As Christian we are supposed to witness

United States
September 13, 2012 7:49pm CST
As a Christian we all know we are supposed to Witness one bible verse supporting this is Mark 16:15"And he said to them,go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation". However it is not always easy to be a witness, especially if you have just been born again, some common questions are how do i start out? what do i say? or What do i do?, and those are all great questions. One thing i like to do is hand out tracks if i am to scared at the moment i put it somewhere where, someone will see it such as in a bus seat. Help me answer the above questions, What do you do to witness?
3 people like this
10 responses
@bknabe (5)
• United States
14 Sep 12
The most important thing you can do to witness is to be a Christian Quoting Scripture usually annoys non-Christians more than it inspires them. Telling them they're sinning or going to burn in hell puts them off. Knowing Scripture is extremely important. You may not be able to quote chapter and verse but know what you believe, why you believe it, and be able to find the scripture to back it up. Next, when someone gives you a scripture to support their idea of what the Bible says, don't take their word, even if it's your favorite pastor or best friend. Look it up, read the passages before and after it, and make sure they aren't proof-texting. Proof-texting is pulling verses out of context to prove what you want to prove. If the passages surrounding the verses you were given don't support what you were told, the person was proof-texting. You don't want to have to explain why your scripture does not say what you claim it does when read in context. It mars your witness and can shake your own faith if it happens too often. Third, don't claim to have all the answers. When you do get in discussions on spirituality and religion, admit when you don't know. Tell them you will research it, and do. God knows everything. We don't. Again, the best thing you can do is know what you believe and live that way to the best of your ability. Most of the time you can do more by providing a good example than by arguing trying to convince people they're wrong. Try to eat, drink and breath the Golden Rule. Do (and think and speak) unto other as you would have them do (and think and speak) unto you. If you talk about loving your neighbor but spend most of your time complaining and gossiping about him (or her) you look like a hypocrite. Handing out tracts can be a good thing. If you are comfortable doing it, that's awesome. The good thing about tracts is that they can be left somewhere for people to see after you're gone. But I'll repeat again, live according to the Golden Rule and you will do as much or more to witness as anything else you can do.
• United States
14 Sep 12
For clarification, I was not making an oblique reference Salonga's posts when I said not to take people's word on scripture. Do read Romans - it is Paul's Gospel, and it will help you to understand the Roman Road better.
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
14 Sep 12
tracts are a great idea. also, i am always happy and try to be super kind to people which always causes others to ask questions.
• United States
14 Sep 12
Wow great post bknabe. I agree with you on this point that telling others scripture is not typically a good idea. One like you say, it annoys non-christians more than anything. But secondly if they want to, they can just throw scriptures back at you and all it does is start one long back and forth of confusion and argument that will harm more people than help. Quoting this from above: "The best thing you can do is know what you believe and live. . ." Yes absolutely! I have learned this sometimes the hard way. I think that I am starting to reach some of my non-believer friends without doing the things i have in the past which is truly the work of the Holy Spirit and not of my own pride.
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
14 Sep 12
WEll dear at least you have the initiative to hand out tracts. That is good because tracts are instruments that could save soul. I myself was saved because of a tract that taught me how to get saved. Witnessing is indeed a responsibility of every Christian. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he left that commandment to his disciples. If you are a new Christian it would be quite hard. My advise is you concentrate on reading the Book of Romans. This book will make you understand more about salvation and once you have a thorough understanding that will give you enough courage to witness. The Book of Romans is a book that can actually save soul. Read it and understand and also refer to Bible commentaries on verses you find difficult. It is also very important that you know and have memorized the Romans Road to Salvation.
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
14 Sep 12
Hi! There are many verses that show that we are supposed to preach the Gospel and teach people all that is in the Bible. This can be done in many ways: door to door, sharing tracts, speaking to people wherever they may be, by telephone, by letter, etc. Personally, I use all of those approaches. Here area few Scriptures that show that we have a serious obligation to share in the preaching, teaching, and witnessing work: Matthew 28:19-20 King James Version (KJV) 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Acts 1:8 King James Version (KJV) 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. 1 Corinthians 9:16 King James Version (KJV) 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
@echoforever (5180)
• United States
14 Sep 12
First thing is, don't be afraid. It is said (I don't know for sure i haven't counted) that there are 365 times in the bible that God says "do not fear". Even if there is not, the point of the saying remains true and it DOES say that God has not given us a spirit of fear. If you feel the tug of the Spirit to talk with someone, don't be afraid to. This is having to do with witnessing, an important aspect. Another very important thing concerning you, is your own faith. Some become scared by this word because they have the wrong idea. The world has twisted this around to where almost everyone believes that faith is connected with your own willpower. It is not. It says in the bible that our faith is connected with the word of God - the bible. This is how our faith grows. And this is important for witnessing. What you need to do is read your bible and pray. This is not just something we say for no reason. First through reading the word and praying we come into true communion with God. And secondly faith comes from hearing the word of God. I'm not good with passages concerning these things but look it up if you want. Get into the word and be deeply routed in it, the rest will come in time.
• Philippines
14 Sep 12
AMen.. continue what you are doin now and thank you for the reminder that us christian will really participate doing the will of the lord. posting in the internet is the most valuable to do also as greater percentage of people are here. let us be bold in telling the goodwill of the lord sharing even without response as it is our duty as christian. this our run for the salvation and our reward is waiting for us heaven an eternal happiness.Do not hide nor be discourage of the attacks of the spiritual enemy for the bible says IF GOD IS IN US WHO WILL BE AGAINST US! so let us start in ourselves and share. for we will be judge individually. To God be the Glory!
• Indonesia
15 Sep 12
Good point, as a Christian I really do feel we should witness but I don't really have a courage to do so. So I admire people who can do it. You at least have a courage to hand out the track which is pretty admirable on my side.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
14 Sep 12
matthew 28:19&20 is the great comission. yes, absolutely. that is why Christians are here for, to spread the good news. ask people if they know where they will be when they die, or just pray for them while you are there. ask God to give you the right words to say for the situation and He will.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
14 Sep 12
Hi brownie, The best way to witness to any faith is to live it. Read the sermon on the mount every day and try to practice it - especially the golden rule. A real Christian lives what Christ taught. Blessings.
• Greece
14 Sep 12
Handingout tracts is a good start, I did that too when I was a new Christian. You have been given verses in Romans to help and I suggest you meditate on them as well as share them, then your witness will sound more personal. Spend time with the Lord and the more you do this the more you will get to know Him. People need Jesus and when they see your love for Him they will recognise this. Witnessing should be a pleasure, if it is a burden then we are depending upon ourselves and not the Holy Spirit. God bless you in your desire to follow the Lord.
@lizrelox (144)
• Philippines
14 Sep 12
I am sure that God is so happy to see that you have the initiative to fulfill our purpose. I admire you for having the passion to save other's souls. I suggest you ask help from your Pastor or some elders from the church. You can start with joining evangelism projects and bible studies with them so that they will be able to guide you and you can get good practices from them. And most of all Pray a lot. God will speak to you and will give you the confidence you need for this. Just focus on your goal and try to ignore what the people will say or will do about you. Always remember that you are doing it for the Glory of God. Good job Brownie! Great verses too from Salonga. God bless