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The challenge to the church is to do this on as broad of a scale as possible. Our World Wide Web page is reaching out across America and the world to do this. But how do we reach out within our own community and declare the goodness of God?

This is where the influence of the individual Christian is so important. We each have our own "sphere of influence." These are the people who live and work around us. Family members, friends, classmates, fellow employees. We are responsible to declare and make known the goodness of God before these people. We are not responsible for the outcome, but it is our job to proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness. I recently had a 330 yard drive playing golf. I have told probably 10 people this week about this great event in my life. I asked myself then, "How many people have I told about Christ in the past week?" The number was far less. Why is that?

So often, when challenged to be a witness, Christians respond by saying, "But I don't know what to say. I won't know how to answer their questions. I will be embarrassed. I don't want to be too pushy." Below I have listed some Scripture that I hope will help answer those questions for you, and motivate you to fulfill your purpose as a Christian on earth.

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

Colossians 4:5-6 "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Matthew 10:32-33 "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."

Ephesians 3:10-11 "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord."

2 Corinthians 4:6 "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."

2 Timothy 1:8-9 "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life -- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time"

John 14:26-27 "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

1 Peter 3:15-16 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."