Sharing Your Story

I am:

Mr. Rich CohrsBorn Rich

Handsome came later

I am:

Mr. Rich Cohrs CohrsDad didn’t know

how to spell!

Always Be PreparedAlways be prepared to give an answer to

everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. - 1 Peter 3:15

Christian Witnessing

To “witness” means . . .

to speak from personal experience;to introduce others to Jesus

Effective Witnessing is…personal.relational.

It takes place when:you listen;you are genuinely interested;you hear a person out and then speak.

WITNESSING HINDRANCES

What hinders your witness?

Fear? Common Fears:– rejection – the unknown– confrontation– embarrassment– being tongue-tied– saying the wrong thing– finding the right time

The Solution:

Satan says, “Be afraid to witness.” God says, “You have nothing to fear!”– Read Luke 12:11-12 and 2 Timothy 1:7.

Luke 12:11-12

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Overcoming Fear…by His power in us!

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a sense of power, of love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Be empowered by the Holy Spirit!

Overcoming Fear…with common sense!

Follow James 1:19: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

– Be a good listener.– Think before you speak.– Don’t get pulled into a debate!

Overcoming Obstacles… through prayer!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

You Are Qualified!

God has chosen and appointed you.“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,

a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

So. . . Get Over Yourself!Witnessing is not about me!

It’s about Jesus. It’s all about His mission, His message, and by

His power; and the person who needs to know Him.

It’s our privilege to participate!

Be Led By Love.Love makes us want to witness—not

guilt, duty, or egotism.• love for God• love for His children

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear …” (1 John 4:18a).

You Know the Mission.“And you will be My witnesses in

Jerusalem, and in Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

In other words … in my family, with my friends, on the job,

in my community, in the grocery line … wherever God leads.

You Know His Message.“By this Gospel you are saved … that Christ died for our

sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day …” (1 Corinthians 15:2-4a).

“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that … we too may have new life” (Romans 6:4).

His Power:Then Jesus came to them and said,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

It’s Your Privilege, not your perfection!

God has shown me mercy as an example to all.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15b-16).

It’s Your Privilege, not your perfection!

The witness is not that you’re perfect, but that God is so loving and patient He forgave even you!

YOUR STORY

Your Story – God Works I. That was then – facing testing

Lack of provisionFear of deathUncertain futureNo purposeTesting

Satan wants you to turn away from God

Your Story – God Works II. This is now – God intervenes

The rest of the story

God touched you in a memorable way

Your Story – God Works III. God can impact them

Others can see God in their life

Your story can motivate others to know more about God

Develop Your Story1. Context

A. When did it happen?B. What was happening in your life?

Develop Your Story2. What happened

A. BriefB. Cover main details

Develop Your Story3. God’s presence

A. How was God present?B. How did you feel God’s hand?

Develop Your Story4. Result

A. How did God change you?B. Changed behaviors?

Develop Your Story5. Bible passage

My Story1. Context2. What happened3. God’s presence4. Result5. Bible passage

Common Story StartersTime of Crisis

FinancesIllnessOccupationDeath

Time of JoyBirth of childrenAnswer to prayerMarriage

Time of HealingPhysicalSpiritual

Time of RestorationFamily memberConfession and Absolution

Time of Protection Time of Comfort

Time of Provision Time of Peace

RememberYour story + His story = your personal witness

Remember what Christ has done for you personally.How is your life different because of Him?Share what the cross means to you.As a result, how do you experience freedom?

Witnessing Is All About God

It’s not about me!

It’s His mission, His message, and by His power!

It’s our privilege to participate.