As you recognize Christ working in your life, you will want to tell others about Him and what He is doing for you. This can be relatively easy when the Holy Spirit is your guide and when you have a few Scriptures ready to share. God’s Word is like a seed which, when planted in the human heart, can bear fruit for eternal life (John 4:36).
Here are a few suggestions to help you “plant the seed” of God’s Word.
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Familiarize yourself with the scriptures referred to on the previous pages. Try to memorize these verses so you can quote them with confidence.
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As you read the Bible daily, underline additional verses that you will be able to use in witnessing. Memorize as many as you can.
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Begin to pray for individuals with whom you might share Christ. Trust God to provide the opportunities for you to talk with them and the wisdom to know what to say.
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Spend time with these friends. Win their confidence by doing things with them and for them. If they see that you really care about them, they will be more likely to listen when you present the Gospel to them.
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Pray for opportunities to mention Christ in casual conversation. For instance you might simply ask “What do you think happens after death?” or “How do you think a person becomes a Christian?” Listen to their ideas and then say “Here’s what I believe.” In giving your answer, quote scriptures, especially those included in this booklet.
- Invite your friends to church and discuss the message with them afterward.
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Start a small group Bible study in your home and invite your non-Christian friends. Read a chapter of the gospel of John each week. Allow time for questions and discussion. Let the Holy Spirit speak to people through the Word.
Try to make it clear that becoming a Christian involves a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You don’t become a Christian by being good, by doing the best you can, or by joining a church, but by personally receiving Christ - by trusting in Him as your personal Lord and Savior.
To find forgiveness, people must be willing to:
- Admit they are sinners in need of forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died to save them from a life of sin and an eternity of separation from God.
- Turn from their sin.
- Receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and commit their lives to Him through baptism.
Give an opportunity for a response, If you sense an individual sees his or her need, you might ask:
- Have you ever received Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?
- Would you like to do so right now?
Discuss Revelation 3:20 and John 1:12. Point out that:
- Christ stands at the door of your heart knocking.
- Christ will come in if He is invited.
- When He does come in, you will become a child of God.
Lead the person step-by-step through the following suggested prayer: Dear Father,
I know I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe Christ died in my place, paying the penalty for my sin. I am willing to turn from my sin. I now invite Jesus Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Savior. I am willing, by your help, to follow and obey Christ as the Lord of my life. Amen.
Make certain the new believer is trusting in the Word of God for assurance of salvation. Suggest that he or she begin attending a church regularly.