to point people toward You. Amen.”

Next Step

You have a message and a story. Tomorrow is about how a conversation actually begins.

Day 4

Start the Conversation

Read

John 4:1–30 (King James Version)

1When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

3He left Judæa, and departed again into Galilee.

4And he must needs go through Samaria.

5Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

6Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

7There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

8(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

9Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

11The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

12Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

13Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

15The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

16Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

17The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:

18For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

19The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

20Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

21Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

22Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

26Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

27And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

28The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

30Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

Understand

Jesus, wearied with His journey, sat by Jacob’s well and asked a Samaritan woman for a drink — crossing barriers of nation and custom that she immediately points out. He begins with an ordinary request, then moves from the water in the well to “living water,” and she stays in the conversation because He has genuinely engaged her. When He tells her to call her husband, He speaks the truth about her life directly, but privately and without contempt. She raises a religious dispute about the right mountain for worship; Jesus does not chase the argument but answers it at a deeper level, that the Father seeks those who worship Him in spirit and in truth. Then He tells her plainly who He is: “I that speak unto thee am he.” She leaves her waterpot and goes to tell the men of the city. Notice the pattern — He began where she was, asked and answered honestly, and made Himself known.

Key Truth

Jesus began an ordinary conversation, spoke truthfully, and made Himself known.

Reflect

  • Do you listen to people in order to understand them, or mainly wait for an opening to make your point?
  • What fears make spiritual conversations difficult for you?
  • How well do you listen when people tell you what they actually believe?

Apply

Choose one person from your prayer list. Look for a natural opportunity to ask one spiritual question this week. Do not pressure them; listen carefully.

Pray

“Father, give me wisdom to recognize opportunities for gospel conversations. Help me listen well, speak with grace, and care genuinely about people. Amen.”

Next Step

Tomorrow you will look at the passages that answer the questions such conversations raise.

Day 5

Use God’s Word

Read

Romans 3:21–26 (King James Version)

21But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Romans 6:23 (King James Version)

23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8–10 (King James Version)

8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Understand

These three passages answer the questions people most often ask. Romans 3 says the righteousness of God is now revealed apart from the law, by faith of Jesus Christ unto all that believe, “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:23 states the alternative in one line: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” — one is earned, the other is given. Ephesians 2 removes any ground for boasting: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” And verse 10 keeps the balance — believers are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Works follow salvation; they do not purchase it.

Key Truth

Salvation is the free gift of God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not the wages of anything we have earned.

Reflect

  • If someone said, “I am trying to be good enough for God,” which of these verses would you show them, and why?
  • Which Scriptures could you use to explain sin, grace, Christ’s death and resurrection, faith, and repentance?
  • Do you know where those passages are in your Bible?

Apply

Mark Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Ephesians 2:8–9; and Mark 1:15. Practice explaining why each matters.

Pray

“Father, thank You for Your Word. Help me handle Scripture faithfully and communicate biblical truth clearly and lovingly. Amen.”

Next Step

Tomorrow is about the manner of our answers, which can commend the message or contradict it.

Day 6

Respond With Grace and Truth

Read

1 Peter 3:13–17 (King James Version)

13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

14But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

17For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

Colossians 4:2–6 (King James Version)

2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Understand

Peter writes to believers who may suffer for doing right. He tells them not to be afraid of others’ terror, but to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” Then he adds the manner: “with meekness and fear,” keeping a good conscience, so that those who speak against them are ashamed by the believers’ conduct rather than by their arguments. Paul adds the same emphasis from another angle. He asks the Colossians to continue in prayer and to pray that God would open a door of utterance, to walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time, and to let their speech be “alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Truth and gentleness are not alternatives here; Scripture requires both.

Key Truth

Be ready always to give an answer for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, and with speech that is gracious.

Reflect

  • Is there anyone you would rather win an argument with than see come to Christ?
  • How do you react when someone challenges what you believe?
  • Are you willing to admit when you do not know something?

Apply

Practice responding to “I don’t believe the Bible is true” by asking, “Can I ask what led you to that conclusion?” Listen first, then respond thoughtfully.

Pray

“Father, help my words honor Jesus Christ. Give me courage to speak truth and humility to listen carefully. Keep me from pride, anger, and unnecessary arguments. Amen.”

Next Step

Tomorrow closes this plan by looking at what happens after someone believes.

Day 7

From Evangelism to Discipleship

Read

Matthew 28:16–20 (King James Version)

16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 2:37–47 (King James Version)

37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Understand

Christ’s commission does not stop at a decision. He sends His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,” and He promises His presence to the end. Acts 2 shows this happening. Peter preaches, the crowd is pricked in their heart and asks what they should do, and about three thousand receive his word and are baptized. But Luke does not end the account there. Those same people “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers,” sharing what they had and meeting daily. Evangelism that ends at the moment of response leaves the work half done; in Acts, believing led straight into a shared life of teaching, fellowship, and prayer.

Key Truth

Christ’s commission moves from believing to baptism and to a taught, shared life among His people.

Reflect

  • When someone shows interest in Christ, do you know what you would do next — beyond the first conversation?
  • Have you thought of evangelism primarily as getting someone to make a decision?
  • If someone came to Christ through your witness, would you know how to help them begin following Jesus?

Apply

Choose one next action: invite someone to read the Bible with you, follow up after a gospel conversation, connect a new believer with a faithful local church, or begin meeting regularly for Scripture and prayer.

Pray

“Father, help me faithfully share the gospel and walk patiently with people afterward. Prepare me to help new believers follow Jesus and trust You with every result. Amen.”

Next Step

The final plan, Making Disciples, walks through helping one person follow Christ and go on to help someone else.

The Pathway

Grow in the Word. Walk in the Commission.

Beyond the first conversation

Sharing the gospel is not the end of the work. The final plan walks through helping one person follow Christ, and helping them go on to help someone else. For practical guides on starting a conversation, telling your story, and discipling a new believer, see theShare the Gospel pathway.