How to Witness

Every believer in Jesus Christ is called to witness to unbelievers.  In 2 Corinthians 5:20 we are told that we are ambassadors for Christ.  When we are born again we become His messengers.  Romans 10:14, 15 tells us that people would not be able to hear the Gospel if believers did not witness to them.  Jesus tells us that the feet of those who witness are beautiful for they bring glad tidings of great joy.

In Matthew 4:19 we read that when Jesus met Peter and Andrew He told them to follow Him and He would make them fishers of men.  In Mark 5:19 you can read about the tormented man that Jesus delivered.  After he was healed Jesus told him to go home and tell his friends about the great things the Lord had done for him.  That man must have received much joy in witnessing about Christ.  The woman at the well in John 4 witnessed to her neighbors about what Jesus had done for her.

 In Acts 5:17—42 you can read about how Peter was thrown into prison and persecuted.  However, he stood boldly and continued to witness for Christ.  Paul was faithful to the Lord and through much tribulation he continued to preach the Gospel.

 Why Witness?

Jack and I have talked to many people about the Lord Jesus Christ.  We find that people are very open to hear the Gospel.  The enemy would have you believe that people are not interested or open.

Many excuses are given by people for not speaking about their Savior.  Some individuals say that they are called to stay behind and pray while others witness; however I tell them that the Bible says we are all to go into the world and share our faith in Jesus Christ.

Some people tell me that I have the gift of evangelism, but that they are not required to witness because their gift is administration or something else. In Acts 16:15, Jesus told his followers to go into all the world and preach the Gospel.  In Matthew 9:37, 38 Jesus said that the harvest truly is plenteous but the laborers are few.  God wants more laborers for the harvest.
 

See Witnessing As Your Ministry

You may be wondering what your ministry is.  It is everyone’s ministry to share the Gospel.  Just begin to share your faith with people wherever you go.  The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say if you depend on Him.  He will lead you to people.

Some Believers think that they have to have great peace and confidence before they witness.  You may not feel peace—you may feel fear.  According to Psalm 81:10,  if you open your mouth, Jesus will give you the words. As you see the Lord work, you will gain confidence, and even boldness..

It is important to be friendly wherever you go.  If you are waiting in line at the grocery checkout, start talking to people.  You can share your faith with a waiter or waitress in a restaurant.  You can stop and talk to a young mother about her children.  There are many opportunities throughout the week, so take advantage of these open doors.
 

Witnessing Brings Joy

We know of a man who was required to take time off work because of his depression.  A wise doctor suggested he start volunteering at a mission that feeds the hungry.  He did, and continued to reach out to the poor.  He started to share his faith with strangers wherever he went.  He did this for fifteen years.  He received healing for his depression, and today he is an assistant pastor at a church where he encourages others to share Christ.

We were sitting with him in a restaurant one afternoon.  After we finished our meal, he got up and went to a table where bikers were seated.  He told them that Jesus cared about them and that they could personally talk to Him each day. One biker thanked our friend and said that his grandmother used to talk about Jesus.  In our hearts we rejoiced that these men were open to hearing about the Lord.
 

Do Not Fear

The Lord is with you and He tells you not to fear man.  Do not be intimidated.  We are not to be pleasers of men, but pleasers of God.  We who are Christ’s are in this world but not of this world.  If we please God, we will hear Christ say to us “Well done, good and faithful servant.

Your words are like seeds and they could take root anytime.  If you witness to someone who expresses anger at the mention of the name of Jesus Christ, leave the situation, knowing that there could come a day when they are in a crisis situation that they would remember your words.  Perhaps that person would go home and remember your words of salvation when they lay their head upon their pillow at night. Truth may eventually break through, leading to salvation and repentance.  I continue to encourage you that the majority of people are ready and open to hear.
 

Being His Messengers

In a store recently I spoke with a man in his nineties.  At first he said he did not believe in God, and that he was a good person who would probably to heaven.  I told him that the only way to be assured of going to heaven was to believe in Christ.  I quoted John 3:16.  He listened and seemed to appreciate what I was saying to him.

In the same store I spoke with a man from Africa.  He was so happy to hear what I had to say that he had tears in his eyes.

Some time ago, two women came to my door, and I shared with them some truths that were contrary to their beliefs.  I told them that I believe the Holy Spirit is a Person.  I told them Who I believe Jesus to be, and that I find great comfort and fellowship in talking to Him personally.  I said that my Bible was the Holy Word of God that is not to be changed.  Their book contained verses contrary to those in my Bible; but they did not argue or try to refute what I said.  I felt they were listening as I shared God’s love.

That same afternoon a seventeen-year-old woman stopped to talk to me as I was outside in my yard.  It was a wonderful opportunity to tell her about the love and power of Jesus Christ.
 

Sharing Your Faith

We have had many opportunities to witness in Toronto.  I talked to a woman walking up the street in that city who was very open to a conversation about Jesus.  While waiting at a bus stop with another woman pastor, we started talking to people waiting for the bus. I sat next to a woman on the bus whose wrist was bandaged.  In conversation she shared that she had tried to commit suicide.  Although very depressed, she seemed to brighten up when I shared that there is hope in believing and trusting in Jesus.  I know God set up that meeting.

Also in Toronto, we shared the gospel with two young men from Jamaica.  When we went into a small Jamaican café to eat spicy food we talked to people there who were very open to hearing about Jesus Christ.

In Jamaica I went about sharing my faith.  A young woman sweeping steps in front of a small dress store began to cry as I stopped and shared about the Lord.  She said she was so grateful that I had stopped to talk to her.

I stopped to talk to a woman selling baskets near the sidewalk on a busy street, and after listening to me talking about Jesus, she asked me to pray for her right there on the sidewalk.

These are some of the opportunities that I have had to share my faith.  I encourage you to witness, for there is no greater joy than telling others about Jesus Christ.  We are His ambassadors, and we have the message of hope and the truth that changes lives.