It's one thing to go out and share your faith with people and it's another to actually live it in a way where they can see it.

How many people do you know who preach one thing and yet do another? It's called hypocrisy - 'Hypocrite' comes from the Greek word 'hypokrites', which means "an actor."

In other words a hypocrite is someone whose faking it.

And on the other hand how many people do you know who live an authentic life of faith?

They tend to be of different character right? Maybe inspiring.

In today's blog we're going to go over some practical examples of how to preach the gospel WHILE doing something with it.

You've heard the quote "Preach the gospel every day. Use words when necessary."

People think it was Francis of Assisi.

It's a really nice quote; but it wasn't him. In fact he was very adamant in using words when preaching.

But he was also a big fan of making sure your preaching lined up with your words.

No brother should preach contrary to the form and regulations of the holy Church nor unless he has been permitted by his minister … All the Friars … should preach by their deeds.

Rule of 1221, Chapter XII

My point today is that if you are not living what you are preaching, what you're preaching isn't living.

It's like that story I heard from a pastor once where he was down town trying to share the Gospel with someone and the homeless person said, "You Christians are always preaching. But I can't hear a word you're saying over the grumbling in my belly."

The preacher got the point. Took him out for lunch; provided for his physical need and then went after the spiritual need.

Here are the TOP 10 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BACK UP YOUR MESSAGE

10. While you share your story, listen to theirs in return

Not only is it good people skills and polite, but its actually a powerful witness to them that you would stop and become interested in them.

It shows that you don't just have a conversion agenda but that you care for them as a person. Don't "talk at" anyone, talk with them.

This entails asking them questions about their story and experience with God. You will get much further listening to them than you will talking at them.

9. When inviting someone to church, literally go and get them and bring them with you

It's one thing to invite someone to church and its another to go to their house and pick them up (if appropriate).

You're not just throwing an invitation out there but you are now showing them that they are welcome to come.

It's like the timid guy on the dance floor who wants to dance but is too shy to walk forward. He needs his friends to come and pull him in.

8. When you tell someone they are blessed, back your words up with your money and bless them.

This is fun. Go up to someone who needs prayer for something physical and hold out a $5 or $20 bill or something (you choose the size).

And tell them "I tell you what. If I pray for you and nothing happens I'll give you this money."

As a Christian you don't have to take everything so seriously.

This takes the pressure off having to perform, it definitely engages the person and gives them a good story to tell; if they get healed they get healed, if not they get a blessing.

It's time we do more than just encourage someone but also put something into their hands.

7. Feed a village

This works well in communities of poor areas.

It could be local or international. But you put on a community event where you have the church members of that area invite their neighbors out for an event.

Have a snack prepared and a couple bags of groceries to hand out. You can do your service by preaching and praying, and then hand the food out afterwards.

Bless the people. TIP: you bring the food to them where they sit and stand. Don't make them come to you. It's logistically easier.

6. Hand out backpacks and care packages

Hitting the streets is always fun when you have stuff to hand out to the street people like backpacks full of stuff they can use: socks, mitts, hats, shampoo, underwear, snacks, etc. There are often shelters around that provide a place to stay but none of the amenities.

5. Include people in your group, without making it a preaching session

If you see someone at school or work that seems to be left out of the crowd frequently, BRING THEM IN.

1 John talks exclusively about God's commandment to Christians. Go out and start loving people. Don't just tell people about Jesus but show Him to them.

4. Food for the hungry

Like mentioned earlier in the pastor's story... serve people's physical needs and they will be more ready to receive for their spiritual needs.

They won't be able to hear you if their stomachs have been empty for days. Do something about it.

3. Water for the thirsty/coffee for the cold

If it's a hot summer day and you're sharing the Good News, hand out some free water bottles or Gatorade.

Bless them and tell them some Good News. If it's winter time where you are then instead of water give out hot chocolate or coffee.

On a cold day, it's warmly welcomed. I even remember doing this once with a bag of bell peppers and french fries. It's all we had!

2. Pure living

If you're going to be representing Jesus, it's good to live like you mean it. We as followers of Jesus are not bound to any religious law but are freed by grace.

Which means we now have the grace to live at higher standards.

The whole "don't sin" is not because we are bound under a law but rather because sin still kills and God wants to spare us from that.

Don't backbite, gossip, hate, fight, murder, etc. Be holy for He is Holy.

1. Do what the Bible teaches

If you're going to tell someone they need to forgive, do you forgive?

If you are going to tell someone they need to follow God, are you following God?

Do you pray, read the Bible, tithe, honor your parents, etc?

These are all messages within the Bible that we are essentially telling others is the best way to live.

We need to be doing it as well, not simply because people are watching us and it's a part of our witness, but also because it's God's plan for us to live abundantly.

That's why those guidelines were put to guide us.

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So What Are Your Thoughts?

What are some words that you normally use when talking with people instead of using a church-ese on