TELLING OUR STORY OF SALVATION

Write out your conversion experience...it will help you to remember the details! We can talk about witnessing for Christ, think about witnessing for Christ, and we can learn about witnessing (giving our testimony/presenting the gospel story) ...but, we must “do it” to have the satisfaction of being a witness for Christ!

The Parable of the Orange Tree! (google “The Parable of the Orange Tree” by Dr. John White)...This depicts the typical Christian’s concept of witnessing.

You want to be a witness...but where and when do I have the opportunity?
Answer: Every where we go...every chapter of our lives each day!

There are Six (6) Types of Witnessing:

1. Conversational Witnessing – Confronting sin and getting to the point.
             Jesus’ conversation with Peter, Matthew 16:15
2. Logic or Intellectual Evangelism – Using knowledge and intellect to convince.
             Example...Paul: Acts 17:16-31
3. Testimonial Evangelism - A story to tell of how Jesus saves...and has saved you. A life changed by the power of God.
             Example: The blind man who testified to the Pharisees.. John 9:30 – 33
4. Friendship/Relationship Witnessing – Getting to know the people in whom you will witness... tailoring the approach to the person’s need.
          Jesus was a great example: Matthew 15:28
5. Invitational Witnessing - Inviting people to meet Christ (Inviting to Bible Studies/Church Services/Small Groups). Goal of Christian is for the person invited to see faith in action.
             Example: Matthew (Levi)...the tax collector Matthew 9:9-10
6. Service Evangelism - Being an example of Christ through service. Helping the poor, homeless, widow, single parents, shut-in's, confined to prison, etc.
             This will open the door to the more important and greater need...
             Salvation through Faith!
             Examples: Paul/Dorcas/Timothy. Those with a servant's heart! Acts 9:36

Remember When Witnessing... ..Points to always know!

• God is on our side and He is with us...
• The Holy Spirit does the convicting and the convincing
• Our part is to be a willing vessel
• However... we must be a “prepared” willing vessel
• God desires for us to have a “spirit of excellence” when we are doing His work.
• A “spirit of excellence” can be obtained by praying, praising, planning...and practicing!
• Tools to Carry With Us Where Possible:
          Our Testimony (this is with us at all times),
          A prayer for wisdom,
          Bible-Based Tracts,
          The Word of God...The Bible.

Your Testimony... Your Conversion Experience!

Keep it simple and to the point...
In two or three minutes tell:
          Where you were before conversion
          (a sinner like everyone else);
          What happened at conversion;
          Why it is so important to you now!

Your conversion experience is exclusively yours... it is your “personal” testimony.

The Holy Spirit will help you testify... it is a promise!

Write out your conversion experience... it will help you to remember the details!

There are some great tracts to help with your witnessing

... especially if you can't personally take the time to witness
... or the person does not have the time to give you!

Be alert...courteous at all times!

Remember you represent Jesus at all times... that is your living testimony!