May 7 2018 – Click here to listen
Are you a Christian? Have you witnessed to a non-Christian lately? Ever? I was talking with a friend (who is a Christian) about this subject the other day and he indicated to me that he did not feel that God had given him the “gift” of testifying to others about Christ. I responded by saying that I believe that all Christians have the “gift” or ability to talk to others about Christ. Most just don’t use it because they don’t want to look like a “Bible thumper”, or religious fanatic. The Bible is clear that we should be a witness to others and that we are commissioned to spread the good Word. My friend said that he hoped that his being a good example by living the Christian life would be testimony enough to his lost friends. I’m sorry but with all due respect, I just don’t believe that will do much toward leading those around him that are unsaved to Christ.
Don’t get me wrong, the Bible clearly tells us that we should live our lives in such a manner that lost people would notice the difference and want in on the “action”, but personally I think this young man would be far more effective if he simply asked someone to go to church with him next Sunday, and then take it from there. Genuine Christians should feel a sincere burden for non-Christians. Personally it grieves me deeply to envision unsaved friends, acquaintances, and even people that I do not know spending eternity in Hell.
Most often I believe that people are reluctant to speak about it because they are afraid of being rebuffed or looking ridiculous. Much the same as some young people are afraid to ask someone out on a date because they are afraid they will get a negative answer and perhaps even be ridiculed. Recognize this for what it is, it is satan’s oldest and most effective tool – it is pride that prevents you from helping the lost. I often speak to people about Christ and salvation, sometimes to friends, sometimes to complete strangers on an airplane, or in a restaurant. To tell you the truth I cannot remember being rebuffed for it. Most people seem really interested and appreciative. Some people show more interest than others, but I don’t remember anyone who really objected that much.
Those who have atheistic or agnostic viewpoints seem most eager to debate the subject. I enjoy those debates because I once held those views and can relate to them what made me a believer and how my life changed for the better once I became one. I have found that the more that I witness, the easier it becomes.
Do you know someone who, from all outward appearances, might not end up in heaven for eternity? If that pe rson were to end up in Hell, would it bother you? Why not gently ask them to go to church with you? Or, why not ask them if they were to die today, what do they suppose will happen next? You do not have to be an accomplished orator or have some special “gift” to do this. In fact WE do not do much of anything, but reap the harvest. God does the convicting and was the One who planted the seed.
The Bible tells us that the fields are “ripe for harvest” with vast fields of lost souls who need to be led to Christ. Don’t you know someone who you feel might be in this category? Wouldn’t you like to be a part of leading them to the Lord? If that person were to die today without Christ, How would you feel if you knew that you might have made a difference in their ETERNAL existence, but were too timid to do anything about it? If after reading this, you steadfastly refuse to talk to anybody about Christ, at least pray for someone who you know that is lost. Do it today because time is running out.
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John 4:35-38
Do you not say, There are still four months
and then comes the harvest?
Behold I say to you,
lift up your eyes and look at the fields,
for they are already white for harvest!
And he who reaps receives wages
and gathers fruit for eternal life,
that both he who sows and he
who reaps may rejoice together.
For in this the saying is true:
‘One sows and another reaps.’
I sent you to reap that for which
you have not labored;
others have labored and you have
entered into their labors.