Witnessing to the Lost

[Rick]

I was scanning over the forum boards and thought of all the lives that have been touched by the posts, and how that at some point in each of our lives,

we were witnessed to by someone who cared enough about our soul to share God's love with us.

For we that trust the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation, it was the beginning of a life changing experience for us, and also changed our eternal destination. Yet none of us would have the assurance, and the peace of mind that we have today, if someone had not brought the truth of God's Word to us. We can each thank God, that through His Holy Spirit, He led others to be vessels for delivering unto us His message of love to us.

It's for this reason that I thought it might be a good idea to start a thread on personal witnessing. A way of sharing the means by which you may have heard the plan of salvation yourself, or a way that you may have shared the love of God with someone else. And hopefully submit helpful ways for others to share with their friends, family members, and other's, any suggestions, that may help make their personal witnessing more effective.

Many are not taught effective ways of sharing God's Word with others, and may in fact be more of a hindrance to the Gospel being welcomed than they realize.

Hopefully, we can each be blessed, not only by recalling our own personal experiences, but in helping others to be more effective in taking the message of salvation to others. Any suggestions?

Rick

[traveller]

Excellent topic Rick!

For me, it was the exposure to solid Christians. One man in particular, who was the head of the department at my sunday school class. While I was tossing back and forth he was stable and caring. I lived in a real small town and everyone knew everybody else. So I knew him apart from church and I watched him over the years. He was my parents friend though we never socialied with them. But I knew he was a good man. And i knew that he was a happy joyful man. And I knew he was a Christian. There were several people that called themselves Christian, but I didn't much think they really were. But I knew he was. He went out of his way to be kind to me. To be loving to a very unlovable teen is a miracle in itself! But, over the years, the really bad ones, I never forgot the "other life." The one that he lived. I never forgot that people could live in harmony with each other and enjoy life. And I never forgot that he had a special relationship with Jesus. I always put that on the "backburner" of my mind, trying to not think of it. I always felt not worthy enough, and far too much of a sinner for the gospel to be speaking of saving the likes of me. But this man always reached out to me, and I didn't forget it. He planted seeds in me that are still growing and I thank the Lord for placing that mighty warrior in my life. God knew I'd need him there. Anyway, for anyone wishing to read my testimony, it's here. I didn't talk about this man, but he was the underlying influence, the glue that many days, held me together. God is good! All the time! BTW - my testimony got scrambled up in the last upgrade. My post is about 4 posts down.

My testimony

[cheercoach]

God used Christian radio to reach me. Thanks to all who financially support that ministry.

Recently, I received an email from someone on another board. She said that my answer to her question about suicide led to her receiving Christ! I've reread that post and for the life of me, can't figure it out. I didn't quote scripture or say anything profound. It just goes to show how we are a witness because He is in us. (even when we're not specifically trying to be)

[Catsmeow]

For me, the way I witness varies with the person and context in which we are aquainted.

If you're dealing with people right here in America it takes a lot of time and personal commitment to reach one single soul. People are hardened by our own culture through various media. They've grown hardened and turned to vices or "self help" programs to relieve the emptiness in their souls.

Christ is reflected in us by us loving and caring for people as individuals . It means an enormous investment of time and in some cases, financial support, too.

For example, it might mean taking someone out to lunch once a week, befriending them and slowly sharing the faith without being 'obnoxious' about it.

That's how I was led to the Lord...someone took the time to spend a lunch hour with me once a week and talk about Jesus. It happened to be my boss.

While tracts and witness cards are helpful tools, there's no substitute for making time to show you care. Only then can they see a tangible example of Christ's love made manifest in you.

We always see these rally's where thousands 'GET SAVED' but I wonder who in the world is discipling these newborn babes in Christ? Who's investing in them? Who, pray tell, are feeding His sheep? Who are feeding His lambs?

The witness is only a small part of our work here; the ongoing investment into helping people grow their spiritual legs is another important part of our spiritual responsibility, IMO.

[Guest yod]

Amen CAts

the Great Commission was NOT to go out and talk about Jesus. It was to make disciples!

Evangelism and discipleship are not always the same thing though. Evangelism is about changing someone's attitude just to get them to understand the need for salvation.

I think it is probably a good thing when a christian studies the various "methods" of evangelism as long as they understand that people aren't targets. Everyone is unique and will respond in a different way.

My experience is that people can sense when you have their best interests at heart....they can sense whether you believe what you are telling them...and they have either been drawn by the Holy Spirit or not.

One rule that always applies is that a "no" to Jesus today can be the spark that turns into a "yes" to Jesus tomorrow. It's not our job save anyone....only to tell the story of what God has done in us.

The Lord can handle it from there.

[Catsmeow]

My experience is that people can sense when you have their best interests at heart....they can sense whether you believe what you are telling them...and they have either been drawn by the Holy Spirit or not.

One rule that always applies is that a "no" to Jesus today can be the spark that turns into a "yes" to Jesus tomorrow. It's not our job save anyone....only to tell the story of what God has done in us.

The Lord can  handle it from there.

Great post, YOD...(as usual). You have a gift for putting things so clearly.

I agree that people can sense if you're trying to get a notch on your belt, ("Well, uh...we got ourselves another convert...duh") or they really care about the person they've approached with the truth of our Lord and Savior.

What just irks me is the attitude of "getting numbers" rather than looking at individuals and focusing on each person over the long term.

It reminds me of immature teens who think it's cool to have a baby until the diapers need changing.

Well, it's "cool" when someone makes a decision for Christ but then comes the years of baggage they bring with them and the enormous investment in time and energy to help them grow deep roots in the faith.

When people don't get deep roots, they are easily "uprooted"...and it happens all the time. Then some "cult" comes along and just jerks them right up.

[Rick]

Awesome responses! I thank each of you for sharing. Sharing your heart in this respect is a form of witnessing, and is a help to others who may need guidance in approaching someone they know who isn't saved.

As for myself,

My greatest inspiration was my grandparents. They were the most Godly people I ever knew. Although they were somewhat old fashioned in their approach to life, I saw from an early age that they were very loving. They had raised a large family, and lived on a meager income, but yet they still reached out to help others around them. I will never forget the times that I saw them reading their Bibles, and overheard their prayers as a small child, as they cried and called out and asked God to watch over their family, and to keep them all safe.

In them I saw a meekness that was borne out of love. And yet I saw the strength they posessed as they worked hard well into their later years to make ends meet. Working on a farm was hard work, and yet they never complained, and only thanked God for what they recieved.

I remember many occasions where the Lord was spoken of. I remember the times that others would come to them, and ask for their prayer's because someone was sick, or because they had a need. I think many believed they had a special relationship with God, and for some un-explained reason He would always answer their prayers. Later I too began to feel that way as I saw many of the prayers they prayed answered, in spite of what seemed like impossible odds against it.

My grandparents were the ones who instilled into me my first impression of God. And although I wouldnt be saved until many years later. It was an image I would always remember. That God was real, and He was alive, and was someone who listened and cared.

I was invited to a small country church in my early 20's, where although I knew about God, I didnt realize that I didnt know Him personally. I had attended the sunday services for a couple of weeks and was comfortable sitting in the back pews, near the door, in case I decided I was ready to leave before the service was over...lol

I look back and I remember well, how one particular Sunday, the sermon seemed to be directed at me. I remember the conviction of the Holy Spirit being upon me, and How I looked around to see if anyone else saw the shaking that was taking place in my body, particularly my legs.....lol I can laugh now, but the truth is, that I was a sinner on my way to hell...and it was anything but funny at the time. In this particular small country church, it was common for the pastor to give an altar call at the end of the service. I remember thinking I could head out the door...but I knew in my heart, that it was not what I truly wanted. I made the trip to the altar, where I called out to God to save me. It was a decision I have never regretted.

There have been times in my life that I failed to be what God had called me to be, but I knew God wasnt finished with me. I have come to learn through the years that being saved is a growing experience that continues every day of our life. And that God is always working within us to shape us, and mold us into the individuals He wants us to be. He began a work in us that He will finish. And in His love, I have found it to be a privilege to be able to call Him my Lord! And thank Him tremendously for loving me.

Rick

[Catsmeow]

Great post, Rick!

[Rick]

Thanks Cats! I enjoyed reading your response as well as those of traveller and yod and cheercoach.

I think some terrific points have been made, and that its amazing how the Holy Spirit has touched each of our lives. I believe yod made an impact statement when he stated that a no today might turn into a yes tomorrow. I think its important to remember that our timing ( desire ) and God's timing ( will ) are not always in sync. And that the leading of the Holy Spirit is of necessity when witnessing to people about Christ.

I understand that there is a difficulty that has been placed on being able to share Christ with co-workers , students, etc. in most places, since any form of religious activity is usually prohibited. But even so, there is a need to share the gospel with them as well. I see where Cats was blessed to have a boss that placed his love for the truth above what has become socially acceptable and shared with her the truth of God's love for us. I see where a radio ministry was used to reach cheercoach, and where traveller was inspired by other christians, much like myself.

But in each case, it is the Holy Spirit Who is calling us to the Lord.

I realize prayer is an integral part in our asking for our loved ones to be saved. But just as importantly is the life we reveal to them. Our prayers should also be for ourselves as well. That we may live a life that reflects the love of the Lord in us. And not become a hindrance to them by living a life that is in contrast to the life of Christ we share.

Rick

[Catsmeow]

That we may live a life that reflects the love of the Lord in us.  And not become a hindrance to them by living a life that is in contrast to the life of Christ we share.

This is where I'm at. How can someone see Christ in us if we're "too busy" to bother with them or care about them?

I hadn't been to church in awhile, as I've been sick. I hadn't heard from anyone from the church/cell group so I figured they didn't care.

Yesterday, one member of the church who just lost his wife to cancer sent me a lovely card to lift my spirits and encourage me. The card spoke to my heart and said the words I longed to hear: You are not alone.

Amazing! This poor, grieving man who'd served all his life as a bible translator for Wycliffe is in grief himself and it was HIM who took the time to send me a card to show he cared.

It's funny. The people who seem to suffer the most, seem to care the most.