| Witnessing 101 | 
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Share the gospel. Be a witness. You've heard these aphorisms, but how do you really go about doing it? Don't be discouraged. The truth is, God has called us to do it, and He has given us the tools to do so.
We are CALLED to be witnesses - this is a command straight from Jesus's lips! When Jesus's disciples came to him at Galilee, some of them doubted Him. But he explained the Great Commission:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20).
God wants us to spread the word and has chosen Christians to complete this wonderful task. Not only that, but examine the last part of that verse: "I am with you always, to the end of the age". Know that when you are witnessing, you are not alone. The Great Creator would not give you a task, and then abandon you! Take comfort in this verse when you are witnessing.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:16)
"For we know, brothers, loved by God, that he has chosen you"(1 Thessalonians 1:4)
"That's great," you may say, "but I just don't think I'm capable of doing something that radical." According to 2 Corinthians 3:6, God has MADE us competent for this task. "...our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant." If God has made us capable, then clearly he feels we can go out into the world with confidence - because he has given us that confidence. "And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations" Jesus declares in Mark 13:10.
So one way to begin doing that is to first think about YOUR personal story. How did you discover Christ? Who has made a huge spiritual imprint on your life? What decisions have you made that have either brought you closer or pulled you further apart from God? Reflect on this, and formulate your personal story in your mind. Picture your story as a letter. Every Christian is carrying around a letter that is unique to them.
Second Corinthians 3:3 says, "And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." Share your letter with everyone your meet - whether it's the whole letter of just a few paragraphs. The preceding verse in 2 Corinthians even says that the letter is "to be known and read by all." By ALL. Use your own testimony as a testament to what God can do. If he was able to change your life, then he can certainly change the lives of those around you!
If you're not up for a coffee-clutch kind of setting, another way to witness is to simply LIVE by example. Let your world be on fire for God; let Jesus shine through in the way you act at home, at the grocery store, when you think no one is looking. Take a look at Titus 2:7-8: "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Do that, and others will notice there is something different about you. If they are curious, they will ask. Then, you can share your letter.
So let's say your friend Laura asks about your new behavior or attitude. You begin to tell her, and she starts asking questions about the Bible. You've only been reading the Bible for a few months and aren't even familiar with where all the books of the bible are located. Don't be afraid that you won't be able to find the answer. Be prepared to give AN answer, and God will grant us his power to do so. In Colossians 4:5-6, Paul explains: "Conduct yourselves wisely to outsiders , making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, So that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
And don't forget what this all comes down to: trust. Trust in the Lord, have faith in He who is the Almighty. It is then that you will be comforted. Don't fret about the right words; God will inspire you. If you have trouble using your own words, pray about it. Then use the Word that never fails - the Bible. There is power in His Word: "Is my word not like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces" (Jeremiah 23:29). Whoa! Clearly God knows the strength of his words. If we, as Christians, utilize his words, Jeremiah says we will have some pretty powerful results.
Remember, you are only responsible for spreading the seeds; God's spirit will water them.
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