Whether a Christian fighter pilot assumes the leadership role of a Bible study or simply gets the opportunity to witness to a non-Christian, it is crucial that he know how to communicate his faith.  How does a pilot share the gospel with those around him?  There is no simple, distinct answer to that question.  There is no formulaic response that will enable a Christian to take a checklist, approach a fellow pilot, and convert them by ticking off the boxes. 

There are two “canned” answers I can provide.  First, a Christian fighter pilot must be living his witness.  St. Francis once said, “Preach the gospel at all times.  If necessary, use words.”  Joseph Aldrich, President of the Multnomah School of the Bible, said that “Evangelism is allowing the non-Christian to turn the pages of the book of your life, read the fine print, and hear the music of the Gospel.”  A Christian’s actions are yelling louder than his words ever will.  Still, this ministry of presence must be augmented with proactive Christianity.

The second canned answer is that a Christian must know how to communicate the plan of salvation.  If someone questions him, the Christian must have an answer ready, as noted in 1 Peter 3:15.  The conclusion of that oft-quoted verse is also important, though:  “But do this with gentleness and respect.”  Again, there is a plethora of books, pamphlets, and websites on the subject.  While there is only one plan of salvation, the way that it needs to be presented will vary for every person.  Still, I can recommend the basic framework, which I first heard in a sermon while stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona:

1. What:
   You need to be born again. (John 3:3)
2. Why:
   Being “born again” means you need to be saved from the consequences of your sins.
   Romans 3:23, all have sinned.
   Hebrews 9:27, all will be judged.
   Romans 6:23, sin results in death, but God’s gift is eternal life.
3. How:
   Acts 16:30, 31 – Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ—it’s more than “just knowing.”
   Romans 10:13   – Call on the name of the Lord and be saved.
   John 3:16 – Believe…
4. Believe  
   (1) Jesus Christ bore your sins, (2) died in your place, (3) was buried and resurrected.
5. Receive 
   forgiveness of your sins, accept God’s free gift of eternal life. 

Or, as some have described the “Romans Road:”

1. Romans 3:23 – All have sinned
2. Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life
3. Romans 5:8 – While we were still sinners, Christ died for us
4. Romans 10:9-10 – “If you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
5. Romans 10:13 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

When explaining the reason for others to share the hope within you, there is no single right answer, but there is at least one wrong one: none at all.

Christian fighter pilots must have an answer ready.  Attending a fellowship or Bible study in concert with finding a church home will give the Christian fighter pilot a strong start in establishing a spiritual lifestyle at his new base.  The spiritual support will strengthen his foundation and allow him to grow spiritually and teach and mentor others.  Ultimately, the fellowship will give him the spiritual support he needs to live an active Christian life in the military.

Return to God and Country.
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