Give a Mormon a drink of water?

[LightOfMyLife]

This is pertaining to the Mormon's which we know is a cult. Would it be wrong to give them a drink of water? I am just asking because of II John:9-11. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. I would not let them in my house, but is it wrong to give them water outside if they ask?

[pistache]

Are you talking about a literal cup of water?

Mormons need to hear about the real Jesus just as much as any who are lost. How can you be an effective witness if you set up parameters that shut out your light? I would welcome a Mormon into my house if I felt led to share Jesus with them. I would also be friends with Mormon people. How else will they hear of the real Jesus? We are commanded to let our light shine before all men.

I think John is a) talking in expressions referring to intimate fellowship (something you can only have with real believers) and b) specifically referring to outright wolves. A Morman is not a wolf. I think of people like Rob Bell and Doug Pagitt and the like to be wolves. People in leadership positions who purposely teach deceptive doctrines...

[Rapture444]

I would witness to a muslim but not allow one to preach from a church pulpit out of the koran.

Nor would I assist a mosque in teaching non-Christian doctrine since the koran specifically denies the incarnation, Deity, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, and the Holy Trinity.

Otherwise, how are some of them going to hear?

[AmazingGrace]

I would never refuse to give a drink of water (or show act of kindness) to anyone, regardless of what they believe.


And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Matthew 22:39


Strong's G4139
* neighbor: plēsion (Greek)

1) a neighbour
a) a friend
b) any other person, and where two are concerned, the other (thy fellow man, thy neighbour), according to the Jews, any member of the Hebrew nation and commonwealth
c) according to Christ, any other man irrespective of nation or religion with whom we live or whom we chance to meet




Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Hebrews 13:2

[HeIsEnough]

neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

If it was a Mormon, I would give him a drink I suppose. But I would like to tell him I hope his bike breaks down and his book of Mormon falls into a mud puddle, while the scriptures save his head from hitting the pavement. Then he'll realize to give up the Mormon crud and follow the God of heaven.

[Jan51]

Don't know for sure, but I've read that receiving him into your house referred to the practice in that day of offering a place to stay, because it wasn't like today with hotels and motels. People depended on other people to offer them hospitality, a room/bed/meal.

[LightOfMyLife]

If it was a Mormon, I would give him a drink I suppose. But I would like to tell him I hope his bike breaks down and his book of Mormon falls into a mud puddle, while the scriptures save his head from hitting the pavement. Then he'll realize to give up the Mormon crud and follow the God of heaven.

The really funny part about the bike statement is they were walking. I should have asked them what happened to their bikes? I did share the gospel with them, but this one is still hooked on Joseph Smith being a true prophet. I planted seeds so I am glad that I did that. I would like to hear what others think about giving them a drink of water.

[Kliska]

IMO, to give them water along with witnessing is fine, as you are sharing the Living Water with them as well. I personally don't let those trying to witness other religions to me give me a spiel at my own home. If they asked for water, it would be a good opportunity to give them a glass and then talk to them about Jesus as the living water, and exactly Who He is (and who He is not).

[LightOfMyLife]

IMO, to give them water along with witnessing is fine, as you are sharing the Living Water with them as well. I personally don't let those trying to witness other religions to me give me a spiel at my own home. If they asked for water, it would be a good opportunity to give them a glass and then talk to them about Jesus as the living water, and exactly Who He is (and who He is not).

Thanks for your reply, and we were having a garage sale when they stopped by. It was a witnessing opportunity which I know that God wanted me to share the truth with them. I would not invite JW's or Mormons in my home. I was really pleased to see there were Baptists out about 3 or 4 weeks ago handing out tracts to invite people to their church. It was New Hope Baptist Church.

[Kliska]

Thanks for your reply, and we were having a garage sale when they stopped by. It was a witnessing opportunity which I know that God wanted me to share the truth with them. I would not invite JW's or Mormons in my home. I was really pleased to see there were Baptists out about 3 or 4 weeks ago handing out tracts to invite people to their church. It was New Hope Baptist Church.

[HeIsEnough]

The really funny part about the bike statement is they were walking.

Improvise, may they trip over their big/little/clubbed feet.

[LightOfMyLife]

Improvise, may they trip over their big/little/clubbed feet.

I love to see our mod's & administrator's sense of humor. I that those seeds that I planted lead them to get saved!

[Raphael]

Mark 9:41


Actually the above verse speaks of who is really on the Lord's side (or not). Here are the exact garage sale instructions for:

Mormons: Give them a cup of water but make them drink it in front of you while you preach the true gospel.

JWs: Repeat process above, but as they bike away, stick a billy club in their spokes. (kidding)

[AmazingGrace]

Maybe Jesus was just kidding when he said this...


A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Matthew 12:35-37

[HeIsEnough]

Maybe Jesus was just kidding when he said this...


A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Matthew 12:35-37

Hmm. Well, it is up to the Lord to characterize what is evil coming out of an evil heart. Propagating falsehood would surely fit, but its up to Him. I personally would not help a traveling cult member continue in his travels. This verse was in response to the Pharisee's claiming Christ was driving demons out by the power of the Devil, ultimately spelling the death knell of that generation. The words they spoke to Christ surely were evil words, coming from the evil in their hearts, I'm not sure where your use of it fits here, care to expound?

A glass of water, perhaps, be silent and tell them to just move along, maybe. Bid them "Godspeed" in their mission, not at all, love does not rejoice with untruth.

[Acts5:41]

I'm surprised this hasn't come up yet:

Matthew 25:40
“And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’

HCSB

I frequently give candy, drinks, and other food to Muslims, Hindus, and pagans. Am I in trouble with God? Not likely. Everything I hand out has a scripture booklet and you can't stop either my husband or I, from witnessing.

[Acts5:41]

They're UNREACHED. You have a duty to witness.

You don't have to have them in the house, debate theology, or even talk to them for long, but you should at least share your faith with them - which you did!

It's been my experience, people are a lot more open to witnessing if you can show them you care, in a tangible way, first. Like getting them something to eat, a drink, or even a piece of candy.

[HeIsEnough]

I'm surprised this hasn't come up yet:

That scripture is generally understood to be either Jews or fellow believers, during the Trib. Doesn't really absolve us from helping all people, like a good Samaritan. We have a special duty to help and honor our fellow believers in Christ

I frequently give candy, drinks, and other food to Muslims, Hindus, and pagans. Am I in trouble with God? Not likely.

They're UNREACHED. You have a duty to witness.

So, if you're not in trouble, then others are because they do not give a glass of water, or give the gospel when Mormon "missionary's" come to their door?

I'm not following what you're trying to say.

Everything I hand out has a scripture booklet and you can't stop either my husband or I, from witnessing.

Is someone attempting to stop you?

[Acts5:41]

Boy, a lot of jumping to conclusions.

I am not telling anyone what to do. I am stating what I would do in that situation. I was commending the OP for choosing to reach out to them.

That said, to address the questions:

So, if you're not in trouble, then others are because they do not give a glass of water, or give the gospel when Mormon "missionary's" come to their door?

Did I say "You are in trouble if you don't reach out to the unreached?" No. As a moderator, you should know me better than that. While I am passionate about evangelism, I don't judge. God had me wait about 35 years before He started using me in a serious way. Other people may need more time to develop their faith.

However, when you send an unreached person away, you have lost an opportunity you will never regain. That is between you and God. If He sends you someone and you don't share the gospel, that is between you and God. If you feel a little uncomfortable with my answer, you might want to spend some time in prayer, seeking God's will on the subject. It could be the Holy Spirit convicting you. I know I get VERY convicted if I let an opportunity slip away. Our time is so short, I can't imagine letting people go through my life without sharing my faith. They will go to HELL if they don't get saved. I at least want to throw them a rope. I want to meet some recipients in Heaven! That is the only important thing, I can do in my life, that will matter for eternity.

Don't you want to meet a "recipient" in Heaven? Someone who tells you your witness helped them get there? I can't imagine anything more beautiful.

"Are people attempting to stop me"?

Not in what I would qualify a serious way. Some get upset. One driver calls my husband "Mr 666" We get more in the eye-rolling and big sighs department, as we DIRECTLY witness.

I've talked about this in the handout threads: When I did Bible Handouts, for years, the Police would immediately start coming by, doing very slow drive-by's as I held the Free Bibles sign and waved Bibles at passers-by. I prayed on it, and was led to start offering Bibles to the officers. None took them, but the "visits" stopped. They realized I am harmless and law-abiding, respecting the drivers. I even pick up all the trash on the median when we're done.

Is the devil attempting to stop me? You bet. I have had all kinds of spiritual and physical attacks. I view them as a badge of honor. I cannot do a Bible handout without suffering a major depression, at minimum. However, it's worth it.

For me, it's all about reaching the recipients. God commends that.

1 Kings 19:10
He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of Hosts,

Passion for God, doing God's will, humbling myself so He will continue to use me: that's what matters. I have completely thrown myself into doing His will.


To restate everything I have just said: I only analyze and critique my OWN faith walk, no one else's. If God thinks someone needs correction, then He will use the Holy Spirit to convict them. I won't do that.

However, I do pray for ya'll daily. I also have special prayers for those called to evangelism.

[HeIsEnough]

Well, you did clarify what you meant, which is all I wanted, thank you.