You never know when God opens the door to communicate the gospel or to tell your personal testimony. The first step is to break the ice and get the conversation rolling--pique their interest with something like: "Have you ever considered what happens on the other side?" There are manifold opening lines one could concoct to challenge a person to think about eternity--don't force it, but wait for God's timing ("He makes all things beautiful in his time"), and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Don't be contentious, divisive, or argumentative, but try to build bridges and find common ground to start a dialogue. There are many barriers to break in witnessing: The first mention of God; the mention of Jesus; the testimony of your salvation; and the way of salvation itself to challenge a person to make a decision--not making a decision is a "no" decision!
We are not to judge our witness as to its effectiveness, but only plant seeds (relying on the Word of God as you know it), water them and let God give the increase. Caveat: Don't try to convict the person of his sins, but let the Holy Spirit do His job as He will. The most important aspect of witnessing is our faithfulness and not our knowledge--God can work with what we know and will give us the words to speak at the time. You don't need to feel you need all the answers to witness and you never will.
There will come a time when you will have to get to the real issue--the moral decision and not the smokescreen of an intellectual problem, as if they are feigning some ability to believe--they can believe; they just won't, unless they are willing to do His will (cf. John 7:17). You cannot argue a person into the kingdom and it shouldn't be attempted--it will only feed their ego and reaffirm their skepticism and cynicism. You must make it clear that there is enough evidence for the willing person who wants to believe, and never enough for the person not willing to do God's will.
How do you open doors? (Even Paul prayed for open doors in Eph. 6.) When God opens the door, no one can close it (cf. Is. 22:22). You must absolutely realize that only God can and will with prayer--speak to God about the person before speaking to the person about God as a good rule of thumb. But don't be hesitant, but be always ready, in season and out, as Peter says--preach the Word boldly and let them see your faith in action! You will find that God is giving you the wisdom to speak His Word and will guide you by the filling of the Holy Spirit--enabling to do His work.
We are not to judge our witness as to its effectiveness, but only plant seeds (relying on the Word of God as you know it), water them and let God give the increase. Caveat: Don't try to convict the person of his sins, but let the Holy Spirit do His job as He will. The most important aspect of witnessing is our faithfulness and not our knowledge--God can work with what we know and will give us the words to speak at the time. You don't need to feel you need all the answers to witness and you never will.
There will come a time when you will have to get to the real issue--the moral decision and not the smokescreen of an intellectual problem, as if they are feigning some ability to believe--they can believe; they just won't, unless they are willing to do His will (cf. John 7:17). You cannot argue a person into the kingdom and it shouldn't be attempted--it will only feed their ego and reaffirm their skepticism and cynicism. You must make it clear that there is enough evidence for the willing person who wants to believe, and never enough for the person not willing to do God's will.
How do you open doors? (Even Paul prayed for open doors in Eph. 6.) When God opens the door, no one can close it (cf. Is. 22:22). You must absolutely realize that only God can and will with prayer--speak to God about the person before speaking to the person about God as a good rule of thumb. But don't be hesitant, but be always ready, in season and out, as Peter says--preach the Word boldly and let them see your faith in action! You will find that God is giving you the wisdom to speak His Word and will guide you by the filling of the Holy Spirit--enabling to do His work.
If you genuinely care about a person they will sense it and will give you the opportunity and time to share a testimony or give a reason for the hope within you, as Peter says. We don't preach to people, but share and relate to them on their level--find out where they are (neither go over their heads nor condescend), and level with them in an area of commonality.
Your story uniquely qualifies you to witness to certain people that others cannot reach. In a sense, we are all things to all people or people for all seasons in this regard. When you see God opening doors, know that He is blessing your witness and proceed faithfully and confidently with this assurance. But note: Once you see the door open to share the gospel message, make an immediate beeline to the way of salvation--sometimes this window of opportunity is very small and we must be attentive to see its arrival. Remember, you are in a win-win situation when witnessing because God is responsible for the outcome and result, while He expects you to just be a faithful witness and tell your own personal story. You cannot lose! Soli Deo Gloria!
Your story uniquely qualifies you to witness to certain people that others cannot reach. In a sense, we are all things to all people or people for all seasons in this regard. When you see God opening doors, know that He is blessing your witness and proceed faithfully and confidently with this assurance. But note: Once you see the door open to share the gospel message, make an immediate beeline to the way of salvation--sometimes this window of opportunity is very small and we must be attentive to see its arrival. Remember, you are in a win-win situation when witnessing because God is responsible for the outcome and result, while He expects you to just be a faithful witness and tell your own personal story. You cannot lose! Soli Deo Gloria!
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