Witnessing
Stage 1: The Natural Realm
The goal at this level is to open a conversation, make the person feel comfortable, and then segway from natural subjects into the spiritual realm so as to open up for the Law.
Examples:
“Have a family? … So, here’s a question. Would you consider yourself to be a good person?”[Hand them a tract, like a million-dollar bill.] “Ever seen one of these? No? So, do you know the million-dollar question?”
“So what do you do? Tell me about yourself. …See a lot of the bad side of humanity, eh?”
Stage 2: The LawNew goal: We have to show people that they are guilty before God of breaking His law. Move from “lesser” to “greater” offenses:
Ten Commandments (actually 8; coveting is obvious and we save idolatry for later):
- Have you ever told a lie? What kind of person tells lies? Well, if I told you a lie, what would you call me?
- Have you ever taken something that didn’t belong to you? C’mon, you just told me you’re a liar! Anything, irrespective of value. A store, your parents, your siblings? So what does that make you? Yes, I’m a thief too; I’ve stolen things before.
- Have you ever taken God’s name in vain? That’s called blasphemy. Taking the name of the God who made you and dragging it through the dirt like a four-letter cussword. Very disrespectful; I’ve done it myself.
- Here’s one that got me. Jesus said, “You’ve heard that you shouldn’t commit adultery. But if a man even looks at a woman with lust, he has already committed adultery in his heart.” Have you ever looked with lust – you know, inappropriate sexual thoughts? Only once?? Be honest!
- Have you always honored your parents’ name? Well, you have lied and stolen; that doesn’t honor your parents!
- Have you ever called someone an idiot? Jesus said that if you hate someone then God sees that as murder. So really, if you hate someone you are a murderer in your heart.
- Have you always honored one day in seven as the Lord’s only?
To be continued….