Christian Witness and the Kingdom of God: Part 1 PEAP

Memory Verse

18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Acts 26:18

Personal Evangelism Action Plan

Many Christians feel inadequate when it comes to sharing their faith. Some fear rejection. Others feel they lack sufficient knowledge. Yet evangelism is not first a matter of technique but of theology. We share our faith because God is a missionary God. The Father sent the Son, the Son sent the Spirit, and the Spirit sends the Church into the world.

From Genesis to Revelation, God is gathering a people for Himself from every tribe, language, people, and nation. The Church does not merely have a mission; the mission of God has a Church.

The question is not simply, “How do I share my faith?” but rather, “How does God’s mission shape my intentions (ambitions)  for my life, prayers, relationships, and conversations?”

One way to be intentional is to develop a Personal Evangelism Action Plan.

  1. Intentional Prayer (People and Groups)
  2. Intentional Engagement (Connecting and Compasions)
  3. Intentional Life (Hospitality and Helpfulness)

I. Intentional Prayer

Reading Colossians 4:2–6

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

Paul places prayer before proclamation.

Paul’s instructions in Colossians 4:2–6 reveal that effective witness begins not with speaking but with prayer. 

This is significant because evangelism is fundamentally a supernatural work. Scripture teaches that fallen humanity is spiritually dead.

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins…” (Ephesians 2:1)

Dead people do not revive themselves. Therefore conversion is not ultimately the result of human persuasion but divine intervention.

The Holy Spirit must:

  • Convict of sin.
  • Open blind eyes.
  • Regenerate the heart.
  • Draw sinners to Christ.

Prayer is therefore an acknowledgment that salvation belongs to God.

Prayer must precede Witness.

Prayer reminds us:

  1. Human hearts cannot be changed merely by argument.
  2. The Spirit prepares hearts before conversations occur.
  3. Evangelism is participation in God’s work rather than initiation of our own.

Reading Matthew 6:6 

Jesus instructed believers:

“When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.”

Public witness begins in private communion.

The prayer closet is where:

  • Fear is replaced by faith.
  • Pride is replaced by dependence.
  • Human strategies are replaced by divine guidance.

Reflection

In your Personal Evangelism Action Plan, 

  1. dedicate weekly time to talk to God about people.
  2. Commit to pray for the salvation of specific people (or community group etc).

What does my prayer life reveal about your ambitions?

II. Intentional Engagement 

Reading Colossians 4:3

“Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word.”

The Theology of Open Doors

In Scripture, an open door represents God’s sovereign activity creating opportunities for gospel advancement.

Examples include:

  • Lydia’s conversion (Acts 16).
  • The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8).
  • Cornelius’ household (Acts 10).

God is already at work before His servants arrive.

Evangelism as Joining God’s Activity

Jesus declared:

“My Father is working until now, and I am working.” (John 5:17)

The evangelism task is learning to discern where God is already working.

The believer asks:

  • Where do I see “open doors”?
  • Who do I connect with (spiritually curious)? 
  • How do I connect with them?
  • Who is experiencing conviction?
  • Who is suffering and seeking hope or help?

Reflection

In your Personal Evangelism Action Plan, 

  1. What current opportunities has God provided to connect with people?
  2. What “open doors” and “compassions” has God placed before me recently.?
  3. List the people / groups of people you are burdened.

III. Intentional in the way you live your life.

Reading Colossians 4:5

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders.”

The Witness of Holiness

Throughout Scripture, God’s people are called to be distinct.

Israel was to be holy among the nations.

The Church is likewise called:

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” (1 Peter 2:9)

The credibility of our witness is strengthened when our lives display the reality of the gospel.

Wisdom in Conduct

Biblical wisdom is not merely knowledge.

Wisdom is skill in living under God’s rule.

A wise witness demonstrates:

  • Hospitality/Helpfulness (Humility, Compassion, Patience, generosity)

The world often evaluates the gospel through the lives of those who proclaim it.

Reflection

In your Personal Evangelism Action Plan, 

  1. Include ambitions to improve your lifestyle to support Christian witness.
  2. include specific Hospitality and Helpfulness actions.