Witnessing

What is Witnessing?

In simple terms, it means introducing others to Jesus Christ. God reaching out through believers to win others to repent from their unbelief and accept Jesus Christ as Saviour.

Note: Witnessing is not something we merely do, It is something we are to BE (Acts 1:8; 2 Cor 3:2; Mt. 5:14).

Overcoming the fear to witness effectively, starts with examining our motive. The motive to glorify God cannot be easily discouraged or defeated. Actually, most Christians eventually faint when it comes to witnessing due to a motive of selfishness that conflicts with the likeness of Christ.

Secondly, The Right Means.
A wise Christian wants to be a witness that produces fruit (Prov. 11:30). This requires the right means. We must absolutely depend on the Holy Spirit (Lk. 24:48-49) It is He Who does the work. Why is this so essential? The Holy Spirit is able to convict of sin (Jn. 16:8-11), and convey the Truth (16:13), and He alone can regenerate (Jn. 3:5-8, Titus 3:5-7).

We must absolutely depend on the authority of the Word of God. From God's Word, we learn what to say, how to say what needs to be said. The Christian can learn from obvious examples of evangelism in the Scriptures.

Example, What are needs for the Christian who wants to witness:

1. A Life surrendered to Christ (Luke 9:23).
2. A Spirit-filled life (Eph. 5:18).
3. Bible knowledge (2 Tim. 2:15).
4. A Prayer life; believing prayer.
5. Faith, and Concern for lost souls.

The Bible provides good pointers:

1. Deal with your own age and gender if possible.
2. Be gentle, wise, clear, polite, uncompromising. Don't argue.
3. Seek and pray for opportunities, and use them.
4. Rely on the Lord; keep silently praying for His guidance.
5. Work with love and perseverance.
6. Lead directly to a definite acceptance of Christ.

What Methods can we employ?

Witnessing can be done through Literature, Crusade, Radio, Open air, Door-to-door, Special meetings, Stickers, Tracts, Friendship, Personal.

Friendship Evangelism is very effective (Matt. 5:16, 1 Pet. 2:12) Be careful to Watch your habits and dress. Always show love, kindness. Be a hard, conscientious worker.

People will naturally observe: What we are, What we do, and What we say.

Note Christ's example, John 4:7-30.
Be willing and ready to: Contact. Communicate. Relating. Being relevant. Challenging.

The Most Important Aspect Of Witnessing is Your Message

What is the message when witnessing?
It is dogmatically presenting Christ as the ONLY Answer to: Man's Sin, Death, Eternal Life.
Man's Security needs, Anxiety, Trouble, Finding Peace with God. Man's Search for Truth. Purpose for living, Reality, Meaning. CHRIST MUST BE PRESENTED AS THE ULTIMATUM, NOT AN ALTERNATIVE.

Have a chronological plan in presenting the Scriptures. Remember, It is by God's Word only that one can be saved (Rom.10:17)

Example:
Rom. 3:23. Man's Need.
Rom. 6:23. Sin's Penalty.
Rom. 5:8. God's Provision.
Rom. 10:9,10. Man's Response.

Rom. 10:13, God's Response. AMEN.

THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT IS EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT IN GOING TO HEAVEN. THAT'S BRINGING ANOTHER SOUL WITH YOU.

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger