Witnessing Woes

[Guest shilou]

One Accord, good topic. I have a few ways I go about witnessing to people who point all these things out.

Intolerance : It's not that we are intolerant it's that we love others enough to point out the truth to them. I ask people to explain to me what is wrong with me saying that stealing, adultery, murder and such is wrong. I tell them I'm just letting you know what your creator says about the way people are living, but if you think you can get away with it keep trying and let me know how it turns out for you. I also like to point out that they think what I'm saying is my opinion and it is my opinion that is intolerant. If that were to be the truth then wouldn't they in fact be intolerant of my opinion. You can't have it both ways. If they think being tolerant is a personal plus then they would have to show that same tolerance for what I'm saying, I mean come on I'm just talking why should it rattle them so much.

Hypocrites in the church: Yes we have hypocrites in the church or maybe not. We might just have people who are still on milk. I always ask especially men if you are watching a ball game do you keep your eye on the guys who don't score or the one's who do? People who want to see hypocrites are quick to point them out, but fail to notice the winners. Challenge them to see the winners. And as you said be one of the winners as a witness to them. Now if we are alerted to a hypocrite within the church we are to seek that person out and gently restore them to right living pointing out the witness they are giving to the world. As far as beautiful churches and people in ties, why not. God is the owner and creator of all things, and He will prosper His people. But who are they kidding has anyone seen any of the temple's to Allah they are lined with gold. Or how about the temples for Budda, or the shrines. Outside of a few denominations I won't mention christian churches are pretty conservative in comparison to some to the other world religions. It also provides an opportunity to point out that even these buildings will be destroyed because the church of Christ lies in the heart of believers.

Hell is a place of choice. I say it over and over. God does not wish to bring His wrath on us, He does not wish that any human being is lost to hell. In every person's lives the dicsipline of God is clearly evident if they are willing to see it. People continue in habits and actions knowing full well that the consequences exist. People know of the existence of heaven and hell but choose actively to deny hell because they would have to accept Christ, repent and change their behavior in order to go to heaven. They want to go to heaven so they deny hell exists and go their merry way. So I turn the tables so to speak. I ask them what are you going to do in heaven? I mean you have no interest in God or anything of God here so why would you want to go somewhere that you have no interest in? I remember talking to a young man who could only find fun if it was devious or criminal behavior. So I asked him how could God trust you in His heavenly kingdom if He can't trust you here? So your going to get to heaven and stand around with your hands in your pockets and say I'm bored. Then your going to run around and find like minded people to get into trouble with and this whole mess here happens all over again there. I'm sorry God is not going to let that happen. He has given us this life, this amount of time (which none of us knows is short or long) to make a decision about which place we want to end up in. If you can not actively make that decision here, He will not make it for you because you have free will. And saying hell does not exist does not make it dissapear. That's as silly as saying I can live how ever I want and there will never be any consequeces. Hell has nothing to do with the lack of love God has for us, in fact He has allowed us a great amount of time because of His love to discipline and warn us of the coming consequences. It grieves God greatly that some will choose to go to hell, He made the difference between the two places so startling that the choice would be a no brainer. It almost seems quite insane that people who seek all the wealth here, and all the resources here, which is only a shadow would give up all of it for eternity to have a little bit of it now. These silly people if you ask them what would you do if you had an adult child in your home who was stealing from you, destroying your property, and causing dissention within the house hold, coming in drunk and bringing in drugs what would you do. Well universally they would throw them out, unless they themselves were pretty disfunctional. So what they want is a dysfunctional god.

[WISDOM]

Hello to all.....

I've been so busy I've rarely got time to post, but after viewing the Board (which I see George has kept neatly in line) I was fascinated by this topic. This is a good one. It can also be a tough one to perform if you and I try to accomplish it within our own power.

I am so thankful for the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT. Actually, HE is the ONE who encourages us to witness, both verbally and physically to others. Verbally by anointing the words which come forth from our mouth. Words that will either melt a heart like the sun on ice, or harden it like the sun on cement. The choice is always resting upon the recipient.

HE also works on our hearts and minds as Christians to show forth a physical witness daily in how we carry ourselves. Many times you're "witnessing" WITHOUT ever opening your mouth! Someone said we're being watched. THAT is a VERY true statement. People will "read" you and I QUICKER than they will open our FATHER's Word. They need to know that Christians ARE NOT "perfect". That we are imperfect like them, yet saved from eternal damnation because of our acceptance of what CHRIST has done (Romans 10:9,10), and that HE wants to do the same for them and wants them to come to HIM, JUST AS THEY ARE! As witnesses for CHRIST it is imperative for you and I to remember Ephesians Chapter 6. Our witnessing is combated daily by spiritual warfare. The Enemy doesn't want to lose souls to our FATHER's Kingdom. And he DEFINITELY doesn't want you and I to look good in the process.

Keep yourselves saturated in the Word daily, and don't allow drawbacks in witnessing to keep you down. The closer you get to CHRIST, the more the spiritual warfare intensifies. But the HOLY SPIRIT will make you a good witness both during the good and bad times. More importantly whatever you do, BE YOURSELF! Allow the HOLY SPIRIT to use your natural talents and abilities to win over the trust of those you want to be a verbal witness to. Always lift it up in prayer and let our LORD lead you in your efforts.

Very good topic OneAccord. TRAVELLER.....what's up sis?!! *BIG Grin*

[traveller]

WISDOM!!!!!!! Brother! Good to see your post! Insightful, as usual.

Blessings to you brother!

[Crusader4Christ]

Hello Wisdom. Nice to finally meet you. I see that your post was very interesting. I have heard before that you were a great moderator here.

Well, nice meeting you Wisdom, and God bless you.

[traveller]

Along the lines of WISDOM's post and my earlier post, I'd like to elaborate a little on what I said.

The people here at work (most of them) knew me when I was in the world. They have seen the change in me. Granted, it's a process, but a lot of the change in me was immediate. Now, I never have verbally "witnessed" to them, but they all know that I am a Christian. They all know. There is no doubt. And, when they have problems, they come to me. When they want advise, they come to me. When there is a personal crisis, they come to me. I am NOT bragging in any way here, just showing that they see the change. And we all know that it is not me, but Christ in me, that they are now seeing. They know that I'm a new creation.

Something else. For years I prayed for my boss. He was an atheist. Then, he swayed over to Islam. (!) But, then he started coming to my office to ask me questions about God. About Jesus. About why I believed. This was all out of the blue, in answer to my prayers. He is now active in a bible teaching church! Praise God! Prayer is real. Christ in us is real. The world can see it.

[WISDOM]

WISDOM!!!!!!! Brother! Good to see your post! Insightful, as usual.

Blessings to you brother!

I just emailed you....

[WISDOM]

Hello Wisdom. Nice to finally meet you. I see that your post was very interesting. I have heard before that you were a great moderator here.

Well, nice meeting you Wisdom, and God bless you.

As far as the moderating goes, someone has been pulling your leg! *BIG smile*

Actually, the pleasure is mine C4C.... I always enjoy the encouragement of kind words, but I give ALL the credit to our LORD/SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, and our loving FATHER, who daily sustains me, and saves me from myself! Believe me, I can be a knucklehead. However, please continue to support this Board, and it's "Chief" Moderator, George. A more loving, sincere and honorable brother in CHRIST (and a good friend) you'd be challenged to find elsewhere. Give him your all in every effort you make to spread the Word.

I still have quite a few friends here, who I'm looking forward to rejoining, if it's our FATHER's will later this year. And if not, then we're already going to have the party at my house in eternity! Be there....I now consider you a friend! *two thumbs up*

[Crusader4Christ]

Thank you Wisdom. Oh, so someone was pulling my leg about yourself being a moderator? But, I saw your name in the Moderating team as well.

God bless you new brother.

[traveller]

C4C, no, WISDOM was definately a moderator. A very good one. He is referring to you saying that you heard he was a "great" moderator.

WISDOM is a brother that is very strong in his walk with the Lord. He brings us great devotional and insights. We are privileged to have him hang out with us!

C4C, and all you relatively new members, if you want to check out WISDOM's previous articles, they are located mostly in the General Discussion forums, several pages back. There are many jewels in there.

Some of my favorites (please note that when the upgrade was done, the threads got scrambled around and are no longer in posting order)

http://www.worthyboards.com/forums/index.p...ST&f=6&t=372&s=

http://www.worthyboards.com/forums/index.p...ST&f=6&t=287&s=

http://www.worthyboards.com/forums/index.p...ST&f=6&t=422&s=

It's easy to know his heart when you read his posts.

[WISDOM]

Thank you Wisdom. Oh, so someone was pulling my leg about yourself being a moderator? But, I saw your name in the Moderating team as well.

God bless you new brother.

Hello again C4C:

I was joking with you.

Traveller realized it because she knows me well, and she's also like a blood sister to me (we're very close), and have the utmost respect for one another. I appreciate everything she posted, even though she KNOWS I'd rather remain in the background.

Yes, I was a Moderator and hopefully will be able to return later this year, IF it be our FATHER's will and HE anoints me to do so.

Again C4C, I thank you for the kindness shown on my behalf. *ROMANS 14:19*