You don’t need to be an expert in the Bible, or have years of experience with Christ to witness for Him. There are several ways you can verbally share Christ on a daily basis.
Informal Sharing
You don’t have to make a complete presentation of the Gospel to make an impact for Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to someone who is open to hearing more about Christ:
- Invite a friend to church or a study group you are part of.
- Give your personal testimony.
- Ask someone to join you at a Christian event.
- Introduce a friend to other Christians.
- Give out a Christian book or tract.
The key to informal witnessing is to be available…and to ask God to lead you. He will! He has been waiting for you to ask Him!
Presenting Christ’s Claims Directly
Everyone needs an opportunity to hear the complete story of how much God loves him/her personally. Once you have established a relationship with a person, and “earned the right to be heard,” pray for an opportunity to share Christ with them.
Most people reject Christianity because they really don’t understand what it is all about, or they misunderstand and think it is just “religion”. They don’t realize that it a relationship with their Creator…Jesus Christ! The best way to witness…so that people really understand what the Bible says…is to make a concise presentation of the Gospel with your testimony and biblical references.
In the following area briefly write out your testimony about how you received Christ, and how He has changed you. (Use another sheet of paper if necessary.)
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- Pray
“Go to God about men…before you go to men about God.” Ask God to prepare the person’s heart and to control you by the Holy Spirit. - Use a Gospel Tract
In order to be concise and not get side-tracked, use a good Gospel tract, such as The Four Spiritual Laws, by Bill Bright (New Life Publications), or The Bridge, (Navpress). You can also use lesson 1 of this booklet. - Use a Bible
Carry a small Bible with you that has the key verses underlined. It’s best to use a modern translation, such as the New Living Translation. Try to memorize the key verses for each point of the Gospel. - Share Your Personal Testimony
Write out your personal testimony, and review it with a friend until you can present it naturally in 3 to 5 minutes. Keep focused on how Christ has changed your life…and how much He means to you. Be enthusiastic…but not phony. Be transparent…and let them know you’re “real”. - Stay Focused
You fight a spiritual battle when you share Christ with an unbeliever. There may be unusual interruptions…or the person might try to evade the real issues and get you off track. Pray, and keep focused on Christ’s love…and his death for them on the Cross. Emphasize how important they are to God. - Ask For A Decision
As the Holy Spirit leads, expect God to be working in their heart. Ask one of the following questions:
- “Does this make sense to you?”
- “Would you like to accept God’s Gift?”
- “Would you like to make sure?”
- “Would you like to ask Jesus into your life?”
- Lead Them In Prayer
If they are ready to receive Christ, pray with them, using the prayer in your tract, or from lesson 1 in this booklet.
The Next Step
Once a person has come to Christ, it is vital that you show them how the “pieces” of the “puzzle” fit together. Schedule a time to go through this booklet with them.
It is also vital that they immediately get “connected” with other Christians…preferably people they can relate to.
Passing the Baton
When you lead a person to Christ, you are “passing the baton” to them. Teach them from God’s Word the discipleship principle Paul taught Timothy, so they will pass it on to others: “Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others” (2 Timothy 2:2).
For those who take God’s Word seriously and want to be discipled, it is strongly recommended that you schedule regular meetings (at least every other week), to get deeper into the Bible. Both a small group Bible study and one-on-one discipleship are recommended for a new believer.
Run to Win!
Although this lesson concludes this study, your race goes on! There are many miles to go.
You now see how each “piece” of this “puzzle” is vital for your growth in Christ…all contributing to the extreme life God wants you to live.
Marathon runners often get weary during the long race. Some quit. Those who finish strong are focused on the finish line, the satisfaction of doing well, and the prize ahead.
God’s Word tells you how to finish strong: “…let us strip off every weight that slows us down…And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish” (Hebrews 12:12).
Q What weight is slowing you down?
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Q What changes have you made to assure a well run race?
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Q What’s the most important thing you have learned in this study?
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So…are the pieces coming together?
By now you should have a good understanding of what the “picture” of the completed “puzzle” looks like.
When Christ is the center of your life, everything will be different. Your life will be full of joy and peace. You will want to please Him. God will give you love for other people, even your enemies.
God can take ordinary people like you and me and make our lives truly extreme. This is the life God promises to every believer who trusts and obeys Him.
“By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope” (Ephesians 3:20).
Are you ready to risk it all for Christ? He is completely trustworthy…and will be with you in every mile of your race…even when you are weary and feel like quitting.
“But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
It is the will of God that you keep on running. Run well, and receive the prize! (1 Corinthians 9:24-26).
God has great plans for you! (See Jeremiah 29:11.)