1. Sharing Your Story

2. I am: Mr. Rich Cohrs Born Rich Handsome came later

3. I am: Mr. Rich Cohrs Cohrs Dad didn’t know how to spell!

4. Always Be Prepared Always 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

5. Christian Witnessing To “witness” means... to speak from personal experience; to introduce others to Jesus

6. Effective Witnessing is… personal. relational. It takes place when: you listen; you are genuinely interested; you hear a person out and then speak.

7. WITNESSING HINDRANCES What hinders your witness?

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

9. 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.

10. 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.”

11. 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!

12. 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!

13. 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).

14. 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).

15. 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!

16. 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).

17. 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).

18. In other words … in my family, with my friends, on the job, in my community, in the grocery line … wherever God leads.

19. 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).

20. 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).

21. 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).

22. 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!

23. YOUR STORY

24. Your Story – God Works I. That was then – facing testing Lack of provision Fear of death Uncertain future No purpose Testing Satan wants you to turn away from God

25. Your Story – God Works II. This is now – God intervenes The rest of the story God touched you in a memorable way

26. 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

27. Develop Your Story 1. Context A.When did it happen? B.What was happening in your life?

28. Develop Your Story 2. What happened A.Brief B.Cover main details

29. Develop Your Story 3. God’s presence A.How was God present? B.How did you feel God’s hand?

30. Develop Your Story 4. Result A.How did God change you? B.Changed behaviors?

31. Develop Your Story 5. Bible passage

32. My Story 1. Context 2. What happened 3. God’s presence 4. Result 5. Bible passage

33. Common Story Starters Time of Crisis Finances Illness Occupation Death Time of Joy Birth of children Answer to prayer Marriage Time of Healing Physical Spiritual Time of Restoration Family member Confession and Absolution Time of ProtectionTime of Comfort Time of ProvisionTime of Peace

34. Remember Your 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?

35. 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.