We (the all ‘we’) are often inept at witnessing. If in part because we’re not comfortable in defending our faith hopefully in time this excuse will become less and less in light of this material and some of the “tools” that have been and will continue to be introduced through our web site.
Many people relate the term witnessing with street evangelism. But street preaching many times alienates people, though the boldness of this act is acknowledged. John was one of Jesus’ closest disciples and friends. In the first chapter of his first letter, he identifies several fundamental elements of what it means to share Jesus with other people:
1) Our message grows out of our knowledge and experience of Christ (1 John 1:1–4);
2) We make clear to others what we have heard from Christ (1 John 1:5);
3) We live out our faith on a continuous basis, thereby avoiding lives that contradict our message (1 John 1:6–7). “Walk” is a metaphor for living used in the NT (John 8:12; Rom. 4:12; Col. 3:7); and,
4) When we fall short (1 John 1:10), we own up to it, avoiding deception about our walk or Christ’s work (1 John 1:8–10).
Truthfulness, clarity, consistency, and honesty should be basic qualities of our lives. They are the things that matter most to God and to those evaluating the Christian faith.
Finally, Church…where’s the zeal?!!!! A point made by now is that what others (J.W.’s, Mormons, Muslims, etc.) are willing to do for a lie that we’re not willing to do for The Truth leads to a big shame-on-us conclusion. What precisely is it that we fear? Most of you reading this will never truly face persecution…I’ve heard Christians describe events of discrimination but not anything on the level of the martyrdom that is a reality in so many corners of our world but not in the U.S.
The Christian Faith is best defended when it is held both firmly and humbly – in the manner one would hold a newborn child. It is infinitely precious and therefore worth defending; but it is a gift not of our own making. We lay no claim to its greatness or even to the fact that we recognize it as truth (Ephesians 2:8-9). We know by grace that grace may be known. If we speak of “our faith” we should emphasize that The Truth is not our possession; rather The Truth possesses us. Above all – do all things to the glory of God, not so we can show off our apologetic prowess.
GBU – Isaiah 6:3
