When we witness it helps to understand how non-Christians think

 

 

If you have been a Christian for years, or maybe you came to Christ at a young age then there is a possibility that you have forgotten the way that non-Christians think. The more time you spend with Jesus the more you become like Him. As a result of this, its natural that our thoughts start to change.

In some churches the members don’t socialise, interact or get involved with those who don’t believe, because they feel that they have nothing in common. They end up only socialising with people who share their beliefs. They become like hermits, shutting themselves off from the outside world.

However the Bible teaches that we are supposed to be out there, meeting with people and eagerly seeking for opportunities to share the good news. As I have often said – “If we don’t witness for Christ, who else will”?

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1: 18

People who are un-churched rarely look for God. By His grace He reveals Himself to some people in extraordinary ways and it changes the way that they live. But many people are just too preoccupied with their busy lives and miss Him because they don’t take time to think about what will happen when they die. Apparently we start to think about death more often from the age of about thirty five. Having worked in the life assurance industry I would agree with that. But most people only think of what they will leave behind, rather than considering where they will spend eternity.

To some, the message of the cross is either a story or it seems difficult to believe. It may simply appear foolishness to them as they are unable to understand it. When I first heard about Jesus dying on the cross it didn’t make any sense to me at all. Somebody had to explain it to me.

"He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn--and I would heal them." John 12: 30

My mother told me a story a few years ago about a young lady who went in to a jewellery shop to buy a crucifix. The shop sales assistant dutifully presented her with a tray full of different types and sizes. She seemed unable to make up her mind. After a minute or two she asked the sales assistant, “Do you have one with the little man on it”?

Society has changed considerably during my lifetime and there are many more people like that who know nothing of Jesus and the incredible sacrifice that He made at Calvary. As I often point out, when I see a crucifix with the Lord nailed to it, I say, “He is no longer on the cross, He is risen”.

Key Point: People need to have the Gospel explained to them. The Lord wants to use you to do it. 

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Acts 8: 30-31

People need to have the Gospel explained to them. The Lord wants to use us to do it. Firstly, though, we need to understand how the un-churched think. Here are some typical comments that non believers make:

• I tried reading the Bible once, but found it hard to understand.
• I really get very angry when I hear Christians saying that they know everything.
• I don’t believe that Christians have much fun because they live by a list of rules. 
• I was given a church leaflet in the street the other day. It was so badly produced though and had a lot of text and Bible verses on it. I can’t see how any of it relates to me.  
• I wouldn’t go to a church on my own, even if I wanted to. I’d feel like a fish out of water
• I don’t really know any Christians. Otherwise I would try to find out more and ask some real questions, though I worry about being preached at. 
• I really don’t understand what this religious stuff is all about.

We need to ask God to guide us in which ways to reach people.  There are some great witnessing initiatives that are very effective. However, there are some fundamental things that we should be doing every day in our mission to share the Gospel, whilst remembering how people think, because many will not be looking for God.  Somebody has to tell them about Jesus. It should be you!

Have look at the list below. How many of the suggestions do you use on a regular basis? What would happen if you used them all on a regular basis for the next year?  

To be an effective witness for Christ, remember to:

• Pray for specific people who don’t know the Lord as Saviour, asking God to give me ‘divine appointments’
• Read and study ways to witness
• Mix with other soul winners
• Always have tracts available to hand out when opportunities arise
• Know how to share your testimony in 2, 5 and 10 minute explanations
• Let people see Jesus in your life and actions
• Know how to present ‘the Roman road’, or share the Gospel in a simple way
• Step out of your comfort zone and witness
• Trust the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you
• Invite people to church or church events
• Invite people to meetings that are visitor-friendly, dinners, breakfasts, men’s and women’s events
• Ask a good friend to critique your testimony or Gospel presentation
• Pray, pray, pray, because praying and witnessing go hand in hand.