Living in the Light of Eternity: Sharing Our Faith
Hi everyone! It is great to be continuing our series titled “Not in Heaven: Living in the Light of Eternity.” It's so good that you're with us today. Last week, Pastor Michael reminded us that in living in the light of eternity, we can only bring our sacrifice of praise here on earth. It is in this moment that we bring that sacrifice of praise. There is a moment of divine connection, a moment of divine exchange, when we say, “God, despite what I am going through, I am going to worship you.” We had amazing moments in both the 9 and 11 o’clock services. It was great to have that party atmosphere here at the end, where we just said, “God, we are going to praise you no matter what.” Amen.
Our focus for today is that living in the light of eternity means sharing our faith with others. When we get to heaven, there will be no more one-to-one witnessing, no more open ears, no more door-to-door evangelism. Some of you are thanking God for that moment! We won’t need to share our faith in heaven.
Revelation 22:3 says, “For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him.”
I want to ask you a question today: If there were a prayer you could pray for other followers of Jesus that would help them have a full understanding of every good thing they have in Christ, how many of you would want to pray that prayer? I think most of us would. If you wouldn’t want to pray that prayer, you’re probably pretty miserable, aren’t you? But in the room and online, we would want to pray that prayer.
Paul’s Prayer for Philemon
In the book of Philemon, the Apostle Paul prayed a very specific prayer, and we’re going to look at that today. It’s one of the most important things we can pray for one another.
Paul writes, “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you his blessings and his peace. I always thank God when I am praying for you, dear Philemon, because I keep hearing of your love and trust in the Lord Jesus and in his people. And here is the specific prayer, let's pray it together: ‘And I pray that as you share your faith with others, it will grip their lives too, as they see the wealth of good things in you that come from Christ Jesus.’”
Philemon is one of the shortest books in the Bible, coming in at 335 words in the original language. It’s a personal letter that Paul wrote to his friend. Nowadays, we all text rather than write letters, but this is the only personal letter in the Bible where Paul is writing to a person, not a group of churches.
The Story of Philemon and Onesimus
Philemon was a successful businessman who hosted a small house church in his home every week, a bit like a connect group. One of his slaves, Onesimus, escaped from Philemon’s household. Onesimus travelled all the way from Colossae to Rome, about 1,300 miles, a treacherous journey. He ended up in Rome and met the Apostle Paul, who was in prison at the time. We don’t know exactly how it happened, but Paul led Onesimus into a relationship with Jesus, and his life was completely changed.
Onesimus realised his need to return to Philemon and sort things out. They needed to have a conversation and make things right. Paul wrote this letter, vouching for Onesimus. It is very heartfelt and emotional. Paul says, “Onesimus is your brother in Christ, Philemon. That’s the way you need to look at him now. He’s not your slave; he is your brother in Christ.”
Paul commends Philemon’s love and trust in the Lord Jesus and for God’s people. But then, in verse 6, he prays this specific prayer: “And I pray that as you share your faith with others…” You may ask, why did Paul pray this prayer? Philemon seemed to be doing so well, a platinum Christian, with a wonderful love for Jesus, hosting weekly meetings, demonstrating love for his brothers and sisters in Christ.
But it’s interesting to note that it was only when Onesimus went to Rome that he became a Christian. It’s as if Paul is saying, “Philemon, you’re doing great, but don’t forget to share the faith you have in Christ Jesus. Live every day sharing your faith. Spread the good news about Jesus Christ.”
Avoiding a Me-Centred Christianity
For all of us, we get into a dangerous place when all we do is look inward. We can have a me-centred version of Christianity, where instead of loving those who are far from God, we start judging them. Instead of reaching out, we just want to run and hide.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he said these words, words for you and me: “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus is saying to us, while we are living here on earth, live in the light of eternity and tell others about me. Live in the authority I have given you.
Think for a moment about where God has placed you. He wants you to live in his authority.
What Prevents Us from Sharing Our Faith?
When it comes to sharing our faith, some of us find it comes naturally. Some are ready to “take Swansea for Jesus.” Others, though, might feel like curling up inside, thinking, “I couldn’t think of anything worse.”
What is preventing us from sharing our faith? One reason is that we are all busy, we have loads of commitments, and the importance of sharing our faith is often at the bottom of the list.
Another reason is that we don’t want to be the “weird person” in the office or among our friends. We don’t want to be seen as a “Jesus freak” or a “Bible basher.” We don’t want to force our beliefs on others.
But I think the biggest reason is that we simply feel we don’t know enough. Maybe if we did a course or read more of the Bible, then we’d be able to share our faith. But Paul is saying something completely different: “I pray that as you share your faith with others, they will see the wealth of good things in you.”
When we share our faith, we see the wealth of good things we have in Christ Jesus. The NIV says, “as you partner in the faith, there will be a deepening in the understanding of your faith in Christ Jesus.”
Sharing Our Faith is Life-Giving
When we share our faith, it’s life-giving, not just for the person we’re sharing with, but for us as well. A couple of weeks ago, we had the March for Jesus, where we met to worship and pray over Swansea. It was life-giving. Despite weather warnings, despite being told we couldn’t use our generator just 15 minutes before worship, we pressed on. The rain stopped, and it was amazing to declare the name of the Lord in our city.
Sharing our faith stops us from looking inward. It gives us an outward perspective and helps us fulfil our key priorities: to love God and to love people.
Matthew 22:37 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Paul was encouraging Philemon: Love God, love people, share your faith. As we do that, we have a fuller understanding of what we have in Christ.
Four Ways to Share Our Faith
Today, you may feel you don’t know enough, or you just need a bit of a kick to get sharing your faith. Here are four ways you can do this, based on Bible stories.
1. Speak the Truth in Love
We can be very loving, but there are moments when we need to be direct. In Acts 2, Peter speaks to thousands: “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Peter spoke the truth in love.
As we live with family and friends, God wants us to speak the truth in love, following his prompting. We can’t do this all the time, or our words will lose their impact, but we need to speak when God leads us.
When I was in Year 11 or 12, I had a friend named Brigsy who became seriously ill. Brigsy would have said he was an atheist. Over the years he was receiving treatment, I was able to invite him to church and visit him in the hospital. We had fantastic conversations about life. In those moments, I could speak the truth in love: “Come on, you have to surrender your life to Christ. Think about your future, think about where you are going.”
For that person in your life who needs to hear the gospel truth, I pray opportunities will come your way this week and in the weeks ahead. Luke 12:12 says, “The Holy Spirit will tell you what you should say at that time.” I pray in the name of Jesus that you will know the Holy Spirit leading your conversations.
2. Share Your Story
We have to share our stories if we’re going to share our faith. There are powerful stories in this room and online of how Jesus has saved and set people free. These conversations can come about naturally.
In John 9, there’s the story of a man born blind. Jesus opens his eyes, and suddenly there’s a huge debate among the religious leaders. They ask the man what happened, and he replies, “I don’t know whether Jesus is a sinner. All I know is this: I was blind and now I can see” (John 9:25).
This man didn’t have a clue about faith, he hadn’t been on an early believers course. All he said was, “Yesterday I was blind, now I see.” Share your story of what God has done. For some, it’s, “I used to be an addict, but because of Jesus, I am set free.” Or, “My life was filled with hurt, but because of Jesus, I have peace.” Or, “I used to be so lost, but because of Jesus, now I’m found.” If you were saved as a young child, speak of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
God will use your story to impact others. Somebody needs to hear your story, and it’s amazing how our stories will overlap with theirs. God will bless that moment.
3. Invite People to Church
It’s not very profound, but it’s the truth: invite people to church. Invite them to the 9am if the 11am is too busy, or to a special event. Just say, “Come to church with me.”
In John 4, Jesus has a conversation with a Samaritan woman. Despite her past, Jesus speaks the truth in love to her. He says, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
The woman is blown away by Jesus’ insight. She goes back to her town and says, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did” (John 4:28-29). Because of her invitation, many Samaritans believed in Jesus.
4. Live a Life That Attracts People to Jesus
When we are together, we can say the right words, sing the right songs, lift our hands. But what counts is how we live our lives Monday to Saturday, at home, at work, with friends. Are we living a life that attracts others to Jesus?
Because of the riches we have in Christ Jesus, we can live a life that people want. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas had been beaten, flogged, arrested, and put in prison. Their feet were in stocks, but at midnight, they began to worship. Suddenly, the prison doors flew open.
Acts 16:27 says, “The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’”
Paul and Silas were living a life that drew the prison guard to Christ. The guard asked, “What must I do to be saved?” He saw their response to suffering and wanted what they had.
Over the years, I have seen brothers and sisters in Christ face tremendous hardship and difficulty. Some of you in this room have inspired me to cry out, “God, I want what they’ve got. Give me that faith.” I am praying that in the good and not-so-good times, as family, friends, and colleagues watch us, they will see the wealth of good things we have in Christ. They will see our salvation, the peace that only Christ can give, the grace and strength he gives us each day, and the hope for the future that he brings. We can live in such a way that makes others hungry for the things of God.
Living in the Light of Eternity
In closing, living in the light of eternity, Paul encouraged Philemon: “Share the faith that you have in Christ Jesus.” And I am encouraging you today, using Paul’s words: Share the faith that you have in Christ Jesus. As you are living your life, share the faith. As we do this, our faith is growing and growing. God will give you the words to say and the prayers to pray as you come into contact with unbelievers. In doing this, we are growing in the deeper things that Christ has for us. As we share our faith, we are reminded of what we have in Christ Jesus.
Sometimes people will simply come off the streets and into the church during the week, seeking God. It is always a privilege to share your faith, to pray with these people, to meet them at their point of need. There is a joy that comes. I am reminded of what Christ has done in my life, and as you share your faith, you will be reminded of what Christ has done in your life.
In sharing our faith, we are playing a part in someone else’s salvation story. Who wants to do that today? Who wants to do that more? You are playing a part in someone’s salvation story. We may be the one planting the seed, the one watering the seed, or there at the harvest, but we are making a difference in someone’s life.
A Call to Respond
Let’s pray. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Lord. At home, join us as well as in the house. Just think about what Christ has done for you, how he has set you free. Jesus, we give you our praise and thanks for what you have done in our lives. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you that you have made a way where there seemed to be no way. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Help us, Father, to share our stories. Thank you, Lord, that each and every one of us has a story.
Again, for a moment, just think about that person with whom you can share your story. Father, we’re praying for opportunities. We’re praying that you will make a way. Thank you, Jesus, that you will give us the words to say. Thank you that you will give us the prayers to pray. And Father, we want to see a harvest,a harvest of souls in our family, among our friends, in Swansea and the surrounding area. Thank you, Lord, for what you’re doing in the UK. Thank you for the spiritual awakening, for the way you are moving, for record sales of the Bible, for record attendances at church. You’re moving, Lord, and we want to be a part of that. We pray that we will know your blessing and your anointing as we share the Good News. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Come on, let’s all stand and worship. Father, we pray that you would lead us to those around us.
You may be here today, hearing the story of sharing our faith in Jesus. Some of you may be thinking, “I need to start that journey by giving my life to Christ. I need to come back to the Lord so that I can start to share my story.” If you are in this place today and you want to start by giving your life to Jesus or returning to the Lord, I want you to raise your hand so I can see it and pray for you.
Let’s pray a simple prayer together: “Dear Lord Jesus, I recognize my need for you this morning. I turn from my sin, I turn from my ways of self, and I am giving my heart to you. I am surrendering my life to you, Lord Jesus. I want your story to become my story, and I am praying that you will lead me from this moment on. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
God bless you. We have new life packs and Bibles we would love to give you before you go. Jess and Kelly will be here at the front at the end of the service and can pray for you as well. It’s been good to be together in the house of the Lord. Praying that you have a good week, a blessed week. Don’t rush off, we’re serving tea and coffee. God bless you all.
This blog is based on a sermon delivered by Philip Lyndon-Jones on July 6, 2025 at the City Church Swansea