The Webster's Dictionary definition of witness is: evidence;
testimony; person who saw or can give a first hand account of
something; able to testify in court - to testify to religious
beliefs or faith; to be or to give evidence.
The Bible Dictionary says: one who may be called to
testify to an event at which he was present. Things may be a
witness - heap of stones (Gen. 31:34-52), a song (Deut. 31:19-21)
- the Law (Deut.31:26) - an altar (Josh. 22:27-34), etc. Bearing
false witness is condemned & punished (Ex. 20:16; 23:2;
Deut. 5:20). Many other cases in Scripture can be found which
describe the meaning and importance of a true witness.
In this modern time of "free thinking"; "don't
judge me"; "how do you know if that old book you call
the Bible is true?" - the big question is how do you testify
to the truth of the written WORD OF GOD????? In an age where
TRUTH is "sliced between my truth, your truth and whose
truth", how do we defend the "faith once delivered
unto the saints"? (Jude vs.3)
Going back to the definition above, it is at once obvious that
we must have an experience that leaves no doubt in our mind
that God has touched us and He has made a difference in our
heart and life. There is a song that says in part; "I was
there when it happened and I guess I ought to know". When
Jesus comes into a heart and life, he comes for the purpose
to make changes that will conform us to the image of Jesus.
Then as we gain the courage to become a witness for the Kingdom
of God, we have a genuine experience to describe to others that
need to know about the plan of salvation. Following the salvation
experience is Water Baptism (Matt. 28:18-20) which Jesus also
directed his disciples to observe as an outward sign of dying
to the self life and being raised up in newness of life in Christ.
He also gave direction in Acts 1:8 that his disciples should
wait in Jerusalem until the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was given
so that they could witness in the power of the Spirit. It is
of great importance that we be filled with the Spirit in order
to be an effective witness for the Kingdom of God. (Eph.5:17-21)
There are numerous methods that can be used in the process
of finding those souls who are seeking for "something that
will satisfy the longing" in the inner most being. The
best method is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit within
your own heart. Let the Holy Spirit give you the wisdom to say
what will most effectively capture the attention of the person
that you have felt guided to speak with about their soul's condition
and the need to prepare for eternity. (I Tim.1:6-8)
It will help you greatly to know the Scriptures that will explain
the plan of salvation. Make your own list of the Scriptures
listed in this New Disciple tract and work to memorize them.
Get a small New Testament and mark the place to find each one
and always have this witnessing tool handy in purse or car or
business folder, etc. You can find many different approaches
to open a conversation about salvation and eternity. The small
book called FOUR SPIRITUAL LAWS, which comes from "Campus
Crusade For Christ", is a very effective way to get a person's
attention concerning eternity. A lot of churches and Christian
Book Stores will have these available. Having small tracts with
a clear and concise message of salvation is a very useful tool
to give to people. Many times they will read it later and start
searching for God's plan for their life.
It is most essential that your life should be a living example
of the principles of the Kingdom of God. You must spend time
in Bible study and prayer in order to know what God is expecting
of you in the daily life style and to cultivate spiritual growth.
The Ten Commandments, and the sermon on the mount are a good
place to start. You need a good Bible Dictionary to look up
words that are unfamiliar to you and a Bible Concordance to
be able to learn how to make a cross/reference study of the
many topics listed in the back of most Bibles. The New King
James Version is a good place to start, but it very interesting
to check numerous versions to see what other meanings can be
found of certain scriptures. It is good to keep a personal notebook
and make lists of the "jewels of spiritual truth"
that you find.
A word of caution: never get into an argument with a prospect
you hope to win for the kingdom. If they are not interested
in asking questions and letting you find the verses of Scripture
that they need, then maybe that is a sign they are not ready
to change their way of life. Simply offer them the Gospel tract
and add them to your prayer list. Pray for God's wisdom and
time to approach them again for their soul's salvation. Remember
that God's Spirit alone can draw and convict a soul. You are
only a messenger of the Kingdom of God. (John 14:16 -16:8)
Proverbs 11:30 (NKJV)
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins
souls is wise.
Daniel 12:3 (NKJV)
Those who are wise shall shine, Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness, Like the stars forever
and ever.
