Biblical Witnessing and Evangelism Courses Part 3
Table of Contents
Session 3
The 3rd Key to Evangelism: The Keys of the Kingdom
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. – Matt 16.19
It is critically important to recognize that you are an ambassador for Christ, and that it is the Holy Spirit that works in you to will and do everything for his good pleasure.
for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. – Phil 2.13
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. – 2 Corin 5.20
No one can come to the Father unless he is first taken or drawn by God.
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. – John 6.44
Knowing this we can understand how everything rests in the hands of Almighty God as we present His message to others. We are to study to show ourselves approved, that we understand the concepts we are displaying to others, but at the same time prayerfully petitioning to God that He would do the work in their lives to bring them to repentance. It is only God who knows what a person truly needs, and what is in their heart. This is where the third key of evangelism comes in: the keys of the kingdom. That in Jesus Holy name we would ask for God to loosen upon the lives of unbelievers His truth that would lead them to repentance.
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? – Rom 2.4
And that God would bind up in their lives all hindrances and sinful blocks that would stand between them and God.
Prayer Warriors
This is one reason why it is so critically important to recruit prayer warriors to come with speakers and witness’s stand in the background doing the spiritual work fighting demons and using this key. This also allows the person speaking to share more fervently as their support prayer warrior is praying for both them and the person they are talking to.
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. – John 6.44
Questions / Discussion
- What do the keys of the kingdom do?
- How do we use the keys of the kingdom?
- Do you have a prayer list of people you are praying for to repent?
Course 3.1 – God’s Wrath, Judgment and Hell
“When we merely say that we are bad, the wrath of God seems like a barbarous doctrine, as soon as we perceive our badness, it appears inevitable, a corollary from God’s goodness…” – C.S. Lewis
People demand that justice be done when they see something bad happen. We understand that a part of goodness and fairness is that justice is carried out for crimes committed. In the same way we should understand a due punishment when we offend an eternal, holy and perfect God with the hearts of wicked selfish unbelief that says “What profit will it do me to serve the Almighty,” in utter defiance and rebellion to the one who gave us life and beauty and all things!
All People deserve hell because that is what they are living for in their crimes against the all merciful and gracious God of Heaven who has given and offered us everything! During the 1990’s over 100,000 murder cases where unsolved. That means people where shot, stabbed, raped abused, etc. and the offender got away with it! Humanity is unable to right such wrings but God isn’t. God will ensure punishment according to everyone deeds and works on earth (Ecclesiastes 12.14).
Does the Old Testament show a God of wrath and the new a God of love? God never changes! (Mal 3.6)
People are so afraid of speaking about judgment because they are afraid of offending someone or coming off too strong. As witnesses we are called to give the entire gospel message without regardless of the outcome. People in today’s culture enjoy the gospel message parts that concern about how God loves us, and desires to care of us and all our needs (Matt 6.8).
How there is no greater joy then to live in God and His peace will overtake our lives. God judges and sends to hell all unbelievers for their sins. God has given us His message to give to them to bring them to salvation and repentance. God calls us to bring sinners to Him:
- We are to be as bold as lions – Pr 28.1
- A person that wins souls is wise – Pr 11.30
- Those who turn a soul back from sin saves that soul from death – James 5.20
Those whom God gives us to preach His message to, we are made accountable to and are called to preach His word to them – Eze 3.18
Fear God = Wisdom
There is nothing wrong with fear, as it has its office to keep people from danger. It is good for people to get scared because they are taught the truth of judgment and God’s wrath. We are to be fearful of God, for it is a fearful thing to fall into His hands (Heb 10.31). It is the FEAR of the LORD that is the beginning of all wisdom.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Pr 1.7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. – Pr 9.10
In today’s culture many ask, ‘why are we supposed to fear God?’ This is because many people have a false image in their hearts about who God is. Many people have been taught that God is only a God of love and peace and goodness. When we understand God wrath and anger and destruction, and realize His hate for sinfulness in His judgment, we can quickly see why people are to fear God; He is all powerful and is coming to destroy all sin.
The Reality of Hell
Hell is the eternal prison for unrepentant sinners. They will experience torment and suffering forever. We forget how horrible pain is when we don’t experience it, but for those who end up in hell, will be in agony forever, without hope of relief. Imagine what it would be like in torment and utter darkness without anyone there to comfort you, alone and suffering… and to think these words cannot express the reality of the situation.
The sad reality of hell should grip the heart of every believer, the fact that there are many who are suffering in hell forever in God’s eternal wrath. We should cry out to sinners for their salvation, and call out to them to turn back and away from sins. Jesus spoke about hell multiple times, warning us:
‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ – Mark 9.48
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. – Matt 10.28
And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. – Matt 18.9
Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ – Matt 22.13
and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. – Luke 16.23
And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. – Daniel 12.2
but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, – Romans 2.8,9
They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, – 2 Thess 1.9
This is not a place that you would want your worst enemy to go. There is no suffering on earth that could ever compare to it. If we where able, any believing heart would lovingly grab hold of every sinner so they would not fall and pull them to safety with all their strength!
Judgment day
God has appointed for every man to die once, then is the judgment. God has also appointed a day in which He will judge the entire world.
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, – Acts 17.30
God is the judge of all mankind, we are the witness of the truth of God and the body of Christ. We are not to judge others but rather judge ourselves. Judgment day is the climax of all creation, it is the day that all creation eagerly groans for (Rom 8.22). When God judges all His creation, He will make everything new. It will be the last day for any unlawful act to be dealt and every deed will be revealed and judged perfectly by the perfect Judge.
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Corin 13.5
Judge not, that you be not judged – Matt 7.1
the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness. – Ps 96.13
When we preach about God commandments and His law, we have to make sure it is in conjunction with teaching about the coming judgment of Christ, and to prepare our heart before Him. God law shows there is a coming judgment for all sin. It is because we have sinner that God will judge the world and punish wickedness.
The Foolishness of the Gospel
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. – 1 Corin 1.18
This is why the wrath of God seems unreasonable or unjust to many because they don’t understand WHY sinners are going to hell. They don’t understand the law of God and how they are already guilty of broking all of His commandments and all their crimes are worthy of eternal punishment. Once you help someone to understand the grave depravity and seriousness of their open rebellion against a Holy God by going through His commandments with them, they can see why sinners deserve hell.
Witnessing Moments
Witness: If someone strangled your mother do you think they should be punished by God?
yes
Witness: Do you think God should punish all murderers?
yes
Witness: Do you think He should punish thieves?
yes
Witness: God is perfect, holy and just and will punish all sinner in a prison called hell forever. do you think you are a good person? …
Questions / Discussion
- What is the attitude in your heart?
- What is the reality of Hell?
- What are some key point to show a person why all sinners deserve hell?
Course 3.2 – The Witness’ Tasks
“You have nothing to do but save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in doing this work. And go not only to those that need you, but to those that need you most… It is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that society; but to save as many souls as you can; to bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance.” – John Wesley
Save Souls
The church and the people of God can get distracted from our primary purpose, to seek and save that which was lost. That was Jesus mission and that is supposed to be our focus while on this earth.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. – Luke 19.10
There is no other purpose that can be accomplished on this earth that has eternal results; to do actions that results in the salvation of souls and the building up of God’s kingdom. It is good to have Bible study groups, homeless shelters and other church based social missions, but we can never loose sight of our primary goal: to seek and save the lost. The lost souls will experience an eternity in hell, we must go out and seek their salvation.
Polls from Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ revealed that nearly only 2% of Christians share their faith with others here in America. What are the other 98% doing? We need to become active for Jesus great commission. (Matt 28.16-20)
Distractions
The devil wants to keep this lesson out the hands of believers at all costs, he hates it when people actively seek to save lost souls. He does everything he can to get the people of God caught up in the church with distraction after distraction. He gets people to focused on breaking up into different groups after every dispute with other believers, makes them seem to be hypocrites, and the devil does whatever it takes to keep the church away from witnessing to the lost.
Environmentalists & Animal Rights
There are many ministries focusing on the things of the world, animal rights, environmentalist programs, etc., although there is nothing wrong with using such measures to preserve the very things God has ordained us to rule over, we need to keep focused at all times on our real task; to seek and save those that are lost.
Bible Studies & Church Events
It is a beautiful thing to put effort into church events and discipling the body of Christ; but are we adding to our efforts different ways to reach out and invite the lost and share with them love and the truth? Are we making a primary focus of our Bible studies to reflect on eternal repercussions? So many church put up Bible studies and church events and continue to have no new believers join them. Christians must be active in seeking the lost to bring them to salvation in Christ. We have the cure for the world, and so few take the time to even share it.
Awakening!
An awakening is a action in the church where God’s people ‘Wake up!” to the things that matter to God and begin to be used by Him!
For this reason he says, Be awake, you who are sleeping, and come up from among the dead, and Christ will be your light. 15. Take care then how you are living, not as unwise, but as wise; 16. Making good use of the time, because the days are evil. 17. For this reason, then, do not be foolish, but be conscious of the Lord’s pleasure. – Ephesians 5.14-17
Ideas to Witness to the Lost Around Us:
- Take you co-worker out to lunch, share you life and then the entire gospel with them.
- Praying for our lost family and friends; forgiving them even if they hate us!
- Taking time to do short term missions in local areas
- Do some street witnessing, or at least help out with outreach events
- Take time to talk to a stranger and share the gospel with them
- Take time to talk with people around you that are going through hard time, visit people in the hospitals
- Begin a home Bible study and invite people you know
- Taking time to make the difference in someone else’s life rather then look for someone to make a difference in your life!
Its not to say that we have to do any of this, or that we have to do it everyday. The question is, if we really do believe God word, where is your heart at when it comes to eternal souls, and what really matter to you? Being under grace we don’t have to do anything, we are free to do the things that God created us to do.
Although, once we take a simple glance into hell and see the terrible torment of the people damned to such a horrible fate; if we see the eternal soul of the people we know in hell, that should make our hearts break for them and it would be our joy to see them escape into eternal life with God. Following God’s word is not burdensome, but it should be the cry of our hearts to walk with God and seek His kingdom first in everything.
I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart. – Jer 24.7
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matt 6.33
Many say ‘I want to get to know someone first before I talk to them about the gospel,’ then, before you know it, it’s been 2 years and you still haven’t share your faith with them? How important is it to you?
Questions / Discussion
- What is one of the primary goals of being a believer?
- How do evil spirits keep believers away from their primary goal
- What human trait keeps us from sharing the gospel the way we should?
- how often do you make it a point to go out and share God’s word with others?
Course 3.3 – The Fear of Man
“We fear men so much because we fear God so little. One fear causes another. When mans terror scares you, turn your thoughts to the wrath of God.” – William Gurnall
People care about what other people will think of them, its only human nature. Its part of our God given mental programming to be able to socially interact with one another. Although this is true, it is more important that we are able to boldly and fearlessly share the truth with others, because the weight of eternal matter means more then the weight of the temporary the fear of man.
Don’t wait for your fears to leave you!
Hero do heroic deeds in spite of their fears. Firefighter and Policemen feel fear every time they are calling into action. This fear doesn’t stop them, in fact it encourages them about the weight of the situation, and how serious the matters at hand are! Even the apostle Paul had to deal with his fear of man, he proclaimed his weaknesses and inability to speak eloquently in 1 Corin 2.1-4, even to the point of trembling.
Fear When Speaking
When we approach a stranger with the intent of sharing the gospel, we sometimes get the fear of rejection. We think ‘what if he thinks I’m a religious nut, or someone just trying to cram religion down his throat..?’ Remember when you feel God telling you to share His word with someone, He is always with you, and it is not your job to be an eloquent speaker or convert someone on the spot!
God simply calls us to be faithful with what He has given us. Sometimes it will be as simple as starting a conversation in the natural, and hand them a tract and walk away. Or share with them something in your life, or just be an open ear if they need someone to talk to, and share God word with them in peace and love.
The devil loves to whisper in our ears about how people hate to hear God’s word and how they are not going to do anything but reject us. If we are rejected its ok, its all about giving them God’s word which has the power to save souls, and that’s all that matters.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Ps 91.1-2
But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! – Luke 12.5
Remember courage is NOT the lack of fear; it is feeling fear and doing it in SPITE of fear! If lack courage, the motivation into action, it’s because we are lacking faith.
The Power of God
Even if you don’t ‘feel’ it, God is always with us, and asks us to step out in FAITH in spite of our emotions or FEELINGS.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isa 41.10
The Holy Spirit will lead and guide both the preacher and the listener, because behind it all for true believers it is God who is behind everything! There is power in the Word of God, when you reveal the Glory of God, speak on His law give His word and gospel message, the power of God’s word goes deep into the hearts of its listeners.
Do not be held back by the fear of men any longer, what is the worst that man can do to me? If people get emotionally charged when you share God’s word with them, its because deep inside, unadmitted, they know the guilt of their conscience and truth of God word in their soul. Remember to pray first, ask God for strength and guidance, He is always with you.
Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12. Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” – Exo 4.11-12
Sometimes we have to just step out in faith and see where God takes us. If we see someone standing there and we go up to talk to them, we find out that everything works out as God leads us. If you feel like things are getting awkward or you are running out of things to say, It not too difficult to just say “by the way did you get one of these?” Hand them a gospel tract or invitation to your church and say “it was great to get to talk with you, God bless you & your family.”
“May we grieve if our heart are not filled with sorrow as we pray for the lost souls in our lives.”
Pleasures in God
Is Christianity Boring?
Some people complain that being a Christian is boring. It because they have never experienced true Christianity! There is truly no adventure like it. In truth, this is usually an excuse because they just want to continue in a sinful life style. Christians do everything that everyone else does because we are just the same as everyone else.
However, we get to also experience all the joys of life that God gives, just without the sin part of it all, and all the problems sin brings with it! People may think Christianity is boring because they think the dramatic problems sin brings is exciting. Maybe its their problems that keep them from getting bored. The Bible actually exclaims those who are closest to God experience the most prime pleasure and delights life has to offer:
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. – Psalms 16.11
Where your heart is, there your treasure is also. Many people live lives of destruction, adrenaline, drugs etc and the problems that comes with it, and find that is he most exciting life has to offer. Though they satisfy their flesh, their conscience and spirit hunger for something more. A person that has gorged their hearts of every evil find it all ultimately unsatisfying, even though they may be trapped in that lifestyle (in bondage). But the Bible teaches us when we find God, it is more precious then finding gold or precious jewels; and it is in this manner that we should search for Him.
Questions / Discussion
- What is the main reason most people are afraid to share the gospel?
- Why is the ‘fear of man’ so paralyzing?
- How does God teach you to overcome the ‘fear of man?’
- What is the source of every pleasure and good thing a person can experience?
Course 3.4 – Empowering of the Holy Spirit
You don’t have to be perfect to share the love of Christ with someone. But you do have to be pursuing a right relationship with God. If you are not, your witness will be ineffective.” – Scott Hinkle
Where is the power of the church? Where are the soldiers who will stand to fight for the kingdom of God, and what is their strength? Where does the power of the Christian life come from, and who is able to stand? Many Christians wonder where is the power of God in their life, yet they continue to live everyday in the same manner, in fear of men and what other people think of them, unwilling to step out of their comfort zone. Others, even more tragically, really don’t care to experience the true power of God in their life or are afraid to experience it, often times due to paralysis caused by secret sins.
Many new believers start off their Christian walk with great testimonies and experience the great power of God in their lives. In many cases this is needed to get them out of their old lives of sin and slavery. Many such believers eventually slip into the easy and comfort of a life of peace focusing on temporary things. For those that are mature in the Lord, it is time to cast aside every weight that so easily entangles and traps us, and run a race for God in such a way that pleases Him.
For this reason, as we are circled by so great a cloud of witnesses, putting off every weight, and the sin into which we come so readily, let us keep on running in the way which is marked out for us, – Hebrews 12.1
The power to overcome entangling sins and to have the desire for accomplish Gods mission on earth, and overcome any obstacle, cannot be accomplished by any human means, it can only come through the power of God.
Anything which comes from God is able to overcome the world: and the power by which we have overcome the world is our faith. – 1 John 5.4
Jesus told his disciples that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and they would receive power and as a result they would be able to be His witnesses.
When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father even the Spirit of true knowledge who comes from the Father–he will give witness about me; – John 15.26
But you will have power, when the Holy Spirit has come on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judaea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. – Acts 1.8
Lack of Power & Overcoming
The disciples, even knowing Jesus power and the truth about him, still ran in fear at the time of His crucifixion (Matt 26.31). The did not have boldness until they had the Holy spirit descend upon them and begin to dwell inside of them. We experience the same thing when we experience the lack of God’s power to overcome things in our life. In 1 John 5.4 we are told the with God’s power we are able to overcome the entire world!
Overcoming something is completely different then avoiding it. You see, we WILL face tribulations (problems) in our lives as believers (John 16.33). In God no matter what problem we face we can always choose to have faith in God, and He is the one that will MAKE us overcome anything. After Jesus returned to the heavens He sent the Holy Spirit, the Helper to live inside and indwell within all believers.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will be your teacher in all things and will put you in mind of everything I have said to you. – John 14.25
God warns us of a time when people will deny the power of God.
holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away. – 2 Timothy 3.5
The Bible tells us that if we have faith we will do the things Jesus did
Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father. – John 14.12
Overcoming Fear
It is completely natural to experience fear when it comes to witnessing to others about your faith. The remedy to this is being filled with the Holy Spirit. spend time in your prayer closet and seek Gods face. Ask Him to give you a vision of hell, opportunities and a hunger to save the lost by sharing His word with them.
Filled With the Holy Spirit
If we are a believer in the Lord Jesus and have turn to him, the Holy Spirit lives inside of us.
I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire: – Matthew 3.11
The problem is that we need to first desire to be filled by the Holy Spirit; then ask God to fill us with His Spirit. Many believers are unable to be completely filled by the Holy Spirit because they are so filled with themselves or the care of their own life. This means that they have filled their hearts and minds with cares of this world, work, hobbies, families, etc. Often times they have made no time for the work of the Holy Spirit. We have to come to a place where we sacrifice everything to Him, empty ourselves of us, and ask Him to fill us with His Spirit.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. – Romans 12.1
And I do all things for the gospel’s sake, that I may be a joint partaker thereof. 24. … Even so run; that ye may attain. 25. And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things…27. but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: – 1 Corinthians 9.23-27
It is not wrong to think about our jobs or our families, but is God’s kingdom #1 on our priority list? Have we setup other things on the alter of our hearts rather the Lord King Jesus. Where do we find the majority of our attention and our time being spent, is it on the Lord and His work? Are we asking and taking opportunities to seek and save the lost? Are we praying for the lost and actively pursuing them in some way?
Quiet Time With God
Find a quiet place that you can focus on prayer and talking with God. Ask God to reveal anything in your heart or life that you need to repent of and confess everything to Him.
I the Lord am the searcher of the heart, the tester of the thoughts, so that I may give to every man the reward of his ways, in keeping with the fruit of his doings. – Jeremiah 17.10
Sin is the hindrance of God’s power in our lives, why? because we are holding onto it and not onto God, it becomes the block between God and ourselves. Sin becomes a snare for our soul and/or our lives keeping us from begin closer to God (Heb 12.1; Habakkuk 1.13). Let all hindrances go before the alter of your heart before God.
Humble your heart in understanding that God is infinitely powerful and good, He created the entire heavens and moves galaxies with His fingertips yet is mindful of us. Seek His face and set your heart that you might know Him and understand His ways. Ask Him to fill you with His presence.
Even though you may not always ‘feel’ God, we must understand it is by faith we walk with God, we know He is there because we trust what He tells us, and He wants us to trust in him by faith, not based on what we ‘feel.’ We walk by faith not by sight (or feelings) so now ask what you want in His name and according to His will to build up His kingdom and accomplish the greatest purpose a human life can accomplish, to save soul and build up God’s kingdom on earth!
For we are walking by faith, not by sight, – 2 Corin 5.7
Spiritual Maturity
Some people are able to admit, they simply don’t want all that responsibility or are not ready for this kind of experience, although they understand this is something that is good to desire. We mature spiritually as we row and spend time with God.
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity – Hebrews 6.1
There is nothing wrong, in the beginning, with taking baby steps especially if you are a new believer in asking God for the desire to want His filling. It is in our human nature to sometime reject the things of God because we are afraid, however we must overcome our own human nature. We know what is good, and we are fully willfully capable of asking God to give us the desire to simply want to be filled by the Holy Spirit. Ask for the path to draw near to Him, and be open to experience the passion of living for God to the fullest!
Spiritual Gifts
God has given to every believer a spiritual gift(s) to use for His kingdom and to build up His church. It is important to know what your spiritual gifts are, and how to use them for God’s kingdom.
Þ see Spiritual Gifts
When you go out to witness to another person, God is on your side, with you the entire time. He not only wants you to succeed; You have already succeeded, you have already WON! (Rom 8.31)
Have no fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. – Luke 12.32
Questions / Discussion
- Who empowers you to build up God’s kingdom?
- What makes a believer lack the power of the Holy Spirit?
- How do we mature spiritually?
- How does God reward us?
Course 3.5 – How to Appeal to People
As believers, we know our goal is to share the entire gospel with unbelievers:
HELL – SIN – LAW – REPENTANCE – GRACE – SALVATION – TREASURE – HEAVEN
Even after relating to someone and attempting to appeal to their conscience by sharing the LAW with them, many will remain unwilling to leave their lifestyles of sin. They will make excuses for not coming to Jesus, saying things like “I really don’t have time right now” or “I’ll repent when I’m on my death bed.” There are many different ways to appeal to someone and reveal to them their need for immediate salvation.
Death
There is nothing wrong with appealing to a persons natural fears of death, and reminding of them that they are going to die someday, do they know where they are headed? For those that are saved and have their hopes in Christ, they often forget that fear of death that grips those that don’t know Jesus. When we know Jesus, we know that at the instant of death we are with Him in peace and joy forever. For the unsaved, there remains in their hearts the “fear of death.”
They are scared to die because they don’t know what is going to happen to them. There remains in their hearts the looming feeling of emptiness and uncertainty about the great separation from this world, they fear “what lies ahead” or of “annihilation from existence.”
let those who all their lives were in chains because of their fear of death, go free. – Hebrews 2.15
Everyone has a willingness to live, we all desire life. For the unbeliever we have opportunity to share with them the one who is life – Jesus.
Personal Testimony
One of the most powerful witnessing tool you have is your own personal testimony. The greatest thing about it is, its your testimony no one can argue with you about your life experiences, and your personal spiritual experience with God. Tell others about what God has done for you and most importantly about your relationship with Him.
One of the greatest witnessing tactics we can use is humbling ourselves before other people, saying things like I didn’t realize I was wrong about lying, and admitting to how wicked and sinful a heart we really have. People can respect you when you realize and admit your own personal limits and if you show yourself to be a vulnerable person like they are deep down inside.
People often think Christians are very prideful because they have God’s power in their life and are somehow flaunting it; we should live a holy and humble life before those we are trying to serve and witness too (which should be everyone in our lives!)
Elaborate Testimony
It is alright if we don’t have an elaborate testimony, beside people often get too caught up on the negatives of their testimony anyways. Always focus on God in our testimonies and even share a good deal about God’s recent wonders and works in our lives after we became a Christian.
Use Your Testimony
We can use our testimony to share the entire gospel as well, instead of saying things like I was addicted to alcohol, then Jesus gave me peace and joy; we can use our testimony to give an entire gospel message:
- “I didn’t know I was breaking God law by practicing lewdness and drunkenness in danger of His eternal punishment.” (go into the law)
- Share Gods eternal punishment and wrath against all sin and unjust works. Judgment day is coming.
- Talk about your repentance and turning from a life of practicing sin to living in a relationship with God.
- Talk about God’s grace in your life and learning to treasure Him above everything.
Encourage Believers
When we encounter other believers its a great practice to encourage them with God’s word in whatever they are going through, and to invite them to participate in sharing God’s word with others. If we are not living our lives to seek the lost what are we doing with out lives? At the very least, when we encounter other believers we should encourage them to pray for Gods word to go out powerfully and unhindered; people forget the myriad of different ways we can be involved in ministry and prayer is one of the most important.
“There is nothing we can do on the earth that is of value, unless it is done for an eternal value in your heart; and investing in human souls is the only eternal contribution we can do on this earth.”
Questions / Discussion
- How do you appeal to different kinds of people?
- What are some ways you can share your testimony with others?
- what should we do when encountering believers while witnessing?
Resources
Living Waters Ministries – Ray Comfort – The Way of the Master Series