TBC Notes - Witness Practice Program

Witness Practice Program

Have you ever thought about practicing witnessing to people? Of course, I’m directing this to fellow believers who love the Lord but have yet to share the gospel with anyone.

Usually, reluctance to witness stems from a lack of confidence in knowing “exactly” what to say. Every truly born-again Christian must have understood the gospel well enough to have received it, but articulating those beliefs may be held back by self-conscious thoughts of inadequacy in expressing them.

The gospel is so simple that a child can understand and receive it. While there is no “exactly what to say” formula, the Bible presents critical issues that are necessary for lost people to understand. They are sinners, and as such, God’s justice requires their eternal separation from Him. Acknowledging their condition and the utter hopelessness of saving themselves, they must repent by turning to God, the only Savior, for His solution. Demonstrating that He is perfectly “just, and the justifier” of sinners, as well as perfect in love and mercy toward sinners, God the Father sent God the Son, to become “flesh” (John:1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All...) in order to pay the full penalty for all humanity’s sin. Salvation is received only by faith. As one understands who Jesus is and that only He could—and did—fulfill what was necessary for mankind’s salvation, he then must place his trust in Christ. By grace through faith in Jesus alone, a sinner receives the gift of eternal life: “…whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John:3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
See All...).

What may be needed to motivate some to share this glorious good news is simply some practice. Set up a situation in which a person role-plays someone sincerely desiring salvation. Make sure the questions allow the person witnessing to articulate the basics of the gospel. As the practice sessions develop, add questions that compel a deeper explanation of the gospel than “What must I do to be saved?” For example, “Why is salvation only through Jesus?” or “Why is faith the only thing God requires?”

Make this an ongoing exercise among fellow believers and especially among family members, with particular encouragement to your children to practice witnessing to you and vice versa. This could take place at dinnertime, on extended car trips, during home Bible studies, in Sunday-school classes, and any place where believers gather.

Practice makes perfect (i.e., maturity in the faith)!

T.A. McMahon
Executive Director