Last week one of my teenagers had to give a speech using three words to discribe herself. She is 17, she said "optimistic, enthusiatic, and Christian." She said there was silence from the teacher and her classmates after she said Christian. She said she is proud to be a Christian but she is not sure how to share her love of Christ with others. My question is a two part question. 1.) What is the best way to tell others about Christ and the church. 2.)Have you ever felt uncomfortable witnessing for Christ. Love, Joy and Peace with Christ!

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2001

Answers

Rev. Rogers,

There is no best way. Different situations call for different witnessing techniques. Our prayer should be for the boldest to stand up and "represent" when we get the opportunity, where ever the opportunity arises. In the case of the young lady you mentioned, she seized the opportunity when it presented itself.

Yes, I have felt uncomfortable witnessing for Christ, but I do not any nore. As I matured in Christ I realized some things, 1) I have nothing to fear, 2) I have the authority, 3) I have the power.

Christians are the body of Christ. We "REPRESENT" Him in every way. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, we are anointed to present the gospel in our lifestyles, in our ministry, in using our gifts, even in being silent. Christlikness comes in many forms.

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

your brother in Christ

Vastine

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2001

Rev. Rogers,

There is no best way. Different situations call for different witnessing techniques. Our prayer should be for the boldest to stand up and "represent" when we get the opportunity, where ever the opportunity arises. In the case of the young lady you mentioned, she seized the opportunity when it presented itself.

Yes, I have felt uncomfortable witnessing for Christ, but I do not any more. As I matured in Christ I realized some things, 1) I have nothing to fear, 2) I have the authority, 3) I have the power.

Christians are the body of Christ. We "REPRESENT" Him in every way. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, we are anointed to present the gospel in our lifestyles, in our ministry, in using our gifts, even in being silent. Christlikness comes in many forms.

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

your brother in Christ

Vastine

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2001

I agree. There is no best way. Here are some helpful principles.

1. Remember the word "witness". What does a witness do? He/she tells what he/she knows. What do I know about Jesus? Lotsa stuff, starting with how He saved me from my former life. I can also tell who He is, what He did and does, and His character according to the Word. Also a witness on the stand sticks to the truth. There's no need to make things up about Jesus. If you don't know then that's your answer, but just telling the truth about Him is powerful.

2. Build relationships. Part of being a witness is to be friends to as many people as you can. You'll be able to share, or invite to church those who have a repoire with you. The trust will be built in.

3. Let your life be a shining example of the goodness of God, whether testifying how He brought you through hard times, or telling how He helps you avoid trouble in the first place. How much does alcoholism affect me? None, because I keep Christian standards in that area. It can be a non-threat in your life too if you give it to Him. BTW, let me tell you how God gave me strength, and how my church came through for me when my wife lay dying, and how God has healed her since.

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2001

OOPS! Forgot the other part of Sister Denise's question. Sure, I've felt nervous. But practice makes perfect. The more you do anything the less nervous you'll feel. The boldest witnesses I know are those who do it a lot.

Also, uncomfortable feelings MIGHT be the Holy Spirit telling you this isn't the time. A person needs to made tender to the Spirit's voice. God takes a person through circumstances that make them ready to receive the witness. You don't want to try to deliver that baby in the 5th month. God will tell you when, and that feeling you have could be the Spirit's check. Or maybe you're just inexperienced.

A big part of being a witness is being led by the Spirit, and this comes through developing intimacy with God. I've heard it said those closest to God are guided by His eye. Remember how your mom could guide you with that look? She didn't need to holler at you all the time. If she did that meant you were a hard headed kid who didn't listen. I don't want to do that with God. As I develop in Him God can speak to me in ever quieter voices, and I'll respond more quickly every time. Along with that experience in Him I'll move in more confidence in every area of life because I know I'm in the center of His will. This includes witnessing.

I know a man who works in drug rehab and is an EXTREMELY successful witness. He's like a predator for God. He walks constantly in supernatural power and is very tuned in. Every time he goes out in public he say's, "OK Lord, who is my mark today?" Rarely does a day go by where he doesn't lead someone to the Lord. Anyone think he's nervous?

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2001

Wow! Vastine and Pastor Rob your responses are wonderful! I am going to read them in the church service as part of our "Testimony" time. By the way one of our ministerial staff drove over the mountain pass and hiked into the backcountry to a cabin to invite a friend to church. We all cried today as saw what God is doing through us.

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2001

A teenager in school can best witness for Christ by living his/her Christian principles in front of his/her peers. I say this because as a Christian we are obligated to obey the law of the land in which we live and the primary job of such a person is to continue the education process getting ready for life. By letting her light shine in front of others, they will see Christ in her life. That is not bad advice for some of us who are professionals, that is preachers, etc. Too often we cannot be heard because our lives are speaking so loudly contary to what we are saying. Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2001

I feel the best way to witness is in our daily walk. We are living epistles read of men. I believe it is in Peter that says we should be ready to always give an answer to anyone who ask of the hope that is in us with fear and trembling. I believe when we have opportunity to witness by word we need to do so with humility. When we are lead by the Spirit, there is power in our words. And it will not return void.

In Christ, Carmen

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2001

AMEN!

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2001

I believe that your best form of witnessing is how one lives their life. Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth...the light of the world...and a city that can not be hid. When we live what we preach, this is the best way to witness. You may or may not be surprised who's watching YOU!

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2001