Equipping to Share: Everyday Evangelism

Christian Witnessing To “witness” means... to speak from personal experience; to introduce others to Jesus

Effective Witnessing is… personal. relational. It takes place when: you listen; you are genuinely interested; you hear a person out and then speak.

WITNESSING HINDRANCES What hinders your witness?

Fear? Common Fears: – rejection – the unknown – confrontation – embarrassment – being tongue-tied – saying the wrong thing – finding the right time

The Solution: Satan says, “Be afraid to witness.” God says, “You have nothing to fear!” – Read Luke 12:11-12 and 2 Timothy 1:7.

Luke 12:11-12 “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Overcoming Fear… by His power in us! “For God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a sense of power, of love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Are you fearful and feel ill equipped? Ask! Be empowered by the Holy Spirit!

Overcoming Fear… with common sense! Follow James 1:19: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – Be a good listener. – Think before you speak. – Don’t get pulled into a debate!

Overcoming Obstacles… through prayer! “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

You Are Qualified! God has chosen and appointed you. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). Satan says: You are not capable or qualified to witness. God assures you that you are!

So... Get Over Yourself! Witnessing is not about me! It’s about Jesus. It’s all about His mission, His message, and His power; and the person who needs to know Him. It’s our privilege to participate!

Be Led By Love. Love makes us want to witness—not guilt, duty, or egotism. love for God love for His children “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear …” (1 John 4:18a).

You Know the Mission. “And you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

In other words … in my family, with my friends, on the job, in my community, in the grocery line … wherever God leads.

You Know His Message. “By this Gospel you are saved … that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day …” (1 Corinthians 15:2-4a). “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that … we too may have new life” (Romans 6:4).

You Know His Message. Take-Home Assignment Consider how this message shapes your story. How has Jesus changed your life?

His Great Commission: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

It’s Your Privilege, not your perfection! God has shown me mercy as an example to all. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15b-16).

It’s Your Privilege, not your perfection! The witness is not that you’re perfect, but that God is so loving and patient He forgave even you!

Privileged To Share 1. Form a group of three with someone new. 2. Introduce yourself (name, congregation). 3. Have each share one of the following: – Who in the Bible would you be? – Discuss a time of reconnecting with God. 10 Minutes!

Privileged To Share 1. What was easy about sharing? 2. How would your wording differ if sharing with a non-Christian?

Privileged To Share Who? Where? What is your prayer? Stop and pray for that person.

Everyday Opportunities: Stop! Ask yourself, Who in my life needs Christ? Who can I pray for regularly? Does no one come to mind? Surrounded only by Christians? Think again...

Who Do You Know? Children Parents Siblings In-laws Friends Neighbors Classmates Co-workers People at the gym People at the coffee shop Hair dresser Mechanic Mailman University students

Be Quick To Listen... As a friend, as a learner For his or her worldview

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