Hey Andy, which do you think is a better way to evangelize: witnessing, or reading scriptures to a non-believer? I think witnessing is by far better.
Which is a better way to evangelize? How about both: witnessing, but using scripture in your witnessing? But now, with that in mind, the means of witnessing hasn’t changed so much in the method due to anything different about the Word of God, but the culture and how they accept the Truth:
Because It’s the Truth
I was watching a documentary the other day on Billy Graham and his ministry. Now, I’m not saying that his ministry days were easy, but his generation listened to him because he claimed that the Bible is the Truth, and therefore, since it’s the Truth, they should listen to it — and they did. So his generation was about listening to it because it was the Truth.
Because I Trust Them
The next couple of generations, however are different, for they didn’t always trust the Truth, even if it was true. Instead, they only listened if they trusted the person telling them the Truth. In other words, witnessing to this such generation was only permitted if that person trusted you, and so it was based more on building trusting and genuine relationships — they’re trusting your words because they trust you, not because of the message. But if the Bible is a big part of your life, then they’ll understand your quoting from it anyway, and will have a better chance of accepting it because they trust you. Now, you may come across those who are familiar with scripture, but just don’t see it as authority. So if you include Scripture with your witnessing to them, then using it may cause them to begin trusting the Scripture and understanding it in line with their lives today, which is what you want.
Because It’s Relevant
Again, it’s different when we evangelize to this current generation, for we live in the information age, where information can be found everywhere, all throughout the internet. Also, anybody can start up a website with an authoritative title and make their opinions and incorrect information sound authoritative; anybody can get ordained online for a few bucks; news channels are reporting their opinions and what they want the public to believe more than the facts, and just because somebody has a Ph.D. in something, doesn’t mean they know what they’re talking about (nor are correct in their information), so education doesn’t always give authentic claim to authority, either.
So when witnessing to people today, it’s not so much whether or not what you’re sharing is True, nor if they trust you. Now it’s based on its relevance in their lives. Granted, they may not listen to you if they don’t trust you, so that’s a large part, also, but even so, if it’s not relevant to their lives, if it’s not practical to them, then they’ll base your words on their own opinions and experiences. This is where sharing your testimony with them is important, for you’re showing them how God has impacted your life, showing them the results, which is speaking volumes to them about the relevance and practicality of God.
Simply put, witnessing and evangelism just mean introducing people to Jesus Christ and His Word, which is a Word for all times. So explaining to them about how Jesus has impacted your life, and using Scripture to reinforce your experience, will sometimes help them understand what God has done in you, through you, and for you, and that He also promises to do for them, as well as all people who acknowledge their sin, repent, and turn to follow Jesus.
Blessings in your ministry!
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