Previously, we examined why topics such as Leadership, Vision, Prayer, The Church, The Word, Testimony, and Worship matter. Today’s focus is on Why Witnessing Matters. This concept differs from having a testimony, yet there are parallels to our previous studies. While witnessing is an effective way to share our faith, it encompasses much more.
Today, we will discuss building the Kingdom of God. This endeavor is not tied to popularity or fame; rather, it hinges on faithfulness. It involves sowing the seeds of grace and truth, loving and confronting others, and building trust within our communities.
I often quote, “You impress people from a distance; you impact them up close—impact is better.” It is not about making an impression but about making an impact for the sake of the Gospel!
God has provided us with three essential tools for sharing our faith. It is critical that we employ these tools authentically and respectfully to serve as positive witnesses.
Sharing is crucial due to its many benefits. We receive numerous blessings as we share the Good News, and blessing others returns blessings to us. The Bible tells us to “cast your bread upon the waters, and it will return to you” (Ecclesiastes 11:1).
We give nothing away when we share the Good News. Ultimately, the gift we give is entirely free because the price has been paid! Jesus sacrificed His life for all who submit to receive His grace.
Witnessing is about adding value to someone’s life. Remember, only God can add by subtracting—He is the one who saves us from sin, death, and hell. He removes sin and offers salvation, which leads to eternal happiness.
Moreover, we experience joy as we tell people about Jesus. If we do not find joy in sharing our faith, we are not evangelizing correctly. We should feel as one beggar telling another where to find bread.
We can only share what we have first received freely. It is our personal witness that best communicates the story of grace. What is your story of hope, faith, peace among broken pieces, and joy?
Illustration: I once shared about Jesus with 150 Hindu Indians at a wedding. I expressed, “My faith is a gift from God in Christ! It brings me peace…”
Today, we consider witnessing as a practical theology. It reflects our experiences rather than just our knowledge. When we share the Gospel, we convey what has touched our hearts, not merely what we know intellectually. What truly matters is an appeal to the heart.
The tools for evangelism are: Prayer, Care, and Share. These approaches make evangelism enjoyable and fulfilling.
So, let us delve into Why Witnessing Matters.
A. Evangelism Begins with Prayer
There is no greater joy than sharing the Gospel—bearing witness to the work that God has done in us. However, if we do not begin with prayer, we will not be effective. Prayer must be our starting point.
Acts 2 tells us that only God provides the increase. The early disciples "devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer."
Why Pray?
Four key categories come into play when we pray:
1. Purposeful: Prayer gives meaning and purpose to our witnessing. We tap into God’s heart and see what He desires.
2. God’s Resources: Prayer connects us to divine power and resources. In God, there is no limit to what He can accomplish!
3. Activating Kingdom Perspectives: Through prayer, we gain insight and focus on eternal perspectives rather than worldly distractions.
4. Investment of Faith and Trust: Prayer strengthens our faith and trust in God. It requires us to invest in the relationship, as nothing significant happens without a little faith and trust.
As we pray, we come to believe in what we ask for. Through prayer:
- We grow.
- We thrive.
Prayer aligns our will with God’s will, allowing us to see from His perspective. Like calibrating machinery for maximum effectiveness, we must stay aligned with Him.
Prayer also releases Kingdom resources for good. When we tap into God’s abundant fuel, we operate with power and purpose.
Prayer accomplishes more than we may realize:
- It changes us.
- It fills our hearts.
- It restores our hope.
- It corrects our vision.
- It illuminates our path.
The quilt pictured was made and given to Pastor Babb in 1925 (100 years ago). Wow! The banes on the quilt include church attendees from that time. Impressive how well it has been preserved.
Donated to LWC, it shows the value of witnessing. The families that were part of this church carried on the mission of ministry and soul-winning. Impressive!
B. Evangelism Cares
We must approach Gospel sharing with mercy and humility, sowing seeds of kindness when we witness.
The Gospel is relational; it is a ministry to people, not projects. When we see someone as merely a goal, we miss the opportunity for genuine connection. Witnessing should always be rooted in relationship.
I wish I had time to share the full story with you in this blog. His name is Norm. He was an older gentleman that would help me in various projects at the church because he had no interest in attending church. But, he had skills in carpentry that I did not possess. He didn’t attend church, but he wanted to help.
After working, we would go to breakfast. And it was on one of those occasions that I muster up the courage to tell Norm about Jesus. His reaction was surprising and everyone in the restaurant knew, but at that very moment he came to faith in Christ in a profound way. It wasn’t long after that that he suffered a heart attack and died, but, the good news is that he knew Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior.
Consider the parable of the farmer scattering seed (Matthew 13). This narrative exemplifies the church's work and the hope of growth. Just as farmers expect a harvest, we must depend on Jesus and the Holy Spirit’s power to fulfill our hopes.
Pay attention to the various conditions where the seed falls:
- Footpath: Snatched away by birds.
- Shallow Soil: Sprouts quickly but withers in the heat.
- Among Thorns: Choked by life's distractions.
- Fertile Soil: Produces an abundant crop—30x, 60x, 100x.
The disciples sought understanding of the truths contained in this parable, leading to Isaiah’s prophecy fulfillment.
Isaiah 6:9-10 (NIV):
“In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.’”
Witnessing is a relational ministry:
- It is practical.
- It is purposeful.
- It is peace-filled.
- It is patient.
- It is people-first.
- It is positive.
- It is passionate.
Is witnessing personal for you?
Witnessing matters because it reflects your commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission. Do you have a real burden for the lost? If so, you need no instructions; simply take action.
The will of the Father is accomplished when we share our faith. This renewal occurs through our witnessing.
C. Evangelism Means to Proclaim
It requires a willingness to share what you know with those who have yet to hear it. As Romans states, faith comes by hearing.
This is an act of courage. Matthew 10:27-28 reminds us of our obligation to speak out: “What I (God) tell you in the darkness, shout aloud when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout it from the rooftops for all to hear.”
We need not complicate this process; we simply need to share our experiences in Christ. Even if others choose not to accept it, they will recognize our sincerity.
When we witness:
- We affirm our own faith.
- We reconnect with God.
- We discover ways to make an impact.
- We act in accordance with His will.
When was the last time you witnessed in a meaningful way?
Illustration: Meeting Joshua in the youth home, I encountered a troubled soul. He threatened, lied, and expressed confusion. What he truly sought was authentic love. He asked me, “Do you know what being born again is?”
Witnessing matters!
- It means proclamation.
- It requires practicality.
- It acknowledges authenticity.
- It involves purposeful action.
- It activates faith.
- It embraces deliberate goodness.
In summary, evangelism is embedded in Prayer, Care, and Share. It is not merely a strategy; it is a way of life, a common opportunity, and an overflow of our walk with God.
Luke 10 illustrates how to be a witness. Jesus sends out the seventy-two, providing clear instructions:
- Pray for harvest workers.
- Go into the community as lambs among wolves.
- Travel light; do not bring any provisions.
- Engage with those who welcome you.
- Share, heal the sick, and proclaim the nearness of the Kingdom of God.
Illustration: When I first witnessed someone come to faith, my heart rejoiced. I experienced a newfound hunger, knowledge, dependence on God, faith, and confidence.
We are called to GO!
- We pray for workers.
- We care for the lost.
- We share the Good News that the Kingdom of God is near.
Take time to listen to this beautiful anthem, I’ve Witnessed It.
Closing prayer.
Heavenly Father, thank You for those who prayed for me. We have heard and believed. We trust You in all things, including sharing the Good News! We pray for workers of the harvest and ask for Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
