Christian Evangelism-how should it be done? (traditions, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, disciple)

[CelticLady1]

Originally Posted by blue62

I am finally at peace with my beliefs after about forty years of being in a church I was uncomfortable with trying to please hubby and family. I finally just made up my mind and told them that I have found a new relationship with God that I feel happy with and that no person will ever take that from me again.

I was in church most of my life, as well. The day I finally walked away, was one of the best. I don't miss it, in the least. My relationship with my Creator no longer hinges on whether I am being a "good Christian", by someone else's standards.

[arguy1973]

People who stand on the street corner and yell out Bible versus embarress me, if someone is really looking for answers i doubt they really wanna ask the guy yelling at cars and waving signs. For me, opportunities to witness are brought about by the Holy Spirit, IMO. I think alot of times showing kindness, taking food to someone who is ill, or taking food to a family that has none is just a big of witness for Christ as anything, people who are in need remember those who help them. Maybe somewhere down the line, someone else may point them to Christ, but you helped sow the seed.

[aiangel_writer]

Originally Posted by blue62

In my situation, the only people who actually come up to me and try to evangelize (harrass in this case) are some members of the church I just dropped out of..They keep asking me why I don't come there any more and I keep telling them why. If I run into them a couple days later they ask the same question. A few times I have been approached by other denominations wanting me to join. For the most part they are polite. You have to show respect in order to receive respect. Then there are some people who just don't think anyone is as good or christian as they are, and they are insulting and loud. It is hard not to be rude back, but I have found that the old saying about "killing them with kindness" works!I am finally at peace with my beliefs after about forty years of being in a church I was uncomfortable with trying to please hubby and family. I finally just made up my mind and told them that I have found a new relationship with God that I feel happy with and that no person will ever take that from me again.

You hit the nail on the head. Respect for others without before hand judgement.

I applaud you for being strong enough to increase your walk in faith by following your heart. If more of us would stop and LISTEN, we might find more answers to our own problems and correct them instead of trying to 'fix' someone else.

I am so proud of you.

[ibcwife]

Originally Posted by JerZ

It shouldn't be. That dictate was made when there weren't any Christians. There are a few now. I think you're covered.

Some NT directives are now taken to mean that they only applied at the time. This seems to be a pick-and-choose kind of thing. For instance, Jesus told people to give up all their worldy posessions to follow him. But I don't see too many Christians living a monk's life today. I mean you're all sitting here typing on the internet. This doesn't exactly scream asceticism and a lack of love for worldly things. Yet that was a direct command from Jesus. THAT one is now ignored. The OTHER one, about running around spreading the word, is the one people choose to keep on doing. And doing.

Please show me where in the bible it is a mandate to sell all of your worldly possessions?!

[arguy1973]

Originally Posted by ibcwife

Please show me where in the bible it is a mandate to sell all of your worldly possessions?!

I think, IMO, that she is refering to Jesus when he was talking to the rich young ruler about money-Mark 10:17-23

[JerZ]

Originally Posted by ibcwife

Please show me where in the bible it is a mandate to sell all of your worldly possessions?!

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."--Luke 9:23


"Whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple."--Luke 14:33

John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."--Luke 3:11

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."--Mat 6:24

"Sell your possessions and give to the poor... "--Luke 12:33 (This is the verse that actually directs people to sell their possessions. The others don't say 'sell your posessions', but instead tell people that 'having' financially leads away from God. This one, though, is a direct command.)

And, yeah, I know he was speaking directly to his followers in saying this. He was also speaking directly to his followers saying they should spread the word.

[Miss Blue]

Originally Posted by arguy1973

I think, IMO, that she is refering to Jesus when he was talking to the rich young ruler about money-Mark 10:17-23

Acts 4:32-37 This was NOT a requirement. In this case, the early believers shared their possessions amongst thenselves and the needy. Some sold their property, gave the money to the apostles who distributed it to the needy.

[ibcwife]

The Holy Spirit has led several to me, and me to them, who were in need of hearing the Word of God. As many on this thread, the Lord has used my obedience to Him to show others their need for a savior. Everyone of the people that I have had success with has been someone who I have come to a loving, guiding relationship with. I share the Word of God which pertains to their situation, and the "Good News" showing them why they are in need of a Savoir.

I have spent 5 years in a precepts bible study class which has lead me to a knowledge and understanding of the scriptures that I otherwise would not have had. I love it. I feel more confortable with sharing the Word now.

I was involved in an Evangelism class as well. They wanted for you to use a scripted, memorized version of their witnessing tool. Their was success with that method within our 16 week session, but I never found it to be useful in my own witnessing. But it did help me to overcome some of the apprehension that I had about witnessing to strangers.

[arguy1973]

1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. I think Jesus was speaking in ear shot of the Pharisees here, so they could hear what he was teaching. Further down the passage Jesus states... 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Jesus was again talking to his disciples within hearing distance of the Pharisees, Look at the versus, Jesus is saying seek him first, put him first above all your possesions, seek things that are heavenly above earthly things, and if earthly things hinder you, get rid of them. IMO of course

[JerZ]

Originally Posted by blue62

Acts 4:32-37 This was NOT a requirement. In this case, the early believers shared their possessions amongst thenselves and the needy. Some sold their property, gave the money to the apostles who distributed it to the needy.

Jesus certainly states it as a directive in Luke 12:33. It doesn't actually say "requirement," no. But it's a directive...DO this.

Can you show me the scripture that does require people today, people of the future to Jesus, to evangelize? This is an honest question as it may for all I know exist.