Monday: Witnessing Is . . . ?
A witness is one who gives a testimony, one who attests to something that he or she knows from personal experience. A Christian’s personal testimony regarding the work of God in his or her life can be very powerful. On one occasion Jesus healed a demon-possessed man (see Mark 5:1–19). When the healed man wanted to follow Jesus, Jesus told him to: “ ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you’ ” (Mark 5:19, NKJV).1
Without question, the short time that Jesus spent with this man was insufficient to tutor him in the art of teaching or preaching. Nevertheless, Jesus told him to witness about what he knew. That is why Jesus said to him, “ ‘Go and tell.’ ”
Read Mark 5:18–20; Acts 22:15-16; and 1 John 1:3. What common and important point is being made by all these texts?
God has given us the responsibility of sharing how He has changed our lives just as He did to the formerly demon- possessed man at Gadara and to His other followers.
Witnessing, that is, sharing one’s personal experience of God—all with the intention of encouraging others to accept Christ—is not necessarily as organized or as intentional as radio, television, or crusade evangelism. Being a witness can be very spontaneous given that the opportunity to share Jesus can arise anywhere at any time with anyone. We must, therefore, be ever alert for opportunities to share our knowledge and experience.
As to the relationship between witnessing and evangelism, we can say that they are each essentially different strategies for reaching the goal of winning souls for Christ. Witnessing is more spontaneous and short term, while evangelism tends to be more long term and intentional. Sometimes planned evangelism is enhanced by the personal witnessing of those involved, and sometimes spontaneous witnessing leads people into a more planned program. However it happens, both are a vital component in the overall process. When we share what Jesus has done for us, those who are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit will want to know more. It’s also a lot easier for people to argue against your doctrine, your theology, your beliefs. It’s not, however, so easy for them to argue against your own personal testimony.
When was the last time you had a chance to witness to someone about what Christ has done for you? What did you say? What was the reaction? How has Christ changed your life? What is there in your life that would make someone want to learn more about Jesus?
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One never knows when a chance to witness can happen, that is why we must live the gospel, live the commandments, live christ. We are going shopping today, maybe we will have a chance then to witness. Fantastic study
You are quite right that the chance for witnessing can happen at any time. We must live in accordance to the gospel because the witness/message you make may not be what you would want to be received. Sometimes persons observe us; our actions, our speech, our behaviour, our dress etc. It would be such a pity that the words we choose to use while witnessing be drowned out by what we do not say. Christ wants us to be living witnesses.
You are absolutely RIGHT; and I believe our actions have more effect, which may lead to an exchange of words.
A world with no death, crime or sadness is a wonderful thing. The promise of this is even better to have my mom, dad, husband, and siblings around is the best thing that I can imagine.
Thank the Lord for that wonderful, wonderful promise..
God is the beginning and the end. Human promises and expectations are mostly failed. But we must be grateful, it is God's promise. God whom they served before is the same God whom we are serving now. God who did not disapoint His people before is our God who will not disappoint us today. I truly salute our missionaries who totally commited there lives to witness in some places that they don't know. They are the living example that if we claim and believe the promises of God, there is nothing humans cannot do.
"Impossible" is not a word of God's chosen people if we let Jesus control our lives.
God bless us All:
I too salute the work of those who venture far away to foreign missions to witness about our Lord, His goodness and mercy and the promise of His return for his faithful followers. This, indeed is admirable! However, I am of the view that far too many of us hold the view that witnessing and kind deeds are for those who are 'far-flung'. It is my belief that before we travel abroad, we must rememmber that there are those right in our vicinities (even within our homes) who would benefit from the same evangelism that we wish to take oversees. Charity begins at home. If we truly want a formula that would make witnessing, I think it is this: Begin at home and do it with your your whole heart, and it will extend to regions unimagined.
I've often wondered why descendants of Anglo/Euro people, or people who speak English often say things like: "We must, therefore, be..." Although the fruits of our lives, the things we do show our actions and prove which side we are on, and judgement will be given based on our 'witness', saying things like that almost sound how shall I say it, ..depressing? like a warning [like you better get with it, or watch ourselves or else...], like an obligation? "do it or else" attitude. Etc. Why can't we sound more optimistic? It's no 'burden' to do God's will. It's EXCITING! And the ways and methods of 'witnessing' are limitless...
Q.) When was the last time you had a chance to witness to someone about what Christ has done for you?
A.) At the sweat lodge ceremony of some friends of the first nation's people.
Q.) What did you say?
A.) I (and my best friend) acknowledged our Source of Power, that we needed a connection with our Higher Power, the Creator, Jesus Christ. We thanked Him for our lives, for our friends, family, loved ones. We asked for His knowledge, wisdom and power.
Q.) What was the reaction?
A.) Genuine acceptance; respect.
Q.) How has Christ changed your life?
A.) He has always been there working in our lives when we ask. He takes us down a path, an experience we sometimes do not understand, but yet He is always there. At times we see positive evidence, we have the breath of life, we have loved ones, we have food, shelter, etc. And I know He will never leave me no matter what negative things happen in my life, my faith has been strengthened (this is a personal experience and conviction) and the sharing of these [what often appears as] little, common or insignificant acknowledgements, is sharing your life and beliefs with others (witnessing).
Q.) What is there in your life that would make someone want to learn more about Jesus?
A.) The Light. For example: at this sweat lodge ceremony I was told afterwords that my face was GLOWING. I was told this with wonder or awe, and with emphasis. People who connect with me with this type of attitude often become very close friends who, in time, come to know more about me and what I stand for.
Nice lesson... i encurage all to go out there spreading the gopel of our Lord Jesus and the three angel's message...as we wait for the soon return of our precious saviour. God bless us.
I am deeply touched by this study. It reminds me of how our lives are hypocritical. Our dear Lord, help us walk the the talk. May our lives lead others to Christ. lets pray that God helps us to recognize opportunities for witnessing.
Hi every one
Every True christian / Disciple SHOULD be a active Witness / Evangelist with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Every One should have the same love Christ had for every soul on this earth
(1 John 3:16 [KJV])
Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.
(1 John 2:5,6 - But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. )
Each of us are ordained by God to be his ambassadors (2 Cor 5:17-21 [KJV]) Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.)
Also saving souls, by freeing them from satans Clutches and transporting them into Gods eternal kingdom is our main work and should have pre-eminence in our Daily routines (Matt 6:33 [KJV]) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.)
Let us all obey the Bible
Your Brother in Christ
anil robert
SDA CHURCH BANGALORE INDIA
God is in control surrender yourself to Him and He shall use you, Amen.