I Corinthians 2:1 – 5 – “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.”

Some new Christians believe they must overwhelm their listeners with intellectual arguments. Instead Paul, the writer of Corinthians, brought a very simple message of Jesus Christ knowing that the Holy Spirit would bring power to his words. We must never think, when talking to a non-believer, that their salvation depends on how well we know the Scriptures or how capable we are of explaining Christianity. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts and saves. We are just the one that God uses to spread His gospel. Preparation is important, but relying on the Holy Spirit is crucial.

It isn’t how brilliant we are or how well we are versed in Scripture it is our willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us. It is His power that will help others to understand. Paul said that he came to the church in Corinthians in fear. Yet, he was one of the most knowledgeable and trained messengers God used to spread the gospel. It may not be how well-prepared we are but how brave are we.

I have recommended to those fearful of witnessing to others to tell their salvation story. Or, what has becoming a Christian meant to you? Can you describe a supernatural event that the Holy Spirit has done in your life to build your faith? Tell the story and then ask if they think it was supernatural or just a coincidence. Then let the Holy Spirit or the non-believer steer the direction of the conversation. More than likely they will not ask questions that only seminary students can answer. If they are at all interested they more than likely will be interested in what Christianity has done for you.