Let Us Go... and Visit - Jan. 10th, 2023

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Matthew 28:19 KJV 1900

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Acts 15:36 KJV 1900

36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

Every church member is a candidate to be a part of a church visitation ministry, in fact, they are vital to its success.

The Top Four Reasons Given for why people come to church.

1. Invitation from a friend or relative.

2. Advertisement.

3. Organized Visitation.

4. Pastoral Contact

When the pastor visits, he is looked upon as a paid salesman, but when members of a church visit a home, they are looked upon as satisfied customers.

The Four Reasons Why people say they don't go to church.

1. The church is not relevant to what is going on in their lives.

2. Never have been invited.

3. The mistaken notion that the church is only after their money.

4. They believe that the church is insincere.

A church that does not reach out to its community will only continue to fuel these attitudes to the lost. If a church is sincerely following the Lord, it will have a desire to show individuals that Christ is relevant to what is going on in their lives, they will invite people to come to church, and the end result will be that these people will come to realize that the church cares more about them than they do their money. An active church visitation program will accomplish all of these things.

Twelve Types of Visitation

1. Soul Winning Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to lead the lost to Christ.

2. Survey Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to find prospects and gather information about your local community so as to better minister to the needs of your community.

3. Sunday School Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to contact absentees (those who are already enrolled) and encourage them to participate in Sunday School, and to meet new prospects.

4. Bus Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to reach the lost by going out into the community and bringing them to church. Usually this ministry is focused more towards children, became many adults will not go to church but will allow their children to go if they have a ride. As a result, this will often give you the opportunity to witness to their parents.

5. Follow-up Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to encourage and strengthen individuals so they will follow through on their decisions. For example, if they have made a profession of faith, you would encourage them to follow through with baptism and discipleship. If someone has rededicated their lives to Christ, then you would want to encourage them to seek discipleship, or involvement in the church through service.

6. Shut-in Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to reach out and minister to those who cannot come to church because of their health. This ministry provides fellowship and seeks to minister to their needs.

7. Hospital Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to reach out to minister to church members, visitors, and contacts who are in the hospital. Often, it is during a crisis in a person's life when the lost person is more open to the gospel. This provides us with an opportunity to witness. Also, it demonstrates the church's love, concern and compassion towards those who are in great need.

8. Sick Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to reach out to those who are sick and have missed church. We can do this by taking food to them, helping around the house, and/or simply holding their hand and praying with them.

9. Welcoming Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to reach out to new families who have recently moved into your area. This is an opportunity to establish a relationship with them, and to share information about your church - let's not forget the importance of inviting them to come to church either. An effective way to open doors in this ministry is to take a "welcome basket" which can contain information about your church and a small gift (like a coffee cup, or a church recipe book, ink pens, etc. - give something that a person would be likely to keep and make sure that it has the name of the church and phone number on it. This will be a constant reminder to them every time they use the gift).

10. Promotional Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to promote church events that are designed to draw new people into the church (or even to draw wayward members back into the church). Some examples of this would be VBS, Music Programs, Fall Festivals, etc.

11. Prospect Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to visit someone who has been referred to your church by someone.

12. Wayward Members Visitation.

The purpose of this type of visitation is to encourage inactive members to return to church. While this ministry is important, I have also found it is the most difficult because you are normally dealing with people who are basically backslidden. I have visited hundreds of these types of people over the years, and they are usually very polite and will often admit that they need to get back into church, but very seldom do they respond by coming back to church. Be careful not to encourage them in their excuses, but get them refocused upon what the bible teaches about Christian involvement in church (like Hebrews 10:24-25).

Hebrews 10:24–25 KJV 1900

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

The Power of Personal Testimony

1 Peter 3:15 KJV 1900

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Tell of your life before Christ (Gal.1:13-14; Acts 26:4-11).

Galatians 1:13–14 KJV 1900

13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

Acts 26:4–11 KJV 1900

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? 9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

The Apostle Paul describes his former standing and activities before he became a Christian.

Take the time to summarize what your life was like before you came to know Christ.

Remember, everyone has a different background, and each one is just as important as the next one - because those who are listening come from different backgrounds too, and will only be able to "connect" or "relate" to those individuals that they have something in common with.

Often, we think that only those who come out of a background of drugs, alcohol, sex, violence, etc., have good testimonies, but not everyone can relate to these types of backgrounds.

God can use the testimony of someone who grew up in a Christian home as much as He can use the most extreme situation - so don't let this stop you from giving your testimony.

If you do come from some extreme background, don't try to share every little piece of information, this could become a distraction and can even be offensive to some people (especially if there are children in the audience).

Let me give you an example of this: I once heard a woman give her testimony about her life before Christ and how she was sleeping around with numerous men. Instead of saying it in general way, like I just described it, she began to talk about all kinds of details, almost to the point of the number of men, names, where they met, etc. The result was that her testimony tended to put everyone in shock more than it helped anyone to relate to her testimony.

Don't try to give every little detail, but only those details that will give people a general overview of what your life was before Christ. Remember, you are doing this so that people will be able to see a contrast between what your old life was like before Christ, and your new life as a Christian, and how Christ has made a difference.

Tell how you came to trust Christ as your Savior (Gal.1:15-16a; Acts 26:12-18).

Galatians 1:15–16a KJV 1900

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,

Acts 26:12–18 KJV 1900

12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

The Apostle Paul simply recounted how God saved him.

Tell about:

How God spoke to your heart.

Who God used and how they witnessed to you.

Where you were when you were saved.

How did you respond to that call?

Tell of your life after you put your trust in Christ (Gal.1:16b-24; Acts 26:19-23).

Galatians 1:16b–24 KJV 1900

17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me.

Acts 26:19–23 KJV 1900

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

The Apostle Paul shared about how the Lord prepared him to preach the gospel, and about his ministry to other believers and their churches.

Explain how your life has been changed since you accepted Christ.

How has this change impacted your personal life?

Examples: new strength to overcome problems, how your life now has a focus and a purpose, a new outlook on life or about other people, etc.

How has your changed life impacted others?

Examples: helping others who may be going through the same type of problems that you went through, ministries that you are actively involved in now, etc.

Additional advice on Personal Testimonies:

A good testimony should be no longer than 15 minutes and no shorter than 5 minutes. Let the place where you are sharing your testimony dictate your length. Read Paul's testimony out loud and time it to see how long he took. If you are talking one-on-one, then you can take longer to give your testimony, but if you are speaking before a church (or some other group) where other people will also be speaking, then you need to make sure that you keep your testimony short.

Look again at Paul's testimony and see how it is tightly put together

he didn't ramble on about things that had no bearing on his testimony.

It is good to sit down and write out your testimony and then rework it over and over again so that what you are sharing is very clear and focused.

Try to get it down to 5 minutes, this will prepare you to give it everywhere

it is always easier to add to it than it is to shorten it.

Avoid rambling; this will only become a distraction to those who are listening and will cause your testimony to lose its effectiveness

people will mentally tune you out.

Practice giving your testimony so that you will be prepared to give it when the opportunity presents itself.

Overcoming Our Fears of Witnessing:

Most Christians fail to witness because of fear. In the witnessing course, Share Jesus Without Fear, they give us five keys to having a heart that overcomes the fear of witnessing.

Five Keys:

1. Passion (having a heart for the lost).

2. Prayer (prayer makes the difference in witnessing).

3. Partnership (having our own special relationship with Christ).

4. Power (God provides the power we need to be effective).

5. Preparation (being prepared to respond to witnessing opportunities).

The fear of witnessing isn't so scary when we understand what our part is in the whole process. God didn't call us to save anyone, He called us to participate with Him in the witnessing process. God does the saving! The Holy Spirit's ministry in the salvation process is to convict and draw people to God.

John 16:8–11 KJV 1900

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

First, the Holy Spirit clarifies the issue of sin in an individual's life (i.e., Convicts).

Second, the Holy Spirit clarifies the issue of God's righteousness versus man's unrighteousness.

Third, the Holy Spirit clarifies the issue of God's judgment upon the unrighteous.

So, it is God's job to do the convicting and saving of lost people - not ours. What is our part? Our part is to unleash God's Power, that is, to share the gospel message with the lost. We are working in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:6–7 KJV 1900

6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

So, every time that we share the gospel, we are either planting the seeds of salvation, or we are helping the seeds to grow and blossom into salvation by watering them with the springs of the living water of the gospel. We are successful, not when "we" lead someone to Christ, but rather when we share the gospel - that is all God has asked us to do because we are not capable of saving anyone - only God can save someone.

Methods for Witnessing:

There are a variety of effective witnessing methods that can be used to share Christ;

“R.C.C.R.” Method

John 4:7-26 gives us the Lord's example of how to share our faith. When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, He did it when she was alone. We will often find that people are more open and honest when they are alone. So, if possible, pick a person who is sitting by himself. This method is good because it uses the 10 Commandments to convict and expose the sin of the lost person without us telling them that they are a sinner. Most lost people today don't believe that they are "that bad" of a person:

Relate: Jesus began in the natural realm (Jn. 4:7).

John 4:7 KJV 1900

7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

This woman was unregenerate, and the bible tells us,

1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV 1900

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

He therefore spoke of something she could relate to - water. Most of us can strike up a conversation with a stranger in the natural realm. It may be a friendly "How are you doing?" or a warm "Good morning!" If the person responds with a sense of warmth, we may then ask, "Do you live around here?" and from there develop a conversation.

Create: Jesus swung the conversation to the spiritual realm (Jn. 4:10).

John 4:10 KJV 1900

10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

He simply mentioned the things of God. We may say something like, "Did you go to church on Sunday?" or "Did you see that Christian TV program last week?" If the person responds positively, the next question should be, "Do you have a Christian background?" This will probe their background. They may answer, "I went to church when I was a child, but I drifted away from it."

Another simple way to swing to the spiritual is to offer the person a gospel tract and ask, "Did you get one of these?" When he takes it, simply say, "It's a gospel tract. Do you come from a Christian background?"

Convict: Jesus brought conviction using the Law of God (Jn. 4:16-18).

John 4:16–18 KJV 1900

16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

Jesus gently spoke to the woman's conscience by alluding to the fact that she had transgressed the Seventh of the Ten Commandments. He used the Law to bring "the knowledge of sin" (see Romans 3:19-20).

Romans 3:19–20 KJV 1900

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

We can do the same by asking, "Do you think that you have kept the Ten Commandments?" Most people think they have, so quickly follow with, "Have you ever told a lie?" This is confrontational, but if it's asked in a spirit of love and gentleness, there won't be any offense. Remember that the "work of the Law [is] written in their hearts" and that the conscience will bear "witness" (Romans 2:15).

Romans 2:15 KJV 1900

15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

Jesus confronted the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-21 with five of the Ten Commandments and there was no offense.

Luke 18:18–21 KJV 1900

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

Have confidence that the conscience will do its work and affirm the truth of each commandment. Don't be afraid to gently ask, "Have you ever stolen something, even if it's small?"

Learn how to open up the spirituality of the Law and show how God considers lust to be the same as adultery (Matthew 5:27-28) and hatred the same as murder (1 John 3:15).

Matthew 5:27–28 KJV 1900

27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

1 John 3:15 KJV 1900

15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Make sure you get an admission of guilt. Ask the person, "If God judges you by the Ten Commandments on Judgment Day, do you think you will be innocent or guilty?" If he says he will be innocent, ask, "Why is that?" If he admits his guilt, ask, "Do you think you will go to heaven or hell?"

From there the conversation may go one of three ways:

He may confidently say, "I don't believe in hell." Gently respond, "That doesn't matter. You still have to face God on Judgment Day whether you believe in it or not. If I step onto the freeway when a massive truck is heading for me and I say, 'I don't believe in trucks,' my lack of belief isn't going to change reality." Then tenderly tell him he has already admitted to you that he has lied, stolen, and committed adultery in his heart and that God gave him a conscience so that he would know right from wrong. His conscience and the conviction of the Holy Spirit will do the rest. That's why it is essential to draw out an admission of guilt before you mention Judgment Day or the existence of hell.

He may say that he's guilty, but that he will go to heaven. This is usually because he thinks that God is "good," and that He will, therefore, overlook sin in his case. Point out that if a judge in a criminal case has a guilty murderer standing before him, the judge, if he is a good man, can't just let him go. He must ensure that the guilty man is punished. If God is good, He must (by His nature) punish murderers, rapists, thieves, liars, adulterers, fornicators, and those who have lived in rebellion to the inner light that God has given to every man.

He may admit that he is guilty and, therefore, going to hell. Ask him if that concerns him.

Reveal: Jesus revealed Himself to her (Jn. 4:26).

John 4:26 KJV 1900

26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

Once the Law has humbled the person, he is ready for grace. Remember, the Bible says,

James 4:6 KJV 1900

6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

The Gospel is for the humble. Jesus gives us a summation of who the gospel is for: the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the blind, the bruised (oppressed). Jesus is not referring to those who lack financial resources when He speaks of the poor. The word means "meek, humble, lowly" and refers to the "poor in spirit,”

Matthew 5:3 KJV 1900

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

- the blessed ones to whom the kingdom of God belongs. The poor are those who know that they are destitute of righteousness. The brokenhearted refers not to unhappy people who have been jilted by a sweetheart, but to those who, like Peter and Isaiah, are contrite and sorrowing for their sin.

Matthew Henry wrote of Jesus, "For He was sent to heal the brokenhearted, to give peace to those that were troubled and humbled for sins, and to bring them to rest who were weary and heavy-laden, under the burden of guilt and corruption."

The captives are those "taken captive by [the devil] at his will,”

2 Timothy 2:26 KJV 1900

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

The blind are those whom "the god of this world has blinded . . ."

2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV 1900

4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

The oppressed are those who are "oppressed of the devil,”

Acts 10:38 KJV 1900

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

The gospel of grace is for the humble, not the proud. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. The Scriptures tell us,

Proverbs 16:5 KJV 1900

5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety,

Job 5:11 KJV 1900

11 To set up on high those that be low; That those which mourn may be exalted to safety.

God looks on the man who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at His Word,

Isaiah 66:2 KJV 1900

2 For all those things hath mine hand made, And all those things have been, saith the Lord: But to this man will I look, Even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, And trembleth at my word.

Only the sick need a physician, and only those who are convinced of the disease of sin will appreciate and appropriate the cure of the gospel.

Learn how to present the work of the cross - that God sent His Son to suffer and die in our place. Tell the sinner of the love of God in Christ; that Jesus rose from the dead and defeated death. Take him back to civil law and say, "It's as simple as this: We broke God's Law, and Jesus paid our fine. If you will repent and trust in the Savior, God will forgive your sins and dismiss your case."

Ask him if he understands what you have told him. If he is willing to confess and forsake his sins and trust the Savior with his eternal salvation, have him pray and ask God to forgive him. Then pray for him. Get him a bible. Instruct him to read it daily and obey what he reads, and encourage him to get into a bible-believing, Christ-preaching church.

“ABC's OF EVANGELISM” Method

In a very complicated, "religious" world... God has made salvation simple. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13). The advantage of this method is it is as easy to use as "A.B.C."

Admit you are a sinner in need of the Savior, Jesus Christ: Your sin separates you from having fellowship with God (Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6; James 2:10; Romans 3:10-12; John 3:3; Acts 4:12).

A relationship with Jesus Christ begins with your admission that you need God. You must admit you need God to do three things:

You need God to forgive you of your sins, those attitudes or actions that don't meet God's standards.

1 John 1:8–9 KJV 1900

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

You need God to give you eternal life.

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

You need God to show you His purpose for your life. Jesus speaks to us in John 10:10 in the New Testament,

John 10:10 KJV 1900

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

And in the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah writes to us in chapter 29: verse 11:

Jeremiah 29:11 KJV 1900

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Believe that Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins: The penalty for your sin is death. God loves you so much, He provided a way for you to escape that penalty (Acts 16:31; Luke 5:32, 13:3; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 2:4, 10:17; John 3:16, 20:21).

John 3:16 KJV 1900

16 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.

Jesus can and will save anyone from an eternity without God, and from eternal punishment in Hell. He died and rose again for your justification, to put your relationship with God in the right standing. Don't misunderstand the message of salvation. God is not standing ready to send you to Hell; rather, it is your rejection of His Son Jesus, whereby you choose yourself to enter Hell's fires. God has made a way of escape; you must choose to accept it.

Romans 4:25 KJV 1900

25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus for your sins is essential for salvation, but it is not enough.

James 2:19 KJV 1900

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Confess with Your Mouth the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 19:18; 1 John 1:9, 4:15):

Confessing the Lord Jesus Christ means that you agree with the Bible that the man Jesus of Nazareth is the Lord of all, and that He is the “Christ” (i.e., “anointed one,” “Messiah”), promised to be the Saviour from before the foundation of the world. That He, as God manifest in the flesh, has destroyed the power of Satan, and has overcome the world, thereby defeating the strength of the law and removing its sting of death. Simply put, you agree with what the Bible says about Jesus, “He is alive.” Furthermore, He has the power to give eternal life unto whosoever will believe on his name. Romans 10: 9-10 tells us,

Romans 10:9–10 KJV 1900

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

“ROMANS ROAD” Method

This method of witnessing is effective because you are presenting the gospel without leaving the book of Romans. You simply "draw" a road map in your bible to tell yourself where to go. All you need to do is to remember where to start - Romans 3:10 (you could even write this part down on the front cover of your bible). Right beside Romans 3:10, write the next verse to tell you where to go, then continue to do the same with the rest of the verses. Underline or highlight each verse so that it is easy to see.

Here's the Romans Road method:

Romans 3:10 (it tells us that no one has a right relationship with God);

Romans 3:23 (everyone has sinned against God, this is why our relationship is broken with God);

Romans 5:12 (Christ died for sinners);

Romans 6:23 (the penalty of sin);

Romans 5:8 (again, the penalty of sin is death, but we can have eternal life through Christ); and

Romans 10:9-13 (this tells a person how to be saved).

“SHARE JESUS WITHOUT FEAR” Method

This method is similar to the Romans Road Method in that you are making a road map in your bible so you know where to go, except with this method, you are using other Scriptures outside of the book of Romans.

The Scriptures used with this method are:

Romans 3:23 (everyone has sinned against God, this is why our relationship is broken with God);

Romans 6:23 (the penalty of sin);

John 3:3 (speaks of the need to accept Christ);

John 14:6 (this points out that there is only one way to be saved - also see Acts 4:12);

Romans 10:9-10 (this tells a person how to be saved);

2 Corinthians 5:15 (this speaks of the new life in Christ - also see 2 Cor.5:17);

Revelation 3:20 (accept Christ as Saviour; see also 2 Cor. 6:2; Matt. 24:44; James 4:13-14)

(Note - they use this verse to ask the person if they are willing to accept Christ as their Savior. Please note, while this verse may sound good for this purpose, the context is actually speaking to backslidden Christians, so you might want to consider finding a more appropriate passage: other good verses to substitute for this one are 2 Cor.6:2; Matt.24:44; James 4:13-14).

Using this method, read the verse out loud or have the person you are witnessing read the verse out loud. Then, ask them, "What does this say to you?" after each verse. This reinforces what they have just read, and gives you the opportunity to clarify or correct any misunderstanding.

They suggest that when you are finished taking the person through the passages, there are Five Questions that you should ask that will lead a person to a point of decision:

5 Follow-Up Decision Questions:

Are you a sinner?

Do you want forgiveness for you sins?

Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for you and rose again?

4. Are you willing to believe on Jesus for Salvation?

5. Are you ready to receive God’s forgiveness for your sins?

With this fifth question, there are two important things you must do after you have asked it:

Be silent, so the person has time to say whatever they want to say.

Pray silently as you listen, this will keep you from interrupting the silence.

There are only two possible answers that you will be given at this point:

If YES, then guide them in prayer with something like this; "Heavenly Father, I have sinned against You. I want forgiveness for all my sins. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for me and rose again. Father, I give You my life to do with as You wish. I want Jesus Christ to come into my life and into my heart. This I ask in Jesus' name. Amen." - Notice this prayer responds to the 5 closing questions.

If NO, then ask them WHY. Let their answer reveal what is going on deep inside the person. The question "Why?" provides an opportunity to deal with the issue.

“THE FOUR SPIRITUAL LAWS” Method

The Four Spiritual Laws presents a clear explanation of the gospel of Jesus Christ using the Tract from Campus Crusade. This is an effective evangelistic tool that uses a,

Four-point outline:

God LOVES you and offers a wonderful PLAN for your life (John 3:16; John 10:10).

Man is SINFUL and SEPARATED from God. Therefore, he cannot know and experience God's love and plan for his life (Romans 3:23, 6:23).

Jesus Christ is God's ONLY provision for man's sin. Through Him you can know and experience God's love and plan for your life (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6).

We must individually RECEIVE Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives (John 1:12, 3:1-8).

THE GOGO Method (22)

God's Love (John 3:16).

Our Sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23).

God's Provision (1 Peter 3:18).

Our Response (John 1:12; Revelation 3:20).

Important Questions to Ask When Witnessing

Opening Questions:

When we begin to talk to people about their spiritual condition, there are a couple of questions that we can ask them that will help us discern whether they are saved or not. (23)

Here are a couple of examples;

"Have you come to a place in your spiritual life where you know for certain that if you were to die today, you would go to heaven, or is that something you would say you're still working on?"

"Suppose that you were to die today and stand before God, and He were to say to you, 'Why should I let you into my heaven?' What would you say?"

If a person can't honestly say that they would go to heaven, or they don't know why they should go to heaven (i.e., based on Christ's finished work on the cross alone), or their answer is unclear, then you need to take the time to share the gospel with them.

Closing Questions:

After you have shared the gospel with someone, it is important to ask them a question that will get a commitment from them. (24)

Here are some examples;

"Does this make sense to you?"

"Would you like to receive the gift of eternal life?"

"If You Died Now, Do You Know That You Would Go to Heaven? (25)"

"Would You Like to Know?"

"If I Showed You How You Could Know, Would You Do What the Bible Says?"

By asking questions like these, or similar questions, will accomplish two things:

First, it will bring the person who has been witnessed to decide to accept or reject Christ (you have accomplished what you have been called to do, plant and water. They may need more time before the seed of the gospel begins to grow and before they respond, but you have made that process now possible);

Second, it will give you an opportunity to clarify any other questions or misunderstandings that they might have.

Common Objections

The purpose of listing some possible objections isn't necessarily so you can memorize them, but so that you will not be caught off guard if it does happen. You will probably never be totally prepared to answer every objection but don't let that discourage you. If you don't know the answer, then tell the person that and make a point of finding out the answer and getting back to them. Also, don't let their objections sidetrack you - that is what most objections are designed to do. Most of the time, you can simply reply, "Before you can really understand what you are asking, you first need to understand what God has done for you (or who Christ is)," or some similar comment. The point is that you keep them focused on the gospel message and not off on all the rabbit trails.

Years ago, I worked with an individual who would come back to my office to ask me some "religious" questions (this individual was very intelligent, but he also liked to get Christians all twisted up with questions that they could not answer). Every time he would ask me one of his questions, I would tell him that before he could really understand the answer to his question, he needed to understand who Jesus was and what He had done for him. By the time this individual left the job for a new one, he told me that I was the only Christian that he had ever met who gave him intelligent answers or challenged him. The truth was, I didn't really answer any of his questions, but I had simply pointed him back to the gospel. I don't know if he had ever accepted Christ, but I do know God used that time for planting and watering the gospel.

In the book, Evangelism Explosion, they give the following suggestions for,

Handling objections:

Avoid Arguing:

you may win the debate, but lose the person's respect.

Show A Positive Attitude:

let the person know that you are glad that they have enough freedom to express their feelings to you. let the person know that you are glad that they are listening and assimilating what you are presenting.

Use Sincere Compliments:

sincere compliments are effective in reducing tensions. Let them know that their opinions are intelligent or well thought out, even though you might disagree with them for your own reasons. Let them know that you enjoyed their willingness to discuss spiritual issues with you. These types of compliments can be sincere and often will keep an argument from starting.

Prayer:

if you are visiting, and you have someone with you who is helping, then make sure they are praying for God's presence during the whole conversation. Remember, only God can change a heart; we are not capable of doing that, no matter how verbally gifted we might be.

Here are some common objections that you might encounter when you are witnessing (27);

"I've got plenty of time"

Answer: "We all think we do. But nobody is promised tomorrow. People die unexpectedly every day. No one should put off such an eternally important matter" (James 4:13-17; Luke 12:19-20).

"I'm a good person and I don't believe God would ever send me to hell."

Answer: "Compared to other people, you may be a very good person. But, God is a holy God and His standard is perfection. Can you give Him that? Nobody can. Everybody has sinned and is in need of God's forgiveness. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ who died for us on the cross. Good works will never get anyone to heaven because we can never be good enough" (Rom.3:23; 6:23; Eph.2:8-10; Titus 3:5).

NOTE: When someone uses this excuse, using the 10 Commandments will do an excellent job of stripping away their goodness (See the R.C.C.R Method of witnessing above).

"There are too many hypocrites in the church."

Answer: "You are absolutely right. But God knows who they are and will deal with them on the Day of Judgment. When we stand before God, He will not be asking us about what someone else has done with Jesus. He will ask what we have personally done with Him" (Rom.14:12).

"There are so many churches and I just don't know which the right one is."

Answer: "A church doesn't save anyone. Jesus saves. It's important for you to find the right church, but that comes later. Right now, let's just focus on receiving Jesus Christ into your life" (Acts 4:12).

"I'm afraid I won't be able to live it."

Answer: "No, you won't live a perfect life. But Christ living in you will give you strength and help you to live for Him. When you do fail, the Father's forgiveness is available. He wants to forgive and instantly restore fellowship with Him" (Phil.2:13; 1 John 1:9; Rev.3:20).

"I don't understand enough."

Answer: "Becoming a Christian is not based upon WHAT we know but WHO we know. We don't become Christians by receiving knowledge but by receiving Jesus. If you understand John 3:16, you know enough to become a Christian."

"I have already been baptized."

Answer: "Baptism doesn't save anyone. Jesus saves. Baptism pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and through it, we let others know we have trusted Christ for salvation. It is the ANNOUNCEMENT of our salvation, not the WAY of our salvation" (Acts 16:27-33).

"I'm afraid."

Answer: "You won't be afraid when you realize how much God loves you. He gave His Son to die on the cross so that you can be saved. If He loved you enough to do that, you don't have ANYTHING to be afraid of! He only wants the best for your life" (Rom.5:6-8).

"When it's time, I'll feel right about it."

Answer: "The bible doesn't say anything about 'feeling' a certain way when we decide to receive Christ. It's a matter of the WILL. If it is your choice to receive Christ into your life right now, you can" (Rev.22:17).

"After the way I've lived my life, I don't deserve to be saved."

Answer: "What you have just said is true for every one of us. But, no matter what you have done, God still loves you and wants to forgive and save you. Christ died on the cross for the sins of the WORLD. That includes anything and everything you may have done. Everyone must be saved by God's GRACE" (Eph.2:8-10; 1 Tim. 1:12-16)

Summary On Witnessing

Regardless of which method you use (or even a combination of several), the main points of witnessing are always the same:

Main Witnessing Points:

God loves all of us, so we don't have to earn his love.

I have sinned against God (by breaking His law or standards), and this sin must be punished by God because He is Just and Righteous (i.e., He always does what is right).

Christ died to pay the price for my sin.

I must accept Jesus as my Savior to receive God's forgiveness.

When I do this, I become a God's child.

Find a method that you feel comfortable with and use it. Acrostics (letters at the beginning of each line that form a word or a message) are useful because they give us mental word pictures that make it easier for us to remember, so use the one that is easiest for you to remember.

One of the best ways to train others is for them to watch someone else. (29) So it is not only helpful to provide some "classroom" training, but it is even more important to get them involved with some "on the job training." Send your new visitation team members out with experienced members until they gain the experience and confidence to lead a visitation team. Also send them out with different experienced visitation members, this will give broaden their experience.

Hospital Visitation

Howard R. Sugden & Warren W. Wiersbe, in their book Confident Pastoral Leadership, give this advice when it comes to making hospital visits. (30)

Get to know the hospital personnel and make yourself available to help them, but don't assume authority that you don't possess. If there is a chaplain in charge, by all means, become his friend, even if you are of different faiths.

[My notes here: This is important because there have been recent federal laws that have been passed which have had a direct impact upon your visit. Understand that most hospitals are thrilled to have pastors come in and visit, but they are also afraid of being sued and have to deal with federal laws dealing with the patient's privacy. If you visit someone and tell others about their situation without their permission, you could be opening yourself, your church, and the hospital up to lawsuits. So, get the facts before you go].

Visit at hours convenient to the patients. Visiting them in the late morning, after their baths, is a good time to stop by: The patients are fresh and clean, they have not been worn out by other visitors, and there will be fewer interruptions. Arrange your visits according to the rules of the hospital. Don't make yourself a pest. Get the facts about the patient, so as not to embarrass yourself. Be cheerful but not a standup comedian. Leave your problems and symptoms outside the door and enter the room determined to be an encouragement.

Don't become an amateur physician. It is wrong to diagnose the case or to compare a patient with others you have visited. Never act as a go-between when patients and physicians have differences. If a patient has fears or frustrations, be a counselor and help them find their peace in Christ.

Be brief. Long visits can often do more harm than good. Each visit should help to lift the patient with hopefulness and joy. In most cases, read something briefly from the Word and pray to the point. Don't turn the bed into a pulpit and preach to the whole ward. A quiet, personal prayer at the bedside is what the patient needs. Pay attention to the others in the room; greet them and be friendly. If it is a double room or three-bed room, be sure to include the other patients in your prayers. If there are other visitors in the room, wait for a break in the conversation and ask, "Would you mind if I prayed for all of us?" Very few patients or visitors would be offended.

Use Christian literature judiciously. Be sure to read carefully whatever you distribute; the wrong tract can do untold damage. Select Tracts that are appropriate to the purpose of the visit.

Some church members should be advised not to do hospital visitation at all. They may not like it, but it is better to upset a few saints than to lose your testimony before the whole hospital.

Visitation Follow-up

A follow-up letter also makes the visit something special and appreciated. (31) In fact, Dr. Tom Clegg, in his church growth seminar 7 Habits of a Visitor Friendly Church, (32) says that it is important to make at least seven contacts with the family after your first visit in the next 7 days. This can be done in several different ways, such as:

a pastor's letter.

another informal visit by a church member or pastor (bring a small gift like coffee mugs with the church name).

a phone call by another person (2 or 3 phone calls that week would reinforce the message that your church cares about them - make sure these calls are short).

send several welcome cards (from church members.

a follow-up phone call by a church staff member or deacon should be made within the 1st or 2nd week.

and again 6 to 8 weeks later. (even if they haven't shown back up).

Dr. Clegg also suggests that if the person doesn't return to your church, you ask them why (this is so you can evaluate your church to see what you are doing right or wrong).

Encouraging Your Visitation Ministry to Grow.

The best way to encourage others to get involved is to continue to promote the visitation ministry before the church. Visitation is better caught than taught. It spreads best by contagion, not compulsion, and don't scold those who are not involved. Start with a few choice men and/or women, and take them with you when you visit. Ask God to touch their hearts. Give opportunities for your people to testify of the blessing of visiting. Most of all, be sure that the visitation ministry is worth inviting others to share in.

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