This message includes not only an explanation of why the Gospel doesn’t make sense to people till they have the Law of God spelled out to them, but an actual demonstration of this method of sharing our faith.ONE BEGGAR TELLING ANOTHER
(Ezekiel 3:16-21; Romans 3:10-20)
Without an understanding of the bad news, the good news doesn’t make sense. Without a realization of our sinfulness and the wrath of a holy God, the offer of forgiveness and salvation doesn’t make sense. Before people can be saved, they must recognize their lost condition.
Witnessing is telling what you have experienced and believe to be true. Evangelism means the proclamation or sharing of good news – or simply one beggar telling another where to find bread.
We ALL witness by the way we live – either in a positive sense or a negative sense. But it’s estimated that only about 2% of Christians ever share their faith verbally. Why?
– our “faith” is not real to us – are we a true convert?
– fear of offending
– thinking that we don’t know HOW to share our faith
For those who accept Christ, it takes on average about 7 times for them to hear the Gospel. Our part is often simply to plant or water the “seed.” We must claim the promise of Isaiah 55:11.
Some methods of witnessing:
– tracts
– detailed explanations (difficult in today’s culture)
– “bridge” illustration
– “Romans Road” (3:10, 3:23, 5:12, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9,10,13)
– “God has a wonderful plan for your life . . .” (the abundant life is a full life, but not always “wonderful”)
– USING GOD’S LAW TO SHOW PEOPLE THEIR NEED OF A SAVIOR (see Matthew 19:16-22)
“ . . . by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20)
“The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ . . .” (Galatians 3:24)
Bottom line: sharing our faith is not so much about METHODS, as it is COMPASSION. If we CARE we will find a way to SHARE.