7 Methods to be a Practical Effective Witness
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The last few words of Jesus before His ascension was all about the mandate he gave to his disciples (us) to go all over the nations and be a witness unto him (this is the great commission given to us as his disciples). Looking at the above scripture, Christ made his disciples to understand that there is need for them to wait for power that they will receive when the Holy Ghost comes upon them.
What is the essence of waiting for the power? Effectiveness. That’s the simple answer. In order for them to be effective witnesses, they have to wait for the Holy Ghost to come upon them with power. Just like in the book of John 15:16, bearing fruits is not enough, but bearing fruits that will remain and abide is what I refer to as witnessing Christ effectively.
Jesus told His disciples, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). The implication is that if we are really following, we'll be fishing -soul- effectively. We will be practical soul winners effectively. . Jesus' last words were, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19). The Christians in the New Testament went everywhere, preaching the Word (Acts 8:4).
The big question is How, then, can you and I be effective witnesses for Him in this contemporary world without compromising? With the help of the Holy Ghost (that was at work in the days of Pentecost and is still at work now) I have been able to highlight 7 different ways and methods we can practically be an EFFECTIVE SOUL WINNER and FRUITS BEARERS.
ASK: We must never live a life of a dumb Christian. Always ask God for any thing you desire. He is aware of what we need Matthew 6:8 but we must be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God Philippians 4:6. Ask God to give you an evangelistic burden for others. Ask Him to help you see the world as He sees it, and to lay upon your heart a handful of people for whom you can earnestly pray. Then pray over those names every day. Keep a little prayer list, and pray for an opportunity of reaching these souls for Christ.
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.LIVE: The world is not ready to read the Bible, our live styles as Christians are the Bible they read. Therefore, we must live a consistent Christian life before these people. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16). We must live obedient lives of integrity and authentic faith. Which is the life of worship that Christ desire from us John 4:23-24. We must love when others hate, and forgive when others harbor grudges. For they that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love 1John 4:8. We must remain trusting when others panic, and be honest when all around us are not faithful, cooking the books and bribing their ways out of all situations. Not that we're going to be perfect-only Christ was sinless. But we must have a growing, maturing Christian life that others recognize and respect. We have to start living it…
Colossians 2:7 (The Message) You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.BUILD: It is very easy to scatter than to build. As disciples, we have to build bridges to others. When the Lord shows you those needing Christ, seek to build a relationship with them. Don’t detest them. Remember how Jesus went to the home of Zacchaeus where many sinners had gathered? While we must be careful not to place ourselves in an environment where we'll be pulled down, we must be equally careful to cultivate friendships with those needing Christ. Perhaps Christ has placed you in your particular school, political offices or workplace just to reach out to those whom no one else can reach. For you to be able to witness Him in their lives effectively. Just like He (Christ) was sent to save us, God has not saved us to condemn the world but that through us the world might be saved.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.LEARN: 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. We have to learn the Gospel at all times Joshua 1:8a. Memorize the following verses and practice saying them in a mirror or to another Christian until you're comfortable sharing them with someone needing Christ: Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9, 10, 13; 1 John 5:1, 13.
Joshua 1:8a This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night...WATCH: It is very important to be very watchful. We have to be watchful for openings to share a word for Christ. Peter said: "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). The book of Matthew 26:41a admonished us to watch and pray. It’s not a coincidence that watching comes first before praying, but most of us tends to pray and neglect the watching part.
Matthew 26:41a Watch and pray…CREATE: To be an effective soul winner, we must possess the skill of creativity. Ask for God’s wisdom. If the right opportunity doesn't come naturally, create one. Sometimes we wait too long, looking for just the right time to invite someone to church or to share with them the message of the Gospel. There often comes a point when we must prayerfully introduce the subject and do our best to impress someone with their need for Christ.
TRUST: Our role is to witness Christ before all souls but we must trust the Holy Spirit to do the conversion. We must leave the results with God. Again, we're responsible for sharing the Gospel, but only God can convert the soul. Having done your best, let Him do the rest. You must learn to trust the Holy Spirit to do His work.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
The great commission is for all the disciples of Christ (Christians). It’s not meant for particular set of people. It is what we have been saved and ordained for. And if we must do it, we must do it effectively. We must produce fruits of our kind in Christ Jesus. We must produce abiding fruits.
Preaching of the gospel is not optional for the true disciples, it is COMMAND.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
GOD BLESS YOU. REMAIN EFFECTIVE! REMAIN FRUITFUL!!
