Printable Notes
TELLING THE TRUTH – HOW DO WE TELL IT?
1) PRAY
There’s never a wrong time to pray.
Matthew 21:22
Luke 18:1
Acts 6:4
Ephesians 3:20
Ephesians 6:18-19
James 5:16b
2) Use Scripture
The Word of God does not return void. God’s Word empowered by the Holy Spirit is what saves souls, not our wit, ideas, or words.
Isaiah 55:11
2 Timothy 2:15
2 Timothy 3:16-17
2 Timothy 4:2
2 Peter 1:21-22
3) Assume a Positive Response
Have a positive approach and keep the conversation friendly, positive, and constructive as much as possible.
I Samuel 16:7
Matthew 13:23
Philippians 2:13
4) Be Courteous
If you win an argument, you will probably lose the soul. Nobody can be argued into God’s family. Rather, God draws them supernaturally to Himself. Trust Him to do His work in their hearts.
Proverbs 25:11
John 6:44
James 1:19-20
5) Use Subjective, Not “yes/no” Questions
Utilize words like what, where, when, who, why, and how. Don’t ask questions demanding a yes or no answer, as they can render the conversation vague, confusing, or manipulative.
6) Boldly Speak with Confidence
Put the burden of proof on the one with whom you are sharing. Your life and faith are proof that Christ lives and that salvation is real.
Matthew 4:16
Acts 4:13
Acts 28:31
Philippians 1:6
7) Lead Toward A Point of Decision
The conversation should lead to the point at which the hearer accepts or rejects Christ. There should be a flow toward your asking, “What will you do with Jesus?”
Acts 8:5
Acts 17:30
1 Corinthians 9:16
8) Speak the Truth in Love
While the truth must be presented, it should be shown in a context of love, not a judgmental or arrogant attitude.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Ephesians 4:15)
9) Don’t Be Controlled by Fear
While there is nothing wrong with expressing the emotion of fear, the witness should not allow it to keep him or her from doing all that God’s will demands.
Jeremiah 1:8
Luke 12:4-5
2 Timothy 1:7
10) Listen to Others
It is important to listen in order to be effective when you speak. God has given us two ears and only one mouth. For the sake of courtesy, testimony, relationship, and understanding, it is good that we use them accordingly in telling others of Christ.
Psalm 102:19-21
11) Don’t Speak Religious Rhetoric
Realize the high probability that the person to whom you are witnessing does not understand much of traditional Christian vocabulary. It is very important to define our terms so as to be understood.
I Corinthians 14:33
12) Be Yourself
God made you a unique entity for a unique purpose. There is a personalized ministry that God wants us to perform that He’s given us the skills, strengths, personalities, weaknesses, and backgrounds to accomplish.
1 Samuel 16:7
Psalm 139:14
Jeremiah 1:5
13) Be Real
If you pretend to be something you are not, or to think or feel something you really do not, it will become evident to the hearer. We cannot honor God by deceit, but by integrity.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
2 Corinthians 1:12