How Do I Witness?

     I remember when I could first feel God moving in my life.  I had been a Christian for over 15 years just going through the motions, but it never did seem to click.  This was such an awesome feeling when I was finally able to experience his love personally and I wanted to share this feeling with everyone I knew.  The first place I started sharing was on social media because I just knew that my "friends" would all understand my story, feel convicted and give their lives to God in an instant....  Boy, was I wrong.  After countless "discussions" with my "friends," I realized that maybe I was going about this all wrong.

     I began to search the bible looking for examples of witnessing.  I found numerous examples regarding witnessing to people and have come to understand that their are two ways to witness.  One way is by works.  Matthew 5:16 tells us, "in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your God deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The other way is by words.  Peter tells us "but in your hearts be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have," (1 Peter 3:15).  From these examples, I have come up with a few tips on how we as Christians can get our feet wet with sharing our faith with the lost.

     1.  Have a "Door Opener."  For me, I wear Christian t-shirts with catchy phrases that have often been the start of many conversations (just make sure you understand what the shirt means.  

     2.  Been sure to give your testimony.  Our human nature calls for a "what's in it for me" attitude.  Do not sugar coat anything, give them the truth and let the testimony speak for itself.

     3.  Be sure to present the gospel in a clear, concise way.  This will allow no questions stemmed from confusion.  I study from a few different translations of the Bibile.  Usually the NIV my first choice, unless I am working with youth, then I used the New Living Translation.  Sometimes I find myself also needing the NLT to break down the passages that I have been struggling with.  Be sure to be aware of the age of the audience and use that knowledge when sharing the gospel.  The verse that I would suggest starting with is John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life."  This covers the full purpose of Christianity.

     4.  Be sure to avoid pointing out their wrongdoings.  No one likes to be attacked by a hypocrite.  No one is perfect, something we have to be cognizant of.  "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye," (Matthew 7:3).  

     5.  Offer to pray with them before they leave.  Once you part ways, show them that you care by keeping in touch.  Ask them if it is ok to call them or come to visit to check on them in the future.  If they agree, then don't just tell tell you will be checking up with them...actually do it!  If we are attempting to start a fire you don't simply strike a match in the wood and walk away.  You have to stand by and feed this fire kindling until the flame has become strong enough to burn on its own.  The same is true when you plant this spark into a new Christian.  Follow up and keep in touch.  

     Do not hesitate to share the gospel.  Prayer for guidance and God will give you the words to say.  He doesn't require you to be a biblical scholar, just a willing servant.  Be available and He will take care of the rest.