Post by streetevangelist on Feb 13, 2007 16:08:00 GMT -5
I’ve just finished witnessing to a man. Assuming I’ve given him a clear, biblical presentation of the gospel, what comes next? What does it mean to be “born again.” I want to make sure that it’s clear before we part ways. After all, I’ll probably never see this person again.
Some of this I’ve learned from the various teachings of The Way of The Master, others witnessing and from my own experiences. If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m not a big fan of using the “sinner’s prayer” or working to get “decisions” on the spot. You can read more about that in my article “What about a sinner’s prayer" at streetfishinglinks.blogspot.comWhat I think I must do though, is give him an idea of what the process is. I might say something like this:
“Okay, we’ve been through the commandments to really define sin. Now think about all the different ways you’ve offended God. Your thoughts as well as your actions. Then think about Jesus Christ, God Himself, having been beaten, scourged, spat upon and mocked, gasping in unthinkable pain dying on a cross for you and me. It should break your heart that you have offended the God that has given you everything; life, food, family, health, a job…everthing. Tell Him you are sorry and repent (turn from, forsake, abandon your sins) putting your faith and trust in Jesus alone. This is what it means to be “born again” (John 3:3). I t is a complete death to self. An ‘I am done with me and my sins!’ If you throw yourself on the mercy of God, He will hear you and forgive your sins and He will begin to change you from the inside out.” Then you will be forgiven not because you are a good person who is working their way into God’s favor, but a bad person who has repented and been forgiven by God through His Son’s perfect payment for your sins.”
They may want to pray on the spot and if so, that’s great! I will tell them to just talk to God right now and then pray for them afterward. If they don’t want to do that however, I will always send them off urging them not to let another day pass without considering the cost of rejecting God’s offer. I sometimes suggest Psalm 51 as an example of repentant prayer. After they leave, it’s time to pray and trust that the Holy Spirit is at work.
Each time I go out to witness, I feel fear creeping in and so will you, but that’s okay. It just a reminder to be totally reliant on God for strength and courage. The evangelist Charles Spurgeon said this: “All men who are imminently useful are made to feel their weakness in a supreme degree.” Every time we share our faith, it’s so important that we have already bathed it in prayer because the flesh is weak and self serving. Preparing by calling on the God of the universe will give you the strength you need.
Rob
streetfishing.blogspot.com
Some of this I’ve learned from the various teachings of The Way of The Master, others witnessing and from my own experiences. If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m not a big fan of using the “sinner’s prayer” or working to get “decisions” on the spot. You can read more about that in my article “What about a sinner’s prayer" at streetfishinglinks.blogspot.comWhat I think I must do though, is give him an idea of what the process is. I might say something like this:
“Okay, we’ve been through the commandments to really define sin. Now think about all the different ways you’ve offended God. Your thoughts as well as your actions. Then think about Jesus Christ, God Himself, having been beaten, scourged, spat upon and mocked, gasping in unthinkable pain dying on a cross for you and me. It should break your heart that you have offended the God that has given you everything; life, food, family, health, a job…everthing. Tell Him you are sorry and repent (turn from, forsake, abandon your sins) putting your faith and trust in Jesus alone. This is what it means to be “born again” (John 3:3). I t is a complete death to self. An ‘I am done with me and my sins!’ If you throw yourself on the mercy of God, He will hear you and forgive your sins and He will begin to change you from the inside out.” Then you will be forgiven not because you are a good person who is working their way into God’s favor, but a bad person who has repented and been forgiven by God through His Son’s perfect payment for your sins.”
They may want to pray on the spot and if so, that’s great! I will tell them to just talk to God right now and then pray for them afterward. If they don’t want to do that however, I will always send them off urging them not to let another day pass without considering the cost of rejecting God’s offer. I sometimes suggest Psalm 51 as an example of repentant prayer. After they leave, it’s time to pray and trust that the Holy Spirit is at work.
Each time I go out to witness, I feel fear creeping in and so will you, but that’s okay. It just a reminder to be totally reliant on God for strength and courage. The evangelist Charles Spurgeon said this: “All men who are imminently useful are made to feel their weakness in a supreme degree.” Every time we share our faith, it’s so important that we have already bathed it in prayer because the flesh is weak and self serving. Preparing by calling on the God of the universe will give you the strength you need.
Rob
streetfishing.blogspot.com