This abstract covers will provide an overview of the book, “Share Jesus Without Fear” by
William Fay with Linda Shephard. This review will cover many aspects of spreading the Gospel.
When spreading the Gospel to the community, a few obstacles may present themselves as
obstacles that prevent someone from wanting to spread the Gospel openly. Many believers have
a difficult time overcoming the fear that comes with evangelism. People, especially those
wanting to spread the word of God, fear rejection, fear what their friends will think, that they do
not know enough, and fear losing friends and relatives.1
This book discusses the power of scripture and how we must be committed to sharing the
Gospel with those we encounter daily. It mentions that to understand the power of scripture, one
must know the power of God. This book gives wonderful examples of how developing the
knowledge of God’s miracles will enhance your confidence when preaching the word.2 The book
further discusses what should evangelist do when someone receives Christ. Fay and Shephard
explained the importance of providing questions and direction for a new believer and why the
new believer needs to recruit more. Towards the book's end, the authors responded to common
objections. This is key for any believer who is concerned with protecting the Lord’s name. 1
Peter 3:15 states, “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.” This book offers the tools and resources to properly equip a believer
who is looking to spread the Gospel, but is hesitant.
Concrete Response
1 William Fay and Linda E. Shepherd, Share Jesus Without Fear, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers,
1999): 15
2 Ibid, 20
While reading the book, I was triggered when reading chapter three. Chapter three covers
“Overcoming Your Fear” and how God wants us to share our faith with the world.3 Joshua 1:9
states, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and
dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” When I was mature enough to
call myself a true believer, I will admit that I was afraid to share the Gospel with others. This
fear stemmed from many areas, such as being rejected for spreading the word of God or having
people I care about begin to judge me for my love of Christ. Growing up, I witnessed how
negative people spoke of those who were evangelists and how fast they would run in the opposite
direction when they saw spoke they knew they would bring up Jesus if a conversation was
initiated between the two. The disrespect some in my community had towards believers who
preach the Gospel made me terrified even to let them know I secretly wanted to spread the good
news to them. It got so bad at one point that I had to inform my Pastor on how I felt. He said,
"Do not worry about wha people will think when you preach the gospel.” He further mentions,
“Focus on how God has changed your life and watch how the Holy Spirit will transform them.” I
appreciated that conversation with my Pastor because it was needed. That conversation gave me
the confidence I needed to transform my approach the evangelism. I no longer hesistatnt when
speakiong about the Lord because I tied all of my messages on how his wonderful works
changed my life. Romans 8:5-6 states, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds
on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things
of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and
peace.” My goal is to make my community aware of the power of Christ and how his Spirit is all
around us, waiting to bless us once were willing to accept him as our Lord and Savior.
Reflection
3 Ibid, 20
After reading this book, a subject that stood out to me was the forgiveness of God. The
author described his interaction with a man who believed that God would not forgive.4 This
dialogue concerned me because the story either left out details or the author, the man, false hope.
Based on the book, the author had the man read scripture aloud, compare himself to the other
sinful people in the Bible, and now God can forgive him. I enjoyed the scripture the author had
the man read, which was Romans 10:13, which states, “For everyone who calls on the name of
the Lord will be saved.” I which the author would have included repentance. Repentance is an
important part of the process of being forgiven for our sins. 2 Peter 3:9 states, “The Lord is not
slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that
any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” It will take more than merely
recognizing your sinful acts to repent properly.
Repentance requires a change of our minds and heart. Once we change our minds and
hearts, we must take the necessary actions to turn away from sin and begin stepping closer to
God and asking for forgiveness. The author could have mentioned to the man that he must be
motivated by having love for God and crave to submit His commandments. This simple
statement would have added more value to many's objections to accepting God. Humans respond
naturally to processes and systems. By making sinners and nonbelievers go through a process
such as repentance, they will begin to see the value of not just becoming a believer but of not
sinning once they are a believer.
Action
4 Ibid, 71
After reading the book, “ Share Jesus Without Fear” I have placed the following changes,
I will make to better my life in ministry.
Show The Works of Christ
One the early stages of my journey to become Christ-like, I was hesitant to let anyone
know how valuable Christ was to my life. I believe my struggle came due to myself not using my
strengths to spread the word of Christ. God has given us a set of skills we must use to spread the
Gospel. I have friends who are believers, and they do a fantastic job at spreading the Gospel
through conversations and sermons. Earlier in my journey, my fear came because I was not
strong at preaching the Gospel. It was not a weakness, but I believe more work must be done
before I use my voice to convert nonbelievers.
Over time I learned that I was great at serving my community. Serving has been a natural
trait of mine ever since I was young. After reading this book, I will evangelize through
community service. Many, like myself, respond better to those who can “show and prove.” 1
Peters 4:11 states, “whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one
who serves by the strength that God supplies—so that in everything God may be glorified
through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” I did not
become a believer because what someone told me about Christ, I became a believer once I was
show how Christ can work in my life.
Developing Relationships With Non-Believers
This book showed me the value of developing relationships with those who are
nonbelievers. This book reminded me that Christ loved and blessed all. He blessed the
accountants, the elderly, children, and those with illnesses. Matthew 4:19 states, “And he said to
them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” My church provides many services in
the community. Instead of just providing a service to those in the community, I will begin to
develop relationships with those I am serving because Jesus was able to develop the reputation
he has due to his work for those in need. I will begin focusing on developing my relationships
with the community's parents. My church hosted many events in our surrounding area, with a
school drive being our most recent event. We tend to see many people attend our events that
provide entertainment for the children but do not see that same attendance for our sermons. So
my goal is to show the parents how valuable our church can be to their evolution as parent due to
the work of Christ by attending our services on Sunday.
Publicly Present Scripture
My last action will involve publicly displaying scripture that I deem valuable to our
community. Growing up, I can recount on many occasions seeing the scriptures Psalm 23:1 and
John 3:16 posted on walls, shirts, etc. I currently do not display scripture in my surrounding
environment, but reading this book gave me the confidence to spreading the messages God
intended us to bestow upon the lost souls. I will begin using banners and flyers and wearing
Christian paraphernalia so that people can see scriptures throughout their day. When someone
consistently sees scripture, it will start to shape their lives because the scripture will act as a
reminder.
Bibliography
