I was thinking of witnessing when I asked this question.
I always thought you tried to be a good example of a Christian and then you went and told people about what G-d has done in your life and shared your experiences. Then, the Holy Spirit came along and worked on their hearts and helped them to tune in to Jesus.
I thought this was the gist of the "and they shall hear my voice" part.
What does witnessing entail?
Are we supposed to share doctrine with others?
Is it a "hard sell" or a "soft sell"?
I don't want to be "ashamed of the gospel" and I don't want to push people away either.
Where is the middle? Is there a middle?
Thanks for your thoughts...
Witnessing (originally) was a process where by others observe you and your life, then became curious and wanted to know what it was about you that they wanted as well. It was also a process where by others who would attempt to destroy whatever it is you had, yet by standing quietly fast in your faith, and telling your story, their efforts to debunck you failed. Both resulted in "seeds" being planted in the souls of men, concerning faith in Jesus.
Not everyone is a natural salesman for Christ. But every Christian can "witness", given the opportunity.
To witness, is to tell how Jesus has changed your life, and offering that same gift to others (if they wish to accept it). The beauty of witnessing, true witnessing, is that the words come from God Himself, not of our own volition, and it lasts for a life time...
I remember being in Asia for a few months, and met a charming fellow who happened to be a Buhdist. Anyway we hung around together because we seemed to have personalities that meshed. He took me to his temple, and taught me alot about Buhdism, and I met his family and it was truly an enjoyable and enlightening relationship.
But right before I was to leave, he asked me "Where does your inner peace come from?" I replied "What inner peace?"
He said everyone could see what he was talking about. (see, after awhile Christians take for granted what everyone else is searching for).
I thought about it for a moment, then said "I'm Christian".
He said, "Your Jesus does this for you?" Yeah, I guess He does.
"How, do I learn of this Jesus?" Oooohh boy, I didn't know what to say, so I thought a quick prayer (Oh Lord, don't let me screw this up).
Then I simply talked about my life. He listened intently, did not interrupt except to ask for clarification. In the end, I gave him my copy of the military hand book of the NT and Psalms (ya know the camoflage covered pocket sized version). He held it like it was a jewel.
And he had wet eyes, when we parted company. (I don't mind saying I had a lump in the throat that wouldn't go away).
Recently, I stopped at an old friend's home in Seattle, on my way back from Alaska. He is a crusty old salted sailor, but when I went into his work shop, there was a radio station playing very quietly in the corner. It was a local Christian radio station.
Later, I asked my friend about the fact that among the girlie pinup posters and the beer bottles in the trash, and the liberal cussing that was part of his everyday language, his radio station was a Christian station...what's up with that?
He said, "That is you. For 27 years I've left that station on the radio...no one touches it, no one changes it, and I listen while I repair the motorcycles. You tried to teach me the bible when we were young, and I've never forgotten, so I listen everyday, and try to do right where I can..."
I think that is witnessing.
v/r
Joshua
