SHARING YOUR FA I T H Simple Steps To Lead Others to Christ
By Kate McVeigh
HARRISON HOUSE Tulsa, Oklahoma
Unless ot...
39 downloads
1244 Views
228KB Size
Report
This content was uploaded by our users and we assume good faith they have the permission to share this book. If you own the copyright to this book and it is wrongfully on our website, we offer a simple DMCA procedure to remove your content from our site. Start by pressing the button below!
Report copyright / DMCA form
SHARING YOUR FA I T H Simple Steps To Lead Others to Christ
By Kate McVeigh
HARRISON HOUSE Tulsa, Oklahoma
Unless otherwise indicated all Scripture quotations were taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from The New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc.
10 09 08 07 06
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Sharing Your Faith: Simple Steps To Lead Others to Christ 1-57794-782-7 Copyright 2006 by Kate McVeigh P.O. Box 1688 Warren, MI 48090 www.katemcveigh.org Published by Harrison House Publishers P.O. Box 35035 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74153 Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. Contents and/or cover may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the express written consent of the Publisher.
Contents A Special Message From Kate ..................................4 Introduction..............................................................5 Chapter 1
A Burden for Souls..........................6
Chapter 2
How Do I Start? What Do I Say? ............................11
Chapter 3
How To Be an Effective Witness ..........................13
Chapter 4
Holy Boldness ..............................21
Chapter 5
Preparation Beforehand ................27
An Important Message............................................32
A Special Message From Kate I am so glad you are reading this book because it is proof that you care about others. You know that heaven, as well as hell, is a real place. My life passion is to take as many people to heaven with me as I can. I first wrote this book when I was only 17 years old. Its original title was Winsome for Jesus. Most of my experiences came from witnessing on the streets of Detroit. I lead a team of soul-winners as we would “hit the streets” every weekend to share Christ. I was personally blessed to lead between 40-100 people to the Lord each time. Before my mom went to heaven in 2003, I promised her this book would be back in print because it was her favorite book that I wrote. I would like to dedicate this book to my mom, Maureen McVeigh, who shared her faith with me and changed my life. Thanks, Mom. I love you with all my heart. When I see you on the streets of gold, I will bring millions with me. May God richly bless you for sharing Jesus with a lost and dying world, and may you one day receive your eternal reward of a soul-winner’s crown! Your Soul-winning Partner, Kate McVeigh — 4 —
Introduction The most wonderful thing in this life is to see souls being born into the kingdom of God. I know you will develop a new hunger and anointing for winning souls as you read this book. My prayer to God is that a spirit of boldness, a spirit of joy, and a spirit of might and power will rise up within you as you read these pages. You will witness many miracles, healings, and supernatural moves of God when you share Christ with those who don’t know Him. God wants to use you in His mighty army. He is no respecter of persons. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old. You only need to make yourself available. Remember, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 says: 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.
As you share your faith with those around you, God will back up your words with His power, so start believing Him for souls today!
— 5 —
CHAPTER 1
A Burden for Souls “We need to be as zealous for God as when we were first saved—when winning souls for Jesus was more important to us than anything else in the whole world.” Many Christians today spend hours reading the Bible and gaining knowledge of God’s Word. That is great, but unless we share that knowledge with other people, they will never know what Jesus has done for them. God commanded us to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). We have a biblical command to tell others about Jesus! You may not be called to go to another country as a missionary, but you are called to be a witness right where you are. We see in Proverbs 11:30 (NKJV) that “he who wins souls is wise.” Soul-winners are very wise and please God! The fact that you are reading this book is proof of your love for others and for God. God sent His only Son to die for this world. “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 — 6 —
A Burden for Souls
3:16). Jesus died on the cross so mankind would not spend eternity in hell but have everlasting life. How will the world become saved if we do not tell them what God has done? All of the jewels in the earth and all of the money in the world can’t take the place of seeing a sinner escape hell and be translated into the kingdom of God. Many Christians have been saved a long time and have never once experienced the joy of leading a sinner to Christ. It’s never too late to get started! God cared enough about us that He sent someone across our paths to proclaim the Good News. It’s time for us to be vessels used to bring others to the Lord. Too many believers have lost their zeal to be soul-winners. Do you remember when you first were saved and you could hardly wait to tell someone what happened to you? Those were precious times with the Lord, and there should be more of those special times in our daily Christian walk. Many people gain knowledge of God’s Word but lose their zeal altogether. We sing the chorus, “The zeal of God has consumed me, deep in my soul; a burning fire that cannot be quenched.” But has it really consumed us? Witnessing is one of the best ways to stay on fire for God. —7—
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
It is time for us to return to that place in God where He is our all. It is time that we return to our first love. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Revelation 2:4
When I was first saved, I often wondered why no one had told me about Jesus sooner. Many people do not know what Jesus has done for them. They do not know there is a way out of the terrible life they are living. They are unaware that only Jesus can fill the void on the inside of them. They need to be told that God is a good God and that He is not out to get them. They do not know how to get to heaven. If Christians don’t tell them, who will? We must care enough to tell them the Good News—that Jesus died for them. We need to be as zealous for God as when we were first saved—when winning souls for Jesus was more important to us than anything else in the whole world. It is time to stir ourselves up to witness for Jesus Christ! The Bible says we have now been given the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Cor. 5:18.) We are also told to do the work of an evangelist. (2 Tim. 4:5.) Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit you can become an effective witness for Christ. Acts 1:8 says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come —8—
A Burden for Souls
upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” The Holy Spirit will lead and guide you when sharing Christ and will give you the power to witness. The Holy Spirit is the One who will speak through us and show others how much God loves them. As you stir yourself up to witness for the L o rd, God will richly bless you. Each day will be new and challenging. When I was just a teenager, I visited a neighbor in a nursing home. As I walked down the hallway, I felt the prompting of the Spirit to witness to an elderly woman sitting in a wheelchair. I stopped and asked how she was doing and began to share Christ with her. As I told her that Jesus loved her and cared for her, she began to weep and told me she never believed Jesus cared about her. We prayed together, and she became born again! I then prayed for her to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and she began to speak in tongues. She was so grateful after hearing the Good News that she kissed me and hugged my neck. She died later that year and went to be with the Lord. I am so glad I was able to tell her about Jesus. Soul-winning is one of the greatest things we can do in our spiritual walk. Our motive must be pure; then God will give us the ability to share Jesus —9—
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
effectively. It does not matter how inadequate you may feel; you can do all things through Jesus. (Phil. 4:13.) God will use your personality to reach people. You show forth a side of Him that no one else can. God will bring people across your path that only your personality and the way you are will enable those lost ones to receive Jesus. God will work through you to reach people in need. He is not looking for great ability; He is looking for AVAILability! If we can reach just one more person for Jesus; if we can be a part in seeing just one more soul touched by the power of God, then that is good enough reason to be a soul-winner.
— 10 —
CHAPTER 2
How Do I Start? What Do I Say? “Since Jesus said for you to go, He will enable you to witness effectively.” There are many different ways to share our faith—the best way being by example! You can also determine to share the Gospel wherever you go. When I first got saved I led a street-witnessing team each week. When I went out, I always took along a quantity of tracts (literature) that told people about the Lord. Most of my witnessing was done on the streets, in parking lots, at malls, or wherever I could find people who didn’t know Jesus. Some Christians think that tracts are not very effective. On the contrary, people who are given tracts often put them in their purses or pockets. Many read the tract later and get saved. If you are a shy person (as I first was), then you might want to start out by leaving tracts in phone booths, re s t rooms, car windows, etc. After beginning this way, I then decided to set my goal higher. After praying for boldness, I walked up to someone, handed them a tract, and said, “Here, Jesus loves you.” This wasn’t so h a rd and actually was a lot of fun. I then began to say more things like, “I just wanted to let you know that Jesus loves you, and He wants to help you out in life.” — 11 —
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
This approach opened the door for me to share m o re. After talking to unbelievers for a few minutes, I then showed them how to receive Jesus in their hearts and be saved. (Rom. 10:9,10.) The Bible teaches to “say it with your mouth,” so I have them repeat a simple prayer to make Jesus their Lord. Soul-winning is easy, and the only way to be a good soul-winner is to do it. Even if you merely plant seeds of God’s Word, you are already a success. God says that His Word will not return to Him void. (Isa. 55:11.) If all you do is say a few words, or pass out tracts, or invite someone to church, then you have planted seeds that won’t return void.
Let’s Get Going! Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Since Jesus told us to go, He will enable us to witness effectively. The Lord would not tell us to do something without giving us the ability to do it. God sent His Son Jesus to the earth so that the world might be saved from eternal separation from God through Him. (John 3:16.) God will bless you abundantly for being His mouthpiece and for obeying the Great Commission to take His message to the world. Soul-winning is very exciting! — 12 —
CHAPTER 3
How To Be an Effective Witness “One of the best ways to reach people is to share what God has already done for us.” In witnessing, we must rely on God’s power and remember that the Holy Spirit is our Helper. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). If you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then you have the power to win souls for Christ. In Acts 2:41, after the apostles and disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, about 3,000 people came to the Lord. In Acts 4:4, another 5,000 believed and were saved. You have the same Holy Spirit within you, and He will enable you to be an effective witness. I always pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give me the right words to speak. By staying sensitive to the Lord, He will direct our conversation. Remember, it’s not by your power that people are saved but by the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon you. The Spirit will never fail when we are working with Him. He will lead us in every situation. Just trust Him and you will see tremendous results. You are not alone! — 13 —
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
Remember, God wants people saved even more than you do and He sent the Holy Spirit to be your Helper.
The Approach One of the most important things to remember is how you approach people. First impressions are lasting. We’ve all heard the saying, “You can only make one first impression.” You are bringing them good news, so make sure that what you are saying sounds exciting. You want to tell them that God is a good God, instead of pointing out what terrible sinners they are. They already know that. Instead of adding to their guilt, tell them that Jesus loves them and wants them to live an abundant life. Tell them how Jesus died on the cross so they can be at peace with God and go to heaven when they die. (John 3:16.) Let them know that God cares about them, their kids, their marriage, and anything else that’s important to them, and that He wants to bless them and meet all their needs.
Spread the Good News We are to present the Word of God and what Jesus has done in a loving manner. The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection and what He purchased on the cross is what every sinner is waiting to hear. The Word of God spoken in love will never fail, because — 14 —
How to Be an Effective Wi t n e s s
love never fails. We must tell them that God loves them just the way they are and assure them that God hates sin but not the sinner. Let them know that being a Christian is a lot of fun by sharing with them some of the great things God has done in your life. People love to hear great testimonies.
Don’t Turn Them Off We do not want to turn people off when sharing Christ. I have seen Christians tell others what awful people they are and that they are going straight to hell. While this may be true, a positive and loving manner is a much better approach. We must always be positive and cheerful when telling someone about the Lord. Once, while witnessing with a lady I had met, she knocked on the door, and when the man answered she said something like this: “Brother, you need to repent; Romans says you are going to hell!” Just as the man slammed the door in her face, she yelled, “John 3:16!” I was so embarrassed! Before I was saved, I remember one day driving in my car listening to a radio broadcast, and the announcer was talking about some of the fans at a baseball game. Someone was holding a big sign with “John 3:16” written on it, and the radio announcer was trying to figure out what it meant. Many people — 15 —
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
called in telling him what they thought. Some people thought it was a new car. Others thought it was some type of computer. Finally, a man called in and said it was a Scripture in the Bible. That just goes to show us that we must never assume that people are familiar with Christian lingo or the things of God. When I first got saved, I kept hearing the preacher talk about “The Word.” I had to ask someone what “The Word” was, and they replied, “Oh, that’s the Bible!” When sharing with people, we must keep it simple and, above all, loving.
Look What the Lord Has Done! One of the best ways to reach people is to share what God has already done for you. This will make it easier for them to relate to you. You don’t always need to quote Scriptures. Maybe you don’t feel qualified to lead someone to the Lord because you can’t remember where all those verses are found in the Bible. God will still use you, and people will receive as they hear the great things God has done for you. Once as a teenager, I was out witnessing at a ballpark where a team was practicing. First, I stood watching and making comments on a good catch or play. The Lord then opened the door for me to talk to the kids about how I had been playing baseball myself. I boldly challenged the boys to try and hit any — 16 —
How to Be an Effective Wi t n e s s
ball that I pitched. At first they just laughed, but I kept challenging them to try. So, up to bat they went. The thoughts that were going through my mind were wild! I prayed for the anointing of God to pitch those balls. Sure enough, one by one every teenager on the team struck out. They could not believe a girl could throw a ball that fast; and to tell you the truth, I could not believe it either! When we were finished, we all gathered on the field and I began to share why I was able to do so well. I told them how the Lord came into my life and how He made me good at all kinds of things. I assured them that Jesus wanted to help them to be better baseball players; and more importantly, that He wanted to be Lord of their lives. I shared how they could get to heaven when they die. I told them they could receive Jesus that very day, and He could do for them what He had done for me. I explained that it was as simple as asking the Lord into their lives. We made a big circle, and they all bowed their heads and prayed the sinner’s prayer. They were saved right there on the baseball field!
Get Ready for Signs and Wonders The Bible says that signs and wonders follow the Word of God. As you witness for Christ, God will confirm His Word with mighty miracles as you — 17 —
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
declare His Word boldly. Acts 1:3 says, “To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” As you step out in faith to share Scripture, God will show Himself alive with many infallible proofs of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. One thing we must always remember is that miracles are great, healings are wonderful, blessings are nice, but the greatest miracle and the most wonderful thing in the world is to watch sinners escape the very pit of hell and see them translated into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. When people receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, it is of eternal value; their destiny is changed for eternity. Soul-winning can become addicting. It won’t be long before you see many people get saved. I love leading people to Jesus! One afternoon I was out soul-winning with a friend. She was passing out tracts across the street at a clothing store, while I was waiting for the next person to come out of another store. Whenever I am waiting, I pray in the Spirit under my breath. I noticed a man about six feet tall who was waiting for someone to come out of the — 18 —
How to Be an Effective Wi t n e s s
store. He had been watching me witness to people for quite some time. I had been wondering if I should witness to him. I thought a big guy like him wouldn’t listen to me; and besides, he looked pretty mean. When a little old lady came out of the store, I decided to witness to her. I handed her a tract and said, “Excuse me, ma’am. I’ve got something important to share with you. Jesus loves you. He died just for you, so you can go to heaven. If you will ask Him into your heart and tell Him that you want Him in your life, He will come into your life and help you. All of your sins will be washed away, and you will be in right standing with God.” I told her that we were going to pray; and if she would believe this prayer with all her heart, she would be saved. So we prayed together, and she became born again. Just as we finished praying, I noticed she had a hearing aid in her ear. I told her that Jesus not only died for her sins but also for her sicknesses. (1 Pet. 2:24.) Then I told her that I was going to lay hands on her and pray, and God would heal her. I prayed and commanded her ear to open and to be healed in Jesus’ name. I thought to myself, Oh, God, You had better heal her. When we were finished praying, she took her hearing aid out and found she was totally healed—she could hear perfectly! The lady was surprised, and to tell you the — 19 —
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
truth, so was I. It sure wasn’t my great faith working. Thank God for His mercy. After praying with her, I noticed the tall man was still waiting by the door of the store. He had been watching me this whole time. I finally decided to witness to him. (After this lady, I was ready for just about anything.) I walked up to him and asked if he wondered what in the world I was doing all this time. I explained to him that God wanted to help him too. I told him what the Lord had done for the lady, and he was ready to get saved. We were just to the point where he was going to pray, and out of the store came his wife. I thought, Oh no. She’s really going to blow this! “What are you doing?” she asked. I replied, “I’m telling your husband about Jesus” (still thinking she was going to put an end to my witnessing). “Well, praise the Lord , ” she said, “I’ve been praying for him for a long time!” The three of us then held hands and prayed together. The man received Jesus as his Savior. His wife’s prayers were answered, and I was totally blessed! One thing is for sure, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Never forget that signs and wonders will follow the Word!
— 20 —
CHAPTER 4
Holy Boldness “God doesn’t want His people to be fearful, but to be bold as lions invading the devil’s territory.” B e f o re going out to witness, it’s a good idea to spend time in prayer. I begin by thanking God for all the people who will be saved. Psalm 2:8 says, “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” I ask the Lord to bring people a c ross my path and thank Him that the heathen are my inheritance. I then sen d my angels out to pre p a re the way. Hebrews 1:14 says, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” I bind the devil from interfering in any way. I believe my angels are with me, and I pray for what the Bible calls “holy boldness”: And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word. Acts 4:29 — 21 —
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
Remember that the greater One lives inside of you and helps you to speak. Remind yourself that you are on a mission to set people free. They need to hear the Good News you have to share. When the devil tries to tell you they’re not going to listen to what you have to say, tell him to be quiet and just for that, you’re going to pass out even more tracts and tell more people about Jesus than ever before! That makes the devil mad, and it makes God glad! I recall a time while out witnessing with friends in downtown Detroit. We came across a woman who was collecting beer cans. She was dressed in very old clothes and smelled terrible. My friends stayed behind and prayed while I shared the Lord with her. As I approached her, she began to shy away and stood far back from me. I then felt something strange come upon me. The hair on my neck and arms stood straight up, and goose bumps were all over my body. These were n ’t Holy Ghost goose bumps either! While this was going on, I was telling her about the L o rd. She began to look at me strangely and fear s t a rted to grip me. I knew it was the devil, but I was new in the Lord and had never experienced anything to this degree. The woman acted oddly. She looked at me and then looked beside me. My heart was beating so fast I didn’t know what to do. I was too scared to even — 22 —
Holy Boldness
look behind me to see if my friends were anywhere in sight. Then, something wonderful happened. The Holy Spirit spoke to me so loudly it made me jump. He said, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Suddenly, all fear left me. A holy boldness fell on me, and I continued telling the woman that God wanted to help her and set her free. She didn’t pray with me right then, but she left knowing how to receive Christ. However, my encounter with her wasn’t over just yet. One of the guys told me that while I was witnessing to her, he saw someone really larg e standing next to me and that the woman would look that way and then look at me. He believed it was an angel sent from the Lord. Angels are real, and they’re always there in your time of need. Hebrews 1:14 tells us that angels are sent to help us lead others to Christ: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Psalm 91:11 says, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Angels assist us and protect us. About one month later, a friend and I went back to the same area just to look around and have fun. I was looking at a big water fountain when a person next to me said, “Hi, remember me?” When I looked, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was the same lady! This — 23 —
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
was a miracle. It was downtown Detroit and thousands of people were there that day. God gave me a second opportunity to lead her to Him! I asked her if she was hungry. She was, so I took her out to eat. Well, the most wonderful thing happened. When we had finished eating, she bowed her head and we prayed. She accepted Jesus as Lord of her life! Start believing for holy boldness. Say out loud: I am bold as a lion. I am a great soul-winner. I have favor with the lost, and they are attracted to me. I can boldly lead people to Christ.
Losing the Fear of Man God doesn’t want His people to be fearful but to be bold as lions invading the devil’s territory. Never forget that you are on a mission from God to get people saved and set free. People need to hear the Good News you are about to bring them. Every time the devil tries to tell you not to talk to someone, that is a good indication they may be open to listening to you. If you weren’t going to be effective, the devil wouldn’t try so hard to keep you from speaking. We must not be concerned about what other people think. It’s what God thinks about us that’s important. I don’t know about you, but when I get to — 24 —
Holy Boldness
heaven and see the people there who were saved as a result of my witnessing, it’s going to make it all worth while. When someone walks up to you in heaven and says thank you so much for telling me about Jesus, you will be glad you didn’t care what people on earth thought about you. Sure, there will be times when you are rejected. Jesus was rejected. But even if you just say, “Jesus loves you,” you have planted a seed. God will send someone else to water that seed.
Faith for Souls One time some friends and I were driving to the store. As we pulled into the parking lot, we saw about 24 kids riding their bikes and doing all kinds of fancy tricks. I mentioned how neat it would be if someone were to witness to all of those teenagers. It suddenly dawned on me that that someone was me! We stopped the car, and when I got out I took a deep breath and yelled, “Hey, you guys, come here! I’ve got something to tell you!” As they were all gathering around, the devil said to me, “Kate, now what are you going to do? You’ve really gotten yourself into a mess. Do you think they’re going to listen to you?” I just told that turkey devil to be quiet! Besides that, what did I have to lose? — 25 —
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
I asked them how they got so good at riding their bikes. Then I asked them to show me some of their tricks. When they were finished, I shared with them how God had made me a good basketball player and how He wanted to help them in everything they did. After I had witnessed about Jesus, I asked them to gather in a circle because I wanted to lead them in a prayer. As we all prayed together, I noticed the kids began to pray louder and louder. They were really serious. They were not ashamed of Jesus, and they experienced His power as we prayed together. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation…” (Rom. 1:16). The very life of God came into those young bikers that day and turned their lives in a new direction—toward the highway to heaven. There is no joy to compare with that of soul-winning!
— 26 —
CHAPTER 5
Preparation Beforehand “If you ask God for souls, then be prepared for the people the Holy Spirit will bring across your pathway.” Before going out on the streets, remember that you are stepping into the devil’s terr i t o ry and snatching people from his grasp, so don’t go out without spiritual preparation. 1.
A Time of Prayer
We are on a mission from God to win souls, and the weapons we use are not of this world. Prayer is a mighty weapon. (2 Cor. 10:4.) You can pray and take care of things beforehand. Always set aside a time of prayer before you witness. Pray for boldness. 2.
Pray in the Spirit
When you are waiting to speak to someone, you can pray in the Spirit. Pray softly under your breath so you won’t distract others. (1 Cor. 14:4.) Praying in the Spirit also keeps you built up and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. — 27 —
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
3.
Claim Favor
Believe God for favor with everyone you witness to. Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, an in favour with God and man.” Jesus had favor with God and man, and so can you. I confess favor daily and have seen tremendous results. My confession is for sinners to come my way every day and that they listen to what I have to say. As I travel and preach around the world, we have supernatural altar calls. I once gave an altar call in a church in Georgia, and over a thousand people came forward to receive Christ. One time I was sitting outside a store on a bench waiting for my mom. While minding my own business, an elderly man tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I would come over and sit with him because he wanted some company. As we were sitting there, I noticed that he was holding a newspaper that had a picture of a Bible on the back page. Sometimes it is a good idea to look for ways to open up a conversation about the Lord. I said to the man, “I notice there is a picture of the Bible on the back of that paper. I read in the Bible that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for you and me. Isn’t that great?” I asked if he read the Bible and he said no. I continued talking about other Bible verses, and I shared with him how — 28 —
P reparation Before h a n d
to be saved. He was very open to the gospel, and I believe it was because I had prayed for favor with God and man that day. If you ask God for souls, the Holy Spirit will bring people across your pathway. Start confessing God’s favor over your life, and He will go out of His way to bring sinners your way. 4.
Do Not Fear
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). God did not give you the spirit of fear, or timidity. You have something to give people that will change their lives. Don’t let the devil intimidate you. When you feel fear trying to come upon you, rebuke it and speak up. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Phil. 4:13.) 5.
Be Bold
Be bold when you speak to people. Don’t whisper, but rather speak up in love. The devil is bold with his gang, so we need to be bold for Jesus. Proverbs 28:1 says, “The righteous are bold as a lion.” The apostles prayed in Acts 4:29 that God would “Grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” God will enable you to speak His Word boldly. The greater One lives in you, so speak in confidence when sharing your faith. — 29 —
S HA R I NG Y OU R FA I T H
Confession unto Salvation After you have shared a few things with the people you withness to, tell them you are going to lead them in a prayer to receive Jesus; and the Bible says in Romans 10:9-10 if they will ask Jesus into their heart, believe He is their Savior and Lord, and confess with their mouth, they will be saved. Get excited about the fact that this is the best decision they will ever make. Reassure them that when they pray, their sins are washed away and they will now go to heaven. Welcome them to God’s family. Later on, you will want to follow up with them so they continue their walk with the Lord.
Ten Things To Remember 1.
Be prayed up. Send your angels out before you. (Heb. 1:14.)
2.
Bind the devil from hindrances. (Matt. 12:29.)
3.
Be friendly and smile. Make what you’re saying sound interesting.
4.
Eat a breath mint before you go. You don’t want your message to be hindered by bad breath.
5.
Don’t let the person control the conversation.
6.
Don’t argue about church matters, such as water baptism. — 30 —
P reparation Before h a n d
7.
Watch out for the stall. They may want to talk about other things for long periods of time. Stick with your main goal.
8.
Ask God to give you the heathen for your inheritance, and thank Him that they are yours today. (Ps. 2:8.)
9.
Keep it simple. They don’t know the Lord like you do, so don’t assume they understand Christian lingo. Be very basic; don’t try to quote too many Scriptures. Remember, some people don’t know what a “John 3:16” is.
10. Have fun! And don’t forget Proverbs 11:30 (NKJV): “He who wins souls is wise.” It is the most committed Christians who will lay down their own life, give of their time, step out, and risk being rejected to share Jesus with the lost. I believe there is a remnant of God’s people who are not ashamed of the gospel and who will boldly share their faith. If just one lost soul is saved, it will have been w o rth it all! My soul-winning friend, I believe there is a soul-winner’s crown waiting for you in heaven.
— 31 —
An Important Message If you have never met Jesus Christ, you can know Him today. God cares for you and wants to help you in every area of your life. That is why He sent Jesus to die for you. You can make your life right with God this very moment and make heaven your eternal home. Pray this prayer now: God, I ask you to forgive me of my sins. I believe You sent Jesus to die on the cross for me. I receive Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I confess Him as Lord of my life, and I give my life to Him. Thank You, Lord, for saving me and for making me new. In Jesus’ name, amen. If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God! If you prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior for the first time, please contact Harrison House on the Web at www.harrisonhouse.com to receive a free book. Or you may write: Harrison House • P.O. Box 35035 • Tulsa, Oklahoma 74153
About the Author Rev. Kate McVeigh ministers extensively throughout the United States and abroad, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ with signs and wonders following. Her outreach ministry includes books, teaching CD’s and tapes, a daily radio broadcast, “The Voice of Faith,” as well as her weekly television broadcast, which airs throughout the United States. Kate is known as a solid evangelist and teacher of the gospel, with a powerful anointing to heal the sick and win the lost. Through Kate’s down-to-earth and often humorous teaching of the Word, many are motivated to attain God’s best for their lives. To contact Kate McVeigh, write: Kate McVeigh Ministries P.O. Box 1688 • Warren, Michigan 48090 Or call: 1-800-40-FAITH (1-800-403-2484) Or visit our Web site: www.katemcveigh.org Please include your prayer requests and comments when you write.