“God didn’t give me the gift of witnessing.” True, but He did give you the responsibility to witness every time an opportunity to do so arises.

“I am too shy to witness.” Good! That means you won’t make a fool of yourself too often by saying things you shouldn’t. The Bible teaches that God gives grace to Christians so that they will be empowered to do His will. “I wouldn’t know what to say.” The apostle Peter tells believers to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15) Believers should be ready to witness at a moment’s notice. A simple explanation of God’s plan of salvation should be either memorized or kept handy for use. The elements are these: God wants you to spend eternity with Him in heaven. Your sin has separated you from God and His plan for you. The penalty that God has determined for sin is eternal punishment in hell. God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to take the punishment you deserve in your place. Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sin and then rose from the dead. Because of what Jesus did, you can be forgiven of your sin and go to heaven when you die. But you must ask to be forgiven, When you do, you will be saved from God’s wrath and given eternal life. [Read Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10 and 10:13 – these few verse explain God’s plan.] John 3:16 is referred to as “The Gospel in a Nutshell” … keep these verses readily available at all times. However, the most effective witness for Jesus Christ is your own salvation experience. Jesus told the man in the Gaderenes, after he had been saved, “”Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” (Luke 8:39) You greatest witness is telling others what Jesus has done for you.

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

It's only fair to share ...

Facebook

Twitter