Spreading the Gospel

[Not_Now.Soon]

Because I often see a stigma associated with talking about Christianity to nonchristians. I thought I would start this thread so we can share our struggles and triumphs in sharing the gospel to those who don't accept Christianity.

I'll try and share some of mine latter, but for now if anyone else wants to share some of their experiences, or lessons learned while talking to nonchristians, and those of different religions, please go ahead. Let's fight the stigma of reaching outdo those who don't believe, by helping one another and encouraging eachother to be ambassadors of Jesus. If we can that is.

 

[for_his_glory]

First it should never be a struggle to share the word of God with anyone that God will put in our path as it is not I, but the Holy Spirit through me that will speak to those who will have ears to hear. It's a privilege and an honor as God commands us to take His word out into the world. I've spoken many times to non-Christians, to Muslims and many others of different faiths. It's always good to know what it is and why they believe the way they do, so do some homework first and always be prayed up before you speak.

I will say Muslims are the hardest to reach out to for some want to know about Jesus, but are always in fear of persecution if they are found out for searching something else other than their god Allah. Many that I have talked to come to Christ, but like Nicodemus in John chapter three they have to hide it and in secrecy if they can get a Bible to read they have to keep it hidden and only take it out when it is safe to do so.

JW's are also hard to witness to, but yet you will find those who will have ears to hear. I had two come to my door awhile back and I invited them in for a little Bible study. Since I knew what their belief's were I addressed those issues with scripture and even had them read it out of their Bible, as it is written different then ours, as I was reading it out of mine. We were discussing the issue with blood transfusions and blood sacrifices as they do not believe in them. I started to teach them about the blood of Jesus and what the cross represented. I had them read those passages out loud, but one sat quiet while the other man was willing to read them out loud. That day a seed was planted in the one man as he sat and seemed to be adsorbing what was being taught him as you could see it in his eyes, but not the other as he sat quiet and I knew he just wanted to get up and leave.

I've had many experiences, especially when I use to teach in the Prisons in my area, and the main thing is always be in control by allowing the Holy Spirit work through you as being an influence in their lives and never shoved the word of God down their throats. Teach with love and compassion as you will draw more flies with honey then you will with vinegar.

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

First it should never be a struggle to share the word of God with anyone that God will put in our path as it is not I, but the Holy Spirit through me that will speak to those who will have ears to hear. It's a privilege and an honor as God commands us to take His word out into the world. I've spoken many times to non-Christians, to Muslims and many others of different faiths. It's always good to know what it is and why they believe the way they do, so do some homework first and always be prayed up before you speak.

I will say Muslims are the hardest to reach out to for some want to know about Jesus, but are always in fear of persecution if they are found out for searching something else other than their god Allah. Many that I have talked to come to Christ, but like Nicodemus in John chapter three they have to hide it and in secrecy if they can get a Bible to read they have to keep it hidden and only take it out when it is safe to do so.

JW's are also hard to witness to, but yet you will find those who will have ears to hear. I had two come to my door awhile back and I invited them in for a little Bible study. Since I knew what their belief's were I addressed those issues with scripture and even had them read it out of their Bible, as it is written different then ours, as I was reading it out of mine. We were discussing the issue with blood transfusions and blood sacrifices as they do not believe in them. I started to teach them about the blood of Jesus and what the cross represented. I had them read those passages out loud, but one sat quiet while the other man was willing to read them out loud. That day a seed was planted in the one man as he sat and seemed to be adsorbing what was being taught him as you could see it in his eyes, but not the other as he sat quiet and I knew he just wanted to get up and leave.

I've had many experiences, especially when I use to teach in the Prisons in my area, and the main thing is always be in control by allowing the Holy Spirit work through you as being an influence in their lives and never shoved the word of God down their throats. Teach with love and compassion as you will draw more flies with honey then you will with vinegar.

Thank you for the encouragement for_his_glory.

For me it has become an issue I need to act on more often and not be afraid that it will cause some unwanted harm. In many places there's a stigma about talking about religion. So many people don't want that conversation because they don't want someone else's religion pushed down their throats. At work and among many other occasions I worry that talking about it, either to bring it up or to engage in it when it's brought up casually among no believers will create a negitive enviornment in one way or another. I shouldn't be so fearful, but I have seen heated arguments within my own family with regard to religous discussions.

On the other hand on the occasions that I have taken part in a conversation with someone about my faith, I think it went well enough, so I should not shy away from it. One issue I have is that if I hesitate the oppurtunity goes away. A person says something to the effect of how they don't agree with Christianity, or that religion is superstitious, or a quick joke in an ongoing conversation, then a moment later the conversation moves on. I feel like God is allowing me an oppurtunity to talk about my faith that I don't act on, and am failing both God and anyone that I could help through talking to them.

Again thank you for the encouragement.

 

[for_his_glory]

We have all had that missed moment, but don't worry about it. If anyone approaches the subject just causally ask them why they believe the way they do or why they make a joke of it. Body language is a great thing if you feel you have an opportunity even if it's just a few chosen words as in just planting a seed. If the seed sprouts they will come back. As far as family that is a hard area. I learned to pretty much avoid talking about Jesus unless they bring it up in conversation then I just give a little and then let it alone.

 

[Jim Parker]

Because I often see a stigma associated with talking about Christianity to nonchristians. I thought I would start this thread so we can share our struggles and triumphs in sharing the gospel to those who don't accept Christianity.

I'll try and share some of mine latter, but for now if anyone else wants to share some of their experiences, or lessons learned while talking to non-christians, and those of different religions, please go ahead. Let's fight the stigma of reaching outdo those who don't believe, by helping one another and encouraging each other to be ambassadors of Jesus. If we can that is.

When people see you, you are the gospel to them.
How a Christian lives is the strongest evidence of what he believes.
How many pagans or Jews or Muslims or Rastafarians would want to join the Westboro Baptist Church? (Besides total gay-hater, nut-cakes)

Gandhi is reported to have said (it may not be factual), "I like your Christianity. I don't care much for your Christians."

There is a trite saying which is, nevertheless, true: "People don't care how much you know; they want to know how much you care." When you walk up to someone and start "sharing the gospel" with them, you are inserting yourself into their lives. Don't just assume that you have their permission to do so and, if you haven't put in a few days of prayer and fasting in preparation for your evangelical excursion, don't assume you are being "led by the spirit."

Earn the right to speak by letting "your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." If your presence in your community is a blessing to that community, people will come to you and ask about your faith.

iakov the fool

 

[evenifigoalone]

Most of any witnessing I've done has been online, often in discussions or debates.
It's hard for me because I'm a very shy person. I can't just go up to people and start talking. So it's easier to do things online.

 

[Kidron]

The thing about people, is to understand that everyone is suffering or will be, in some way.
The older you get, the more you notice it., in others, and in yourself, if you are spiritually sensitive, and care to care.
See, the world is a thorn garden and no one gets out without being thorn'd, so, often just being a good
listener, being sensitive to someone's hurts and anxiety can open a door for you to share a WAY for them to get some relief.
And all lost (unsaved) people are looking for HOPE.....for that proverbial "hole in the heart" solution, as they have tried everything to fill it up their entire lives, and failed.
Another way to break the ice, is to pray for someone, as very few people you will ever meet will turn down a prayer.

Something else to think about....
Its not your job or responsibility to save someone, as you cant save anyone...Its the LORD's job, its the work of the Holy Spirit, to do the saving.
Our position in this, = is to be willing to talk about it, as we can, as we have opportunity..
So, never feel that you have to get it right, or do it perfectly, regarding just talking about Jesus and His Love for us, as really, isnt that what witnessing is all about?
Sometimes, you can use bait.
Really.
Wear a cool Cross, or open a bible on a train, plane, or bus, or in the cafeteria at work......
Advertise your faith, and often they will come to you.
Remember that Jesus stretched out His arms a long time ago, and they have been coming ever since.

 

[reba]

Be a song dont just sing
Be a witness dont just talk
Sheesh i cant remember the rest of 'em

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

We have all had that missed moment, but don't worry about it. If anyone approaches the subject just causally ask them why they believe the way they do or why they make a joke of it. Body language is a great thing if you feel you have an opportunity even if it's just a few chosen words as in just planting a seed. If the seed sprouts they will come back. As far as family that is a hard area. I learned to pretty much avoid talking about Jesus unless they bring it up in conversation then I just give a little and then let it alone.

Yeah for me it's just the opposite. Family is the safest to talk to and bring it up. Though, I haven't done so with a lot of my family, it is something that I feel more easy with them then strangers. I think I can talk to my mom, my uncle, and many who I see at family reunions because I know they are Christian, and there's love there that strengthens the resolve. I can also talk to my dad who isn't Christian. In fact he's one of the people I love talking about faith the most. And I feel I can talk to my brothers whom I honestly don't know their perspectives on faith too well, but I'd like to.

Strangers are different though, and people you know through work or being friends with, you just don't know how touchy it is to bring it up. And honestly I just need to get over that. But on the other hand I think I need to pray and watch my mouth in those conversations. I've been in arguments from online forums that have helped me develope counter arguments, and some are less kind, or too quick from a shadow of another conversation. And that's unfair. Working on it. Both to speak up more often and to not lose my tongue too much.

Thank you for your encouragement. I think I will try and ask active questions if I see the oppurtunity to do so.

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

Most of any witnessing I've done has been online, often in discussions or debates.
It's hard for me because I'm a very shy person. I can't just go up to people and start talking. So it's easier to do things online.

I understand. If it's any consolation, I like what you write.

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

When people see you, you are the gospel to them.
How a Christian lives is the strongest evidence of what he believes.
How many pagans or Jews or Muslims or Rastafarians would want to join the Westboro Baptist Church? (Besides total gay-hater, nut-cakes)

Gandhi is reported to have said (it may not be factual), "I like your Christianity. I don't care much for your Christians."

There is a trite saying which is, nevertheless, true: "People don't care how much you know; they want to know how much you care." When you walk up to someone and start "sharing the gospel" with them, you are inserting yourself into their lives. Don't just assume that you have their permission to do so and, if you haven't put in a few days of prayer and fasting in preparation for your evangelical excursion, don't assume you are being "led by the spirit."

Earn the right to speak by letting "your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." If your presence in your community is a blessing to that community, people will come to you and ask about your faith.

iakov the fool

It's true that our lives are a testiment in of themselves. And in that it's important to try and be good people. But I honestly don't know if that's enough. An argument for pro-choice in abortion comes to mind that resembles the issue. The argument was an observation as well as a critism in the conversation I read. One person saying that if the other person really thought that abortion was murder, then that person should be doing everything they possibly could to stop abortion. From trying to convict mothers and doctors of murder when they abort, to raising a whole new level of ruckus aside from calmly saying they are pro-life. Doing any less shows either the person is a monster for not standing up for murdered babies, or that they deep down really don't believe it's murder.

In the same way, I truely think that if we are worried about someone's well being, doing nothing shows we don't care as much as we feel we do. So bringing a person to God might be one of the biggest things we could do for them. If I'm worried about a person's drug addiction it's in the same boat for me as if I'm worried about their salvation. Which makes it kind of complicated. Want to do something but don't want to push them away so I'm guaranteed to not be able to help.

That said aside fromrenouncing the need for permission, I like what you've said Jim,about earning my right to speak. Not that I agree that we need another's permission. I being patient is worth quite a bit. Shoving myself or my testimony down their throat probably won't help anyone. (But then again maybe it might for those who need to hear it.). Thanks for your direction.

 

[Not_Now.Soon]

The thing about people, is to understand that everyone is suffering or will be, in some way.
The older you get, the more you notice it., in others, and in yourself, if you are spiritually sensitive, and care to care.
See, the world is a thorn garden and no one gets out without being thorn'd, so, often just being a good
listener, being sensitive to someone's hurts and anxiety can open a door for you to share a WAY for them to get some relief.
And all lost (unsaved) people are looking for HOPE.....for that proverbial "hole in the heart" solution, as they have tried everything to fill it up their entire lives, and failed.
Another way to break the ice, is to pray for someone, as very few people you will ever meet will turn down a prayer.

Something else to think about....
Its not your job or responsibility to save someone, as you cant save anyone...Its the LORD's job, its the work of the Holy Spirit, to do the saving.
Our position in this, = is to be willing to talk about it, as we can, as we have opportunity..
So, never feel that you have to get it right, or do it perfectly, regarding just talking about Jesus and His Love for us, as really, isnt that what witnessing is all about?
Sometimes, you can use bait.
Really.
Wear a cool Cross, or open a bible on a train, plane, or bus, or in the cafeteria at work......
Advertise your faith, and often they will come to you.
Remember that Jesus stretched out His arms a long time ago, and they have been coming ever since.

Thank you Kidron. I like that. Be bold, but more so trust God. I try to listen to other's sorrows and joys. Try to love them.

Be a song dont just sing
Be a witness dont just talk
Sheesh i cant remember the rest of 'em

If you remember the rest, please let me know. I like it so far.

 

[Danielki]

A brother in our sister church in London said 2 Muslims had been baptised today which is a great victory for the Kingdom.

 

[A.W.1992]

Something that I have been studying this week about missionary work and pushing through struggles is the example that the early apostles of the church set. I am reading in Acts 20 and towards the end when Miletus is sent to Ephesus, he expresses how he is uncertain with what is in store for him but he goes anyways because he knows that He has the Holy Ghost with him and it will help him to teach what the people need to hear and it will comfort him and give him strength when he needs it. I know multiple people above have mentioned how important the Spirit is while teaching others, from personal experiences I know that to be true. As we live worthy and seek His guidance, we will receive that help.

 

[reba]

Nice post A.W.1992

 

[reba]

You know i have you in my head as the root beer guy... hope that is not offensive

 

[Eugene]

.
Welcome dear Brother A.W.1992 to this Christian fellowship in Jesus' name. Reading your example I've of the mind that Miletus is a town in Asia Paul went, called the elders there in order to confer on them the urgency of feeding the Church of God, and advise them of his mission at that time and the sufferings he was determined to face, and also let them know they would never seee him again. Paul had intentionally skipped Ephesus that he might be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
Blessings in Christ Jesus.

 

[JohnDB]

I see kids all day long in the many jobs I have. (I get fired a lot as a construction worker). They are usually as lost as last year's Easter eggs as to how to be a man and live a successful life.

I am a successful Journeyman electrician. Tops in my field as to putting together the systems these engineers think up. These kids listen to me.
When I tell them unashamedly i go to church, my friends are there, and I wholeheartedly believe they are taken aback. They have visions of out consuming others of adult beverages and tattoos and other things.
When their goalposts change...it's a different thing for them. It takes time for them to react. But I see the changes within them...
People don't change overnight. Especially when the goalposts move. It has to be their idea too. But the real Gospel message is like an infectious poison that slowly changes them into a different life. One infected...they won't be the same.

 

[dirtfarmer]

When people see you, you are the gospel to them.
How a Christian lives is the strongest evidence of what he believes.
How many pagans or Jews or Muslims or Rastafarians would want to join the Westboro Baptist Church? (Besides total gay-hater, nut-cakes)

Gandhi is reported to have said (it may not be factual), "I like your Christianity. I don't care much for your Christians."

There is a trite saying which is, nevertheless, true: "People don't care how much you know; they want to know how much you care." When you walk up to someone and start "sharing the gospel" with them, you are inserting yourself into their lives. Don't just assume that you have their permission to do so and, if you haven't put in a few days of prayer and fasting in preparation for your evangelical excursion, don't assume you are being "led by the spirit."

Earn the right to speak by letting "your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." If your presence in your community is a blessing to that community, people will come to you and ask about your faith.

iakov the fool

hello Jim Parker, dirtfarmer here

I agree with your post. A life lived is greater than words spoken

 

[Jim Parker]

I agree with your post. A life lived is greater than words spoken

And I would guess your light is bright.