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Witnessing with
the Word
Peter 1:23
EXCEPT a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God" (John 3:3). But how is he born again? "Being born again, not
of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which
liveth and abideth for ever" (I Pet. 1:23). The seed planted in the
heart of an individual which brings forth eternal life is the Bible,
the Word of God. Soul winning is essentially planting the seed until
life is produced by the Holy Spirit.
Successful soul winners saturate their hearts with the sacred
Scriptures and use it with holy fervor. At times the Word is "like a
fire" to burn in a man's heart. Again it can be "like a hammer that
breaketh . . . in pieces" (/er. 23:29). Used in witnessing, the Word
is "the sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6: 17) and can "cut to the heart"
(Acts 7:54). You need not defend a tiger, just turn it loose. Don't
defend the Word, just use it.
Salvation is by faith. How do the unsaved get faith? "Faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10: 17). People are not
talked into believing the gospel, "but these are written, that ye
might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that
believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:31). It is not
faith in our word about Christ but in the Word of Christ itself.
Even assurance of salvation comes from the Word of God. "These things
have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God;
that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (I John 5:13). The stated
purpose of the written Word is that men "might have life" and "know"
it! How important that we use the Word.
When possible, it is good to have the one to whom you are witnessing
read the Word with you. Then he has the ear-gate and eye-gate to help
him receive it and remember it. Often when time is short such as with
a clerk in a store, it is important to have the Word memorized and be
able to quote it. Remember it is the Word of God which we must sow if
we expect results (Matt. 13:18-23; Rom. 10:17). The Word produces
conviction and conversion. If men reject the Bible, it is not because
it contradicts itself, but them. |
