by Rob Bailey
Jesus has done for you. It is the narrative
Telling Your
of how He has changed you from who
you were into who you are becoming!
You are not called to dispute or debate,
but simply to declare your story.
The witnessing advice given by the
FAITH STORY
apostle Peter is profound: “In your hearts
set apart Christ as Lord. Always be pre-
pared to give an answer to everyone who
asks you to give the reason for the hope
that you have. But do this with gentle-
“Go into all the world and preach the you except Jesus Christ and Him cruci- ness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV).
gospel” (Mark 16:15, NKJV). fied. I was with you in weakness, in fear, If we look for opportunities to witness
and in much trembling. And my speech for Christ, opportunities will find us.
J
ESUS TOLD HIS followers to go. and my preaching were not with persua- Here are seven possible scenarios:
Our mission is to go and tell of the sive words of human wisdom, but in 1. The Internet is a perfect place to
limitless, matchless, unfathomable demonstration of the Spirit and of power, witness! Chat rooms, Facebook, MySpace,
love of God. that your faith should not be in the wis- Twitter, and many other social-network-
Whom must we tell? The world! dom of men but in the power of God” ing sites can open up opportunities to
To narrow the scope, consider the indi- (2:1-5, NKJV). dialogue about God.
viduals in your world. On a daily basis, Paul’s testimony was all about Jesus. It 2. Offer a cold cup of water to the
you may have the opportunity to interact appears that Paul may have been nervous mowers, postmen, joggers, or other
with dozens, if not hundreds, of souls. thirsty people who come your way. Per-
Sometimes the most innocuous-seeming haps it will open the door of conversa-
social interactions can become ordained tion. (It worked for Jesus—see John 4.)
opportunities to tell of your faith. 3. A plane trip can be a great opportu-
There are instances where God opens nity to tell your story.
the door for witnessing to complete 4. At your favorite restaurant, ask your
strangers. In my personal experience, the server if he or she has any needs you can
opportunities for witnessing to friends, pray about when you give thanks for
family, and associates occur much more your meal. And be sure to leave a gener-
frequently. ous tip.
For some, even the thought of witness- 5. Next time you are called by a tele-
ing causes the heart rate to increase and marketer, or a salesman knocks on your
blood pressure to rise! To help calm our door, tell them you will gladly listen to
nerves, it helps to remember that our job their “story” if they will listen to yours!
is not to persuade but rather to pronounce. 6. At the beauty salon or barbershop,
It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit you will have the total attention of your
that sinners are ever persuaded to believe. stylist. Take the opportunity to talk about
Our job is to lovingly invite them to the “Witnessing is telling the story the Lord.
King’s table. In His parable in Matthew of what Jesus has done for you.” 7. Obviously when friends, family, or
22, Jesus said, “Go to the street corners colleagues face tragedy, be prepared to
and invite to the banquet anyone you and even fearful about his witnessing in offer a shoulder to cry on. Offer encour-
find!” (v. 9, NIV). some instances. His testimony declared agement from the Word of God as the
Some of the best advice on witnessing that his words were not very impressive. Holy Spirit leads you.
was written by Paul in his first letter to But the Holy Spirit anointed him to deliver
the church at Corinth: “And I, brethren, the message of a crucified and risen Savior.
Rob Bailey is the state youth
when I came to you, did not come with Telling your personal story of com-
and Christian education
excellence of speech or of wisdom declar- ing to know Jesus Christ is one of the
director for the Church of God
ing to you the testimony of God. For I most effective evangelism techniques.
in Texas.
determined not to know anything among Witnessing is telling the story of what
20 EVANGEL • SEP 2009
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