I've learned a lot since I first started to share my faith about 2 years ago. Things to say, things not to say. Having a street-side debate on creation and the big bang theory with a drunk 25 year old woman. (By God's grace, He sobered her up to hear the Gospel) Long talks about the antichirst, end times, and all the problems with America. (Which actually all can be turned back to the Gospel) Getting the cops called on you and them threating to arrest us. (Which lead to me getting pulled over for the first time and the cops saying they were sorry they made the threat)
I could go on with times I've talked to people. I honestly think that every Christian should do that. I've learned so much about people, and how they act just by handing them a tract or just sparking a convo about God. I don't feel as if Christians need a "Sudden Passion" or "Divine Calling" to talk about the Gospel...I think we should be able to talk about Jesus..the One that saved us. As Mark Cahill said "We GET to share the Good News!" I know for me, it was hard to start a convo, but in the end I'm glad God gave me the words to speak. As I've heard over and over again..."just open your mouth."
There is no way I can boast in myself about the times I've witness or the talks I've had with people because I didn't do anything except for open my mouth. God has promised us that He would speak through us. I just want to encourage you and myself with the truths that God has in His Word about salvation and some keys to witnessing. I don't claim to know a lot about witnessing but I do know Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1Co 2:2)
Faith in Christ:
Joh 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Mar 1:15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
Rom 4:5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,
Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
These are real verses! As Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Which means....we must witness. If people are saved by faith, and faith comes by hearing the Word, we must proclaim the Word so people can receive that faith and put it in Christ. I use to down play faith. I didn't express it while I was witness, but after reading the NT, I've come to find out that everything done in the Christian life has to be done by faith. Meaning that the faith in Christ that we have in very important, and we must share with people that faith in Christ is important.
Repentance of Sin:
Luk 13:3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Mar 6:12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.
Act 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,
Act 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
Rev 16:9 They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.
The other thing needed to be expressed in witnessing is the need of repentance of sin. Even in my Christian life, I've learned that repentance is key. Some people may take this to be the whole "turn or burn" style of preaching or witnessing. Which, in fact, with an honest heart...yes that is what it is. I may not say it, but I sure do mean it. I do preach it with grace though. Not trying to be harsh, even though it may come across that way. But the need is there. Repent of sin. Turn from it and live. This came to life for me as I was saved. All I knew was sin and evil. But God allows me to turn from my sin and believe the Gospel. I didn't have to sin anymore! I didn't have to go to Hell! God commands us to repent from sin and put our faith in Christ.
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