HPE 4 - THE MESSENGER / TESTIMONY
Reference:
Stanford, R. (1999). Handbook of Personal Evangelism.
Free Downloads of Book (Handbook of Personal Evangelism) at the following site: http://www.eph289.com/
CHAPTER 4 - THE MESSENGER / TESTIMONY
Philippians 1:27: Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
The Bible says to BE CAREFUL to maintain good works.
Titus 3:8: This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
You can be sure that Satan will “pull every trick” to get you to ruin your testimony.
I Peter 5:8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
You will have to put on your whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.
Ephesians 6:11: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
God warns us to give no offense that the ministry be blamed.
II Corinthians 6:3: Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
We should do what is proper in every situation because people will use our poor testimony to criticize Christian work.
I Thessalonians 5:22: Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Some things might be perfectly harmless for you to do, not sinful to you in any way, except that some Christians would consider it a poor testimony for one reason or another. God says, in that case, to abstain from it. Just do not do it. It is not worth it. You ministry -what you are trying to accomplish in your life for the Lord -is too valuable for you to risk its losing and effectiveness. God knows your heart, and He will bless you and your faithfulness.
To be a fruitful witness for the Lord you must voluntarily discipline your life to carry the correct testimony for your Lord and Savior.
I Corinthians 6:12: All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Romans 6:15-16: What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Galatians 5:13: For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Satan is a liar and the father of lies. Satan does one of two things: (1) Satan tries to get the lost to live good lives, deceiving them that “living a good life” would help them get to Heaven; (2) Satan tries to keep the saved from living good lives, because he knows that this will help keep the lost from accepting the Gospel when it is presented.
I Thessalonians, chapter 2, mentions many qualities Paul had as a soul winner: (1) was bold in his witness, (2) used no deceit or trickery, (3) fulfilled his trust and pleased God, (4) was honest, (5) did not seek the praise of men, (6) was gentle, (7) had a great love and concern, (8) labored diligently, (9) carried and good testimony, and (10) taught them to live for the Lord.
If you want to be a great soul winner, you must be a great servant.
Mark 10:43: But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
Paul witnessed for three years straight, night and day.
Acts 20:20-21: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 20:31: Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Paul was willing to have given his OWN SOUL that others could be saved. Paul cared so much for souls that he was willing, it it were possible even to go to Hell himself, if that would help his fellow Jesus to be saved.
I Thessalonians 2:8: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
Romans 9:3: For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Some things are not even a poor testimony in themselves but they “bog” you down, they are “weights,” they take up valuable time which you should be using for the Lord.
Hebrews 12:1: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Your life can become filled with so many “good” things of this life that you have not the time to do much for Christ.
If you really want to join in this battle for souls, heed the Scripture which says:
II Timothy 2:4: No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
No one can tell you how to run your life, what to include in your schedule, and what to leave out. You could probably rationalize and excuse any activity which you wanted to. But between you and the Lord you must decide what is best for your service to Him.
Your time is your life. You do not know how much you have. How you spend your time each day will determine the total worth of your life. Your future is being determined by what you do each day. If your life is made up largely of sports, money, pleasure, television, clubs, etc., then your life will come and go -and not much will accomplish for Christ in it.
Paul said that for him to live was “Christ.” He spent his time on things that were valuable to Christ. How do you spend your time? Mostly on yourself, or mostly for Christ?
Can you say:
Philippians 1:21: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
If your time is spent for Christ, dying truly will be gain for you, for you will have much reward in Heaven.
YOUR BIBLE
The Word God makes a person wise unto salvation.
II Timothy 3:15: And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Faith cometh by hearing the Word of God
Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
God exalts His Word above His Name
Psalm 138:2: I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
With such high recommendation from God Himself, we certainly should know the Bible WELL, for our own personal comfort and exhortation and to bring the Gospel message to the lost.
II Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Those who desire to be FRUITFUL soul winners should be “ready always to give an answer” to every man that asketh (him) a reason for the HOPE that is in (him).
I Peter 3:15: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Paul said, be ready to preach the Gospel.
Romans 1:15: So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
GOD’s WORD IS POWER! Knowledge of God’s Word and how to best present it is your greatest “weapon” in witnessing.
Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
When you are talking to someone who says he does not believe the Bible, do not stop using it. A soldier does not throw his sword just because the opposition does not think it will work. The lost will never see salvation without the Word of God. It is the entrance of God’s Word that gives light to the lost.
Psalm 119:130: The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
When witnessing, use simple words.
I Corinthians 2:4-5: And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Do not try to be philosophical when witnessing to the lost person.
Colossians 2:8: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
It cannot be emphasized too strongly that the GOSPEL is the POWER GOD uses to save people. Use the Word of God when witnessing.
STUDY YOUR BIBLE
It is wise to set aside a special time for your Bible study. You will never “find” time to study, pray, or witness -you must “make” time. People usually manage to have time for whatever is really important to them.
To study your Bible so that you have a thorough working knowledge of it is important to you as a soul winner for many reasons:
(1) It is God's Command to you.
II Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(2) God’s Word brings faith.
Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(3) you will use the Word to edify, exhort, guide, and comfort Christians under your care.
II Timothy 4:2: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
(4) The Bible is your own guidebook for every situation of life, and you will want to have what God says at your “finger-tips.”
Matthew 4:4: But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
(5) The Word of God is part of your defensive weapon against Satan’s attacks upon you. Christ rebuked Satan by using Scripture.
Ephesians 6:17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Matthew 4:10-11: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
TIPS FOR STUDYING
Read with the intention of remembering what you read.
Go over what you have read until it is clear in your mind.
Make notes on the things that impress you as you read.
Compare scripture with scripture to understand the passage in its proper relationships with the rest of the Word of God.
Analyze the verse:
Who wrote it?
To whom it was written?
What general topic is being discussed? (consider context)
What does it NOT say?
What things COULD it mean?
Eliminate the possible meanings by comparing it with other Scripture until you feel you have the right one.
If you still do not understand the passage:
Look up words which are unclear to you in a concordance.
A good one is Strong’s Concordance.
Look up the passage in another good translation.
Study the passage with the help of good commentaries: DeHann, Ironside, G. Campbell Morgan, Spurgeon, Woodbridge.
Discuss the passage with another Christian and get their viewpoint of the Scripture.
Keep a notebook.
Reference your Bible.
Select a Bible with clear print.
As you study, memorize the plan of salvation in a brief outline form
E.g. the Gospel Hand
YOUR LOVE
It does something to me when I realize that the God who made everything in the entire universe actually loves me. I do not understand how this could be, but I believe it and do so respond to His love that it has changed my whole life.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 15:12-13: This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Romans 5:8: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
I John 4:7-14: Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
I John 4:19: We love him, because he first loved us.
Something about my make-up causes me to want to please someone who really loves me. I cannot be indifferent to a person who loves me.
If a person wants to be closer to the Lord, they must read His Word.
The love for the Lord is not some “gushy” love. The love for the Lord is practical love that causes Christians to do many things for the Lord.
The Bible says He does not delight in our “sacrifices and offerings” for salvation.
It is the “love of Christ” that should constrain us to serve Him, not fear.
II Corinthians 5:14-15: For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
GRACE
God is a God of all Grace,
I Peter 5:10: But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Apart from Jesus there is no grace,
John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:16-17: And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 2:9: But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Titus 2:11-13: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
The grace of God is not of works,
Romans 11:6: And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
There is no church that can cleanse you, there is no ritual that can redeem you, there is no sacrament that can save you, there is no work of men that can forgive or justify you.
Only Jesus Christ can redeem, save, forgive, and justify.
If you have not believed, what is stopping you right now from believing? God loves you and has already died and resurrected to meet you. Believe Jesus Christ died on the Cross for all your sins, burial, and resurrection and receive the greatest gift ever, which is eternal life. Eternal life does not start when you die; eternal life starts the very second you believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. Why not trust in Jesus Christ today for salvation. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18 KJV).
God saved you by His grace,
Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Acts 15:11: But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Romans 3:24: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Romans 4:4: Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Access this His grace by faith,
Romans 5:2: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
God keeps you saved by His grace,
Ephesians 1:6: To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
God establishes you by His grace,
Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
God leads and guides you by His grace,
Ephesians 3:8: Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
God allow you to grow by His grace,
II Peter 3:18: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
God will build you up by the Word of His grace,
Acts 20:32: And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
God enables you to serve Him by His grace,
I Corinthians 15:10: But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Hebrews 12:28: Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
God edifies you by His grace,
Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
God allows you to have power over sin in your life by His grace,
Romans 6:14: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
God gives us strength through His grace,
II Timothy 2:1: Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
God abounds you by His grace,
II Corinthians 8:7-9: Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
God’s “promises” for you are all by His grace,
Romans 4:16: Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
God rewards you with love, joy, and peace in this life for serving Him by His grace,
Acts 20:32: And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
God rewards in you Heaven for having served Him on earth by His grace.
I Peter 1:13: Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Titus 2:11-13: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
God's grace is totally sufficient for you.
II Corinthians 12:9: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Surely, God is good, and with the Psalmist we must say:
Psalm 116:12: What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?
BELIEVE
What is the only human response consistent with God's grace? It is believe.
Romans 4:5: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Acts 10:43: To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Acts 13:38-39: be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Acts 16:30-31: And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Romans 3:28: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
If there is no faith, there is no grace.
Romans 4:16: Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Read the Word of God to build faith
Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God
IF NOT OF GRACE?
Did you know that if it is NOT of grace, it is not of Jesus Christ?
Did you know that if it is NOT of grace, there is no Promise?
Did you know that if it is NOT of grace, there is no eternal security?
Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross does not do anything for you unless it gives you Eternal Life.
If eternal security is not true, we are still lost and Jesus failed.
If eternal security is not true, we are still without hope.
If eternal security is not true, there is no security, not even for a second.
If eternal security is not true, there is no salvation.
If eternal security is not true, Jesus Christ did not pay my sin debt in full.
If eternal security is not true, Jesus Christ is not my Redeemer.
If eternal security is not true, Jesus Christ is not my Savior.
If eternal security is not true, there is no grace.
If eternal security is not true, there is no growing in grace.
Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross does not do anything for you unless it gives you Eternal Life. If Jesus Christ does not give you eternal life freely, then it is not of GRACE!
RECEIVE NOT THE GRACE OF GOD IN VAIN
Receive not the grace of God in vain.
II Corinthians 6:1: We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Galatians 2:21: I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
THANK GOD FOR HIS GRACE IN CHRIST
Thank God for His Grace in Jesus Christ
I Corinthians 1:4: I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
CHEAP GRACE or AMAZING GRACE
I doubt seriously if anyone could carefully read the Gospel accounts of what Christ went through to purchase our salvation and ever again speak glibly of “cheap grace.” No one is ever saved by “cheap grace.” They are saved by PRICELESS, AMAZING GRACE! Don't let Satan blind you to the fact that salvation REALLY IS FREE to man. Don't listen to him when he insinuates that “justification by faith” is a dangerous doctrine that will lead to “loose living.” The greatest soul-winners who ever lived believed in salvation by grace through faith, and they preached it faithfully...and God blessed them and their ministry for it.
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