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Articles from David Berg and the Family International - www.deeptruths.com

Witnessing

1. It is your duty, as a Christian, to witness:

A. Jesus gave "the Great Commission" to all His disciples:

Mat.4:19 Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men
Mk.16:15 Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel
Acts 1:8 Ye shall be witnesses...unto uttermost part of earth
Mat.28:19,20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations
Mk.13:10 The gospel must...be published among all nations
Lk.24:47 Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations
Jn.15:16 Ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit (See also Mat.24:14)

B. Jesus sends you as His labourer and witness:

Isa.6:8 Whom shall I send? Here am I; send me
Mat.9:37,38 Labourers are few... Pray the Lord...that He will send forth labourers into His harvest
Lk.9:2 (Jesus) sent them to preach...the Kingdom of God
Jn.20:21 As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you
Rom.10:14,15 How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?
2Cor.5:20 We are ambassadors for Christ

2. Why you need to witness:

A. You talk about what you believe in:

Psa.107:2 Let the redeemed (saved) of the Lord say so
Jn.3:11 We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen
Acts 4:20 We...speak the things which we have seen and heard
2Cor.4:13 I believed, therefore have I spoken (See Psa.116:10a)

B. To save souls from death:

Pro.14:25 A true witness delivereth souls
Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, turn from power of Satan unto God
Jam.5:20 He which converteth sinner...save a soul from death

C. If you don't, you and they will suffer:

Ezk.3:17-19 Nor speakest to warn the wicked...his blood will I require at thine hand (See also Acts 20:26,27)
Mk.8:38 Of him shall Son of man be ashamed when He cometh
Lk.12:8,9 He that denieth Me before men shall be denied
1Cor.9:16 Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel
2Cor.4:3 If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost
(See also Jer.8:20 ; Jon.1:1-17 .)

3. Don't be shy or ashamed to witness:

Psa.119:46 I will speak of Thy testimonies...and not be ashamed
Isa.40:9 Lift up thy voice with strength; be not afraid
Isa.62:6b Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence
Mat.5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world...cannot be hid...let (it) shine before men (See also Mk.4:21 ; Lk.8:16 .)
Mk.8:38 Whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My Words...of him shall the Son of man be ashamed
Acts 18:9b Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace
Rom.1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ
Eph.6:18-20 (Pray)...that I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak
1Thes.2:2 We were bold...to speak the gospel of God
2Tim.1:8a Be not thou ashamed of the testimony of our Lord
(See also Jer.1:6-9)

4. Pointers on how to be a good witness:

Pro.18:13 [Ask questions] He that answereth a matter before he
Jam.1:19 [Listen] Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak
Pro.20:5 [Get them to speak their heart] Draw it out
Mat.12:34b Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh
Acts 26:27 [Ask what they believe] Believest thou the prophets?
Acts 17:23-28 [Find points of agreement] Your own poets have said
1Cor.9:19-22 I (became) all things to all men, that I might save
Acts 26:1-20 [Give your own personal testimony. Example of Paul's]
Mk.4:2 [Illustrate your point with true stories] (Jesus) taught them many things by parables
Lk.13:1-5 [Use current events: Pilate; tower of Siloam falling]
Acts 2:40 [Patiently explain] And with many other words did He
Psa.126:5,6 [Have a broken heart] Sow in tears...reap in joy
Mat.9:36 He was moved with compassion on them (lost sheep)
1Cor.13:1 [Speak in love, or it's just empty words like sound ing brass or a tinkling cymbal]
1Sam.16:23 [Music has spiritual power: Example of David playing the harp for King Saul]
Lk.14:23 [Be zealous and determined] Compel them to come in
1Ki.18:21a [Bring them to a decision] How long halt ye between two opinions? (See Josh.24:15 ; Heb.3:7,8a ; 2Cor.6:2 .)

5. Use the Word in your witnessing:

A. The Word is powerful and convinces people:

2Chr.17:9 They had the book of the law of the Lord with them... and went about...and taught the people
Lk.8:5,11 Sower sowed seed...the seed is the Word of God
Jn.4:41,42 Many more believed because of His Own Word...Now we believe, not because of (the woman's) saying
Jn.5:39 Search the Scriptures...they testify of Me (Jesus)
Jn.20:31 These written that ye might believe Jesus is Christ
Acts 17:2,3 Paul...reasoned with them out of the Scriptures
Acts 18:28 He mightily convinced...showing by the Scriptures
Tit.1:9 The Word, sound doctrine...convince the gainsayers

B. Scripture memorisation is important to witnessing:

Psa.119:42 Wherewith to answer him...for I trust in Thy Word
Pro.22:17-21 Answer words of truth to them that send unto thee
Mal.2:6 The law of truth was in his mouth...he did turn many away from iniquity
Mat.12:34b,35a A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things
Acts 13:32-35 [Quote the Word:] As it is written in the second Psalm
2Tim.4:2 Preach the Word...exhort with all...doctrine
1Pet.3:15 Be ready always to give an answer to every man

6. Keeping your witness simple:

Jn.12:32 And I, (Jesus) if I be lifted up...will draw all men unto Me
1Cor.1:17 Preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words
1Cor.2:1,2 I came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom 1Cor.2:4 My preaching not with enticing words of man's wisdom
1Cor.14:9 Except ye utter words easy to be understood...how shall it be known what is spoken?
2Cor.1:12 In simplicity and sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom
2Cor.3:12 We use great plainness of speech

7. What you should preach (witness about):

A. Preach the gospel; preach Jesus:

Isa.58:1 Show My people their transgression and...sins
Mat.28:19,20 Teach...all things whatsoever I have commanded you
Mk.16:15 Preach the gospel [good news of salvation in Jesus]
Lk.9:2 (Jesus) sent them to preach the Kingdom of God
Jn.3:16 [That they can have eternal life by believing in Jesus]
Acts 4:2b They taught...the resurrection from the dead
Acts 5:42 They ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ
Acts 13:32-35 [Jesus fulfilled Old Testament Messianic prophecies]
Acts 13:38 Through (Jesus) is preached forgiveness of sins
Acts 20:21 Testifying...repentance toward God, faith toward Jesus
Rom.5:8 God commendeth His love toward us...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us
1Cor.1:23 We preach Christ crucified
1Cor.15:3 I delivered unto you, that Christ died for our sins
1Cor.15:4 And that He was buried and rose again (from the dead)
2Cor.4:5 We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord
2Cor.5:20 We pray you...Be ye reconciled to God
1Tim.1:15 That Jesus came into the world to save sinners
1Jn.4:14 We testify...the Father sent the Son to be the saviour (See also Acts 10:42 ; 24:25a ; Eph.3:8 .)

B. What not to talk about:

1Cor.3:2 Not with meat (strong doctrines)...ye were not able to bear it
1Thes.2:3-6 Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor in guile. Neither at any time used we flattering words
2Tim.2:23 Foolish and unlearned questions avoid
Tit.3:9 Avoid foolish questions...and contentions and strivings
Heb.5:14 Strong meat (doctrine) belongeth to (the mature)

8. Who to witness to:

A. Jesus commanded us to witness to the whole world:

Mk.16:15 Preach the gospel to every creature (person)
Mat.28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations
Lk.8:39 Return to thine own house...show how great things
Mk.5:19 Go home to thy friends, and tell them
Mat.11:5b The poor have the gospel preached to them
Isa.61:1 Preach good tidings unto the meek
Acts 26:22a Witnessing both to small and great
Rom.15:20,21 I strived to preach...to they that have not heard
Acts 22:21 Unto the Gentiles [people of faraway nations]
Acts 28:28 Salvation sent unto Gentiles [receptive heathen]
Acts 17:18-21 [To curious philosophers and intellectuals]
Ezk.2:7 [Give everyone a chance, even the rebellious]
Ezk.3:17,18 Warn the wicked to turn from his wicked way

B. Who not to witness to:

Mat.9:13b I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners
Pro.23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise
Acts 13:45,46 [Don't continue witnessing to unreceptive rejectors] Mat.7:6 Give not that which is holy unto dogs [unreceptive people], neither cast your pearls before swine
Acts 18:6 When they opposed and blasphemed...he said, I will go
Mat.10:14 Whosoever shall...not hear your words...depart
Tit.3:10,11 Heretic after the first and second admonition reject
Pro.14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man

9. A winning personal example:

A. Your personal example is part of your witness:

Mat.5:16 Let your light so shine...men may see your works
Phi.2:15,16a Be blameless and harmless...shine as lights in the world; holding forth the Word of life
1Tim.4:12b Be thou an example of the believers
2Cor.3:2 Ye are our epistle (letter)...known and read of all men
Tit.2:7,8 In all things showing a pattern of good works
1Pet.3:1,2 [Unbelieving mates to be won by believer's sample] (See also 1Tim.5:14b)
Jn.13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another

B. Sample of happiness is appealing:

Psa.51:12,13 Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation. Then sinners shall be converted unto Thee

C. Lovingly win others, not by arguing:

1Thes.1:7,8 We were gentle...affectionately desirous of you
2Tim.2:23,24 The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle
(See also 1Cor.13:1,2,8)

D. Personal example must back up your witness:

Jn.13:15 I (Jesus) have given an example, ye should do as I
Rom.2:21-24 Thou which teachest another, teachest thou not thy self? Thou that sayest man should not...dost thou?
(See also 1Cor.11:1 ; 1Tim.6:1 ; Tit.2:4,5 .)

10. When to witness:

A. We are to constantly witness:

Eccl.11:6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening
Jn.4:35 Look on the fields; they are white already to harvest
Acts 5:42 Daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not
2Tim.4:2 In season, out of season [even when "not convenient"]
1Pet.3:15 Be ready always to give an answer to every man
(See also Acts 20:31)

B. Pray for God to "open up" witnessing opportunities:

Col.4:3 Praying...that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ

C. Wait until it's God's time to witness to certain people:

Mat.10:5-7 Go not into the way of the Gentiles...but go rather... [But later said,] Go into all the world"-- Mk.16:15
Acts 16:6,7 (Paul) forbidden...to preach...in Asia [but did with great success a couple years later-- Acts 19:1,10 ]

11. Where to witness:

12. The "fruit" Christians should bear is other Christians, new saved souls:

Lk.8:5-15 ["The Parable of the Sower"] (See also Mat.13:3-8, 18-23 ; Mk.4:2-8,14-20 .)
Lk.8:11 The seed is the Word of God [which we sow in hearts]
Mk.4:14 The sower (witnesser) soweth the Word
Pro.11:30 He that winneth souls is wise
Jn.12:24 But if it die (to self), it bringeth forth much fruit
Jn.15:5 He that abideth in Me...bringeth forth much fruit
Jn.15:8 Herein is (God) glorified, that ye bear much fruit
Rom.7:4 Married to (Jesus)...bring forth fruit unto God

13. The Holy Spirit and witnessing:

A. The Holy Spirit anoints you to witness about Jesus:

Isa.61:1 Spirit of the Lord upon me...anointed me to preach
Acts 1:8 Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses
Acts 4:29-31 They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake the Word of God with boldness
1Thes.1:5 Our gospel came...in power, and in the Holy Ghost
(See also Col.1:27-29)

B. Only God and His Holy Spirit can really win people:

Jn.6:44 No man can come to Me, except the Father...draw him
Zech.4:6b Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit
Mat.10:20 It is not ye, but the Spirit...which speaketh in you
Jn.15:5 Without Me ye can do nothing
1Cor.3:6,7 I have planted...but God gave the increase

14. Witnessing, the greatest work on earth:

A. Witnessing is a job worth giving all for:

Mat.4:19-22 Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men...they left their nets (See also Lk.5:9-11)
Mk.8:35 Lose his life for My sake and the gospel's
Mk.10:29 [Leave house, family, wife, lands for gospel's sake]
Lk.9:59,60 Let the dead bury the dead: but go thou and preach

B. Heavenly reward for witnessing:

Pro.11:30 He that winneth souls is wise
Dan.12:3 They that be wise shall shine...and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars (See Mat.13:43)
Lk.12:8 Him shall the Son of man confess before the angels
1Cor.3:8b Every man receive...reward according to his labours
1Cor.9:16,17a If I (preach the gospel) willingly, I have a reward

15. Reactions to the gospel:

A. The receptive believe the Word:

Jon.3:1-9 [Jonah preached in Ninevah, and entire city repented]
Jn.4:39-42 [Samaritans at Sychar received Jesus and believed]
Acts 8:5,6,8,14 [Philip preached in Samaria]...people with one accord gave heed...Samaria received the Word of God
Acts 16:14 Lydia...whose heart the Lord opened...she (listened)
Acts 16:32-34 They spake unto him the Word...he rejoiced, believing

B. The unreceptive reject the Word:

Lk.8:5,12 Devil taketh away Word, lest they believe
1Cor.1:18 Preaching...is to them that perish foolishness
2Cor.4:4 The god of this world blinded minds of (unbelieving)
(See also Jer.36:all)

C. Unpopularity and persecution because of witnessing:

Lk.6:22 Men shall cast out your name as evil, for (Jesus') sake
Jn.7:7 The world...hateth (Me), because I testify it (is) evil
Acts 16:20,21 These men do exceedingly trouble our city, and teach customs which are not lawful

D. Our witness a testimony against the unrepentant:

Mat.10:18 Brought before kings...for a testimony against them
Mk.6:11 Shake off dust...for a testimony against them
Jn.12:48 The Word that I have spoken...shall judge him

16. Witnessing boldly despite opposition:

A. Neither threats, persecution nor martyrdom should stop us:

Lk.21:12-15 They shall persecute you...I will give you wisdom
Act 4:29,31,33 Behold their threatenings...spake Word with boldness Act 14:1-3a Long time abode they speaking boldly in the Lord
Act 20:24 None of these things move me, neither count life dear
1Thes.2:2 Even after we suffered...we were bold to speak
Rev.6:9 Them that were slain for Word of God and testimony
Rev.12:11 They overcame him by the Word...loved not their lives Rev.20:4 Them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus

B. Witness even if man's laws forbid it:

Amos 7:12-15 [Evil priest said:] Prophesy not at Bethel...The Lord said unto me (Amos), Go, prophesy
Mat.10:16 Be ye wise as serpents, harmless as doves
Lk.10:3 I send you forth as lambs among wolves: be wise
Acts 4:17-20 We cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard
Acts 5:27-29 We ought to obey God rather than men
Acts 5:40-42 Commanded they should not speak. They ceased not

17. More verses about witnessing and testifying:

A. From the Old Testament:

Deut.32:3 (I will publish the name of the Lord); 1Chr.16:8 (Make known His deeds among the people); Psa.9:11 (Declare among the people His doings); Psa.18:49 (I give thanks unto Thee among the heathen); Psa.26:7 (Publish...tell of all Thy wondrous works); Psa.66:16 (I will declare what He hath done for my soul); Psa.71:15 (My mouth shall show forth...Thy salvation all the day); Psa.89:1 (With my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all); Psa.96:3 (Declare His...wonders among all people); Psa.96:10 (Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth); Psa.119:13 (With my lips have I declared judgments of Thy mouth); Psa.119:27 (So shall I talk of Thy wondrous works); Psa.145:4-7 (I will speak of glorious honour of Thy majesty); Psa.145:11,12 (Make known to the sons of men His mighty acts); Isa.43:10a (Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord); Isa.52:7 (How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace).

B. From the New Testament:

Mk.16:20 (They went forth, and preached everywhere); Lk.8:1 (Preaching and showing glad tidings of the Kingdom); Jn.4:39 (Many believed on Him for the saying of the woman); Jn.21:17 (Lovest thou Me? Feed My sheep); Acts 5:20 (Go, speak to the people...all the words of this life); Acts 5:32 (And we are His witnesses of these things); Acts 10:42 (He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify); Acts 13:49 (Word of the Lord published throughout all the region); Acts 18:25 (Being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught diligently); Acts 22:15 (Thou shalt be His witness unto all men); Rom.10:15b (How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel); 2Tim.2:2 (The things which thou hast heard...commit to faithful men, who shall...teach others); 2Tim.4:2 (Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season).


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Comments

Clara (Charleston, US) says...
I am teaching a small group of teens in Sunday School and the topic we are studying at present is witnessing/dicipleship duties. We have the Ken Ham series of DVD's on loan and this material you are sharing with us adds even more detail to our studies.
Thank you for sharing!
In Christ's Love,
Clara
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1st January 2012 9:26am
Christina (US) says...
Thank you. This has helped me so much.
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9th November 2011 12:53pm
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