Fish Chapter 2 PDF

2 MAKING CONTACT AND STIRRING INTEREST Now that we have seen why We should witness, we how to witness effectively. wil study Isnt witnessing easy? All you have to do is talk...

2 MAKING CONTACT AND STIRRING INTEREST Now that we have seen why We should witness, we how to witness effectively. wil study Isnt witnessing easy? All you have to do is talk about God. Witnessing is more involved than some peopleimagine. Even though the message of the gospel is simple, witnessing more than just saying the words, "You're a sinner, for vou, and if you trust Him now, you will be Christ died saved" a person accepts Christ, much groundwork must be book presents five general stages of witnessing, two of laid.Before This studied in this chapter. which are An analogy may be drawn from fishing. Before the fish can be caught, someone must know where the fish are, take the time toto go there., know how to bait the hook, and be patient enough wait for the fish to bite. He then must be skilled in setting the hook and landing the fish. Here well learn some of the preliminary activities in sharing the gospel. MAKING PERSONAL CONTACT Read John 4:6-18. Of what ethniC group was the woman at the well? Samaritans shareda mixture of Jewish and Gentile ancestry, and therefore were despised by both groups. Most Jews would not even travel through Samaria-which lay at the very center of their country--but instead traveled miles out of theway to bypass it. What does the last sentence in verse 9 say' Did the woman expect Christ to shun her? Did He? 16 He deliberately went to Samaria to reach her. I thought Christians shouldn't fellowship with unbelievers. There is a big difference between being best friends with the ungodBy and trying to lead them to Christ. While we should not become partners in ministry with unbelievers, or be open to ungodly influence, we must be a friend and a help to them. What does 1 Corinthians 5:9 say about this? But to avoid any misunderstanding, Paul clarifies his statement in verse 10. What does he say? So even though we are not to partner with the lost, we are to show them love with the ultimate goal of winning them to Christ. After all, there's no greater love we can share with them than the love found in a relationship with God. PERSONAL CONTACT WITHOUT PARTNERSHIP How does this biblical principle apply to areas such as dating marriage, or business partnerships? Does that mean I can form partnerships with unbelievers if my goal is to see themaccept Christ? First, let's examine the issue. If winning them to Christ is the purpose, apartnership is not necessary. You can befriend a person and show him you are interested in his soul without compromis ing your principles. 17  Scripturesay about this in 22 What doesthe 6:14-17?Listthe things that cannot have a true Corrienltahtiioansn- ship. and and and and and fellowship or agreement orspiritual accord, what kind Without you would have? Not much of one. you think of partnership do unbelievingfriend to be able to Therefore, do not expect an Christian or offer youadvice with a understand your:strugglesas Spirit. Show them love, but if the help ofthe Word and the Holy them for friendship, trouble will follow you depend on STIRRING THEIR INTEREST unbeliever, showing them After we've built arelationship with an them, we can begin to kindle that we genuinely love and care for Christ. their interest in spiritual things--in particular, But how is this done? interest Note John 4. How did Christ stir this woman's inspiritual things? What did He offer her that was especially interesting and unusual? 18  Christ turned a conversation about ordinary things into a discussion of what He had to offer. He made an offer that made her aware of her own need. In what way did the woman express her need? What questions did the woman ask Christ? If by God's grace you can encourage a person to begin question ing his own needs, he will ask you the questions. But what can I say that will stir peoples interest? Many illustrations could be given, but we will offer one: A guy approaches you, and he is really down on himself. His girlfriend just broke up with him, and he blew the basketball game the night before. He says, "Man, this just isn't my day. Nothing goes right with me anymore." What can you say? I get it.1 cansayIusedto be like that, but now everything that happens is for my good" Youre getting the idea. Something like this could get your friend's attention and spur him toask questions. Get excited about what God has done for you, and you willshareit naturally. Relate your discussions to His character and His work. To encourage you to find ways to bring up spiritual topics, we've listed a few hypothetical situations below. Write down a response that might turn the discussion toward your faith and beliefs. 19  Situation: John tells you about a science: fiction adventure movie he saw. Situation: Mary complains about all her problems. Situation: Bill asks, "How are you doing?" Complete This Section Without Looking Backat the Lesson 1. Name the two stages in witnessing included in this chapter 2. For what five reasons would a Christian who was really in fellowship with the Lord not join in a partnership with a lost person? 20  3. What is the primary reason we should seek the friend ship of the lost? How can we share the greatest love with them? Verses to Memorize 1Corinthians 2:1-2 21