"How do I witness to someone I know, like a family member?"

For most of us, it is far easier to witness to a stranger than to someone we know and respect. An effective way to soften the message without compromise is to speak in the "first person" or in testimonial form. Say something like, "I didn’t realize that the Bible warns that for every idle word I have spoken, I will have to give an account on Judgment Day. I thought that as long as I believed in God and tried to live a good life, I would go to heaven when I died. I was so wrong. Jesus said that if I as much as looked with lust, I had committed adultery in my heart, and that there was nothing I could do to wash away my sins. I knew that if God judged me by the Ten Commandments on Judgment Day, I would end up guilty, and go to hell."

"It was when I acknowledged my sins that I began to understand why Jesus died. It was to take the punishment for my sins, and the sins of the world." Then, depending on the person’s openness, you may ask, "How do you think you will do on Judgment Day, if God judges you by the Ten Commandments?"

Therefore, my suggestion is to use not the "Good Test" but the "Good Testimony" Tell your story to others...only after you have heard thier story first! When the spotlight shines on you and your past sins and your past destiny it is easier for people we consider friends and/or family members to reflect on their own lives. Anyway I hope that you all do not see this as merely a formula, but another tool in your evangelism toolbox that you can can use while your out in your communities connecting with the people!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe