Christians are called to be a witness for Jesus Christ, and nothing could be more vital- an eternity in either Heaven or Hell is at stake. God calls us to be His witnesses, and that witness could come in a variety of ways as circumstances allow, and the Holy Spirit dictates. Most Christians, I believe, have a burden to witness, but are perplexed as to how to go about it.
In each and every case we ought to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, striving to be “instant in season and out of season” as the Word instructs in II Timothy 4:2. Yet I would like to suggest to you the possibility of writing the person a letter, something I have begun to use in certain circumstances.
It is by the written letter that we primarily have the New Testament of the Bible! These letters (epistles) became the basis of God’s Word to mankind, and are our guide to salvation, as well as living a Christian life. Spoken words are often quickly forgotten, or the words jumbled in our limited memories. Written words can be looked at repeatedly, and are a sure record of the exact message.
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. –Luke 1:3 & 4
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. –Acts 17:11
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. –Romans 10:17
Satan has devised a world in which people are always busy with something: this makes it difficult for us to witness in person verbally, but even when we do, our words may be quickly lost in the current of daily life for the individual. People typically take time to read their mail, especially personal letters, and this could be referred back to many times by them. The time taken also helps us in properly expressing the message we need to convey. Always remember, however, that SALVATION COMES FROM GOD ALONE. Don’t place undo emphasis on techniques- simply follow the Lord as He will lead you (through prayer and not mere feelings), and trust in Him to do the rest.
Below is a copy of an actual letter I’ve written and sent, although changing name specifics for privacy. It is not meant to be exactly copied; each situation, every relationship, will be quite varied. Pray much for wisdom, wording, and final blessing. My wife encouraged me in sharing this, impressed that it might be helpful. God alone brings the increase!
To John Smith;
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. I Timothy 1:15
The writing of this letter has been some time in coming. I do see it, through prayer, as necessary – and yet I wish to be careful, but truthful with these words. May God use this as a blessing to your soul, as He desires it to be.
There is no doubt in my mind that I am indeed a chief sinner in my natural state. I have been an unworthy recipient of God’s grace and mercy through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. And even though I have received this priceless blessing, it does not make me automatically perfect in every respect: but it has changed my attitude toward sin, and my perception regarding it.
It is my desire, and much more so God’s desire, that you also should be redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ, and receive this change of heart and mind that only He can give. Please accept the following prayer on your behalf:
Dear God, I praise you for the gift of your precious Son, Jesus. I thank you for showing this mercy, and not exacting of us what our sins deserve.
Please bless this man, John Smith, and reveal to him the need he has for redemption through Jesus Christ alone. Help him to realize his natural state of separation from You, the shortness of our physical lives, and the way You have made for him to stand in the coming judgment. Please show to him that the real love of God is not of a permissiveness toward sin, but the given life of Jesus that can redeem him from sin.
Father, I ask that from this time forth you will hover over John with your Holy Spirit, revealing Yourself to him. Please help him to escape the evil that Satan would ensnare him with. Show to John your great power, and that you are still very much alive, and active in this world. He needs to know this, Lord – we have no hope without your might.
So I do commit this young man into your faithful hand, oh God – please open his eyes, too see You working, and that he might otherwise sense Your call to him.
Thank You, Lord. Amen
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8,9
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
The writing of this letter has been some time in coming. I do see it, through prayer, as necessary – and yet I wish to be careful, but truthful with these words. May God use this as a blessing to your soul, as He desires it to be.
There is no doubt in my mind that I am indeed a chief sinner in my natural state. I have been an unworthy recipient of God’s grace and mercy through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. And even though I have received this priceless blessing, it does not make me automatically perfect in every respect: but it has changed my attitude toward sin, and my perception regarding it.
It is my desire, and much more so God’s desire, that you also should be redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ, and receive this change of heart and mind that only He can give. Please accept the following prayer on your behalf:
Dear God, I praise you for the gift of your precious Son, Jesus. I thank you for showing this mercy, and not exacting of us what our sins deserve.
Please bless this man, John Smith, and reveal to him the need he has for redemption through Jesus Christ alone. Help him to realize his natural state of separation from You, the shortness of our physical lives, and the way You have made for him to stand in the coming judgment. Please show to him that the real love of God is not of a permissiveness toward sin, but the given life of Jesus that can redeem him from sin.
Father, I ask that from this time forth you will hover over John with your Holy Spirit, revealing Yourself to him. Please help him to escape the evil that Satan would ensnare him with. Show to John your great power, and that you are still very much alive, and active in this world. He needs to know this, Lord – we have no hope without your might.
So I do commit this young man into your faithful hand, oh God – please open his eyes, too see You working, and that he might otherwise sense Your call to him.
Thank You, Lord. Amen
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8,9
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
—with best wishes
Your neighbor at ???
Your neighbor at ???
Andy Schwankl
