SHARING YOUR FAITH

Successful witnessing is sharing Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.

The story is told of an apprentice demon, soon to be sent to earth on his first mission, who is preparing for a last-minute strategy session with his master. The young demon is a fast learner. He has realized that the unbelieving world is already in his master’s power and that it would be a poor use of his time and resources to focus his schemes on those already lost. Rather, his strategy is to focus on neutralizing the Christians in their evangelistic work. “They could do the most harm” he reasons, “so I must keep them from the destructive work, modeled so well by Paul 2000 years ago, of ‘opening the eyes of the unbelieving that they might turn to God from Satan’ (Acts 26:18). He shudders at the thought of Paul’s success.
The demon then shares his strategy with his master. “I’ll try to convince Christians that there is no such thing as sin,” he says. “Then they will stop sharing the good news. The answer will soon become irrelevant if I eliminate the question.” “This is only a part of my plan,” says Satan, “but it cannot be the focus, for most of our enemies realize the reality of sin. Even those in our power sometimes, in rare moments of clear thinking, realize sin’s destructiveness. You’ll confuse some of the enemy, but not all of them on this.”
“Well then, I’ll convince the church that there is no hell, that even if there is sin, there are no eternal consequences.” “Good thinking,” replies Satan. “You will confuse some with this, but still, the prospect of judgement is so ingrained in people, even those in our power, that this will not neutralize the enemy. Most will see through the deception.”
The young demon thinks for a moment, and then a look of triumph floods his face. “I’ve got it! I’ll convince them that there is no hurry. They can have their doctrines of sin, heaven, and hell. I’ll just help them rationalize away their lack of conviction on these matters by whispering in their ears, ‘There is no hurry; don’t inconvenience yourself. Save it for later.’ They are all so prone to be concerned with their own cares and problems anyway, that they will buy right into it.”
“You have done well,” says Satan. “You will see great success in neutralizing the enemy with this strategy.” (C.S. Lewis)

Acts 1:8 gives us God’s command and perspective. Read it.

1.) We are all commanded to be His witnesses.
2.) Witnessing is an indication that the Holy Spirit is in control of our life.
3.) Witnessing begins in our local area, and then reaches beyond.

My Time With God

Preparation Time
Read 1 Peter 3:15.

Who are the people in the following areas of your life that God might be calling you to be ready to share your faith with?

Personal Life –
Family Life –
Church Life –
(Don’t assume that everyone in your church is a Christian)
Business Life –
Other –

Waiting Time
During your waiting time, let God…
Love You.
“God, I feel Your love today, especially in the area of…”

Search You.
“God, have I lost my urgency and heart for the lost?”

Show You.
“God, is there anything I need to know as we enter into this day?”

Confession Time
Read 2 Corinthians 5:18.
Is it a “privilege” for you to share your faith? Do you have God’s heart and passion for the lost? Confess to Him how you feel.

Bible Time
We can never pray out of God’s will when we pray God’s Word.

…Read Romans 1:16-17 slowly a couple of times.
…Close your eyes & allow a main truth to surface in your heart.
…Pray the Scripture and allow God to minister to you.

Meditation Time
After praying the Scriptures, write down the thoughts that God has impressed upon your mind.

Intercession Time – Praying for Others
List non-Christians and intercede on their behalf. Pray 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 for them, that “in the name of Jesus, the blindness would be removed from their eyes that they might see their need for Him.”
Name Request

Petition Time – Praying for Yourself
How to Petition God Properly
Talk to Him about the “little things.”
Be honest with God. Ask for His heart for the lost.
Pray “Thy will be done.”
Prayer Requests

Application Time
The smallest obedient act is better than the greatest intention.

Q: What is the main thing that God has impressed on me today?

Q: What am I going to do about it?

Steps to Take in my Obedience to God this Week:

My Goal: To implement the above steps in the next 7 days.

Faith Time
Faith is our positive response to what God has said. Spend a few moments praying, through your eyes of faith. Tell God the positive things you see happening because of His goodness!

Praise & Thanksgiving Time

Praise God by recognizing WHO HE IS!
Thank God by recognizing WHAT HE HAS DONE!

This Week’s Memory Verse – (Acts 1:8)

This Week’s Time With God

Monday – This lesson.

Tuesday – Memorize Acts 1:8

Wednesday – Get & read one of the following books:
“Out of the Saltshaker” – Rebecca Pippert
“Tell It Often – Tell It Well” – Mark McClosky
“I’m Glad You Asked” – Boa & Moody

Thursday – Schedule a time to observe a strong soul winner in action. Go out on a witnessing “call” with them.

Friday – Review your memory verses.