Every believer is called to be a witness.
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1 :8). Not all are called to be pastors or teachers, but we are all called to be witnesses if we are born again. It is not necessary to change your honourable, honest occupation in order to be a witness. “Abide in you calling but take the Lord into partnership.”
God desires to save every lost soul that you have an opportunity to deal with.
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Remember that contact is opportunity. The first may be the only opportunity you will ever have. Therefore aim to lead to immediate decision. Never allow any fatalistic theory of election to cool your zeal for the salvation of lost souls. Facility of approach is the result of daily activity. Skill is not acquired by spasmodic effort.
You are responsible to God for the salvation of these lost ones.
“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand” (Ezekiel 3:18). Acts 20:26 implies that Paul believed their blood would have been upon him if he had been unfaithful in witnessing. He no doubt alludes to Ezekiel where this principle is stated. Never forget your ambassadorship (2 Corinthians 5:20). Can you say with Paul, ” … I am pure from the blood of all men” (Acts 20:26).
The Word of God is the appointed means by which souls are saved.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23). The sower must bear seed when he goes forth. Therefore acquire power in handling the Word. Answer human reason with Divine revelation. “God has not promised to bless our word, but He has promised to bless His.”
Every testimony should be preceded by, accompanied with, and followed by prayer.
“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away” (Acts 13:3) “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25). “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60). The book of Acts is a book of witnessing, and it is filled with references to prayer. No wonder the early church got results.
The personal worker should completely rely on the Holy Spirit.
“Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot” (Acts 8:29). Keep in mind the fact that the Holy Spirit convicts every unsaved person to whom you proclaim the Gospel. “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). Therefore strike for conviction. Arouse the conscience, and then press the will for a choice.
The witness should be a child of God walking in the light.
“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12). The average person will not read the Gospel according to John, but they will watch your life to see the nature of the Gospel according to you. We should be careful not to do anything that would bring reproach on the Gospel. Let us do everything in our power to wins souls for Christ. Let us refrain from anything that would be a hindrance. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).
–The Gospel Standard –