THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
A barber knew he should share his faith with his customers more than he had been doing lately. So, the next morning when the sun came up and the barber got up out of bed he said, "Today, I am going to witness to the first man that walks through my door."
Soon after he opened his shop, the first man came in and said, "I want a shave!"
The barber said, "Sure, just sit in the seat and I'll be with you in a moment."
The barber went in the back and prayed a quick desperate prayer saying, "God, the first customer came in and I'm going to witness to him. So, please, give me the wisdom to know just the right things to say to him. Amen."
Then, quickly he went out to the customer and said, "Good morning sir. I have a question for you...Are you ready to die?"
The only problem was, the barber asked that question with his razor knife in one hand and a Bible in the other!
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________SCRIPTURE______________________________________________________
Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
KJV
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_______THOUGHT________________________________________________________________
In light of the joke above, there ARE some ways which are inappropriate and ineffective for witnessing!
What we Christians need is practice! That why Jesus said to preach to "every creature."
Practice on the dog, the cat, the squirrels, the birds, or even each other. Then, when we KNOW that our witnessing looks right and sounds right, use it.
The Greek word from which "gospel" is translated is euaggelion.
That word, at that time in history, meant "good news."
The "gospel" is the GOOD NEWS of Jesus!
The GOOD NEWS of Jesus is briefly stated in 7 points:
1. God came into the world and personally died for our sins,
2. He was crucified BY our sins, but also FOR our sins,
3. He was buried for our transgressions - paying the price of our sins,
4. He was resurrected for our justification - achieving victory over death for us,
5. He ascended into heaven - carrying the victory he gained to the throne of God,
6. And, He is soon returning - to take all believers with Him to the throne of God!
But, that's only 6 points.
7. God has made a difference in my life personally!
The Gospel of Jesus can be taught (Matthew 28:18-20),
Or it can be preached (Mark 16:15 above).
But the most effective and persuasive use of the Gospel is our personal testimony!
(see Acts 1:8)
Go teach the Gospel.
Go preach the Gospel.
But most of all, go and be witnesses to the difference Jesus has made in your life personally!
Love ya,
Bruce