How Is Your "BOOK" Learning?

[WISDOM]

Facing the unsaved takes considerable preparation.  Unfortunately, too many Christians are poorly prepared.  Do YOU know enough Scripture to face ungodly men, not with philosophical arguments, but with the Word of the Living GOD??

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings Wisdom,

I don't get out much these days, and so my "witnessing" leaves a bit to be desired. However, 2-3 times a year we have JWs or LDSs come around. I present them with the love of Christ and lay out the plan of salvation He instituted. At times I have had some very good discussion. One lady, last year, began to see the direction of the conversation and she kept trying to excuse herself, but the Lord didn's seem to want to let her go just yet and presented me with the words to keep her for quite a long time. When the Lord finally released her, she almost RAN from my house. I haven't seen her around since.

One of the things I think we must do in this last day is to gain understanding on how to present the Gospel to the Jews. It remains a "rock of offense" to them, so the best witness is to love them as Christ loves them and show a sincere interest in them. This means getting to know where they are coming from. I wish there was a course taught locally everywhere, where we could each get training in this area. As is, I search the web and try to become more knowledgeable of the OT.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[Perrin556]

Brothers Dad Ernie and Wisdom:

A good subject since we know that should "...be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear"(1 Peter 3:15)

I would be interested in knowing how we best reach those in this post modern age who agree that our beliefs are fine, but so are their views even if they have nothing to do with Christ?  The I'm fine and your fine attitude is one of the best tactics used to allow people to sleep through their need and miss Christ.  Somehow, we have to let them know that Christ stands alone for salvation and that he is the only one who can make them right with God and fit for eternity.

Thanks

Robert

 :???:

[tsth]

I would be interested in knowing how we best reach those in this post modern age who agree that our beliefs are fine, but so are their views even if they have nothing to do with Christ?  

Boy, is that the truth.  It is becoming a new mission field out there with this ideaology.  And then you have those who are so entrenched with the idea that because they said a prayer as a child, they are Christians.  They do not have any sort of relationship with the Lord, His Word, or His people, but they are firmly entrenched in the idea that they are "Christians" already, and for us to present the gospel to them, is ludicrous, to them.  I find this to be the case with many, who only see me as a fanatic who is out of touch with the world. :butbut:

So, how do we witness with this last group, which in my opinion is the most difficult.  How do you tell someone that they need something (Someone) they are convinced, they already have?  They will then accuse you of being holier than thou, because you just happen to believe and worship differently, which in these cases is most extreme to them.

To me this is the greatest mission field of all.  It is those within and among the church.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[WISDOM]

DE:

Just over the last several years my thirst for the assurance of the Jewish people knowing who their MESSIAH really is has increased greatly.  The more I study the Old Testament, the more excited I get by just imagining hearing the Gospel preached/taught to me by one of the original recipients of it, who's on fire for the LORD!  On the other hand, I have an aunt who has been a member of the JWs for over forty years.  Whenever we talk she really makes me test the wealth of the Word within my life.  In the process I know I'm leaving "seds" always with her.  

Now that is a true test I've found in measuring your knowledge of the Word whenever dealing with a member of a cult.  You HAVE to depend on the Word stored away in memory and your heart because at that point you've come face to face with doctrines of demons.  In such case you BETTER know the Word.

Perrin556:

Hello again, bruh.  In this case I've found that I have to be steadfast in the Word, and not allow the opportunity to present the truth escape the conversation between the other party and I.  I guess I'm usually in the mindset that this may be the last time for me to share with the individual or group and I ask the LORD in prayer (sometimes silently) to draw out from within me what's been stored up for that moment.  Leaving our conversation, the person(s) next few steps could exit them from this world into eternity.  

And you're right....it is an approach we have to be careful with.  So many today have been influenced in the New Age mentality WITHOUT even realizing they have.  I'm a firm believer in "studying to show ourselves approved"....not for the sake of saying how "smart" (what a joke) I am in the Word over the next person.  But moreso to understand how better to reach the unsaved person or correct the bro/sis our FATHER crosses my path with.

Suzanne:

It is the truth, isn't it sis?!  The group you identified was a topic of discussion between my wife and I just a few weeks ago.  It kind of makes you feel as if you're caught between a rock and a hard place!  Personally, I've found I really have to prayfully deal with such and place full dependance for guidance upon the shoulders of HOLY SPIRIT.  There is no perfect way to make an approach with this type.  I share your frustration and the "holier-than-thou" accusations, which can be hurtful when you know you're looking beyond this life into eternity for the person's sake.  

I don't know about you, but it sure does make me see so much clearer today what the early church saints and prophets went through.  When we as Christians get ourselves saturated in the Word, we not only love our LORD more, but we begin to truly have a desire for others to be saved.  This takes a lot more than knowing the "Roman Road" and becoming robotic in our sharing/witnessing/listening.  The more we study, the more we discover our ignorance.  When we study the Word I believe we are sitting at the feet of our LORD, which is the supreme intellect of the universe.  When looked upon as such, 2 Timothy 2:15 has a very powerful meaning, and allows me to accept the name calling that goes with the territory.  How about you?

[tsth]

When we as Christians get ourselves saturated in the Word, we not only love our LORD more, but we begin to truly have a desire for others to be saved.  

That is very true, and we also begin to understand how crucial it is for others to be anchored in the Word as well, considering the days ahead.  Just look around at what is happening, we understand due to the Words explanation, but I wonder, those who do not follow and spend time with the Lord, are they as those in the days of Noah....eating, drinking, and marrying?  As if the things around them happening in this world are of no importance to them, and are irrelevant to them?  The times are changing rapidly, and so are the hearts of mankind, which brings to remembrance....

2 Timothy 3:14-15, and it's powerful meaning in this time.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Perrin556]

Wisdom:

I agree that we must be grounded in his word, we must be prepared for those to whom we have a responsibility toward.  I think that it has been mentioned on the thread that in order to be an effective witness for our Savior, we must show him as a reality in our lives and be genuine in our care for those we come in contact with.  In other words we can not trap people for Christ , nor should be seen as having ulterior motives when we show kindness to our neighbor.  In fact it is a great testimony if we show kindness because we are kind.

It gives one real joy when a hard to reach neighbor is touched by the lives of the christians around him and is eventually brought to Christ.  This causes us to search our hearts and our motives for our service.  Paul could say "Forbid it Lord that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..."  We have received "this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency and power might be of God and not of us"  What a treasure we have to share with a dying lost world.  

I think sometimes we forget that God has chosen us as the vessels which would bring the gospel message to the unsaved, the actual work of the heart is his.  There is power in the gospel of Christ unto everyone  that believes"  Praise his Name!

There are times when we would echo the songwriter "If I could only tell him as I know him, my redeemer who has brightened all my way".  

Robert :thumb:

[WISDOM]

I think sometimes we forget that God has chosen us as the vessels which would bring the gospel message to the unsaved, the actual work of the heart is his.

[WISDOM]

Just look around at what is happening, we understand due to the Words explanation, but I wonder, those who do not follow and spend time with the Lord, are they as those in the days of Noah....eating, drinking, and marrying?

[tsth]

Great response Suzanne.

We give Him worship and praise again and always.  Thank you for receiving His leadings within me.

In His Love,

Suzanne