How can I be an effective witness for Christ in a lost world?

Answer

A “witness” is someone who attests to a fact. Therefore, to be an effective witness for Christ, one must have firsthand knowledge of Him. John the Apostle discusses this in 1 John 1:1-3, where he states, “That . . . which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at, and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life.” Today, those of us who have encountered new life in Christ testify to His love and forgiveness, both verbally and through our actions. This is what it means to be a witness. To be impactful in our testimony, we should keep in mind several fundamental aspects:

1) The FOCUS of our witness is Jesus Christ. Paul defined the gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). If we fail to explain the sacrifice of Christ, then we are not truly sharing the gospel. (See also 1 Corinthians 2:2 and Romans 10:9-10:) An essential part of this focus is the truth that Jesus Christ is the exclusive path to salvation, not merely one among many. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6).

2) The STRENGTH of our witness lies in the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who brings about transformation in a life «not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; », (Titus 3:5), and a transformed life is evident to all. As we bear witness, we should dedicate ample time to prayer, embracing

The Spirit’s power enables us to shine our light in a way that others will recognize God’s power within us “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”, (Matthew 5:16).

The authenticity of our witness is demonstrated in how we live. Philippians 2:15 sets this standard for us: “That you may be blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish, in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” A compelling Christian witness will lead a life above reproach in the power of the Holy Spirit, displaying the fruit of the Spirit when abiding in Christ (John 15:1-8;Galatians 5:22-23).

Most importantly, we must be sufficiently familiar with the Scriptures to accurately and coherently share the gospel. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” “but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”, (1 Peter 3:15). Being always prepared entails diligent Bible study, Scripture memorization, and praying for God-given opportunities to share with those whose hearts have been prepared by the Lord to hear His message of salvation.