A Plan for Effective Witnessing
Matthew 28:18-20
I. How the Plan Works
A. Understand that our God is an awesome God!
1. ILL: The Space & Atom exhibit at Great America.
2. He orchestrates the universe & sustains it by the power of His Word!
3. He is so far beyond our understanding of Him, we can’t even comprehend.
4. He has revealed Himself to us through Lord Jesus & His Bible.
B. This awesome God has given you the privilege of asking Him for things.
1. Mk 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
2. You can approach the Creator of the universe & boldly make requests of Him. Heb 4:15-16 - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
C. This awesome God wants you to represent Him to the world with your life & witness.
1. You are to be His ambassador. II Cor 5:20 - We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
2. This is how to do it. Matt 28:19-20 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey every- thing I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
II. How You Can Put It into Action
A. The process.
1. Prepare - know the facts of the gospel & prepare yourself to share them.
a. I Pet 3:15 - in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
b. II Tim 4:2 - Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
2. Pray for Divine Encounters.
a. A meeting with someone who would be receptive to your loving witness.
b. Ask the Lord to set it up.
3. Establish a genuine friendship with that person so your words will be trusted.
4. Witness (μάρτυς) = one who testifies; sharing what you have personally seen, heard or experienced.
B. Put the process into practice! Linda has a sign prominently displayed in our house: “The best way to get anything done is to do it!”
1. Step 1: Establish your home as a lighthouse of prayer.
2. Step 2: Prayer walk your perimeter of faith.
a. A few houses surrounding your house you have staked out as your prayer responsibility.
b. Walk in front of each house regularly praying for its occupants.
3. Step 3: Build a bridge.
a. As God provides divine encounters, tell them you are praying for them. Ask for prayer requests.
b. Write them down & pray for them often.
c. Ask your neighbor to notify you when the prayers are answered.
d. Check in with them occasionally to see if prayers have been answered yet.
4. Step 4: Reach out.
a. Establish rapport with them & wait for the Lord to give you a receptive opportunity to share your faith.
b. Rejoice with them when your prayers for them are answered.
5. Step 5: Share.
a. Your faith. Witness in whatever way you feel comfortable doing at the time.
b. The gospel. Be appropriate for the occasion.
1. I have prepared two websites to help you present the gospel.
a. ConnectionWithGod.Org is a presentation of the gospel message with an invitation to surrender to the lordship of Jesus.
b. BibleLifeMessages.Org are Bible messages designed to help with your walk with the Lord.
2. Invite them to a small group meeting or to Sunday worship.
6. Step 6: Expect to receive the satisfaction from the Lord that you are representing Him.
Remember: God saved you to be Lord of your life. He wants you to serve Him. Presenting the story of the Lord’s life, death & resurrection & introducing others to Him will bring you immeasurable satisfaction. Start today being the Lord’s ambassador!
https://www.biblelifemessages.org