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I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/2/2008 4:40:59 PM
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MyCatSmokey2006
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Recently, a sister in Christ asked me if I could witness to a person who was asking questions about how to be saved, since she is not permitted to say much due to her occupation. I agreed to pray about it and would talk to this person if God gives me clear direction to do so.
I've been praying for God to enable me to speak to her about Jesus, but I'm also nervous about it. I have trouble verbally telling people about Christ because I always mess it up and it comes out the wrong way. Plus, I never can seem to find the right Bible verses or remember them when I need to. I don't want to say or do anything that would turn this person away from Christ, yet I want to witness to her. What do you suggest?
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Melissa
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/2/2008 4:49:14 PM
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JimboFletch
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Melissa, just try to establish a relationship, like Jesus did. And there is no magic formula for sharing your faith, simply share what He's done for you, how He makes your life better. The Holy Spirit will help you!
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/2/2008 5:53:40 PM
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ta_mosquito
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Keep in mind that it's God that does the saving, not you. If you forget a verse or think you said something out of order, God can (and will) use your bumbling efforts for His glory. You don't have to say everything perfectly to "get someone saved" - God will use you, faults and all, the way He sees fit.
Remember that Paul felt the same way!
1 Corinthians 2:3-5:
I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
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Tricia
"There's a fine line between being open-minded and empty-headed." ~Michael Coren
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/2/2008 7:48:52 PM
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raivyne
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Act in love and trust God to give you the words.
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God grades on the cross – not on a curve
Good – God = 0
In the dark? Follow the Son!
The Power of a Simple Gift! samaritanspurse.org
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/3/2008 8:43:45 AM
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mvic
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Remember that Moses thought he couldn't do what God asked him to. And look what he achieved.
The Bible is full of characters who thought they were not up to the job.
Just be yourself. I'm sure you'll do well.
God bless.
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Visit http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/3/2008 9:29:32 AM
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rcjames
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From someone who has been studying the Scripture for over half a century, been to Seminary, graduate Seminary, wrote apologetics and preached over 7000 sermons in my life; here is my most effective witness with words;
I was lost, but now am found. I was blind, but now I see, I was laden with guilt and shame, but now I am cleansed and forgiven, I was lost and confused, but now have a purpose and a direction; you see one day I met this man named Jesus........
Thanks
RC
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Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/3/2008 4:16:52 PM
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pg4Him
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Jesus convicts people, not us - we're just the tools in His hands. Pray for Him to speak through you for His will to be done. Just be yourself and tell them what Christ means to you...not what you think a minister ought to sound like.
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To hear the Word and not *do* the Word is to still not know the Word.
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/3/2008 6:59:31 PM
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SonInMe1
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Just ask..what would you like to know?
Most people have a misconception of what christianity is and who Jesus is and what He wants from us. Just remember...
Jesus loves you this I know.
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You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/3/2008 7:18:13 PM
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delete123
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MyCat~
Do not get discouraged. I believe it is stated that we should not worry about what to say, because when the time comes the Spirit will give you the words.
Even if the person does not seem receptive at least know you planted a seed that the Holy Spirit will in time water.
Sometimes you get to see it happen and sometimes not, but just know you did what He asked and He will bless you for that.
I said a prayer for you. I believe you will 'Rock" myself
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/3/2008 9:12:14 PM
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colliefan
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From: Raleigh, NC
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John Newton, the reformed slave trader who wrote "Amazing Grace" said that he neared the end of his life "I am a great sinner who serves a great Savior."
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/3/2008 9:13:12 PM
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makarizo
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I prayed for you too.
talking about what you love is so easy...... whether it is your kids, or your spouse, your hobby, team, even Jesus Christ!!
if you plant a seed on the good soil, God will cause it to grow.
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/4/2008 3:08:55 AM
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KnowJesus
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quote:
ORIGINAL: MyCatSmokey2006
Recently, a sister in Christ asked me if I could witness to a person who was asking questions about how to be saved, since she is not permitted to say much due to her occupation. I agreed to pray about it and would talk to this person if God gives me clear direction to do so.
I've been praying for God to enable me to speak to her about Jesus, but I'm also nervous about it. I have trouble verbally telling people about Christ because I always mess it up and it comes out the wrong way. Plus, I never can seem to find the right Bible verses or remember them when I need to. I don't want to say or do anything that would turn this person away from Christ, yet I want to witness to her. What do you suggest?
Fear is the first reaction I get, when I know God wants me to witness to someone specific. But, I've come to know in my relationship with Jesus, that I can do it through him. The thing is, don't worry about anything. If you say "yes" (to God) and by faith go and do his will...then the Holy Spirit will give you the right words, including an opening to begin with. What I mean by an opening, is he will prompt you as to the right moment to open your mouth. It could be something the unsaved person says...and then suddenly you know it's time to share. You will know, trust God with this.
I used to worry exactly as you've stated. I worried about verbally putting my words together (tripping over them). I'm terrible at remembering the references of scriptures. I can quote many verses...but my mind goes blank with the numbers (I've found this is not all that necessary...since God's word speaks for itself without references...lol). I've never had anyone ask me to find a verse in the Bible (another fear I had).
I worried about turning off the person, by coming on too, strong or sounding self-righteous. But, guess what? When I surrendered my fears to the Lord, and agreed with him that it was his job to do the work...and NOT me, then taking a step out in faith (getting out of the boat) was no problem, because I knew, I could trust the Lord to be with me.
If you want to grow in the Lord, take a leap of faith. "Go" and see first hand what the Holy Spirit can do through you, to bring this lost person to Christ. The greatest privilege the Lord gives us, as Christians, is to let others know what we already know about our Savior.
His grace is sufficient. He will let you know when to go...and when to leave. He will let you know this is the time of salvation...or wait, come again. If he wants you to build a relationship that will lead to sharing with her, then you will know that, too.
A couple of years ago our church shared an approach to relational witnessing. I had it in my mind to begin relationships with the lost to bring them to Christ. Well, it didn't happen that way. I was frustrated as to how the Lord wanted me to use this approach. I was steadfast in prayer and being alert to "who?" And then the Lord revealed a woman to me. Matter of fact, he put her right in my path, right in front of me (long story)...and...like I wrote above, I surrendered my fear so I could do HIS will. I knew from the moment she spoke that it was a divine appointment. And yes, she accepted and trusted Christ as her Savior. Praise Him! She was from out of state visiting (no time for a relationship with me) The Holy Spirit did it all, through the mouth he blessed me with. I didn't have anybody with me but the Lord himself. Prayer, after prayer was answered "His will be done."
Praying for you to be blessed as you glorify the Lord in doing his will..in Jesus name.
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/4/2008 3:45:24 AM
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smilindon
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Study up on the Roman Road to Salvation. Pray and let the Holy Spirit be your guide. Ultimately Gods will, will be done weather the person gets save right then or you plant a seed that will grow to be reaped later.
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/4/2008 6:20:35 PM
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MyCatSmokey2006
Posts: 3138
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I thank you all for your suggestions. I've been praying for God's guidance on this issue and will trust in Him to show me what to do. Please keep praying for her, (her name is K.) to be open to the Holy Spirit when someone or me are led by Him to tell her about Christ.
_____________________________
Melissa
MEOWY CHRISTMAS!
My BLOG!
MY CAT POST!
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/6/2008 10:50:01 PM
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Dancre
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Hi Smokey,
Don't worry, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will give you the words when the time is right. Moses had the same problem as you do. He was afraid he'd mess up. Yet he didn't. God will take care of you.
quote:
ORIGINAL: MyCatSmokey2006
Recently, a sister in Christ asked me if I could witness to a person who was asking questions about how to be saved, since she is not permitted to say much due to her occupation. I agreed to pray about it and would talk to this person if God gives me clear direction to do so.
I've been praying for God to enable me to speak to her about Jesus, but I'm also nervous about it. I have trouble verbally telling people about Christ because I always mess it up and it comes out the wrong way. Plus, I never can seem to find the right Bible verses or remember them when I need to. I don't want to say or do anything that would turn this person away from Christ, yet I want to witness to her. What do you suggest?
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/7/2008 10:58:09 PM
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MyCatSmokey2006
Posts: 3138
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Well, I had an opportunity to speak to her about Christ. It turned out that she knew the basics about salvation, but had trouble believing that God would send anyone to hell. As I was trying to explain that part, she sidetracked me by asking me about snakes in the Bible. I fumbled a little in my reply and she got up and left and I couldn't speak to her anymore that day.
I was told that I did okay, just planting a seed, but I feel stupid for allowing myself to be sidetracked by the snake question. I just wasn't prepared for it. I asked for prayer from my friend who counseled me on this matter and he also said that I did okay.
_____________________________
Melissa
MEOWY CHRISTMAS!
My BLOG!
MY CAT POST!
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/9/2008 12:58:57 AM
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OneJohn410
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Wow! What an experience. I've heard that most people like her may well have read the Bible and know more about it than the born-again believer. So she was convinced it was God's perogative to punish those who never knew Him. I'm bad about scripture and verse... 'Depart from Me, you evildoers... Lord, when did we see you hungry, and not feed You, etc.' Then she threw you a snake question slider, and you may well have a keen dislike of even thinking about snakes, and she ups and leaves? Did she thank you for meeting with her, or was there just a silent statement of you not being worthy of her time any longer? That's harsh and rude.
There's a difference between witnessing to someone (sharing your personal testimony with them) and entering a full-scale theological debate with them. It sounds to me like you were in a debate. And a debate about herpetology, too (my fast word for the science of snakes and reptiles... it's something like that.)
I'm sorry you had that kind of experience. Did you get in any hmmms, never thought about it like that before on her part?
Blessings,
OneJohn410
quote:
ORIGINAL: MyCatSmokey2006
Well, I had an opportunity to speak to her about Christ. It turned out that she knew the basics about salvation, but had trouble believing that God would send anyone to hell. As I was trying to explain that part, she sidetracked me by asking me about snakes in the Bible. I fumbled a little in my reply and she got up and left and I couldn't speak to her anymore that day.
I was told that I did okay, just planting a seed, but I feel stupid for allowing myself to be sidetracked by the snake question. I just wasn't prepared for it. I asked for prayer from my friend who counseled me on this matter and he also said that I did okay.
_____________________________
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. Luke 2:15 (NLT)
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RE: I've Been Asked To Witness... - 10/15/2008 12:18:53 PM
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FairviewBaptist
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when I saw this topic it brought to my mind my Sunday School Class the JR HIGH/HIGH SCHOOL CLASS wiull go Witness to another Sunday School Class next month am teaching my class the Great Commission and the class we asre going to one of their bible verses that morning is First Peter Chap 3 vs 15 which says we have to always be ready to answer everyone.
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