Witnessing 101

I once heard a bible teacher give an illustration comparing “witnessing” with “not witnessing”. She said, “Not witnessing is like seeing a person who is unaware that he is about to be struck by an 18-wheeler truck.” “However, you see the truck coming, but you don’t warn that person to move out of the truck’s path.” This illustration paints a vivid picture of what would happen to a person who is unaware of their life being in imminent danger. What does this illustration have to do with witnessing you might ask? The answer is everything! For those who don’t know the Lord Jesus as their Savior, they are unaware that their eternal lives are in imminent danger! Simply put, because our sins have separated us from God, we were doomed for hell eternally. But, because Christ Jesus paid for our sins, we who believe in Him will enjoy eternal life with Him! Jesus is alive. He now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven praying and interceding for us, Romans 8:34!

What is witnessing? In simple basic terms, “Witnessing” is sharing the “good news” with others about what God did to save sinners through His Son Jesus! Witnessing is also referred to as sharing the gospel! The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible are called the gospel. These books give an account of Jesus’ life and mission here on earth as the Son of God. However, one does not have to be a Bible scholar or understand everything there is to know about Jesus or God to witness! They only need to know that because God so loved the world, He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8). They need to know that Jesus died, was buried and God raised (resurrected) him from the dead on the third day! And “That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”, Romans 10:9.

Why is witnessing so important? First of all, it is a mandate from Jesus himself to us, His people, to witness to others. It is about our obedience to God to carry out His assignment! Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you!” When we witness, we can start with our family, friends, acquaintances, and co-workers before we go to the strangers in the world (neighbors, store clerks, repair people, telemarketers, doctor’s office, sporting events or any place with people).

Second, Jesus is coming back to receive His people. No one knows the time of His return, only the Father in heaven knows, Mark 13:32. The “Eternal Roll” is being called every day for individuals young and old, sometimes in masses, transitioning into eternity. We don’t know how many of them know Jesus as their Savior. But, for those who are unsaved, their eternal lives are in imminent danger. We should take every opportunity to witness face to face, by phone, spiritual tracks, social media or by any method you choose. When a person transitions it is too late to tell them about Jesus. Therefore, it is urgent that we tell a lost world about the one true God, Jesus, who can save their souls from an eternity spent in hell. Jesus does not want anyone to perish but to come to repentance and trust Him as their Lord and Savior, 2 Peter 3:9.

For me, “Witnessing 101” begins first with a simple prayer to God for boldness. I often ask God to send someone my way that I might witness to, that God would also lead and speak through me. Before I witness, I begin with a friendly hello, a kind chat, usually asking how their day is going, or I give them a nice compliment. After I have broken the ice, I can now politely ask their permission to ask them a question. If they say yes, I then ask them “if they know the Lord Jesus as their Savior/have a relationship with Jesus or if they know where they will spend eternity”? If their response is yes, they know where they’re going. I will ask where and how do they know? Their correct response should be, “I will be in heaven with Jesus because Jesus paid for my sins”! If they say no or they’re unsure about where they will spend eternity, I will then tell them the simple gospel and ask them if they believe and receive what they have heard? Every person who hears the gospel must make a decision in their lifetime whether they believe or don’t believe the gospel. For those individuals who don’t believe or don’t want to hear about Jesus, I tell them that God loves them and may God bless you.

Finally, we are not to be frustrated or discouraged by those who don’t want to hear God’s word or anything we have to say. For Jesus himself tells us to shake the dust from our shoes and move on from those who don’t want to hear about Him, Matthew 10:14. We’re merely showing them the love of God. As someone once said, “Witnessing is like one beggar telling another beggar where to find food!” By witnessing, we’re planting a spiritual seed. Others will water that seed, and it is up to God the Father to draw that individual to Jesus for Salvation, 1 Corinthians 3:6, John 6:44.

Food for Today:

Hebrews 9:28

So, Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Pictures courtesy of Author (bible with Witnessing 101) & Wix (girls sharing bible)