How to Give Away Your Faith

The book had many positive and negative aspects. In one example Little says that a Christian may allow a roommate to leave pornographic magazines around the shared area but he or she should put his or her "foot down" when the roommate invites someone of the opposite sex to sleep over (82); however both circumstances should not be tolerated. A few pages prior, Little mentions, "Do not condemn the other persons and do not compromise your own convictions" (75)-tolerating pornographic magazines to be left out in the open is a compromise and a possible source of temptation. Christians are called to be holy, and to say nothing about the porn magazines is the same as condoning it. The Bible exhorts that Christians are to "take no part in the worthless deed of evil and darkness (Eph. 5:11 NLT)." The Christian should ask that the roommate keep porn magazines in his or her own personal living space. Little mentions that there is an "absence of an explicit biblical standard" regarding alcohol consumption. He states that French Christians often drink wine because it is part of their culture (149). There is a certain people group in the United States who was infamous for making "moon shine" and would probably consider alcohol consumption as part of their culture. Just because one is accustomed to certain practices does not mean that the act is acceptable. Christians are called to put an end to selfish desires that impede on a relationship with God (Galatians 5:24 and Romans 21:1). Little asserts that praying over a meal before eating is not a "witness vehicle" so he suggests that Christians ought to pray with eyes wide open so as not to offend anyone (79). Jesus states, however, "For whoever is ashamed of Me...of him the son of Man also will be ashamed (Mark 8:38 NKJV)." Praying in public may not be a witnessing tool, but Christians should not be afraid of what others would think if he or she prays silently before a meal. On a positive note, the inclusion of study questions and the suggestions for group leaders would be helpful for a church evangelism class. The questions evoke a response from the student, forcing him or her to make practical applications of the chapter's content. For instance, one of the questions in chapter five, "What is Our Message," asks, "What would you reply to a person who said, `I'm glad Christ will forgive my sins but I haven't got anything to repent of. I'm as good as the next guy'? (103)." Another from the same chapter asks a question but also poses a challenge, "Prepared with new insights from this chapter, would you like to contact someone in order to explain or clarify the gospel or to help the person continue in Christ? Consider doing so this week (103)." Little explains that sometimes non-Christians refute or seriously doubt the reliability of the Bible. To this, Little counters by asking for specific examples, which he observes very few people ever give (121). In fact Little insists, "We don't have

Picture it as an 'energy-drink' kind of book. It makes me so excited about my Jesus and my faith. Mr. Little gives some hard-core suggestions on sharing your faith, and at the same time he doesn't forget to teach you to stay connected with the ultimate Power. Now I have real facts about my faith. I feel more confident that I can tell my friends about what I believe in. I use his suggestions in my Bible studies, and they're drawing me closer to my God. I can't wait to let my friends know!

We do not have to be able to lead others to Christ to be loved of Christ. However, as a friend always wants to share the best gifts with other friends, any excited Christian has an inner desire to share his faith with those who are floundering in life.As a young Christian I was bashful and never quite able to tell my nonChristian friends about my faith. I never led another person to faith in Christ . . . until . . . someone gave me a copy of this book. It was so simple, honest, and natural that it changed my life. Now, years later, I have been present when several dozen persons have experienced a new birth of faith in Christ.For years this book that helped me so much was out of print. I am glad that a new generation of Christian is learning from this master of evangelism.

How To Give Away Your Faith is an ingenious book that points the followers of Christ to where their ministry should be focused: on showing and telling others about Him. Paul E. Little's book is very helpful in showing where our attitudes should be in witnessing (see Chapter 2: The Effective Ambassador) and how to do so properly (see chapter 3: How To Witness). In addition to these essential areas, Little explains common questions that non-Christians and some Christians ask (see Why We Believe, chapter 6). Probably the most important part of this book is Chapter 5: What Is Out Message? It is crucial for Believers to know what they believe, how to express such things, and what relevant facts must be shared in witnessing. There are simply too many intriguing scenes in this text to mention here, so I will simply state those that most affected me. It is amazing that somewhere in every chapter was a concept I had been longing to grasp, something I knew I had needed to know. And then there were such things I had heard before, yet saw in a new light (such as the "Roman Road" in Chapter 5: What Is Our Message?). In my sincerest opinion, it is essential that the entire book be read. I have learned more than I ever thought possible with this book. Paul Little covers almost every known topic needed in witnessing. Just so you know, this book (though revised) was originally written in 1966. And so, society having changed slightly since then (and since it was revised in 1988), the dialog and certain phrases, etc. are not completely relevant (yet still understandable). Such things as neighbors having close friendships are mostly restricted to television now in our busy 21st-Century society. Also, words such as "phooey" and "outlandish" are used every now and then. Yet, this book is still widely read, used, understandable, and effective. Its importance cannot be understated. Evangelist Billy Graham was quoted describing How To Give Away Your Faith as "A tremendous help in witnessing."

I found this book to be one of the best I have read on the topic of evangelism. Mr. Little combines personal experience(of which I expect he had plenty) with solid Christian principles. He addresses many real life situations that you will encounter as you share your faith in a down-to-earth way that can be understood by all. The author writes in a way that makes you feel like you are being "discipled" by a true friend. Paul's sense of humor is also evident and is an encouragement to those that may be intimidated by this topic. I whole heartedly recommend this book to those who have a desire to "give away their faith"!