Four Hearts - One Message

[Ruth]

I've learned that there are many different types of people. So far, I have met four different types in relation to the Gospel. While we need to bring the word to everyone I worry when we take just one approach without seeking His guidance. As long as we speak the truth in love - we are in His will.

While the type of preaching called hard truth is needed to counter the 'feel good' heresy - we also need to understand all the different methods Jesus used to teach. From the Sermon on the Mount to the words of love spoken to the woman whom he rescued from stoning. Only the Lord knows each heart and we need to be listening to His leading for how to speak to each heart.

Whenever the Lord leads me to share the truth with someone I find that He has shown me four different types of hearts and He guides me in speaking to each one.

1. There is the person who sincerely believes they are saved because theyhave never been told the true gospel and they need to simply hear the truth in love. The Holy Spirit confirms it to their heart and they are then truly born again.

2. The person who has been reading the word of God - who has been given the light of truth and is in the process of hardening their hearts to it by cherry picking the scriptures and finding like minds at other churches to confirm their heresy. They are deluded into thinking that if they can find others who see it as they do then it must be true - obviously a lie from the pit. Only God can prick this heart and sometimes He uses us to help. They need to let go of the things of this world and trust in Jesus for their temporal and the eternal joy.

3. The person who sees the truth and refuses to let go of the world and
lashes out at God and Christians in their rebellion against Him and in their
love of self and the world. This type has a small window of hope and they need a 'sharp shooter' to penetrate that quickly closing window. Each arrow they allow in, I’m afraid may be the last one they let in before they close their heart forever.
This person may be someone who was seriously betrayed in life when they put their trust in something or someone which they learned was a complete lie and they refuse to make that mistake again. For me, it was the lie of santa clause and while many laugh – it actually stole away all of my trust as a child – the very heart we need to trust in God. I vowed to never trust in anything I couldn't see or touch again. Praise God He was able to reach my heart even still.

4. The alcoholic or drug addict or other who is beaten down by the world and satan in told that they do not fit in and they are not worthy. Unfortunately these people are convinced that God would never love them nor has He shown them any love because their lives have been terrible. The 'Job's friends Christians' of the world have told them that if they have a bad life then they have unconfessed sin or are not tithing properly.
Neither of these are true. Our treasures are in heaven and we live in a fallen world so bad things are going to happen to everyone. And NO ONE is worthy. These beaten down people are also ones who hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit the loudest and will not compromise their integrity to become 'successful' in the definition of the world. They would rather numb their hearts with drugs or alcohol and sadly even die than harden it for all eternity in order to 'fit in.'

There are many hearts with many different stories but they are all the same in one way – they are not happy. Even those who think they are really have no idea how far from true happiness they really are.

What is the definition of peace? It is not the absence of conflict in the world between people but peace is the end of conflict against our creator and reconciliation with Him. That is where true peace really is found.

Are you at peace?
True peace occurs when truth prevails – whether it is in your heart or in your home, city, or country.

If you want to know the true peace that can only come by being reconciled to God then go to this link where Steve has done a great job of explaining what to do: http://www.prophecyheadlines.com/?page_id=792

[AngelWings]

Wonderful insight. Thanks for sharing. 2:

[Ruth]

Thank you so much.
I can go weeks and not write anything and then it comes together like a wave of understanding.

It is a double blessing when it is appreciated with brothers and sisters in the Lord too!

[Deborah]

I've learned that there are many different types of people. So far, I have met four different types in relation to the Gospel. While we need to bring the word to everyone I worry when we take just one approach without seeking His guidance. As long as we speak the truth in love - we are in His will.

While the type of preaching called hard truth is needed to counter the 'feel good' heresy - we also need to understand all the different methods Jesus used to teach. From the Sermon on the Mount to the words of love spoken to the woman whom he rescued from stoning. Only the Lord knows each heart and we need to be listening to His leading for how to speak to each heart.

Whenever the Lord leads me to share the truth with someone I find that He has shown me four different types of hearts and He guides me in speaking to each one.

1. There is the person who sincerely believes they are saved because theyhave never been told the true gospel and they need to simply hear the truth in love. The Holy Spirit confirms it to their heart and they are then truly born again.

2. The person who has been reading the word of God - who has been given the light of truth and is in the process of hardening their hearts to it by cherry picking the scriptures and finding like minds at other churches to confirm their heresy. They are deluded into thinking that if they can find others who see it as they do then it must be true - obviously a lie from the pit. Only God can prick this heart and sometimes He uses us to help. They need to let go of the things of this world and trust in Jesus for their temporal and the eternal joy.

3. The person who sees the truth and refuses to let go of the world and
lashes out at God and Christians in their rebellion against Him and in their
love of self and the world. This type has a small window of hope and they need a 'sharp shooter' to penetrate that quickly closing window. Each arrow they allow in, I’m afraid may be the last one they let in before they close their heart forever.
This person may be someone who was seriously betrayed in life when they put their trust in something or someone which they learned was a complete lie and they refuse to make that mistake again. For me, it was the lie of santa clause and while many laugh – it actually stole away all of my trust as a child – the very heart we need to trust in God. I vowed to never trust in anything I couldn't see or touch again. Praise God He was able to reach my heart even still.

4. The alcoholic or drug addict or other who is beaten down by the world and satan in told that they do not fit in and they are not worthy. Unfortunately these people are convinced that God would never love them nor has He shown them any love because their lives have been terrible. The 'Job's friends Christians' of the world have told them that if they have a bad life then they have unconfessed sin or are not tithing properly.
Neither of these are true. Our treasures are in heaven and we live in a fallen world so bad things are going to happen to everyone. And NO ONE is worthy. These beaten down people are also ones who hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit the loudest and will not compromise their integrity to become 'successful' in the definition of the world. They would rather numb their hearts with drugs or alcohol and sadly even die than harden it for all eternity in order to 'fit in.'

There are many hearts with many different stories but they are all the same in one way – they are not happy. Even those who think they are really have no idea how far from true happiness they really are.

What is the definition of peace? It is not the absence of conflict in the world between people but peace is the end of conflict against our creator and reconciliation with Him. That is where true peace really is found.

Are you at peace?
True peace occurs when truth prevails – whether it is in your heart or in your home, city, or country.

If you want to know the true peace that can only come by being reconciled to God then go to this link where Steve has done a great job of explaining what to do: http://www.prophecyheadlines.com/?page_id=792

OK Ruth, don't leave me hanging! Do you have for basic approaches for sharing the gospel with these four types of hearts?

If you have any wisdom to share on #4, please do. This is the one that I find the most troubling and encounter it too much in my community and even my own family. How do you help a person who is convinced that God has completely turned His back on him?

[Ruth]

I will do my best to put it in writing and post it - for number 4.

The first one simply needs to hear the actual gospel. They have simply been given bad information. If they love the truth - they will respond to it and leave the false organization they have become involved with.

The second one needs to be lovingly told they are creating their own designer religion and it is not the plan of salvation. Sometimes they just need to be told that God is not fooled and they really cannot call the shots - it is God's way or no way.

I think that number three is what we deal with most in people who troll these boards and lash out in ways that people who call themselves atheists really do. While they need us to stay firm on the word of God - they also need it to be said lovingly. They look for any reason to slam the door and walk away. They have the heart of a betrayed child. How would you talk to a child who has been seriously betrayed by someone they put all their trust in? They are angry, hurt, their pride has been crushed but not in a godly way, they have built krypton resistant walls, and they measure love with how much a person brings honesty and kindness.

I will work on the last one and develop it more and post it in a little while (give me about an hour or two to write it up)

I am so happy that this has helped anyone and am humbled that God used me in this small way.

God bless,
Ruth

[Ruth]

Okay - this is how I approach the fourth and most broken of hearts.

The world assigns values to us from the time we are young.
All of the assigned values are on things that we have no control over – our looks, our intelligence, our living status – all of these things we were born into. The world gives us the message that those who are born good looking, rich, and smart are favored by God and those who are not are not considered as less valuable. This is a lie from the pit. As people do all that they can to gain these things through ‘self improvement’ they reach a point in life where they are given the important decisions – choosing their conscience over that friend and job and status and money, etc. Making right choices to do what is right not what is ‘cool’ pushes us into lonely corners. When they are faced with these choices: will they ignore what they know is right and do what they feel they must in order to be accepted and valued?

Throughout life, these decisions take a toll and so does the message that a person is not valuable to mankind or God if they do not measure up to the world’s value system. They are not given a ‘respectable place’ in society and when bad things happen to them the ‘Christians’ often tell them that they are not right with God and He is letting these things happen and they must repent. It is a revolving door that drives them to find a way out and they do – through drugs or alcohol.

Those who refuse to push their conscience out of the way and instead accept their ‘fate’ of being of little value begin to feel the toll of rejection. They are sometimes laughed at and scoffed, made fun of and used. They learn that there are things that can kill the pain they feel from all of this and they begin taking it like anyone would take a pain killer.

Dear friends try to bring them to church and they hear the fire and brimstone preaching in the churches – “You are a sinner and an enemy of God and until you realize how miserable you are and unworthy you are you are going to hell.” These messages just further enforce what the world has already told them about their worth and what they already accepted and go back to their drugs or alcohol.

Our self worth and value is not based on how much money the world pays us for our deeds and how many possessions we have. God’s love is not measured by our affluence, good looks, or health. God's love held Him to that cross for us. His love is perfect and unconditional.

We live in a fallen world and we all have things happen and God does not show us His love in the ways that men understand. Some Christians have confused the promises and blessings of Israel and their obedience to God as the same as our walk as Christians. It is not. We are not Israel. Our rewards and promises are in heaven. Israel was an example of God’s relationship to man. Jesus bridged the way so that we now have a bridge to the perfect promised land and we will be made whole.
God does perform miracles in believers lives but it is to His glory – not to show you your worth. They need to understand the difference.

I could write more but I have taken longer than I promised. Please let me know if this makes sense and if I can be of more help.

God bless,
Ruth

[Deborah]

I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. I have been very fortunate in not encountering alcoholism in any shape or form until recently (a friend of my DH and an in-law). I have to admit I just don’t get it, and you’ve given me a basis to start understanding why they are do what they’re do. I really feel convicted to reach out to these people and have been at a loss as to how to even start.

Thank you so much!!!!

[Ruth]

I wanted to bring this forward because the time is growing so short and we truly need to be about our Father's business and sharing the gospel message.

I hope this helps someone out there in reaching someone who needs to know the hope we have in our Lord.

[Carl]

insightful posts Ruth. Thanks!

[mattfivefour]

I think it all comes down to lifting up Jesus as He is— in His love, His mercy, His gentleness, His goodness, His kindness, His acceptance. And we do that not just in word but in action. And not just in word and in action but by our very being. If we do not reflect the love, mercy, goodness, kindness, and acceptance of Christ, then we have nothing at all. As Paul said, "If I have not love, then even though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, I am just making an noise. If I have not love, then even if I have the gift of prophecy and faith so that can literally move mountains, and even though I know all mysteries and possess all knowledge, I am nothing. If I have not love, then even if I give not only all of my possession but my own life as well to feed the poor, it will not profit me one little bit."

[Ruth]

I think it all comes down to lifting up Jesus as He is— in His love, His mercy, His gentleness, His goodness, His kindness, His acceptance. And we do that not just in word but in action. And not just in word and in action but by our very being. If we do not reflect the love, mercy, goodness, kindness, and acceptance of Christ, then we have nothing at all. As Paul said, "If I have not love, then even though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, I am just making an noise. If I have not love, then even if I have the gift of prophecy and faith so that can literally move mountains, and even though I know all mysteries and possess all knowledge, I am nothing. If I have not love, then even if I give not only all of my possession but my own life as well to feed the poor, it will not profit me one little bit."

I agree 100% except that when we look at Jesus' example - He used different methods for witnessing to different people.

He was completely different when speaking to the pharisees and speaking to the woman at the well.

When a person has a hard heart, like my Dad, he just sees gentleness and love as weaknesses and he thinks he is perfect - refusing to look at himself honestly.

He had my grandmother witness to him for 60 years in the very way that you are describing but he just used and abused her, like he did all women.

The only way he can be witnessed to is by a strong man telling him to wake up and get real. Just like Jesus spoke to the pharisees.

[mattfivefour]

That is why we need to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit when we witness. Not on our own ideas. Not all tough, arrogant men need a strong witness and not all hurting people need a soft witness. But God knows what each needs and if we are submitted to Him He will lead the right way.

[Ruth]

That is why we need to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit when we witness. Not on our own ideas. Not all tough, arrogant men need a strong witness and not all hurting people need a soft witness. But God knows what each needs and if we are submitted to Him He will lead the right way.

I agree 100%. And could you tell me how you know the difference between your own ideas and the leading of the Holy Spirit?

[mattfivefour]

Can you not tell the witness of the Holy Spirit within you when He is leading? That soft, quiet voice? That beautiful stillness? That KNOWING?

[Ruth]

Can you not tell the witness of the Holy Spirit within you when He is leading? That soft, quiet voice? That beautiful stillness? That KNOWING?

Yes I can. I was just wondering what kind of statement you were making when you said not to trust our own ideas.

I was taking that as saying that none of what I put in the OP was valid so I was wondering if you could advise otherwise because I sincerely prayed and wrote that OP up after a lengthy time - months of praying and pondering why it is that so many people stick to one way of giving the gospel when there are many different kinds of hearts out there and just trying to share what I learned from my study and prayer.

But I understood your statement that none of that was valid.

[mattfivefour]

If you thought that I was saying what you said was not valid, you have misunderstood me. I apologize for not being clear.

[Ruth]

If you thought that I was saying what you said was not valid, you have misunderstood me. I apologize for not being clear.

Oh - okay. I was confused then.
Thank you for clarifying.

I have had the discussion with others before who have been stuck on tunnel vision that being kind and loving and preaching the gospel message as it has been written down by evangelists over the years is the tried and true way and not to deviate.

And I struggled long and hard with the concept that the Lord was telling me differently.

I am one who sat in a pew for years hearing the same fire and brimstone message that I was a sinner and going to hell and so on and so on and I rejected that message because the world had already told me I was worthless and I couldn't really sink any lower.

It wasn't until out of rebellion towards the world and not God but drawing closer to Him to learn the truth - separate from men - that I learned the true gospel message.

So - forgive me if I incorrectly assumed you were going down their road by your statement.