Witnessing to Christians....

[true2yeshua]

Listen to this sermon then have them listen to it. It's free to download and distribute or you can buy it:

http://www.livingwaters.com/learn/trueandfalse.htm




amy_elisabeth,

We own this DVD - it's a great tool. Another good one, 'Soundly Saved'.


God bless.

[true2yeshua]

I question these assumptions basically because:
1) They can be out of church simply because they cannot find a doctrinally sound church.

3) Many christians draw the conclusion that they are to judge other's motives and hearts - but in essence ONLY God knows our hearts and our motives.

God made me that way - must I change the type of person I am - to suit other people? Isn't that a tad legalistic, and how pray does one change one's personality? I'd rightfully say one is to change and build one's character though.


Christy,

Ditto to #1, it sure is difficult to find a Bible preaching church these days!:scripture

The brethren are not to judge each other, albeit when blatant sin is involved and that is more for accountability, out of love, one to the other. As to being 'legalistic', I'm not quite sure how you intended that. For me and my house, we serve the Lord and are cautious as to who we fellowship with on a deeper level, ie. our child plays with theirs, we have them over to dinner, etc. - more out of a desire to be wise as to who we hang with. As to judging another believer because they don't witness to x amount of people, go to church every time the doors are opened, length of skirt, etc. that is legalistic should not be done. It is also hurtful!

I have a disability and can not always sit though church service, but I am always in the Word. Some church goers do judge in that regard and that causes nothing but 'factions and division' within the Body which, as you know, is forbidden by our Lord.

Glad Jesus has - and continues to - overhaul my character (sanctification is a great indicator of growth, I'm much different than 20 years ago) but my personality is uniquely mine. He doesn't want us to be a bunch of robots - :lol2 that would be boring, which is why He gifted us in different ways.

God bless you.

[tenn4ever]

We have such difficulties witnessing to people in our area as well. Having lived in several parts of the country, it seems the 'Bible belt' is the most challenging place to witness. Everyone believes their saved because they've attended church since childhood, and, yet, they don't like to discuss the things of God and/or don't seem concerned with blending too well with the world. The heart breaks, however, when it is family members.

true2yeshua, I think in some ways you have hit the nail on the head. Sometimes I think of confronting Jesus at the judgment for "rewards" and Jesus saying "why didn't you witness to that person" and I say "but he said he was already a Christian". That's just a hypothetical.:) I guess I need to pray for discernment - when to speak and when to say nothing. :pray

[micky7215]

I question these assumptions basically because:
1) They can be out of church simply because they cannot find a doctrinally sound church.
2) Their "unchristian-like personality" can be due to numerous things and not necessarily mean they aren't christians.
3) Many christians draw the conclusion that they are to judge other's motives and hearts - but in essence ONLY God knows our hearts and our motives.

Unless you know something I don't regarding their salvation, I'd say that you need to pray for them, not just try and witness to them.

If I were to be judged by this very same thing, I wouldn't come out smelling like roses at all because basically I don't go to church because I can't find one that's doctrinally sound - although I must admit I'm still looking. Secondly I can just view what my personality would seem like to certain people as I'm rather a quiet person, I'm also a perfectionist and I don't like certain things - so if I inherited my personality from my parents/grandparents and God made me that way - must I change the type of person I am - to suit other people? Isn't that a tad legalistic, and how pray does one change one's personality? I'd rightfully say one is to change and build one's character though.

I so totally agree with what you said in this post, my sentiments exactly. I can say that if Pastor John Hagee or someone like him opened a Church in my community I would go every time the doors opened! But that's not the case, we have alot of those "feel-good" mega churches. Also, I don't always act Christian-like and I know that's not being a "good" witness, and I'm ashamed of that. I do Pray for forgiveness and I know that God knows everything about me, including my "heart". Just the same as He knows others hearts, so, yes :thumbwhat you said is so right. In getting back to witnessing though, I always like to ask people that tell me they are Saved, "So then you know that you're going to Heaven, right?" If they answer "yes" I ask how they know? Of course, we know the answer should be b/c they accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, confessed that they are a sinner in need of salvation, and asked for forgiveness. The answer to this simple question opens it up every time. If they answer "no" then I tell them as simply as possible how they can know. I've never had anyone turn away if this is said in a loving, non-judgemental way. And even if they don't accept Christ right then and there, don't worry, the Holy Spirit will start convicting when they start to think about it. Oh well, that's my approach for what's it worth. Once again, great post!:)

[tenn4ever]

These have all been such great responses. They've helped me know how to dig a little deeper into what a person really feels/knows about salvation without appearing to judge them. I don't want to judge anybody. I just don't want anyone "left behind" because they don't really know the truth about Jesus and Heaven.