Belief not enough for me

[His_Disciple]

When I was witnessing to the Homeless the other day about Jesus Christ and us being sinners one of them said "I already believe in God" and my brother also said "I already believe I'm saved" These people don't necessarily display Godly lives so how do I respond positively while educating them on a Godly lifestyle and true salvation?

[His_Disciple]

Wow excellent advice! I don't judge by the appearance but by the fruit plus being homeless myself I can relate to these people where their at.

[graceforme]

What a great thread and wonderful thoughts. It's so easy for us to become accustomed to our "comfort zone" and just go on like these situations don't exist. And it's very humbling to take to heart that God sent His Son to save ALL mankind, not just those who are of the elite, but EVERYONE. Thank you, everyone, who posted and made me stop and take inventory of my own attitudes.

God Bless,
Linda

[Abba'sLil'Girl]

I challenge every brother and sister here to go out into the poorest of poor in town and preach the Gospel of Jesus.. teach them how to receive the gift of Salvation. Time is at hand... soon it will be too late.

I would kindly add . . . don't just share the Gospel of Jesus Christ using your words, but love these poor people by also ministering to their needs. Christ not only brought salvation to mankind, but He also met human needs by healing the sick, feeding the hungry and bringing hope to the hopeless.

No one in poverty wants to be preached at, especially when they are hungry or in dispair. People want to be loved and ministered to . . . and what greater witness to Christ's love for us than to love our neighbor as ourselves? When we witness to the homeless, we need to make sure they are fed, that they are given information about nearby shelters and other programs that help them get out of their desperate lifestyle. Witnessing may mean going back time and time again to meet their needs. When they understand that we really do care not only about their eternal salvation but for them personally, then they may be more open to the calling of the Holy Spirit.

So, let us show the love of Christ in addition to sharing His words of redemption. Only then, will anyone be able to see the Almighty's Hand at work.

Grace and Peace to you.

[His_Disciple]

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man into heaven i think it goes. It's easier to find a need for Jesus when realize your need for hope to keep on going. I told these homeless guys I know what it's like and that I found God and it doesn't matter what we have in life we will never have it "together" unless we have Christ well at least they listened. Maybe next time I could see some progess. I was homeless at a time but I relized something any1 that doesn't have Christ doesn't have a home maybe i'll say that next time. Let's reach out and touch someone.

[jorjean]

I and a friend, have the privilege to teach a Bible study at our county jail on Monday evenings. I always tell the ladies that the only difference between them and me is I never got caught. Sin is sin. I have been and done all of the things they have been and done. The ground is level at the foot of the cross.:pray
I know that if Christ were here now, teaching, He would be at the homeless shelters, and the jails, and the drug houses. :yay

[Praise Warrior]

When I was witnessing to the Homeless the other day about Jesus Christ and us being sinners one of them said "I already believe in God" and my brother also said "I already believe I'm saved" These people don't necessarily display Godly lives so how do I respond positively while educating them on a Godly lifestyle and true salvation?

If you told me that you were thirsty, and I gave you a glass of clear liquid, and told you it was water and to go ahead and drink it...

Would you really truly fully believe me if you said, "Yes, I believe it is water" but you didn't take it and drink it?

If you were to really have faith and believe (with all your heart soul mind and strength, as the Bible commands), you would not only affirm that it was water, but you'd not delay grabbing the glass, drinking all of the fluid--even possibly putting your very existance at stake.

The second fuller sense of belief, I believe, is what the Bible commands. If you believe in Jesus, that He is God, than you will take as seriously as He does--a holy lifestyle. Enough to actually embrace it at perhaps a very great loss.

[tenn4ever]

:thumb

[lbeels]

livingwaters.com has a good person test which gets to the heart of the matter. It speaks directly to their conscience, God's moral law that he has put on every heart. Most people say that they are a good person. Once you take them through the 10 commandments, they realize they aren't good and then if they are showing humility, you introduce the gospel. Go check it out. They have great gospel tracts.

I'm already a christian and when I took the good person test it made me see how sinful my sin is, how Holy, Righteous and Just our God is, and it gave me a clearer picture of what Christ did for me.

[earnestlycontend]

Some possible responses in addition to the ones already posted:

Do you KNOW the Lord? John 17:3

Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Heb. 12:14

Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5

Have you ever stolen something? God said , "No thieves...shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:10

Would you consider yourself to be a good person?
Do you think you've kept the 10 Commandments?
If God judges you by that standard, will you be innocent or guilty?
What's your destiny going to be...will you end up in heaven or hell?