Philip & The Chariot - A Lesson In Witnessing

[revivalguy]

I got to thinking the other day about effective witnessing. Sometimes we can become overbearing with our witnessing. It's like we try to give out as much information in a short amount of time. An effective witness doesn't do all the talking. I know some will probably disagree. Witnessing isn't about showing how much we know, but more about answering questions that somebody might have. A classic Bible passage about witnessing can be found in Acts 8:26-40. When Philip encountered the Ethiopian he didn't start going into a deep doctrinal "sermon". He simply asked "Do you understand what you are reading?" From there Philip answered questions and helped lead the Ethiopian to Christ. No long doctrinal preaching...no "high preasure" techniques...just simply listening and answering questions.

A popular preacher once said "We're just beggars telling other beggars where to find bread". Probably the best piece of witnessing advice I've ever heard.

 

[heron]

Great example.

How did Jesus do it...

Jesus interpreted Scriptures in the synagogue and expounded with His insights -- in a place where people came to hear it.

Jesus talked about concepts and challenged status quo as He was walking, and people followed Him because they were curious and wanted to learn more.

Jesus healed, gave glory to God for the healing, and challenged people to start over and put their errors behind them.

Then He sent others out to heal and set people free from demonic oppression. What was the good news they spread before Jesus died and rose again? Mull it over.

 

[iamjcs]

I forget where, but I once read 'witness to all, speak if you have to'.

As the saying goes, "actions speak louder than words".

This doesn't mean words are not appropriate at some point, but words alone won't do it unless someone else planted the seed.

As a song on one of my mom's CDs says we should be...
"planting seeds of kindness every where we go,
planting litte seeds of love".