Believers vs. non-believers

[nebula]

So, I guess nobody has any insights into these passages that can help me in being a witness to these people I am interracting with.    Just, say a couple of prayers and call me in the morning, huh?

[Guest yod]

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[godrulz]

Jer. 9:22-24 "This is what the Lord says: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight."

How sad the pseudo-wisdom of the world and the selfish hearts of man.

We need to discern where people are at. Are they careless sinners (wicked or indifferent)? Are they convicted sinners (God is strongly dealing with them and it is getting harder to say 'No' to Him)? Only with God's help will people ever become converted sinners (Christians).

It is the Spirit's job to convict and convert. We are to live a Christ-like, consistent life AND share the Gospel (God, Man, Christ, Repentance, Faith) as opportunity arises. It is not your responsibility to 'save' the world.

Perhaps these people are dulling the voice of God and not ready to receive more light (it will only further harden them and bring greater judgement).  cf. Romans 1  ...suppressing the truth ...

Chances are their indifference is more moral than intellectual. There are many credible resources for the historical and intellectual defense of Christianity if people are seeking truth. Many do not want to believe in a Creator because then He becomes Judge and they would have to change their selfish lives.

We can boldly confront people with their sin and unbelief with the Law of God. Or other times we may need to love and serve them for years (plant and water). God alone knows their heart and motives and can reveal the key to open them up to the Gospel.

Jesus walked by many people without preaching at them. Others grievously rejected Him (people will reject us and our message too, but we still obey and share it anyway; they are without excuse).

Every person and situation is unique and dealt with differently (see Bible examples). We need to pray for wisdom, love, boldness, and opportunity. People are deceived and blind.

Acts 17 Paul preached in Athens (Unknown God): note the 3 possible responses that he experienced (and so will we...accept it, even if we do not like it...God draws people, not coerces them against their will)

1) Acts 17:32-33  "When they heard about the resurrection of the dead...some of them sneered... (mock)

2) others said "We want to hear you again on this subject" (not yet, need more info.)

3) A few men become followers of Paul AND BELIEVED (glory to God).

We must know and love God, be willing to make Him known (who He is and what He has done), understand the Gospel, pray, love, serve, know some apologetics, etc.  but ulimately it is between the person and God, whom they must give an account.

Be broken and grieved for the lost, but do not be paralyzed into ineffectiveness because some people are tough nuts to crack. God is resourceful and could send someone else, or there may be a future timing as their life circumstances change.

Let us continue to glean principles from evangelistic passages. On one hand it is simple; on the other hand it is not simplistic and there are not easy answers to being an effective witness. We can't carry the weight of the lost world (be responsible for) on our shoulders. That is God's job and He is 24/7 drawing people to Himself as they take a step to Him. Despite God's and our efforts, some people will perish. May we continue to have a burden for the lost and the willingness to impact them in any way possible.

[Guest Boron]

Although the Gentiles did not know the Law, a sthe Law was never issued in order to make one righteous before God.

[godrulz]

Good thoughts Boron. Faith has always been the criteria/condition for salvation. Did not Paul also talk about the Law being a schoolmaster or tutor to lead us to Christ? The Law of God brings awareness and conviction of sin leading to repentance and faith. We need God's absolute moral standards in this relativistic age, but keeping the Law will not make us righteous before God (though it is still important for our sanctification). The Law was summarized as loving God supremely and loving others equal to ourselves. Augustine said: "Love God and do as you please." If we love God, we will obey Him and our choices will be good for us and glorifying to God.

[nebula]

My appologies for the sarcasm, but this is great for Christians to slap each other on the back with, but I know from personal experience that as soon as you mention the word "faith" to a scientifically-minded athiest, you've lost.  And sure, I can walk away from my talks with athiest feeling superior in my faith and knowledge of God, but what good does that do anyway.

I want to give them something that is meaningful to them.  I want to give them something in a language they understand.

"Jesus saves!" has no meaning to someone who has no reason to believe they need saving.  All they see is a bunch of poor sheep being manipulated by the propoganda of the word "sin."  (I'm not exadurating!)

Jesus showed Himself greater.  What have I got to "show?"  This is what I am seeking.

[Adstar]

Nebula

Love is very important in our lives we must show it to all. Can you find a door to make a loving connection to these people? Is there something in their lives that trouble them? Something you can offer wisdom for? I feel that the only way to witness to some people is to first create a connection of love. Everyone no matter what their beliefs are go through times of trouble within their hearts and minds. Will you be there when adversity strikes and they see that their foundations are made of sand? Will your hand be there to pull them from the depths of despair on to the Rock of Ages?

Concentrate on loving them, plant the seeds and one day it will produce fruit, remember a part of love is perseverance. Just be ready for action stations when the storm arrives. When that day comes you may find that they will be like babes in your arms.

Nebula I love your attitude you love them :il: You want to help your neighbor. I pray for God to Help us deliver the truth in a way that is true and effective and pleasing to Him.

All Praise The Ancient Of Days

[Guest shilou]

Nebula what I have found with alot of people is A when they are sinning they know it even while they profess with their mouths they are not. They spend sleepless nights trying to figure out this and that and then run around telling everyone all their justifying stuff to convince themselves and others they are ok. As for the atheist and scientist it's easy. There is so much in science these days that points to the success of prayer. Research it and ask them to explain to you why if science is such a perfect instrament are other scientists actually jumping on the band wagon. There is data out there. The atheist does have a belief system, and when challenged get very upset, in fact they are an angry lot. I ask them how's that working for you, if you are the master of yourself why do you actively choose to be so angry. I show them through simple patience, tolerance and love that my way is just so much easier and calmer and peaceful. They may not at the time jump up and say ok your right. But I have had a few that after living with overwhelming stress in their lives come to me and say ok I want what you have, what's the deal. Don't try to prove with reasoning anything because you can't just plant the seeds and let the Spirit of grace and truth shine through and pray that eventually they will desire something better.

I have this customer who claims to believe in God but not scripture and not Satan. Everytime I see her she has some self help book with her. The last one was dealing with shame. Now for a year I just say little things everytime I see her, I look over the book she's reading and then say something like I know the guy that can take that away. One day last month I said wow I'm sure glad I found the Bible I don't think I could keep up with all the different opinions in all those books. I'm nice, I'm kind and I'm always interested in what she is going through. She asked me last week if I don't have any problems and I had to laugh I said yes but I know personally the problem solver. She asked who that was and I said the same guy I've been telling you about for a year Jesus. She just sat and looked at me and there is no way she couldn't see the happiness on my face created by just saying His name. At some point I'm willing to bet she is going to cave and just start to sneak a peek at His Book. All these people are looking for answers to lifes basic questions. Listen to them and see what is going on with them, then give them the scriptural answer. They are discovering now that the food laws given to Moses is in fact the healthiest way to eat, theres data on it. Now how could those people back then known that? And you don't have to convince them just throw stuff out there and let the doubt settle in. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.

In Yeshua's love

Shilou

[traveller]

Jesus showed Himself greater.