To the Culture at Large

[reborn_anew]

As someone who grew up with at best a cultural faith, and a solid foundation within the popular culture of modern America, I feel compelled to give some tips to those who may want to witness to the modern American, and in particular, to the up and coming generation Y and to the college student at a secular unversity.

1. Don't do witnessing to us if it doesn't involve you on a personal level.

I've seen people witness to others on the streets, handing out pamphlets, gospel tracts, yada yada. If you try that with anyone in my generation, chances are we will dismiss you as being crazy, which is exactly what I thought of a man handing out tracts on a bridge between MIT and Fenway in Boston.

We enjoy the personal contact, and friends can be easily as important as family to us, so if you want to reach out to us, become our friends. However, don't push that and use us as, for lack of a better term, projects. Make us your friends before you even think about evangelizing.

2. Don't hesitate to immerse yourself in Pop Culture

You have to understand where everyone comes from in their background, and for our generation, that may mean getting yourselves acquainted with the popular culture, and I suggest you do that, no matter how sinful you tink it may be. Excluding things such as porn (or pr0n as some of us call it), immerse yourself in our television, our music, our videogames, fashion, etc, if for nothing else than to gain an understanding of us. Remember, I believe it was in Hebrews, there is a clear influence from Plato's allegory of the cave, that was how that letter communicated to the people of the day, using what was basically popular culture to reach people who wouldn't otherwise get it. I challenge everyone of you to read up on and listen to modern music, even the most un-Christian stuff, understanding it not just as sinful, which it no doubt is, but also music people can relate to, escape in, etc.

3. Rationality and Evolution

I know I'm gonna catch some flak for saying this, but it might also help to not be hostile towards evolution. You probably realize the popular perception of people who are creationists, and its not a good one. Our perceptions of you can and do greatly influence us as to how much we may or may not listen to you. At the very least, do not bring up creationism, and if forced to, make sure you can reconcile science with the Bible. Likewise, do not let yourself fall into circular reasoning, go out and study Christian rationalism, review it, whatever, make sure you have sound arguments on topics such as Biblical contradictions (answers need to be very well crafted, believe me), moral and religious relativism, and virtually every other topic.

4. Make us care

Enough of us are apathetic to things such as politics, and overall the state of the world. We can be fairly indifferent to religion, for example I was in the vein of "I don't know if he exists, and frankly, if he doesn't bother me, then I don't care". I can't explain how to do this for a lot of situations, but you have to shake us out of apathy. That may or may not be a Herculean task.

I may have more suggestions, or more elaborations, but that's what we have for now.

[amy_elisabeth]

Thanks for your suggestions, but they aren't biblical.

What you suggested is directly against how Jesus Christ and His disciples witnessed.

Christians are not to conform to the culture in order to preach repentance and faith. The culture needs to understand they are going to be judged by a holy, righteous, and angry God (Ps. 7:11).

I'd suggest you listen to a couple sermons:

#1: Hell's Best Kept Secret

#2: How to Effectively Use the Law

#8: True and False Conversion

LINK: http://www.livingwaters.com/listen.shtml

And read two books:

"What Did Jesus Do?" - Ray Comfort
"One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven" - Mark Cahill

As far as studying other things you mentioned... no. That's all good if someone wants to learn more apologetics, but God says to meditate on His word night and day. To witness to someone, we need to know the Truth which will set us free... Jesus is that Truth and His word is truth. If someone doesn't like it (regardless of age, where they live, intelligence, etc.), I don't know what to say except that the Father obviously is not drawing that person at that time. My job is to obey the command of God (Mark 16:15). The Pharisees didn't like the message either. It is prophesied that many will hate the message and FEW will be on the narrow path to heaven.

Let me know when you've listened to those three sermons, then let's talk.

Thanks for your post. :)

[amy_elisabeth]

Wanted to add... if anyone wants to read up on evolution, here's a couple good articles:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v18/i3/questions.asp

http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v17/i4/theistic_evolution.asp

http://www.carm.org/evolution/evtheistic.htm

http://www.carm.org/evolution.htm
.

[Palooka]

Just wow, Amy. Everyone of your post I have read is just like this! I hear the OP and what he/she is saying.

Do you even have kids? You do have to understand culture and background and generations for them to understand your witness. It's not a 'one size fits all.'

What you suggested is directly against how Jesus Christ and His disciples witnessed.

We don't live in that day.

That is why what Carmen did with his music was so effective at reaching people! Me and my daughter were just talking about this today. (teen) You have got to understand what that gneration is like and what they are exposed too in their time. I too would *shrudder * at a phamplet or someone giving me a hymn or telling me what I learned in school was all wrong.You should not just dismiss the OP like that! You should listen and heed if you want to be a good witness.

FYI - many have learned the gospel way before wayofthemaster came along.

[A Berean]

Just wow, Amy. Everyone of your post I have read is just like this! I hear the OP and what he/she is saying.

Do you even have kids? You do have to understand culture and background and generations for them to understand your witness. It's not a 'one size fits all.'


We don't live in that day.

That is why what Carmen did with his music was so effective at reaching people! Me and my daughter were just talking about this today. (teen) You have got to understand what that gneration is like and what they are exposed too in their time. I too would *shrudder * at a phamplet or someone giving me a hymn or telling me what I learned in school was all wrong.You should not just dismiss the OP like that! You should listen and heed if you want to be a good witness.

FYI - many have learned the gospel way before wayofthemaster came along.

Amy Elisabeth IS a good witness :hug! We are NOT to conform ourselves to this world. God is not going to change His rules or His ways for ANYONE, or any generation. It's His way or the broad highway (which leads to Hell)- take our pick :preach! And if we choose His way, we must be prepared to be hated and rejected for it, just like Jesus was.

For those who don't like the true Gospel of Christ, there are "alternative" seeker friendly, Purpose Driven/New Age/Emergent "churches" who will cater to the popular taste in music, tickle your ears, etc..., and never mention Hell, damnation, repentence. They will lead people to Hell, but at least those people were never "offended" for the sake of Jesus Christ:rolleyes.

[Palooka]

Amy Elisabeth IS a good witness :hug! We are NOT to conform ourselves to this world. God is not going to change His rules or His ways for ANYONE, or any generation. It's His way or the broad highway (which leads to Hell)- take our pick :preach! And if we choose His way, we must be prepared to be hated and rejected for it, just like Jesus was.

For those who don't like the true Gospel of Christ, there are "alternative" seeker friendly, Purpose Driven/New Age/Emergent "churches" who will cater to the popular taste in music, tickle your ears, etc..., and never mention Hell, damnation, repentence. They will lead people to Hell, but at least those people were never "offended" for the sake of Jesus Christ:rolleyes.

Another wow!!!! I never said Amy was not! I said don't dismiss the OP as you both have so far!!! Do you not listen when a person in college is crying out and trying to tell you how it is for there generation and what will work for them??? I never said conform however you have to reach a person at their level. You can not witness and try to reach out to a 70 year old the same as a 19 year old? How is that so hard to understand?????

Have you heard of Carmen?

The rest of your post is unbelievable if that is what you read into!!!:shocked:shocked:shocked

Well not really!

I was saved watching Kirk Cameron in Growing Pains.

[A Berean]

Another wow!!!! I never said Amy was not! I said don't dismiss the OP as you both have so far!!! Do you not listen when a person in college is crying out and trying to tell you how it is for there generation and what will work for them??? I never said conform however you have to reach a person at their level. You can not witness and try to reach out to a 70 year old the same as a 19 year old? How is that so hard to understand?????

Have you heard of Carmen?

The rest of your post is unbelievable if that is what you read into!!!:shocked:shocked:shocked

Well not really!

I was saved watching Kirk Cameron in Growing Pains.


Jesus and the Apostles presented that same Gospel which is still saving people 2000 years later. God is NOT going to accomodate humans in this. He already gave His very best when Jesus died for all. We either believe Him on it or we don't. Our age will not be an excuse before a Holy God. Like I said, there are Culture relevant churches out there for those with itching ears. God is calling those with tender, broken hearts. BTW Carmen is part of the apostate WoF TBN "family", so, yes I know him.

[Palooka]

Jesus and the Apostles presented that same Gospel which is still saving people 2000 years later. God is NOT going to accomodate humans in this. He already gave His very best when Jesus died for all. We either believe Him on it or we don't. Our age will not be an excuse before a Holy God. Like I said, there are Culture relevant churches out there for those with itching ears. God is calling those with tender, broken hearts. BTW Carmen is part of the apostate WoF TBN "family", so, yes I know him.

The gospel has not changed but the METHOD has!!! We are in a different generation. Hello, Hello. I never said not 'preach' the truth of Jesus..it is how you go about it for people to listen!


I hate Word of faith and TBN. Just so you know he withdrew from carlton's Pearson's church in Tulsa years ago. I knew Carmen, his home, church, and lifestyle.
And the thousands that he touched just by his music! He sang rap, rock, hymns, country, etc, just because he knew that you have to reach people where they are in life! How is that so hard to understand, BEREAN?

Get back to me when you get it.

You guys like to say that sorta thing so I thought I would too!

[CelticMist]

Oh I have almost all of Carmen's work. He is awesome! I know in the area I lived in VA, he came to Hampton Roads and performed a concert. A lot of people of all ages came to know the Lord through Carmen's ministry. I love that man!!! His ministry was a change in how most preach to the lost. But, it was effective that's for sure.

[A Berean]

The gospel has not changed but the METHOD has!!! We are in a different generation. Hello, Hello. I never said not 'preach' the truth of Jesus..it is how you go about it for people to listen!


I hate Word of faith and TBN. Just so you know he withdrew from carlton's Pearson's church in Tulsa years ago. I knew Carmen, his home, church, and lifestyle.
And the thousands that he touched just by his music! He sang rap, rock, hymns, country, etc, just because he knew that you have to reach people where they are in life! How is that so hard to understand, BEREAN?

Get back to me when you get.

You guys like to say that sorta thing so I thought I would too!

Insulting me is not the way to make your point, Palooka. Carmen was on TBN with Paula White, the darling of WoF, or "The Princess Di of WoF"- Carmen's term. He has not withdrawn from a heretical place as long as he sticks with TBN and its agenda.

Jesus knew how to reach people where they are in life, and He did and does. As for me and my household, we will stick with the Word of God. It is sufficient for everything we need in this life, especially evangelizing and reaching the lost.