In Bill Hybels’ book, Just Walk Across the Room, Hybels asks the reader to write a faith story in 100 words or less. The faith story is supposed to be used as an evangelism tool when time is short. If you only have 45 seconds to give someone a message, instead of telling them about your life, I would suggest you tell them the Gospel. The exercise is the similar to what Hybels suggests. However, instead of sharing about yourself, present the gospel, which has the power to bring men to Christ. Hybels other advice is good: Keep it short, use common language, be humble, and be clear.
I’ve written in 99 words this Gospel presentation that I can share in about 35 seconds:
It’s our purpose to glorify God, but instead we’ve violated His law. Since God is just, He must punish sin with His wrath. God’s wrath for us means eternity in hell. Jesus is perfect and lived without sin but was killed on the cross. Jesus didn’t deserve this fate, we do. He took the wrath in place of everyone who repents and believes. Repent by rejecting your sin and seeking God’s strength to stay away from it. Believe by trusting in Jesus alone to save you. On the third day Jesus rose from the grave and is alive now.
If you have less than a minute with a person, what would you want to tell them? A personal story about your life or the Gospel? Can you share the Gospel in your words in 100 words or less? Show us your version in the comments.