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Servant and Leadership Training Courses

Personal Evangelism III

November 2001
 Table of Contents
I. The Importance of Evangelism ........................................................................... 4
A. The Command .............................................................................................. 4
B. The Witness .................................................................................................. 5
II. Two Kinds of Personal Evangelism.................................................................... 5
A. Personal Testimony ..................................................................................... 5
B. Using Scriptures........................................................................................... 6
C. Three Kinds of Witnessing Opportunities....................................................... 8
III. Jesus’ Commands and Examples in Witnessing............................................... 8
A. Jesus commands us to witness ................................................................... 8
B. Jesus shows us how to witness – His example............................................. 9
IV. The Empowering of our Witness by the Holy Spirit......................................... 11
A. Biblical Examples ........................................................................................ 11
B. Five ways the Holy Spirit works through our witness as He empowers us: 12
C. Our spiritual empowering and our “success”................................................ 12
V. The Motives for Witnessing ............................................................................ 13
A. Knowing the fear of the Lord – verse 11 ..................................................... 13
B. Knowing the love of God - verse 14 ............................................................. 13
C. Knowing the hope of the Messiah – verse 17 ............................................. 14
D. Knowing that we are His ambassadors – verse 20 .................................... 14
1. The responsibility – .................................................................................. 14
2. The privilege - ......................................................................................... 14
3. The joy – .................................................................................................. 15
VI. Hindrances to Personal Evangelism ............................................................... 16
VII. Kinds of Personal Evangelism ....................................................................... 17
A. Lifestyle evangelism… ................................................................................ 17
B. Home evangelism….................................................................................... 17
C. Planned....................................................................................................... 18
VIII. Witnessing to Others .................................................................................... 18
A. What a person needs to know before he can become a believer................. 18
B. Opening the opportunity to witness.............................................................. 19
C. Preparing and using your personal testimony in witnessing. ....................... 20
D. Using the Scripture in witnessing................................................................ 20
E. Using language that is appropriate and understandable ............................. 20
F. Using illustrations and Proverbs in witnessing. ........................................... 21
G. Using tracts in witnessing. .......................................................................... 21
H. Calling for a decision to repent and believe in the Messiah ........................ 22
I. Praying with a person who desires to make Jesus his Lord and Savior. ...... 23
J. Counseling after praying the sinner’s prayer ............................................... 23
IX. Using the Scriptures to Witness...................................................................... 25
A. The Beginning Witness (Preparing the Soil and Sowing the Seed) – ......... 25
 Stories from the Bible.................................................................................... 25
B. The Witness at the Time of Decision (The Harvest) –................................. 26
Using a Single Verse .................................................................................... 26
Using Several Verses from the Same Chapter ............................................. 26
Using Verses from One Book of the Bible..................................................... 27
Using "The Bridge"........................................................................................ 29
The Story of the Bridge ................................................................................. 31
X. A Strange Thing.............................................................................................. 35
Appendix A – Sin and Sacrifice............................................................................ 36
Appendix B – Biblical Truths for Salvation ........................................................... 38
Appendix C - The True High Priest ..................................................................... 39
Appendix D - Basic Stories ................................................................................. 40
Two Sample Stories about Jesus ................................................................. 41
Appendix E – The Biblical Basis for Sharing the Gospel...................................... 45
Appendix F – The Characteristics of GOD ........................................................... 47
Appendix G – Characteristics of an Effective Witness ......................................... 48
Appendix H - Prophecies of the Messiah ............................................................. 49
 PERSONAL EVANGELISM III

I. The Importance of Evangelism

A. The Command

Evangelism began in the heart of God. He demonstrated His evangelistic heart by this
important fact: He had only one Son, and He made His Son a “witness.” Jesus said in
Luke 19:10, “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” His
heart was filled with love for man whom He planned to create in His own image. For
mankind, He would make a world, and landscape it with plants for their food, housing,
and enjoyment. He would inhabit it with every kind of animal for men's use as food,
clothing, and assistance. The message of evangelism came alive as God's Son
breathed His first breath in a lowly manger in Bethlehem. Salvation was proclaimed for
all to hear from a crude Roman cross when Jesus shouted, "It is finished." This
message of God's love was proclaimed by God to man so that it might be repeated by
man to man until all men hear. We who have heard must share the Good News with
those who have not yet heard.

A truth that needs to be emphasized to every true born-again believer in the Messiah
is this: All believers have been charged with the responsibility and the task of personal
evangelism.

For the believer, evangelism is not an option; it is an obligation. It is not a choice to be

considered; it is a command to be obeyed. It is not only a gift that the Holy Spirit gives
to certain members of the Body, but also the responsibility of every believer. In fact,
one of the marks that a person is truly a disciple of Jesus is an interest in, and a
practice of, personal evangelism.

When the Lord Jesus called the first disciples, the first promise He made was, “Follow
Me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). Immediately, we learn
something every believer must realize (in many cases rather painfully): if you are not
fishing, you are not following! The real essence of discipleship is in the making of
other disciples.

Just before He returned to heaven, Jesus stood on the mountainside, and gave a
command, which became the marching orders of His coming Kingdom - "You shall be
My witnesses." This order has been passed down to us today through the faithful lives
of those who have brought to us His message of love.

One other point should be emphasized and heard carefully. No believer should feel as
if he or she simply cannot do personal evangelism because of a lack of ability. Any
command of God carries with it the power to fulfill that command. Indeed, every
disciple of Jesus is given the Holy Spirit precisely to empower him to be a witness for
Him. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you
shall be witnesses to Me . . .” (Acts 1:8).

Every believer can witness, every believer should witness, and every believer must
witness in order to be obedient to the Messiah. Now let’s ask the simple but very
important question, which is, “What is a witness?”

B. The Witness
(See Appendix G for “Characteristics of an Effective Witness”)

One Bible dictionary gives this definition of the word “witness”:

One who testifies to the truth he has experienced. One who has
knowledge of a fact and can give information concerning it. The word “witness” comes
from the Greek word “martus,” which in some languages actually carries the meaning
of dying for what one believes. Many of the first century witnesses did give their lives
for the Messiah (see Acts 22:20, Revelation 2:13, 17:6).

A witness is simply a person who gives testimony; he tells what he knows, what he
has seen and what he has heard. In testimony given for or against someone, often in
a law court setting, there is great concern for the truth of the testimony. In addition, the
testimony given must be understood by those who listen. Thus a witness for the Lord
is someone who tells truthfully and clearly about the Messiah and His work in one’s
life. The Word of God tells us that we believers are:

1)Chosen to be witnesses for the Lord (Acts 10:41)

2)Commissioned [sent] to be His witnesses(Acts 1:8)
3)Empowered to witness for Him(Acts 4:33)

As we shall see throughout the study of Personal Evangelism, the believer’s life and
his word are a witness to the people around him. So let’s say in summary that a
witness for the Messiah is one who shares the truth about Him with others in an
understandable way and lives for Him. Then, the faithful witness will trust the Holy
Spirit to open their hearts and bring salvation.

Study questions:
What Scripture tells us that Jesus came to seek and save the lost?
If we follow Jesus, what will we become (see Mark 1:17)?
Is witnessing for the Messiah optional, or is it a command?
Write down your definition of a witness for the Messiah?

II. Two Kinds of Personal Evangelism

A. Personal Testimony
There are two uses of the term “witnessing'' which is sometimes called "personal
evangelism.” First, a witness can share his personal testimony. His testimony is what
he himself has seen, heard, or experienced. Each person who has experienced Jesus'
forgiveness and salvation can and must share the testimony of his experience with the
Messiah. Over and over in the Scripture we see examples of people telling others
about the personal experience they had with Jesus.

A good example is seen in the words of the Samaritan woman in John 4. After she
had experienced the love and salvation of Jesus, she ran to her village with the words,
"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did: Could this be the Messiah?"
Although there were many things that could have easily prevented her from
witnessing, she was compelled by the greatness of her experience to tell what had
happened in her life. She was not educated. She was not even socially accepted by
the village people. Actually she had every reason to hate them, but instead she
witnessed to them. She had a life-changing encounter with the Messiah and then went
to share with others what had happened. The unusual thing is that these people who
had before treated her as an outcast now listened to her. They followed her to Jesus,
because they saw something new in her life. It is essential that others see the
changes that Jesus brings into a person's everyday life. If these changes of attitude
and action are not evident, other people will not listen to his testimony. [For more on
this story, please see Appendix D.]

For another good example, look at Mark 5. Jesus had healed a demon-possessed
man. He then told the man to “...Go home to your family and tell them how much the
Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you” [verse 19]. The Scripture
then says that the man “…went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much
Jesus had done for him” [verse 20]. The Word also says that the people were amazed
as they saw him and heard his witness. The Samaritan woman and the healed man
are examples of being a witness for the Messiah by
simply sharing their own personal testimony of what He has done for them.

B. Using Scriptures
Second, a witness can share the message of the Messiah by using Scriptures. The
person witnessing may also share his personal testimony, but his emphasis is
primarily the use of several Scripture verses to show a person these things:

His lost condition -- he is a sinner.

The result of his sin -- his sin has separated him from God.
There is now a broken relationship needing a mediator and a change of heart. [Note:
often women tend to view sin as a flawed or failed relationship while a man may see
sin as breaking God’s laws and commands. For more information on “sin,” see
Appendix A.]

His worth/value in the eyes of God. The Lord loves him and desires communion with
him.

There is only one true source of power for all one’s needs.

The provision of God's love -- salvation is provided through Jesus.

The only acceptable sacrifice for sin is the death of the Anointed One, through whom
one relates to God the Father.

The way of accepting this provision -- through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.
He is the Anointed One who has fulfilled the words of the Old Testament prophets.

The result of salvation -- eternal life (both length and quality of life). Now, the
indwelling Spirit [the Comforter/Helper] promised by the Messiah, comes to all who
believe and open their hearts to Him.
[Also please see Appendix B – “Biblical Truths for Salvation”]

To be an effective witness one needs to both prepare his personal testimony and to
learn how to use the scripture in sharing the message of Jesus. There also must be
daily preparation as he walks with the Lord through studying and obeying His Word
and having communion with Him in prayer. Witnessing can be to one person or to a
group of people as long as we are making the witness personal. Each person who
hears must be able to apply the truths and experiences to his own individual life.

There are basically two prerequisites for being a witness for Jesus. The first is a
personal experience of faith and commitment to Jesus. It is impossible to be a witness
of something you have never seen or experienced. A person who does that is a false
witness. Only when you experience something yourself can you give facts and inter-
pret feelings in such a way that others will be interested. The other prerequisite to
witnessing is a God-given conviction that the Messiah is the only way of salvation and
that people without Him are condemned to go to hell.

In Acts 4:12, the Bible says:

"There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has
been given among men by which we must saved."

Jesus says in John 14:6:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father except by me."

If there were any other way, Jesus did not need to die. If there were any other way,
God sent His son to a needless grave. If there were any other way, then Jesus was
the greatest liar and deceiver who ever lived, for He has deceived millions of people
for over nineteen centuries. However, there is no other way. Because Jesus is the
only hope for man's salvation, all men must be told about Him. [To read a Bible story
relating to the Messiah as the only way and the only hope, see Appendix C – “The
True High Priest.”]

God is a Holy God and he will not allow sin in His presence. The Bible says in John
3:36,

“He who believes on the Son has eternal life; but he who does not believe the Son
shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on Him."

The lostness of men and women without Jesus should cause us to be a witness.
When Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to be crucified, He looked upon the city
and wept because of its lostness and coming destruction. If Jesus truly rules a
believer’s heart, He will create in it His compassion for those who are lost.

We must remember that the Bible illustrates (from the story of Adam and Eve) that
only one act of disobedience separates man and woman from God forever. In the New
Testament, the story of Lazarus (Luke 16:19 –31) teaches that salvation must be
obtained before death. Both of these Biblical facts are important for the new believer
to understand as he or she tries to begin to tell others about his or her new faith.
In addition, we must always stand ready to witness for the Messiah when the
opportunities come in our daily lives. Let’s now look at three kinds of witnessing
opportunities.

C. Three Kinds of Witnessing Opportunities

Witnessing must be adapted to different situations. Let us look at three different

opportunities to witness that might determine how we would approach a witnessing
situation.

First is the one-time witness. Because a witness should always be looking for an
occasion to share with another person, he will find himself in situations where he talks
with someone he has never seen before and will probably never see again. Perhaps
he sits beside a lost person on the bus or train. This is a good opportunity to witness,
but will probably be his only opportunity to witness to that person. Therefore, he must
gauge the available time so that he can share a complete witness.

Second is the repeated-opportunity witness. An example of this type of situation is a

person with whom you have casual contact in a place of business or at the market.
You meet the person over and over again. Perhaps there is not enough time for a
complete witness in the casual contacts. In this case it is better to give a short witness
that causes him to think about his spiritual condition, and leave something with him
which the Holy Spirit can use to work in his life. In this way you, as a witness, can
plant a seed that will grow. You may invite him to your house for tea or possibly make
plans to visit him at his home. In this way, there will be enough time for an
uninterrupted witness.

A third witnessing situation is the planned visit. You have time to prepare what you are
going to say. The most important preparation is prayer. We should review in our mind
what we know about the person, his family and his spiritual need. We may take
someone with us who might help in this particular situation. If his wife will be present,
the witness may want to take his wife with him. Perhaps the entire family may gather,
so you may desire to think and plan and pray with the whole family in mind. It is good
to talk with the husband and wife, so that they might hear and receive the Word
together.

III. Jesus’ Commands and Examples in Witnessing

A. Jesus commands us to witness

After the resurrection Jesus appeared on earth at least ten times in a forty days time
span. He appeared several times to His disciples to strengthen them, teach them, and
challenge them for the future work He was leaving for them to do. The time had now
come for Him to go back to the Father. They all saw Him ascend into the clouds of
heaven. Before He ascended, however, He gave them a clear command and a
promise. These are written for us in two different books of the Bible (Matthew and
Acts). His command was to go and make disciples, which certainly includes the
responsibility to witness.
In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus explains the work:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded
you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In Acts 1:8 He emphasizes the worker:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My
witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Let us note three very important things in these verses:

1. As the call to salvation in Jesus is personal, so too the command to be His witness
is a personal command: "You will be My witnesses.”

2. This witness must be carried out in ever-widening circles until it reaches into every
land and to every person in the world – “You go into all the world.”

In this work, we will never be alone. Jesus will accompany us every step of the way.
This was His promise.

Let’s refer back to the first point, that this command to witness is personal – we are to
be His witnesses. If we are to be His witnesses, then we should first of all learn to
witness as He witnessed. How did Jesus witness? How did He talk with people during
an ordinary day? What was His style of witnessing?

B. Jesus shows us how to witness – His example

It helps to study carefully how Jesus interacted with people. Whom did He meet? How
did He connect with them? Where did the encounters take place? Who initiated
contact? What happened in the conversation? As Jesus’ followers, believers today
are sent into the world to be His witnesses. We can learn much about how to handle
that assignment by asking questions of the four narratives of Jesus’ life-Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John. They include more than 40 meetings between Jesus and
various individuals.

1. Who started the conversation?

In nine cases, Jesus initiated the conversations.

Examples:
• a Samaritan woman (John 4:7–42)
• a crippled beggar (John 5:1–15)

In 25 instances, it was the other party who started the discussion. Jesus responded to
other people’s inquiries.

Examples:
• a rich young ruler (Matt. 19:16–30)
• a demoniac (Mark 5:1–20)
• Jairus, a synagogue ruler (Mark 5:21–43)
• a hemorrhaging woman (Mark 5:24–34)

Other conversations were started by third parties.

Examples:
• tax collectors and other “sinners,” invited to a party by Matthew
(Matt. 9:9–13)
• Herod, introduced by Pilate (Luke 23:6–16)
• Nathaniel, invited by Philip (John 1:45–51)
• an adulterous woman brought by the scribes (John 8:1–11)

2. Where did the conversation take place?

The majority of Jesus’ interactions occurred in the workplace.

Examples:
• with James and John (Matt. 4:21–22)
• with a Samaritan woman (John 4:7–42)
• with a lame man (John 5:1–15)

Many took place in homes.

Examples:
• at Peter’s house with his mother-in-law (Mark 1:29–31)
• with a Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark 7:24–30)
• at Zacchaeus’ house (Luke 19:1–10)

Few were in religious settings. Instead, Jesus talked with people about spiritual issues
where they were most familiar. He did not need a special environment or control over
the circumstances to discuss things of eternal significance.

3. What was discussed?

Jesus asked questions in more than half of the conversations He had. This is similar
to God’s first response to the first sinners in history, when He asked four questions of
Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:9, 11, 13).

Examples:
• an adulterous woman (John 8:1–11)
• the scribes (Luke 5:17–26)
• His mother and brothers (Matt. 12:46–50)
• the Pharisees (Luke 6:6–11)

He connected with people’s thoughts and feelings. He understood that new ideas
need to be connected with existing frames of reference if they are to last. He seldom
pressed for a decision. Instead, He understood that time is required for ideas to
simmer and for people to own them before they act on them.

4. What can we learn from Jesus’ example?

• Jesus knew how to take initiative.
• Jesus responded to the initiatives of others.
• Jesus left room in his schedule for interruptions by friends and others
enlisting his help.
• Jesus usually met people where they were spiritually.
• Jesus was interested in establishing common ground with others.

Witnessing is a science, an art, and a mystery. It involves connecting your faith with
people’s experience in a way that they can understand it, in their own time and
manner. It means cooperating with whatever God’s Spirit may be doing with them and
leaving the results to Him.

Thus, a study of the witnessing approaches of Jesus reveals a deliberate effort to

meet people where they were. His approach to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well
centered on the woman’s relationship to Him. He was the source of living water that
satisfied, He was the one to look into her unsettled life, and He was the one to point to
a greater relationship in true worship of God. When she opened the door by her
reference to the Messiah, Jesus simply stepped through the open door. Now, her
relationship had changed. She was no longer simply a Samaritan woman speaking to
a Jewish man. Rather, she was a needy sinner meeting the Messiah who was
promised to come. Again, Jesus met people where they were and He encourages us
to do the same.

Study Questions:
1. What are the two kinds of personal evangelism?
2. Because of his broken relationship with God, what does man now need?
3. What are the two prerequisites for being a witness for the Messiah (give at
least one Bible reference)?
4. What does the story of Lazarus teach us?
5. What is the most important preparation before witnessing?
6. Where did most of Jesus’ conversations take place? Did he often ask questions
or did He usually lecture and the other person listen?

IV. The Empowering of our Witness by the Holy Spirit

A. Biblical Examples

The second chapter of Acts describes the coming of the Holy Spirit ten days after
Jesus' ascension into heaven. When the Holy Spirit came upon those gathered in the
upper room, they went out into the crowded streets of Jerusalem and began to
witness to everyone that they met. These same men, who only days before had
locked themselves in an upper room for protection, were now made brave by the Holy
Spirit. As they witnessed, Acts 2:37 tells us that the people who heard were “cut to
the heart" and said, "What shall we do?” The conviction and fear, which the crowd
experienced, was the result of the work of the Holy Spirit as He worked through the
witness of those who obeyed Him. Jesus tells us not to go out in our own strength but
to go out in the power of His Spirit.
One of the words that Jesus used for “Holy Spirit” in the New Testament –
“Parakletos” – means someone who is called alongside us as a helper, as a
comforter, or as a counselor. So every time you share your witness, the Holy Spirit is
there alongside (and within) you as the great Communicator of the gospel. He will help
you to speak, comfort you, counsel you and give you the courage and the words to
share. See John 14: 16, 26, 15:26 and 16:7.

In Acts 11:19-21 the Bible tells how the followers of Jesus were forced to leave
Jerusalem, but as they went they witnessed. The Holy Spirit empowered their witness
and churches were begun in Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch.

In Acts 13:6-12, Paul and Barnabas stand before the Roman proconsul witnessing
about Jesus. When a man named Elymas tried to hinder their witness, the Holy Spirit
struck him blind. The Holy Spirit not only empowered their witness by removing the
hindrance of Elymas, but also used Paul and Barnabas’ witness to bring salvation to
the proconsul, Sergius Paulus.

Again in Acts 16 we see the Holy Spirit working through the witness of His servants.
Although Paul and Silas were in a Philippian jail, they felt the presence of their Lord.
They were praying and singing hymns to Him when the earth quaked and the gates of
the jail were thrown open.

(It is interesting that the prisoners of that jail did not run away and escape. Perhaps
they were more interested in hearing the testimonies of Paul and Silas than in physical
freedom.) When the jailer came and heard the report of Paul that all the prisoners
were present, the jailer did not kill himself as he had intended to do. Instead he gave
his life to Jesus. The Holy Spirit works through the witness of His servants.

B. Five ways the Holy Spirit works through our witness as He

empowers us:

As the source of Power -- He brings conviction of sin. (John 16:8-11; Acts 2:37)
As the source of Wisdom -- He gives His leadership (Acts 8:26, Acts 16:6-10)
As the source of Salvation -- He is the agent of conviction Who opens men's hearts to
salvation. (John 16:8 - 9)
As the source of Peace --He is the indwelling Helper (John 14:26 - 27)
As the source of Fruit --He produces it (Galatians 5:22 - 23)

C. Our spiritual empowering and our “success”

What is success in evangelism? Is it when the person comes to the Messiah and
publicly acknowledges Him? What about the example of Jesus and the rich young
man described in Matt. 19.16- 22? Was Jesus successful as He witnessed to the
young man? Or, did Jesus fail?

Actually, simply sharing the gospel is successful evangelism!! Think for a moment
about the example of the postal service – success is the careful, accurate delivery of
the mail, NOT the response!!
This is true because when you are sharing the gospel, you are sharing “the power of
God for the salvation of everyone who believes”(see Romans 1.16). The gospel is the
power of God for salvation, NOT our words or our persuasiveness or our abilities, etc.
The most powerful witness is the speaking of God’s Word by one who is living God’s
Word.

Will you believe that God can use YOUR words in the salvation of others? God
blesses words, the words of the gospel. It was the WORDS of Peter, of Paul, and now
it is YOUR words that the Lord will use for His glory!! Always remember that the
power for evangelism is NOT in our ability…..it is in His gospel. Don’t doubt the power
of God to add His blessing upon your words when you speak of the Messiah.

V. The Motives for Witnessing

In 2 Corinthians 5 Paul sets forth four factors that should serve to motivate all
believers to do personal evangelism.

A. Knowing the fear of the Lord – verse 11

Paul reminds us that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of the Messiah" to
give an account of our lives and ministry. In the parable of the talents (Matthew
25:14-30) Jesus taught this same truth. Here Paul states very clearly, "Therefore,
knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men."

Paul is saying that his God is a holy God. In His righteousness, He brings judgment
and is to be feared. Because we must give an account to Jesus for our time, our
opportunities, and our witness, we must obey His command to witness to all men.

B. Knowing the love of God - verse 14

Paul says, "For the love of God controls us." Paul lived in constant amazement that
God could love him. Paul had persecuted the church. He had encouraged the stoning
of Steven. At the time of his conversion he was on the way to Damascus with the
intention of imprisoning the followers of Jesus. Was Paul any different from you or
me? We, too, were sons of disobedience and children of wrath according to
Ephesians 2:1-3:

"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked
according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of
the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all
formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the
mind and were by nature children of wrath even as the rest."

Romans 5:8 says: "But God commended His love to us in that while we were yet in sin
the Messiah died for us."

Paul is saying, "Because Jesus first loved me, I love Him; therefore, I witness."

There is also another element here that we need to see. When Jesus came into our
life He brought His love into us. It is this "Jesus love" within us, the love that brought
Him from heaven to the cross that should compel us to witness to others.

C. Knowing the hope of the Messiah – verse 17

Paul speaks of the change Jesus makes in a person. Jesus changes the convert's
basic nature so that he becomes a new being. Paul saw the sin and corruption in the
world around him. Was there any hope for change? This change can only be brought
about as the very nature of sinful man is changed, and this is the change when men
believe and turn their lives over to Jesus the Messiah. Paul had experienced this
change in his own life, and he had seen it in the lives of others. The only hope for
overcoming the sinful nature is the change the Lord Jesus brings; therefore, we must
witness to make the hope known.

D. Knowing that we are His ambassadors – verse 20

Paul speaks of our appointment as “ambassadors for the Messiah.” We are appointed
to represent Him and His work here on earth. We must see three things about this
appointment: its responsibility and its privilege and the resulting joy.

1. The responsibility –
King Jesus has chosen us to carry His message to every person on earth. If we don't
tell others, they will die in their sins never knowing about the offer of salvation that
Jesus purchased for them on Calvary. This is a tremendous responsibility. In Ezekiel
3:17-19 the prophet tells about a watchman who has been given the responsibility of
guarding a sleeping camp. He is standing guard where he can see any approaching
enemy from afar. If the enemy comes and the watchman is asleep, or is too busy, or is
afraid and does not sound the alarm, his fellow soldiers will be killed. Their blood will
be on the watchman's hands. In the same way we have been sent to warn our
fellowmen of the power of satan, our enemy. We have the responsibility to point them
to the safety of eternal life, which has been prepared for them in Jesus the Messiah. If
we do not warn them, their blood will be on our hands.

2. The privilege -
It is a privilege to be appointed as an ambassador for the Ruler. The privilege of
witnessing about the salvation Jesus gives is a privilege that even the angels in
heaven have not been given. They welcomed His birth. They announced His
resurrection. They witnessed His ascension into heaven. But they have not been
given the privilege of sharing the Good News of His salvation.

In Acts 8:26-31 we see the Ethiopian servant of the queen as he returned home from
Jerusalem. He was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah. As he read, his heart was
troubled and he wanted to know the meaning of what he was reading. In the
meantime, God sent an angel to direct Philip to leave the place where he had been
preaching and go to the road between Jerusalem and Gaza. On this road Philip met
the Ethiopian and explained to him about Jesus. The Ethiopian understood that the
message of Isaiah, written 700 years before, was recently fulfilled in the death of
Jesus. He trusted in Jesus, and later that same day he was baptized. An angel could
have been sent to explain the passage and the meaning of salvation, but instead God
brought a man to share his own personal experience with another man.

In Acts 10:4-5 we read about a Roman officer and his friends who were sincerely
praying to God that they might know His salvation. God sent an angel with the
message, "In Joppa there is a man named Simon Peter. Send for him and he will
come and explain these things to you." Why did God tell Cornelius to send for Peter?
Why didn't the angel explain the message of salvation? The angel was not privileged
to explain, because he had never been lost and thus had never experienced the
wonder and joy of salvation.
God has reserved the privilege of witnessing about Jesus for those who know His love
and have experienced His saving grace. We are those whom He has appointed as His
ambassadors. Finally, the resulting joy of our salvation experience demands that we
witness.

3. The joy –
When a man experiences something joyful and wonderful, the natural thing for him to
do is to tell someone else about it. It is just as natural as for a baby who has just been
born to open his mouth and begin to cry. When a baby doesn't do this, the doctor will
spank him on his bottom. The same “spank” is sometimes needed to remind believers
that we are to open our mouths and witness for our Lord, and release our joy.

There are many examples in the Bible of joyful new believers sharing their faith in the
Messiah. Let’s look at five of these examples.

John 1:41-42 - After he met Jesus, Andrew first found his brother Peter and told
him about Jesus.
John 1:45 - After he met the Messiah, Phillip went to find Nathaniel to tell him about
Jesus.
John 4:28 - After she met Jesus, the Samaritan woman returned to her village and
told the people who lived there about Him.
Matthew 9:9-10 - After he left his work to follow Jesus, Matthew invited all his
friends to meet the Lord.
John 9 - After he met Jesus, the blind man told others what had happened to him
as a result of meeting the Lord.

Study Questions:
1) In Acts 11:19 – 21, what was the result of the believers being forced to leave
Jerusalem?
2) What is successful evangelism?
3) According to 2 Corinthians 5:11, if we know the fear of the Lord, what shall
we do?
4) What are three things we need to see as ambassadors for the Messiah?
5) What did Matthew do after he came to know the Messiah?
 VI. Hindrances to Personal Evangelism

We have studied four Biblical truths stating both the necessity and the urgency for
every believer to be a witness for Jesus. Not only does the Messiah command us to
witness, He makes witnessing the exclusive privilege of the believer. He gives us a
way to change the world in which we live by changing the hearts of those with whom
we live. He makes walking and working in His presence our greatest joy and our most
natural action. Why, then, do we hesitate to witness for the Lord? Why do we falter?
What hinders us from carrying out His command? Let’s briefly study eight (8) different
things that may hinder our witness for the Messiah.

A. Perhaps the biggest hindrance to witnessing is fear. Fear can come in many
different ways: the fear of being rejected and sent away by your relatives or friends…
the fear of being attacked or being physically injured… the fear of being laughed at or
being thought of as a religious fanatic … the fear of making someone angry so that he
will never listen to the Gospel, or perhaps even the fear of failure. Although there are
many reasons for this fear, there is only one source. That source is satan, who does
not want you to tell others about the Messiah.

In Central Asia, there is great fear of the evil aspects of the spirit world (jinn, demons,
the evil eye, etc.) which might harm one’s family, trouble a person in their sleep
(disturbing dreams, etc.), or affect their livestock and food crops. Sacrifices are made
to appease these evil spirits to prevent their harming life and property. This is thought
by some to be in opposition to good spirits or deities who grant favors. Other fears
include illness, death and rejection (exclusion which is often synonymous with death).

However, we read in 2 Timothy 1:7-8:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound judgment.
Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me his prisoner; but
join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.”

One man who was a great witness for the Lord said that every time he started to talk
with someone about Jesus, he was afraid. Many times he asked God to remove this
fear, but God did not do so. Then he realized that when he was afraid, he was
reminded of how much he must depend on God. And God gave him the power and
strength that he needed as he depended upon God’s grace.

B. The second hindrance to personal evangelism is pride. This is closely associated

with fear, the fear of losing face. We must humble ourselves before the Lord and not
allow pride to hinder our witness for Him (See 1 Peter 5:5 – 11).

C. The third hindrance is being so busy with our daily duties and work until there is
no time left to witness. We need to have certain priorities in our lives. God and His
work must be the believer’s highest priority.

D. The fourth hindrance the devil uses is prejudice. He uses prejudices to separate
men, races, and nations. He uses it to build walls between people. These walls can
only be broken down by the love of God. In Bible times, the Jews would not associate
with the Gentiles. Today, oftentimes, we believers do not mix with Muslims and
Orthodox peoples. Separated people often suspect each other’s motives as well as
each other’s actions. Prejudices must be done away with at the cross. God is the
Creator of all men, and His purpose is that we all should be brothers in the Messiah.

E. The fifth hindrance is ignorance. Many believers do not witness because they do
not know how. They have never been taught how to witness or encouraged to do so.
Sometimes they have even been told not to witness by their leaders. They are seldom
told that by their leader’s words, but often by his actions because he himself does not
witness for the Lord.

F. The sixth hindrance to witnessing is the lack of a vision of what God can do in my
neighborhood, my city, my village, my nation - and what He wants to do through me.
Satan has so convinced us that the situation can’t be changed that we have no vision
to try to change it.

G. The seventh hindrance is a lack of confidence that we have adequate Bible

knowledge. However, just look at the man who had been born blind (John 9) speaking
to the scholarly, highly educated Pharisees!! He simply told what he knew about the
Messiah – and that was a powerful and effective witness, even though he did not have
much Biblical knowledge. He simply believed in the Messiah and witnessed for Him
(see verse 38).

H. The eighth hindrance is that sometimes we believers do not take seriously our
responsibility to carry out the task of sharing our witness. Even though we may not
have the particular gift of evangelism, we are to witness. It is our responsibility. Just
as a believer may not have the particular gift of giving, still God expects him to
regularly give his tithes and offerings. Likewise, God expects all of His children to tell
others about His Son Jesus.

VII. Kinds of Personal Evangelism

There are three general types of personal evangelism and each has its own unique
approach and characteristics. Let’s briefly study these three kinds of personal
evangelism.

A. Lifestyle evangelism…
is living a witness for Jesus in one's everyday life. This is the kind of lifestyle that dis-
plays Jesus' honesty, patience, love, peace, joy, etc., in such a way that other people
see Him through us. There is a saying that in the way I live I am writing the "Gospel
according to me." Lifestyle evangelism should be a part of every believer’s witness as
the Lord’s presence is reflected in every aspect of his daily life. Lifestyle evangelism
validates our spoken witness.

B. Home evangelism…
is closely connected with lifestyle evangelism. This is witnessing through one's
believing home. The love that is shown between family members, the faithfulness of
the husband and wife to one another, and an absence of the strife which is so much a
part of most families- all of these things speak of the Messiah’s power and salvation in
our homes. Home evangelism should also be a positive witness of every believer.

C. Planned
The third kind of evangelism, we will call "planned evangelism." Planned evangelism
must be confirmed by the life we lead, but it is also actively seeking people/families
with whom to share the Gospel. The next section of the book deals with planned
evangelism. There are three suggestions each believer can follow to make planned
evangelism a part of his or her life:

1. Start the day praying for an opportunity to share God's Word.

2. Leave your home expecting God to answer this prayer.

Go about your daily business looking for the people God has prepared to hear your
witness.

Study Questions:

1) What is the biggest hindrance to witnessing?

2) How would you define “planned evangelism?”

VIII. Witnessing to Others

A. What a person needs to know before he can become a

believer.

It is very important that we understand just what a person needs to know in order to
become a believer so we can direct him in the right way. Often people will attempt to
teach too much. This is confusing to the person who is seeking the Messiah.

Does a person need to understand the entire Bible to be saved? Does he have to
understand all about the church or even all about the life of Jesus? There are only five
essential things that he must know. These things are about himself and his
relationship to the Lord Jesus. They are as follows:

I am a sinner.

My sins have separated me from the one true God and bring spiritual death (hell).

I must repent of my sins.

I must believe that Jesus is the only Son of the true God, and that He died for my sins
and arose from the dead to save me. He alone can save me from sin.

I must surrender my life entirely to Him.

There are many teachings of the Messiah that are important, but they can be taught
after the person becomes a believer.

[Note the similarities of these five items above with the discussion under II.B.,
concerning the seven basic things to show a person as you witness by using the
Scriptures. Also, please refer to Appendix B – “Biblical Truths for Salvation”.]

B. Opening the opportunity to witness.

There are two basic ways that the Holy Spirit helps us to open a conversation and
move it to a witnessing opportunity.

1. The first way is to ask the person a question such as:

"May I tell you about the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life?"
"Would you like to know about eternal life?"
"If you were to die tonight, where would you go?"

Each of these questions begins a dialogue in which we can present the Gospel. By
the question, we have asked the person's permission to speak about the subject. We
have also asked a question, which should gain his interest.

Another question we can ask when we have a longer period of time with the person is:
"What is your understanding of Islam?” Or, “What is your understanding of
Orthodoxy?” Then listen, without arguing, as he explains his beliefs. Maybe we would
ask him some more questions for clarification. When he has finished ask him, "May I
tell you about my religion?" Since you have listened to him first, he will probably listen
to you.

2. The second way to lead into a witnessing opportunity is to direct the natural
conversation in that direction. Jesus did this on several occasions. Remember the
story of the Samaritan woman in John chapter four? That day the Messiah was sitting
by the well when the Samaritan woman came to draw water. He asked her to give Him
some water and then He talked about giving her the "living water". Another occasion
was in Matthew 4:18-19 when he helped Andrew, Peter, James and John find the fish
for which they had searched all night in vain. Then He said, “Follow me, and I will
make you fishers of men."

Remember that the first words are the hardest to say. Satan does not want us to
witness, and he will give us many excuses for not witnessing. However, when the
conversation is already started and you begin to witness, it will be easier.

A suggestion: To turn the conversation toward spiritual things, ask the person how you
can pray for him or her. Or, go through your village or town and ask families how the
church can pray for them. Discipline yourself to ask your neighbors. Be a servant to
your neighbors. Ask the Lord for His wisdom in these kinds of matters.
 C. Preparing and using your personal testimony in witnessing.

When a person gives his personal testimony, he relates step by step how the Holy
Spirit brought him to surrender his life to the Messiah. This testimony should be given
in five minutes or less and should include the following four principal parts:

What his life was like before he believed in the Messiah. He can mention briefly the
kinds of goals, habits, fears, confusion, desires and frustrations that filled his life
before he became a follower of Jesus.

The thing, or things, which helped him to become a believer. Perhaps it was the life or
testimony of some other disciple of the Lord. Perhaps it was some event in his life that
caused him to turn to God. He should share any Scripture that the Holy Spirit used to
convict him.

1. His salvation experience. He can relate things such as where he was, how he
received Jesus, what he prayed, whether he was alone or with others, how he felt,
and what commitments he made to the Lord.

2. The changes in his life since he accepted Jesus. He can answer questions such as:
Has the Messiah been faithful to him? How has he served Jesus? How has Jesus led
him? What has happened to his old pre-believer’s lifestyle? Although the first three
parts are history, this part should tell about his life right up to the present moment.

D. Using the Scripture in witnessing

As a help in witnessing, we should be familiar with the Scriptures in the Bible that we
shall be using. This makes the verses easier to find and it emphasizes their
importance. It is often helpful if we memorize and learn certain portions of Scripture
before we witness.

As you witness, do not plan to use too many scripture verses, because too many will
confuse the person. Remember you are leading the person to become aware of his
sin and to surrender to Jesus as his personal Savior. Therefore, the scripture you use
should be moving in that direction. Before reading the scriptures, pray for the Lord's
leadership in understanding. As you share the scripture, have the person read each
verse aloud. If he has his own Bible, ask him to read from his Bible. Encourage him to
ask questions about the verses you have read. If he has no questions, ask him
questions to be sure he understands.

E. Using language that is appropriate and understandable

Too often we believers develop our own "believer’s language." We use words that
believers understand but which are often not understood by those who are not yet
committed to the Lord. When we witness, we should avoid using this type of language,
because it is often misunderstood and is sometimes offensive to non-believers.
Instead, we should use words that are understood and used by the person to whom
we are witnessing. If we are speaking to farmers, we use words meaningful to
farmers. If we are talking with factory workers or teachers we use, as much as
possible, words which they might normally use and understand. Remember the
example of the Messiah as He spoke with people and used simple everyday language
and stories.

In addition, be careful of using terminology that may be offensive to the hearer. For
example, especially be careful when using Russian language terms with persons from
Muslim backgrounds. This may be offensive.

F. Using illustrations and Proverbs in witnessing.

Here we can take a lesson from the Master Teacher, Jesus Himself. He used
illustrations with which the hearer could identify. To village farming people, He spoke
of sowing seed. He talked about the flowers of the field, and crops that were ready for
harvest. To the religious leaders he spoke of manna from God and called Himself the
"living bread". To the disciples who had walked through the vineyards of Palestine, He
used illustrations about the branches and the vine, with God as the farmer, to show
their relationship to Him.

When we use illustrations, we must also make sure that they illustrate what we are
trying to say. Illustrations are not just interesting stories we use to get people's
attention; their purpose is to make a point. Properly used, illustrations can help a
person understand a difficult concept or to identify himself with a given situation or
need.

The same is true with proverbs. Sometimes a short proverbial statement can explain a
concept better than a long explanation. Try to use some proverbs and expressions
that will agree with Biblical thought and that will be readily understood by the people in
your area.

G. Using tracts in witnessing.

Scripture tracts may be a tool to use in witnessing. They should be short, biblically
correct, and to the point. They might contain short explanations of several scripture
verses or a story giving a testimony of how a particular person became a believer. Be
careful that the tract does not assume that your friend knows a lot about Jesus. Also
be very careful that the tract does not have any offensive words about other religions
or their holy books or prophets. This is not effective and may even be illegal in some
areas.

The first step in using a tract is to study it. Be sure that you know what it says and the
emphasis the writer is making. If there are Illustrations, make sure you understand
them. When you use tracts never use more than two during a single conversation with
a person. If you leave too many tracts or tracts that are too long, many people will not
read them, or they will be confused by what the tracts are trying to say.

As you witness, use the tract. Point to certain truths in the tract; have the person read
the tract for himself. Do not necessarily try to read the whole tract at the time. Ask
questions to make sure he understands what the tract is saying. When you leave the
person, leave the tract with him. Its presence in his pocket or at his house will be a
reminder of your visit and your testimony. He may re-read the tract after you have
gone. Continue to pray for him after you have gone. Pray for the “eyes” of his heart to
be opened.

H. Calling for a decision to repent and believe in the Messiah

When you witness always remember that your desire is for the person to whom you
are witnessing to repent and believe in the Messiah Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Give the person an opportunity to make this decision. We never know what might
happen; the opportunity to repent and believe in Jesus may never come to that person
again. Of course, we do not want to force him to make this decision. We do not want
him to say "yes" just to please us. But we want him to know the danger of delay. Paul
says in 2 Corinthians 6:2:

“Behold now is the accepted time, behold today is the day of salvation.”

The Lord guarantees salvation to all who will trust Him, but He does not guarantee
that tomorrow will come or will bring another opportunity.

Let the Holy Spirit lead you in the matter of how much to try to persuade a person to
make a decision. Make it plain to the person that the decision to follow the Messiah
means to deny self, forsake sin, and entrust himself to Jesus. It is not an easy
decision. Never compromise on the demands of Jesus in order to get a person to say
"Yes" to Him. Remember the experience of Jesus as He spoke to the rich young man
(Luke 18:18-23)? Jesus did not force this young man; instead, He allowed the young
man to choose for himself. Neither did Jesus lower his standards or demands in order
to get the young man to follow Him. It is always our choice – to choose for Him or
against Him.

You should emphasize that this is an individual or personal decision. No one can
make it for another person. Although this is true, the decision to follow Jesus is often
made by a family or by a group at the same time (Acts 2:37, Acts 16:31-33). If the
family (or group) is making a decision to follow the Messiah, you will need to
determine in some way if each person is truly wanting to follow Jesus, not just follow
the group. But please remember that this is possible and a whole family might repent
and believe together.

Note: If a person is part of a group, there may be a need to indicate different ways to
safely express one’s faith in the Messiah. For some it may mean only a nod of the
head. For others a whispered word or a mark on a piece of paper can be an
alternative way to express their decision. If possible, it is always best to have an oral
expression or testimony because this serves to strengthen both the new believer and
those listening. But wherever persecution is strong a quiet “heart” decision leading into
a changed life and desire for discipleship may be all that is possible. Scripture
memory is very important to strengthen this.

Finally, a wonderful verse to use in stressing the need for the decision to repent
and believe and receive the Messiah is Revelation 3:20:

“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man will hear My voice and open the
door, I will come in and dine with him and he with Me.”

I. Praying with a person who desires to make Jesus his Lord

and Savior.

When the person is ready to repent and believe Jesus, you should help him to pray.
The first thing you must do is to help him understand what prayer is. He must know
that prayer is opening one's heart and surrendering one's needs to God. He should
understand that the language of prayer is not important to God, but the heart of the
person who is praying is important.

Encourage him to voice his own prayer, but if he is unable to do so, have him repeat
after you as you voice a prayer. Pray in short phrases and have him/her repeat aloud
after you. The prayer should be in the first person and he/she should first confess that
"I am a sinner.” Then he/she should pray "I am sorry for my sins,” “forgive me of my
sins,” "I believe that only You Jesus can forgive sin and save me,” “Lord Jesus, come
into my heart at this very moment.” This type of prayer is called "the sinner's prayer"
and should be very specific in regards to repentance and faith and inviting Jesus to
come into one’s heart. Again, please remember that the person should be encouraged
to pray his own words. However, if he/she cannot, have him repeat the sinner's prayer
in phrases after you. It is important that he hear his own voice expressing the desires
of his own heart.

Before having him pray aloud, you may want to pray for him. Ask for the help of the
Holy Spirit in leading him to Jesus. Please be sure that the person praying realizes
that he/she is not simply “reciting a prayer.” But he is praying to give his whole life to
Jesus – a very serious commitment.

J. Counseling after praying the sinner’s prayer

After the person has prayed for salvation, affirm him in his new faith and salvation.
Lead him in a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for what has happened. Help
him to strengthen his decision by asking him some questions such as:

"Are you saved?"

"How do you know?" [read to the new believer 1 John 5:13]

Jesus promised you that if you believed, you would have everlasting life.

"Did you believe?" Then Jesus says you are now His child.

John 1:12 - “Yet to all who receive Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave
the right to become children of God.”

"Did you confess your sins?" Then Jesus says they are forgiven.

1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us
our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Impress upon the new believer that, according to God's word, he/she is now like a
spiritual baby and needs spiritual food in order to grow. I Peter 2:2-3 tells us that like
newborn babies we should desire the pure milk of the word, that we might grow in our
new spiritual life if we have tasted the kindness of the Lord in His salvation.

There are four sources of good spiritual food. These sources are as follows:

• Bible study – 2 Timothy 3: 14 - 17

• Prayer – Matthew 6: 5 - 15
• Fellowship with other believers in a regular gathering if possible- Acts 2:42 –
47; Hebrews 10: 24 - 25
• Sharing one's faith with others – Acts 1:8, 4: 18 – 20; Mark 5: 19 -20

[During this introductory period, you will want to share with the new believer some
introductory discipleship materials related to these four specific areas.]
All four of these are necessary if the person is to grow into the spiritual maturity that
his Lord desires for him. Explain to the new believer that there are changes that his
Lord will want to make in his new life. Now that he is under the authority of the
Messiah, Jesus will be taking away some old habits and attitudes and developing new
ones. Explain also that God's Holy Spirit, who now lives within him, will continually
help, strengthen, and encourage him in his new life.

He is a new creature and all things have become new. You should also explain to him
the scriptural practice of baptism as a way of witness for and identification with the
Messiah in his new life as a disciple of Jesus. He should be encouraged to start
preparing himself for baptism and fellowship with other like-minded believers. This
should not be a quick process. If the new believer is the first believer from his family,
especially if he or she is still young, it may be better that he/she wait until another
family member believes before taking baptism. Also, this period of time before baptism
is an excellent time for the new disciple to learn how to walk with the Lord.

There may exist the possibility that the new believer (or small group of believers) has
no church in his local area. If this is the situation, you must give him some training as
to how to daily read and study the Bible and pray. Since you have led this new
believer to Jesus, you now have responsibility to help him begin to grow, even if there
is not a fellowship of believers close by him. You may encourage him/her to start his
own Bible group. Another possibility is to regularly visit him/her and give him study
materials. A correspondence course is an option that you may want to consider for the
new believer.

Study Questions:
What does a person need to know before he can become a believer?
What are two basic ways to open up a witnessing/spiritual conversation?
What are the four principal parts of a good testimony?
About what should you be very specific as you lead someone in the “sinner’s prayer?”
What are the four sources of good spiritual food?
 IX. Using the Scriptures to Witness
[reference may be made to Appendices D and E]

A. The Beginning Witness (Preparing the Soil and Sowing

the Seed) –

Stories from the Bible

“Chronological Storying” is a good beginning point for sharing your faith with others
and meeting people where they are. It is a wonderful way of communicating the truths
of the Bible in a non-challenging way. If you tell stories from the Word of God, prepare
your stories according to unique local needs, “heart languages” and local expectations
of how a story ought to be read or told from a sacred book.

There are many, many wonderful stories in God’s Word. Especially choose those that
honor God and show how He worked to accomplish His purpose of redemption. (See
Appendix D for a suggested list of basic stories.)
You may want to arrange your stories chronologically to lead the listener
systematically through the Bible from a beginning with God to a finished work of
sacrifice for sin in Jesus – to see the Messiah as the desired Savior, the only Savior.
Focus upon the unfolding plan of redemption by God, and include small incidents of
everyday life in Bible times that parallel our lives today.

Through these incidents and details in the stories the interest of the listeners will be
kindled as they are led through the greater story of God working out their salvation in
Jesus the Messiah. Through the stories, some listeners will open their hearts to the
Lord. During the stories many will begin to think about the issues in life they must
decide upon.

For example, do you recall the comments that we made (on page 4) about the story of
Adam and Eve? This story clearly illustrates that only one act of disobedience
separates man and woman from God forever. Also, the story of Lazarus (Luke 16:19 –
31) teaches that salvation must be obtained before death. Stories such as these also
help us to understand why we should share our faith and witness to others. [Also see
Appendix D for two examples of stories about Jesus and questions that can be used
in witnessing.]

You may tell stories to one other person or to a small Bible group. It would be best to
tell your stories in the setting of a home. Do not tell more than one story at a single
time. Tell your story and then ask questions that lead to a discussion of the major
themes of the Bible. Probably your Bible group will meet once every few days or
perhaps once a week. As the people hear and think about one story per week, the
seed (God’s Word) will begin to grow in their hearts. Give the seed plenty of time to
grow. Be patient with your listeners. You will probably know when their knowledge of
the Messiah is sufficient for them to make a decision to follow Him.

After you have shared and discussed the basic stories (Appendix D), the person may
be ready to make a decision for the Messiah. You will know when the time of harvest
has come. If so, you may use the “The Bridge” (page 27), or one of the following
methods discussed below to lead a person into a close, personal relationship with the
Lord. We will look at four different “Harvesting Methods” including “The Bridge.”

[Note: Using Both the Bible and the Quran During the Time of Preparing the Soil -

This is a controversial issue in sharing your faith with people from Muslim
backgrounds. Some believers say that you should not use the Quran while other
believers say that it can be an effective tool in witnessing. You must make your own
personal decision. If you decide to use the Quran, you will probably want to read or
quote verses that show that what you are saying from the Bible is true. Examples
might be concerning the sinless life of Jesus, or similar statements which the Bible
and the Quran both may make about such topics as heaven, hell and judgment. Be
very careful that you do not argue with your friend. Likewise, be careful that you do not
make any derogatory statements about his holy book. (Note the word about
debating/arguing on page 41.)]

B. The Witness at the Time of Decision (The Harvest) –

Using a Single Verse

Perhaps the best known verse in the entire Bible is John 3:16. In a few words it tells
the story of man's need, God's love and God's provision of salvation. This verse gives
a complete witness because in it:

1. We see a picture of God.

a. He loves mankind and does not want to punish but rather to forgive.
b. His love causes Him to reach out to man, rather than to condemn him.
c. His love provides a way of forgiveness.

2. We see a picture of the Messiah.

He is unique in that He is the only begotten Son of the Father.
He is obedient to the plan of the Father.
He gave his life as a sacrifice (substitute) for sinful man.

3. We see a picture of man.

• He is condemned to destruction because of his sin.
• He is offered eternal life because of the sacrificial death of Jesus.
• He can only receive eternal life by repenting and believing in
the Messiah.

When we use this one verse, we can explain the full plan of salvation. There are other
verses that could be used, but this is the best and most complete one.
Using Several Verses from the Same Chapter
Two excellent passages are Ephesians 2:1-10 or John 3:1-18,36. There are also other
good scriptural portions that can be used effectively. John 3:1-18,36, is a dialogue
between Jesus and Nicodemus. In their questions and answers we see God's
answers to the questions of men's hearts. Let’s study the John 3 passage.
John 3.3 gives man's great question to God, "What must I do to enter the Kingdom of
God?" This is another way of asking what we must do to have fellowship with God.
This question has been asked in some form by every person since the time of Adam,
because man was created for eternal fellowship with God.

We see God's answer to the question as Jesus tells the highly religious and
respectable Nicodemus, "You must be born again". To Nicodemus He was saying,
"Neither your good works nor your good name is enough. There must be a basic
change in your entire life, inside and out."

In John 3:4-6 we see another set of questions and answers.

In verse 4, Nicodemus asks, "How can a man be born when he is old? He is asking,
"How can he be made all over again? How can all of the bad be taken away?"
Nicodemus had probably tried to change many times but had always failed. Man is not
strong enough within himself to always do right.

Jesus' answer to this question means, "It is impossible for man, but God can do it.
Unless a man is born of both water and Spirit he cannot enter into God's kingdom."
Every man is born of water from his mother (when the water in the womb breaks at
the time of birth), but he must also be born by the Spirit of God.

In John 3:16 we do not see a question, but rather the first of two divine alternatives.
The first alternative is God's provision of eternal life, motivated by His unlimited love,
purchased by the sacrifice of His only Son. This is the only way that a person can be
born again. This is God's way. Man is already condemned by his sins and faces
eternal judgment in hell. But God has given him an alternative: repent, believe and
live; surrender your life to the Messiah and He (by His death) will pay your penalty.

In John 3:36 we see the second alternative. First Jesus repeats, "He who believes in
the Son has (already has) eternal life." This life cannot be taken away; it is eternal.
God promised, God purchased, and God protects this life. Then he gives the
alternative, "He who does not believe, the wrath of God abides on him." [The root of
all sins is unbelief toward Jesus and this unbelief separates us from holy God.]

How can we describe the wrath of the Almighty God upon those who reject so great a
gift and so great a love? In rejecting God's love, men choose not to separate
themselves from their sins. Consequently, they face God's wrath upon sin along with
satan and his followers, forever. Hell is the place of God's wrath. It is described as a
place of eternal fire, darkness, separation, and torment.

We can confront the person to whom we are witnessing with the question, "Which
alternative will you choose? Choose Jesus and live."
Using Verses from One Book of the Bible.
Several books could be used as an example, but the most often used is the Epistle to
the Romans. The following verses are sometimes called the "Roman Road." Let’s look
at five key passages on the “Roman Road.”

1. Romans 3:23 tells us that all men are sinners. This verse can be used together
with Romans 3:10-12 for emphasis. From this verse we can picture the sinner in two
ways:

The first picture is of an archer shooting his arrows at a target, but they always
fall short of the target. The second picture is of a student taking a test, but his
grade is below the passing mark.

Romans 3:23 teaches us that our lives do not reach the standard which God
has set for those who enter His Kingdom. Remember that God is a holy God.

2. Romans 6:23 states three truths:

First, the penalty for sin is death. This is the law of God. Just as man has laws,
so does God.

Note that the word "sin" is singular, not plural. Thus one sin brings death. This
death is not the physical death all men face. Rather it is spiritual death and the
judgment and wrath which falls on all sin. It means hell.

Second, God offers a gift of eternal life. This gift is not earned by anything the
person can do. It is offered to all sinners regardless of their nationality,
education, sex, or economic condition. The gift is in the possession of God the
Giver, and it must be received. Only when it is received does it become the
possession of the sinner and brings him eternal life.

Third, this gift is given through the person of Jesus the Messiah. It is because
of Jesus coming from Heaven and living among men, His sinless life and His
sacrificial death on the cross that the gift was purchased. In order to accept
this gift of eternal life that God is offering, the sinner must repent and believe
and receive Jesus into his life.

3. Romans 5:8 states that God's motivation for offering this great gift of eternal life is
love. God loved man when man was still in his sin and was an enemy to God. Man
can only receive this gift as a sinner. No person is worthy of God's love or can ever
make himself worthy. We are saved only by the grace of God.

4. Romans 10:9-10 explains the way this gift of eternal life is received. There are two
steps.

Step # 1 - "Confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord." In so doing a person confesses
his own failures and sins as he confesses the ability of Jesus to save him. When he
confesses Jesus as Lord, he makes the Messiah the master of his life and the owner
of all his possessions and abilities.

Step # 2 - "Believe in your heart that God raised the Messiah from the dead." This
belief is not just mental agreement. It is complete commitment of one's life to Jesus
the Messiah. If God raised Jesus from death and the grave, He can raise me from the
death brought about by my sins. This belief must come from the depth of a person's
being. It affects all he is and everything he does.

5. Romans 10:13 repeats the promise and calls the sinner to action. God, who is the
Creator of all men, also wants to be the Savior of all men. Thus He invites everyone
to call on Him for salvation.

6.Finally, man's action is to call upon the Lord. God's action is to save. God is willing
and able to save each person, but He waits for man to desire His salvation and
fellowship. He waits for man’s call.

Study Questions:
1. What types of stories should you choose as you witness?
2. How many stories should you tell each week?
3. What three pictures can you see in John 3:16?
4. What do the words (of John 3:5) “born of water” mean?
5. In Romans 10:9-10, explain the two steps to receive eternal life.

Using "The Bridge"

Many people understand something better if they can see a picture. Also, it is good to
give something to the person to whom you are witnessing. Then he can take home
with him a reminder of your conversation and a reference to help him remember what
you said. An illustration used many places in the world is the picture of "The Bridge."

First, take a piece of blank paper and fold it in half. Fold the center again, making a
second fold about five centimeters wide. Fold the paper again making it into a square.
Now unfold the paper and refold it making the two folds nearest the center into a pleat,
then making the paper into a square.

When you witness to a friend using “The Bridge,” all you will need will be your Bible
and a piece of paper (about the size of a business letter). First fold the paper as we
explained above, then tell your friend that you would like to share a story about God
and His purpose and plan here on this earth. You will want to practice drawing the
bridge and telling the story several times before you actually use it in a witnessing
situation. You may first practice with believing family or friends, as you like. Try to
closely follow the story as it is outlined below and do not stray to other topics. Also,
read the verses unless you are sure you can accurately quote them – without any
mistakes. God’s Word must be accurately quoted.

As we stated above, “The Bridge” should normally not be used as an introductory

instrument. It will be much better to share stories [Appendix D] with your friend and
then present “The Bridge” to him later after he has developed some knowledge of who
Jesus is. By this time, possibly several weeks or months may have passed in your
relationship with this person. Since you have prepared the soil and sown the seed
(God’s Word) in his or her heart, this seed has had time to grow. You have been doing
the work of a farmer. Now, “The Bridge” or one of the other methods may be used at
a time of harvesting. [Ecclesiastes 11:1; Isaiah 55: 10 – 11; Luke 8: 15; 1 Corinthians
3:6]
 The Bridge

Man A BRIGDE MADE POSSIBLE GOD

Selfish Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21 Holy

Sinful 1. Jesus is without sin. All-powerful
Disobedient 2. Jesus became our sin… Righteous
3. that we might become righteous Eternal
Love

THE SACRIFICIAL DEATH

ETERNAL DEATH OF THE MESSIAH ETERNAL LIFE

Rom. 3:23 Sin Eph. 2:8, 9 John 14:6 John 5:24

Eph. 2:2,3 Under the -Religion Acts 4:12 1. Has Eternal Life
power of satan -Good Deeds Acts 3:19-20 2. No Judgment
Heb. 9:27 Judgment - Morality 3. Crossed from
-Philosophy Death into Life

Rom.6:23 Spiritual Death

HELL
Rev. 21:8 Rev. 3: 20

You may wish to refer to Appendix D (Basic Stories) or Appendix E (The Biblical Basis
for sharing the Gospel) for a listing of pertinent stories, Scriptures and questions that
you may use as you witness.
 The Story of the Bridge

A. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In the beginning
God already was. He has always existed – for all eternity.

As you begin, write the word "God" in large print in the center of the squarely folded
paper. Make a line at the bottom of the page.

Ask the person "What are some characteristics of God?"

Then, under the name "God" and above the line, write five words which describe
Him - "holy, all-powerful, righteous, eternal, love."

B. Open the paper so that the top part opposite "God" is visible. Here draw a stick
figure of a man and the ground for him to stand on. The line depicting the ground
connects with the line you have already drawn under "God" and the words describing
Him. Above the stick-figure man and opposite the word “God” write the word “Man.”

Explain that because of His love, God created man as an object of His life. After He
created man, He fellowshipped with him. All was at peace. Adam and Eve and God
had a good relationship. [Our relationship with God must be on His terms.] Then man
sinned against God as he tried to make himself equal with God and the relationship
was ruined and broken.

As you say this, pull the paper apart (the whole paper will now show) and you shall
clearly see the separation between God and man.

C. Now say, "You see that the line which had joined God and man has been broken.
This shows the separation which was caused by man's sin."

Attached to the ends of the horizontal lines, draw straight lines toward the bottom of
the page connecting them horizontally near the bottom, thus making a chasm. Write
"eternal death" just below the horizontal line under the man. Then write "hell" at the
bottom of the chasm. Beneath the word “hell,” write the scripture reference Revelation
21:8, then read it aloud: "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers,
the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars- their
place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

Say, "We still have God, and we still have man, but man has been changed by his sin.
There is no longer peace in the earth that God created, because the sin that man
brought has affected all of creation. Now, let us list some typical characteristics of
man." Just under the word “Man” and above the stick-figure man, write some
characteristics of man such as, "selfish, sinful, disobedient.”

D. Under the words "eternal death," write four scripture references. These tell the
results of man's sin and separation from God. If possible, ask your friend to read the
verses aloud:

Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Write the word "sin" next to Romans 3:23 as you explain the verse.
(Several words are used in the Bible to define “sin.” See Appendix A.)
Ephesians 2:2-3: “…..you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the
kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us
also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and
following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.”
Write "under the power of satan" next to Ephesians 2:2-3 as you explain the verse.

Hebrews 9:27: “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
Write the word "judgment" next to "Hebrews 9:27" as you explain the verse. [God
pronounces judgment upon all sin which cannot be hidden from His sight nor kept
from His knowledge. God’s judgment and punishment is fair and consistent for all.
Sinners cannot escape.]

Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in the
Messiah Jesus our Lord.” Write the words "spiritual death" next to Romans 6:23 as
you explain the verse.

E. Say, "Let us look at man's attempt to restore this fellowship and to reach
God. Man has tried to build bridges to reach God." He has tried to build
many kinds of bridges but let us look at four basic kinds.

• The first bridge he has tried to build is religion. However, no man ever fulfills all the
demands of his own religion. Besides, religions designed by man cannot satisfy
the demands of a Holy God.

Draw a line a short distance out from the bank of the chasm and write the word
"religion".

• The second bridge by which man has tried to reach God is good works, or good
deeds. Man thinks that perhaps he can please God by doing good things for his
fellowman. And then he hopes that these good works will restore his relationship
with God. However, good works cannot take away past sins. All sin is against God.

Draw another short line out from the bank and write "good deeds."

• The third bridge is closely related to good deeds. It is a good life or morality. Again
the person will fail, because no one can continually do good in his own strength.
Satan, man's enemy, is too strong and his temptations are too irresistible. So even
though living a good life might last for some time, man will eventually fail again.

Ask the question, "Can dirty water be made clean by adding clear water to it?" Of
course it cannot. After the person to whom you are witnessing responds, explain,
"Neither can sin be cleansed by simply adding goodness."

Draw another short line out from the bank and write "morality."

• The fourth bridge man has tried to build to reach God is philosophy, or through his
intellect. He tries to understand God from afar. In so doing, he often convinces
himself that he can approach God by his own power and wisdom. This cannot be
done, because God is too great to be understood by the mind of man. What we
know of God, He Himself has revealed to us through His Word. The complete
 revelation of God is in His Son, Jesus the Messiah.

Draw another line from the bank and write the word " philosophy".

Now, say to your friend, "Listen to the Word of God concerning all of man's
attempts to cross the chasm in his own power."

Write the reference, Ephesians 2:8-9, above the word “religion,” then read it:

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it
is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast."

At this point, you may ask your friend, "What does God's Word say about man's
attempt?”

Now have the person to whom you are witnessing look again at the characteristics of
God. God is holy; God is righteous; God is love. God did not love man any less
because man sinned. And God desired to restore the broken relationship. He
continued to love man, and because of that love He reached down to provide the way
of restoration. God did for man what man could not do for himself. God Himself
bridged the chasm so that man could be united with Him in a wonderful relationship as
He originally intended.

In Romans 5:8 we read how God demonstrated His love for us:

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, the
Messiah died for us.”

Then in 2 Corinthians 5:21 we read:

"God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might
become the righteousness of God."

Between the words “GOD” and “MAN,” at the top center of the paper write the words
"A BRIDGE MADE POSSIBLE." Under that write the references, "Romans 5:8" and
"2 Corinthians 5:21". Under the references write:

1. Jesus is without sin

2. Jesus became our sin….
3. That we might become righteous.

H. Connect the two sides of the chasm by drawing a bridge between them. Write
in bold letters the words “THE SACRIFICIAL DEATH (above the line) OF
THE MESSIAH (below the line).” Explain the meaning of this bridge that you
have just drawn.

Next, on the right side of the chasm, across from the reference “Ephesians
2: 8 –9” write John “14:6" and quote to your friend,
 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through Me.”

Under the verse "John 14:6" write "Acts 4:12" and, if possible, quote:

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to
men by which we must be saved."

Next, under “Acts 4:12” write “Acts 3:19-20” and read:

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of
refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Messiah, who has
been appointed for you- even Jesus.”

On the right side of the bridge, under the horizontal line, write the words "eternal
life." Then write "John 5:24" and read the verse.

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has
eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." [Note:
he has crossed over the bridge!]

As you talk with the person emphasize the following three facts and write them under
"John 5:24." He who believes:

1. He has eternal life.

2. He will not be judged (condemned)
3. He has crossed from death to life.

J. Finally, write "Revelation 3:20", which is Jesus' invitation:

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the
door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me."

This is the voice of Jesus speaking to the hearts of men. Assure the person to
whom you are talking that the Messiah wants to come into his life and give him
eternal life, thus restoring his fellowship with God. At this moment, give him an
opportunity to repent, trust Jesus and receive Him. If he so desires to do this,
then you will want to pray with him and counsel with him according to previous
instructions (see VIII.H.,I.,J., on pages 18 -21).
 X. A Strange Thing

In Mark 1:40-45 we read about a man who was healed by Jesus of leprosy, a disease
that would eventually bring death. Although Jesus commanded him to tell no one, he
began telling everyone he met.

Why did he disobey the one who had saved his life, who had given him a new life and
hope? Yet, the fact that he did is not so strange. Maybe he was just so excited about
what had happened that he could not be quiet. On the other hand, it is a strange thing
that we who have been healed from a far greater disease, the disease of sin, which
brings eternal death, say so little. We who have been commanded by Jesus to tell all
men everywhere are sometimes silent. Why is it?
As Jesus commanded His first disciples to go into all the world and be His witnesses,
He commands us now to go and continue His work until all men have the opportunity
to hear and believe in Him.
 Appendix A – Sin and Sacrifice
Several words in the Bible are translated by the word “sin.” Sin may be defined as
willful disobedience of God or as rebellion against God or as “going astray” or as
“missing the mark” or as “falling short of the target” (see page 18). Sin may be viewed
in terms of causing “impurity” in the sinner and thus is an offense against a holy and
pure God, breaking the relationship between Him and man. Sin is against God. David
said in Psalm 51:4 – “Against You, You only have I sinned…” The sinful nature [which
we have all inherited] is the root of all sin. Only the blood of Jesus “purifies” from sin.
A non-believer is already under God’s condemnation for sin. Jesus will forgive any
man’s sin who comes to Him in faith (1 John 2:2).

In the beginning man and woman were made without sin and in the image of God.
That image was marred by sin that led to a break in fellowship. God provided a way
for people to temporarily cover their sin in their worship. This was by the blood of an
animal without blemish. God must be the One to cover our sin, we cannot do it.

In the days of Moses, God had given the command to bring an animal without blemish
(a perfect animal) and have the priest to sprinkle its blood on the altar to cover a
person’s sin. God allowed the blood to provide a temporary covering for sin. Each
year the high priest had to make a special sacrifice and sprinkle animal blood on the
altar in the most holy place for the sins of all the people. But these sacrifices had to be
repeated over and over. They were not permanent. As you know in your own culture
and in many cultures around the world today, there is the practice of sacrifice. Man
has always sensed the deep need to shed blood (usually the blood of a sacrificed
animal) as he deals with the spirits and gods of his world, or to Allah.

Because of the people’s sin God’s face was hidden from them. This meant that He did
not hear their prayers and did not bless them. God sent prophets to warn the people
to turn from their sin and seek His forgiveness. But they could not save themselves
from God’s wrath. What could the people do? Nothing! Only God could provide
cleansing from sin. And since people were sinful, they could not enter the presence of
the holy, sinless God. Thus, a priest was needed to go between the people and God.
But in that day even the priests had become corrupt and sinful. God must also provide
the sinless priest and the sufficient sacrifice. Without God’s help people cannot save
themselves from His wrath and punishment for sin.

In summary, God sees and knows all about sin. All sin is judged by God and the
sinner is pronounced guilty. Sin must be punished. The animal serves as the
temporary substitute but it can never be effective as it is not the same flesh as the
sinner. No, what is required is a perfect (sinless) substitute sacrifice of the same flesh
– a person. Then the sacrifice will be effective. Because God is gracious He provides
a means to escape His judgment, but this requires faith in Him. God hates sin but He
loves the sinner. By His grace a way of escape from the penalty of sin and judgment is
provided – through the Messiah.

Note on the word “Sacrifice”:

In the Old Testament there was a requirement for a sacrifice to cover sin. Some
thought that by offering various sacrifices one could appease the “gods” or secure
blessings and help in times of need. But God desired faith and obedience more than
He desired the sacrifice (please read 1 Samuel 15:22).
 Appendix B – Biblical Truths for Salvation

God is Creator of man and woman. He created them in His image. All people are
accountable to Him.

God is Sovereign (see note #1 below) in His absolute power and knowledge. He
knows and sees all that men and women think in their hearts and do.

God is the true Provider (Source) of all blessings – love, mercy, forgiveness, peace,
all one’s physical needs and even salvation.

Because any sin breaks the relationship with Him, God condemns all sin and judges it
while continuing to love the sinner.

God alone can forgive the sinner and provide the means to restore the relationship
with Him. Jesus, the Anointed One sent from God the Father, is the only acceptable
sacrifice for sin.[see note # 2 below]

One may have this restored (right or blessed) relationship by accepting what God has
done for all men and women. This is done by seeking God’s forgiveness, believing
that Jesus is the One sent from God to suffer and die for sin, and that His shed blood
is adequate sacrifice for all sin for all time.

Note # 1: The fact that God is “Sovereign” means that He rules over all and is above
all. His sovereignty means that He can act as He wills without any outside counsel or
permission. His sovereignty must be viewed as His power to act as He wills in keeping
with His own laws and according to His nature as righteousness and love. Through
the Messiah all evil will one day be defeated. Satan and his demons are already
judged. They are awaiting eternal punishment. In the Messiah there is victory, peace
and release from fear of evil spirits.

Note # 2: The phrase “Anointed One,” or, “Promised One,” refers to Jesus as the
Promised One of God (from Genesis 3:15 onwards) who will restore the broken
relationship and bless all peoples who look to Him. The Promised One becomes the
Anointed One or the Messiah. “Jesus” as a name is not used until given to Mary by
the angel. [The Anointed One is translated “Messiah” in Hebrew and “Christ” in
Greek.]
 Appendix C - The True High Priest
[The following story is taken mainly from Genesis 14: 1 – 20, Psalm 110:4, Hebrews
5:1 – 10, 7:1 – 28, 8:1 – 2, 9:11 – 15]

It happened during the days of Abraham that his nephew Lot and his family were
taken as hostage by foreign kings. Abraham took some of his servants and freed his
relatives. Upon returning home Abraham was met by the mysterious Melchizedek who
was king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. He blessed Abraham in the name
of God Most High and accepted an offering from Him. Many years later the psalmist
wrote that a priest was coming one day who would be like Melchizedek. Over the
years the priests who were descended from Moses’ brother Aaron fell into sin and
even led the people to sin. Their sacrifices had to be repeated over and over again
and were only a reminder of the better sacrifice that was needed. In the days of Jesus,
the high priest had even become a political office and those who served did not even
believe in the resurrection of the dead. So a new and better high priest was needed.

On the night before Jesus was crucified He told His disciples at their Passover meal
together that the bread which He broke was His body which was given for them. And
the cup filled with drink represented the new covenant in Jesus’ own blood that was
being poured out for believers. On that same night Jesus told the disciples that He
must go away to prepare a place for them in the house of His Father. After His death
and resurrection Jesus said that He must return to His Father. And so He did return to
heaven as His followers watched from a hillside near Jerusalem.

Later God inspired one of the prophets to write about what happened and to record
the words in a letter we know today as “Hebrews.” It was written to new believers who
were in danger of returning to their former beliefs and religious ceremonies. It was to
prove that Jesus alone is the True High Priest who returned to the Father and took His
place at the Father’s right hand. It was Jesus alone who entered the heavenly
tabernacle as our High Priest. He did not enter with the blood of animals, but He
entered the Most Holy Place with His own blood and obtained salvation and
forgiveness of sin for all those who believe. So believers have been made holy
through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus the Messiah. There is no longer any
sacrifice needed for sin. We must accept what God the Father, through Jesus, has
done for us.

So by this shedding of His own blood, Jesus is the mediator (priest) of the new
covenant between God and man. There is no other mediator, no other true high priest
to help us. And from His place at the right hand of the Father, Jesus makes
intercession for all those who believe in Him.
 Appendix D - Basic Stories

Basic stories are those central Bible stories, which teach the essential Bible truth
about God, man, sin and salvation through faith in Jesus. Most of these stories would
be in all chronological presentations of the story of salvation.

The stories are chosen according to the essential truths, which must be understood in
order for a person to recognize his sinfulness before a righteous God. And here are
the essential truths (see also Appendix B):

• That sin in whatever form separates man from God

• That man cannot atone for sin by any works of his own
• That God has provided the only effective sacrifice for sin in the sinless death of
the Son Jesus
• That God accepted the death of Jesus in behalf of sinful and lost man
• That God raised Jesus to everlasting life as the firstfruit of the resurrection.

This series of stories closes with the understanding that man can receive this
salvation by repenting and believing on Jesus as the one sent from God who died in
man’s place. He believes that Jesus will raise him up again to everlasting life.

List of basic stories:

No. Story Title References

1 Creation of the world Genesis 1:1-25, 30, 2:19; Psalm 19:1-6, 33:6-7
2 Creation of man Genesis 1:26-29, 2:4-9, 15-25, 3:20
Genesis 2:17, 3:1-13; 2 Corinthians 11:3;
3 The first sin and judgment 1 Timothy 2:14; James 1:13-15
Genesis 3:14-24; Psalm 62:12, 66:18; Proverbs
4 Judgement of a sinful world 24:12; Isaiah 59:2, 64:2
5 God’s promise to Abraham Genesis 11:24- 12:20, 15:1-7, 18:1-15
God provided the substitute
6 sacrifice for Isaac Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:17-18
The Passover – the blood and the
7 lamb Exodus 12:1 – 14:31; Psalm 105:36-39
God gives His holy law – The Ten Exodus 20:1-17, 21:1-23:18, 22:16-17; Leviticus
8 Commandments 19:1-37, 25:18-19
The Sacrificial System – shedding
9 of sacrificial blood to cover sin Leviticus 4 and 16; Exodus 34:25
The Prophets’ message and
promise of a Redeemer who would Isaiah 61:1, 52:13- 53:12; John the Baptist –
10 suffer for man Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1, 4:5-6
11 Offspring of a Gal. 4:4; Luke
Gen. 3:15 Woman 2:7; Rev. 12:5
Acts 3:25;
Offspring of Matt. 1:1;
Gen. 18:18 Abraham Luke 3:34
Gen. 17:19 Offspring of Isaac Matt. 1:2
Numbers Offspring of
Birth of Jesus according to 24:17 Jacob Luke 3:34
prophecy Descendant from
the Tribe of
Gen. 49:10 Judah Luke 3:33
Heir to the throne Matt. 1:1;
Isaiah 9:7 of David Luke 1:32-23
 Micah 5:2 Place of Birth Matt. 2:1
Daniel 9:25 Time of Birth Matt. 2:1-2
Matt. 1:18;
Isaiah 7:14 Born of a Virgin Luke 1:26-35
Baptism of Jesus – “Behold the
12 Lamb” Matthew 1:29-36, Matthew 3:11-17
Jesus and Nicodemus – You must
13 be born again John 3:1-21
Jesus has authority to forgive sin –
14 paralyzed man and four friends Mark 2:1-12
Jesus has power over nature –
15 calms the sea Mark 4:35-41
Jesus has authority over demons –
16 Gadarene Demoniac Mark 5:1-20
Jesus and the resurrection – Jesus
17 raises Lazarus to life John 11:1-44
18 Abraham, Lazarus and the rich man Luke 16:19-31
The Last Supper – “This is my
19 broken body and blood shed for..” Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26
Jesus is betrayed, arrested, falsely
accused, tried and sentenced to
20 death Mark 14:32 – 15:20
21 The death of Jesus. “It is finished.” Mark 15:21 – 41; John 19: 17 – 31
The resurrection and appearances Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12;
22 to disciples and followers John 20 – 21; Acts 1:1-11
Jesus returns to the Father; the
23 Ascension Luke 24:36 – 53; Acts 1:1-11
Jesus the true High Priest, an
advocate before the Father making
24 intercession for the believer’s sins Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 8-9; Romans 8:26,34
Return of Jesus to receive believers
to Himself, to judge and punish
unbelievers, satan and evil spirits
thus fulfilling all promises and
25 prophecies I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 20:1-15

Two Sample Stories about Jesus

Jesus is Lord over Evil Spirits

Mark 1: 21 – 28, 5:1 –20

It happened one Sabbath when Jesus was in the city of Capernaum that He went into
the synagogue and began to teach the people. The people were amazed at His
teaching, because He taught as one who had great authority and not like their
religious teachers.

Just then a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out,
“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know
who you are- the Holy One come from God!”

“Be quiet!” Jesus sternly commanded the spirit, “Come out of the man!” The evil spirit
began to shake the man violently and then came out of him with a loud shriek.

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new
teaching- and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey Him.”
So news about Jesus quickly spread over the whole region of Galilee.

At other times Jesus drove out many demons, but He would not let the demons speak
because they knew who He was. Whenever the evil spirits saw Jesus, they fell down
before Him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” Each time Jesus gave them strict
orders not to tell anyone who He was.

So it happened one day Jesus and the disciples had crossed the lake. As Jesus
stepped ashore He was met by a demon-possessed man from a nearby town. For a
long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived among the
graves.

When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at Jesus’ feet, shouting at the top of his
voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t
torture me!” For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many
times the spirit had seized the man, and though he was chained hand and foot and
kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon to live
alone.

Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons lived in the man. (The word “Legion”
meant a group of 1000 Roman soldiers.) And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to
order them into the Abyss (see Revelation 20:3). A large herd of pigs was feeding on
a nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them enter the pigs. So Jesus
gave the spirits permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into
the pigs, and the whole herd of pigs rushed down the steep bank into the lake and
was drowned.

The pig-keepers went to tell the owners what had happened. The people were afraid
of Jesus so they asked Him to leave that place. But the man who had been possessed
of demons was now sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind. He
begged Jesus to let him go with him. But Jesus said, “Return to your home and tell
your family how much God has done for you.” At once, the man went away and began
to tell everyone how much Jesus had done for him.

Typical questions to ask your listeners:

1. What do people do to break the power of an evil spirit?

2. The man with the evil spirit in the synagogue began to call out to Jesus. What
did the spirit cry out?
3. Did the spirit know who Jesus was?
4. What did the people say when they saw what happened?
5. Why do you think Jesus commanded the spirits to be quiet?
6. Why did the man with many evil spirits begin to cry out to Jesus?
7. When the owners of the pigs learned what had happened, were they pleased?
8. What happened to the man who had been possessed?
9. What did Jesus tell the man to do?
 Jesus and the Woman of Samaria
John 4: 1 – 42

Some religious leaders created a disturbance saying that Jesus was gaining more
disciples than John the Baptizer. When Jesus heard about this He left Judea and went
back once more to Galilee. The shortest route from Judea to Galilee was through
Samaria. Most Jews avoided going through Samaria because they disliked the
Samaritans. Along the way Jesus and His disciples came to a town called Sychar near
where Jacob had lived and had given a piece of land to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well
was there. Jesus was tired from His journey and about midday sat down by the well to
rest.

A Samaritan woman came to get water from the well. When she drew near, Jesus
asked her, “Will you give Me a drink?” The woman was astonished and said, “You are
a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” Jesus
answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is asking you for a drink, you
would have asked Him instead. He would have given you living water.”

“But, sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing by which to draw water and the well is
deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who
gave us this well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and
herds?”

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But whoever
drinks the water I give him will never thirst. For the water I give him will become in him
a spring of water bubbling up to eternal life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me
some of this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw
water.”
So Jesus told her, “Go call your husband and come back.” But the woman said, “I
have no husband.” “You have answered truthfully,” Jesus said, “for you have had five
husbands and the man you now live with is not your husband.” The woman was
astonished and said, “I can see that you are a prophet!” But quickly she challenged
Him by saying, “Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the
place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."

Then Jesus declared, “Believe Me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship
neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans don’t know what you
worship, we worship what we do know. Salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is
coming when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. These are the
kinds of worshippers the Father seeks.” The woman said, I know that the Messiah (the
Anointed One) is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” Then
Jesus declared, “I am the Messiah.”

The woman left her water jar and ran back to town to tell the people, “Come see a
man who told me everything I ever did. Could he be the Messiah?” So people came
out of the town to see Jesus and begged Him to stay with them a few days. Many of
the Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony.
And some said, “We have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the
Savior of the world.”
 Typical questions to ask your listeners:

1. What does the fact that the woman came to the well alone and at midday tell
2. you about her relationships in the village?
3. How did Jesus begin a conversation with the woman?
4. Why would it be important to start the conversation naturally?
5. How did Jesus get her attention and keep it?
6. Why did the woman try to change the subject?
7. How did Jesus keep the conversation from turning into a debate on religion?
8. What did the woman do? What did she say?
9. Why did the people go to see Jesus? What caused them to first believe in Him?
10. After they met Jesus, what changed about their belief?
11. What was effective about this woman’s testimony?
12. What did you learn from Jesus’ approach?

Note: Many witness encounters with non-believers result in a debate. The believer
should avoid if possible debating with his/her friend. Once a debate has started,
meaningful dialogue stops because the main purpose is to win the argument. Help the
new believer to see that Jesus did not debate and He resisted the attempts by others
to start debates. The Samaritan woman is a perfect example of how He kept to the
main issue and kept the conversation personal. Encourage the new believer to follow
Jesus’ example.

In witnessing to women, one should remember that a woman usually lives in the world
of “relationships.” These arise out of her family life and the relationships with family
members. A woman’s image of God is typically that of a distant unapproachable being
and not that of a loving and caring father. It is essential to establish the basis for a
relationship through Jesus as a type of “substitute male protector” that her identity
may be culturally embedded in. And a woman may be more likely to become devoted
to some “god” in gratitude for a favor granted or prayer answered. She responds
gratefully and generously as she is able. Often the man’s devotion is because of
doctrine or religious duty requirements. This may be true in your local area.
 Appendix E – The Biblical Basis for Sharing the Gospel

Genesis 3:1 – 24
• How many times did Adam and Eve disobey God?
• What were the consequences of their actions?
• What happened to their relationship with God?
• Did they get to return to the garden?

Matthew 28: 19 –20

• What is the believer commanded to do?
• What is the promise given to the believer who carries out this commandment?
• What is the difference between a command and a request?
• How do these verses apply to the believer today?

Luke 16: 19 –31

• What happens to the person who wants to believe in Jesus after death?
• What is between heaven and hell?
• What happens if a person who has died wants to tell family members about Jesus?

John 1: 12
• When we pray to receive Jesus, what right is given to us?

John 3:16
• How does one obtain eternal life?
• Why did God give His only Son?

John 3:36
• What happens to the person who believes in Jesus?
• What happens to the person who does not believe in Jesus?

John 14:6
• How many pathways are there to God?

Acts 3:19 – 20
• When we repent and turn to God, what happens to our sins?
• Who has been appointed for us?

Acts 4:10 - 12
• How many ways of salvation do we find in these verses?

Romans 1:18 – 23
• Will God accept someone who says, “I did not know”?
• What does this passage teach about mankind’s relationship with God?

Romans 3:23
• Is there anyone who is without sin?
• According to this verse I am…..
Romans 5:8
• How does God demonstrate His love for us?
• Why did the Messiah die?

Romans 5:12
• How did sin enter the world?
• What were the consequences for me and my family?

Romans 6:23
• What are the wages of sin?
• Explain the phrase, “free gift of God.”

Romans 10:9 – 15
• How does one become saved?
• Is salvation refused to anyone who asks for it?
• Explain verse 14.

Ephesians 2:8 – 9
• Can a person earn salvation by doing good works?
• How can a person have eternal life?

Hebrews 9:27
• What comes after death for every person?

Revelation 3:20
• What is Jesus doing? Why?
• Who must open the door?
• What happens when the door is opened?
• If someone refuses to open the door, what happens?

Revelation 20:11 – 15
• Describe the scene.
• What happened to those whose names were not in the Book of Life?
• Did anyone escape?
• Based on what you have already studied, how does your name get into the Book
of Life?
 Appendix F – The Characteristics of GOD

1. Allah is one God. (Deuteronomy 6:4)

• He always acts in harmony with His Spirit and the Word. (John 1:1; John 5:16-30)
• He is an eternal Spirit who never changes. (Psalm 90:2, 102:27; John 4:24;
Hebrews 9:14)

2. Allah is Creator and a communicating and loving God.(Genesis 1-2, 1 John 4:

8,16; Colossians 1:16; Genesis 14:22)
• He made all things and is all-powerful. Nothing is impossible for Him to do. (Psalm
24:1; Rev. 4:11; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; 33:2)
• He made man and desires to communicate with him. (Genesis 2:4-25, Psalm
139:13)
• He sees and knows every thought of man, every intention of man’s heart and
every act of man. (Genesis 16:13; Psalm 139:1-4; Psalm 147:5; Proverbs 15:3)
• He provides for all of man’s needs to show His love for man. (Genesis 22:14;
Psalm 23, Psalm 145:15; Philippians 4:19)

3. Allah is a holy and righteous God.

• He is holy. He is pure. There is no wrong or unrighteousness in Him. (Exodus 19:6;
Leviticus 11:44,45; 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15)
• He always does what is right and just. (Psalm 18:30; Psalm145:17)
• He hates sin and judges all sin. He wants to cleanse and forgive all who will turn
from their sin and obey what He says to do. (Psalm 51:1,2; 1 John 1:9, 1 John 3:1)
• His holy nature demands that all sin be punished. (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 9:8)
• Man is accountable to Allah and cannot escape Allah’s judgment by his own
works. (Romans 14:12; Titus 3:5,6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 4:1-8; Psalm 32:1,2)

4.Allah is Sovereign Ruler. (1 Samuel 14:5;Isaiah 45:9-19; Romans 8:18-39)

• He has given all judgment to the Righteous Judge. (John 5:22)
• He has anointed One to rule over man in God’s kingdom. ( Colossians 1:15-20)
• He must be the One to provide an acceptable sacrifice for sin, the sinless Lamb
from God. (Genesis 22:14; John 1:29-36; Hebrews 10:8-10; Revelation 5:6,12,13)
• All Allah’s work brings glory and honor to His Name. (Isaiah 6:3; Exodus
15:11)

5. Allah always keeps His Word.

• Whatever Allah says, He will do, even if a long time passes before it happens. He
is always faithful to keep His promises. (Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:5-9)
• Allah can be known through His revealed Word. (John 1:14; John 5:39,40)
• Man can have assurance of his relationship with Allah through the written Word
and the revealed Word. (1 John 5:10-13; John 10:27,28;John 20:31)
 Appendix G – Characteristics of an Effective Witness

1. He has had a genuine salvation experience.

2. He is totally committed to Jesus the Messiah.
3. He is assured of his salvation (1 John 2:3, 3:9, 3:14, 4:13, 5:1, 5:13).
4. He lives a pure life with the Holy Spirit in control.
5. He has a consistent prayer life.
6. He is convinced that, without the Messiah, a person is lost.
7. He has a compassion for people.
8. He has knowledge of Scriptures that can be used in witnessing.
9. He is patient and persistent in the task of witnessing.
10. He has courage – a holy boldness.
11. He is willing to make a sacrifice of personal convenience in order to share his
faith with another person.
12. He is willing to learn how to be a better witness for the Messiah.
 Appendix H - Prophecies of the Messiah

Old Testament Prophecy New Testament

Theme Fulfillment
Genesis 3:15 Offspring of a Woman Galatians 4:4
Promised Offspring of
Genesis 12:3, 18:18 Abraham Matthew 1:1, Acts 3:25
Genesis 17:19 Promised Offspring of Isaac Matthew 1:2, Luke 3:34
Numbers 24:17 Promised Offspring of Jacob Matthew 1:2, Luke 3:34
Will Descend from Tribe of Matthew 1:2-3, Luke
Genesis 49:10 Judah 3:33
Isaiah 9:7, Jeremiah 23:5 Heir to the Throne of David Matt. 1:1, Luke 1:32-33
Micah 5:2 Place of Birth Matt.2:1, Luke 2:4 – 7
Daniel 9: 25 Time of Birth Luke 2:1 – 7
Matt.1:18, Luke 1:26 –
Isaiah 7:14 Born of a Virgin 35
Jeremiah 31:15 Slaughter of infants Matthew 2:16
Hosea 11:1 Escape into Egypt Matthew 2:14
Isaiah 9:1-2 Ministry in Galilee Matthew 4:12-16
Deuteronomy 18:15 A Prophet , like Moses John 6:14
Psalm 110:4 A Priest, Like Melchizedek Hebrews 6:20
Isaiah 53:3 Rejected by Jews John 1:11
Isaiah 11:2 Characteristics Luke 2:52
Zechariah 9:9 His triumphal entry John 12:13-14
Psalm 41:9 Betrayed by a friend Mark 14:10
Zechariah 11:12 Sold for 30 pieces of silver Matthew 26:15
Money returned for a potter’s
Zechariah 11:13 field Matthew 27:6-7
Psalm 109:7 Judas Commits Suicide Matthew 27:3-5
Psalm 27:12 False witnesses accuse him Matthew 26:60-61
Isaiah 53:5 Silent when accused Matthew 26:62-63
Isaiah 50:6 Struck and spit upon Mark 14:65
Psalm 69:4 Hated without a cause John 15:23-25
Isaiah 53:4 Suffered vicariously Mathew 8:16-17
Isaiah 53:12 Crucified with sinners Matthew 27:38
Psalm 22:16 Hands and feet pierced John 20:27
Psalm 22:6-8 Mocked and insulted Matthew 27:39-40
Psalm 69:21 Given gall and vinegar John 19:29
Hears prophetic words
Psalm 22:8 repeated in mockery Matthew 27:43
Psalm 109:4 Prays for his enemies Luke 23:34
Zechariah 12:10 His side to be pierced John 19:34
Soldiers cast lots for his
Psalm 22:18 clothes Mark 15:24
Psalm 34:20 Not a bone to be broken John 19:33
Isaiah 53:9 To be buried with the rich Matthew 27:57-60
Psalm 16:10 His resurrection Matthew 28:9
Psalm 68:18 His ascension Luke 24:50-51