I blew it. How to do better?

[pixelpusher]

Couple guys from the Latter-day Saints came by the other day. I was working in the office, and noticed them walking up the street through the window. Figured "I'll set them straight." First mistake I guess... leading with, I reckon, pride, thinking well, I have the correct answer, I'll fix them. Maybe? Not sure that's right, but I think my initial attitude was probably wrong.

They knocked, I answered, and the leader said "Hi, we're from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and would you like to hear about our prophet who has brought a new revelation?

I answered No I would not, and that is false doctrine, and furthermore, Mormonism is false religion. (2nd mistake, calling their beliefs and religion out -- not that it's not true, but it was confrontational) Then I said I hope you fellows will go back and read the Bible a little closer, and come to a correct understanding and a saving faith in Christ. (3rd mistake I think, calling their salvation into question, as I certainly don't know their hearts)

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I sensed the Holy Spirit smack me in the back of the head, I believe. The second fellow's eyes narrowed, he set his jaw, and replied that "we both worship the same Christ, and we are saved." Then they wished me a blessed day and walked away.

I don't think I handled that opportunity very well at all. I felt chastised/rebuked in my spirit over it. I apologized to the Lord. I meant well, but I came off confrontational and judgmental.

So two days later, coming home I caught a bit of a sermon on the radio. Don't know who was preaching, but he was saying that when he preaches, he's not talking to someone, he's talking to everyone, and he leads with Truth. Some may get their toes stepped on. But when he's talking to an individual, he leads with Grace. I didn't get to hear the rest of it, but I think that was for me, about my encounter with the LDS guys.

How do you lead with grace? What do y'all think about what I've related above? Did I in fact mess it up? How could I have done better? I have some thoughts since, about how Paul dealt with the philosophers at the Aeropagus, but I would like to know your thoughts and advice.

 

[Jeff K]

I do not usually engage the Lds or jw's when they come to the door. The only thing I might have done differently would have been to spout off a few reasons why Jesus is God eternal and why He is not the same as their false christ (after he made that comment) - in a loving but firm way. I never seem to have the Scripture references at the tip of my tongue that I should use, while they have come prepared. I read someone say they keep a reference list by the door for just such an occasion .

 

[Andy C]

You spoke the truth, thats all that can be asked. They are OF THE WORLD, and you my friend are not.

Speak bodly, speak His Word, ears need to hear the Truth as it is written in His bible.

 

[anath]

You spoke the truth, thats all that can be asked. They are OF THE WORLD, and you my friend are not.

Speak bodly, speak His Word, ears need to hear the Truth as it is written in His bible.

I agree with Bro Andy.

 

[BarbT]

Please don't beat yourself up over this, Pix. I've had countless similar front-porch meetings with JWs and LDS over the last 20 years. Experience has taught me that no matter how lovingly a born-again believer delivers the message it will always stir religious people to anger. We will always be accused of being arrogant and un-Christlike.

Remember, the Apostles were run out of cities, threatened, screamed at, and had rocks thrown at them simply for preaching the Gospel. Even on more peaceful days I'm certain they saw their share of "narrowed eyes" and "set jaws" as well.

We all have different personalities and speaking styles. If you feel you need to refine your approach to cultists a bit, the Lord will help you prepare for the next encounter. But unless you yelled at these guys, personally insulted them, or pelted them w/ obscene language , I'm confident you did nothing wrong.

 

[ozaprah]

With JW's in the past I've kept it light and throw them a simple question.. "You guys always seem to be doing things for your organization. A question I've always wanted to know... How do you know when you've done enough? I know with my relationship with Jesus that it's nothing at all about what I can do, but all about what he has done for us. His gift of salvation is free to those who believe in him. I guess it must be tough for you not knowing if you've quite done enough for Jehovah or the organisation. Anyway.. have a nice day"....

That goes to the heart of the fear that is every JW... have they done enough. Hopefully a question will poke a searching.

 

[borrowedtime]

All you can do is speak with truth and let the chips fall where they may.

I don’t think you did anything wrong but as an FYI Billy Crone has been doing Wednesday studies on cults on the occult and had sections dedicated to JW’s and Latter Day. Good info and he gives you good questions to ask them.

 

[Hol]

Figured "I'll set them straight." First mistake I guess... leading with, I reckon, pride, thinking well, I have the correct answer, I'll fix them. Maybe? Not sure that's right, but I think my initial attitude was probably wrong.

I hate it when I do that

Learning from my own mistakes I've found that prayer first really changes things (me).

When it comes to cults I know very little, and they can tell.

If you want to learn about LDS, one very reliable source is a group with a website called Adam's Road.

Here is a testimony:

 

[BarbT]

I've noticed in recent weeks the LDS, SDA {7th Day Adventists} and JWs have been out in force in my neighborhood.

Hol's post above brings up a vital point about the importance of familiarizing ourselves with cult doctrine IF we are to engage them. Being unprepared can leave us feeling tongue-tied & foolish after trying to reason with these people. They know in advance what true Christians are going to tell them about grace, deity of Christ, prophecy etc and their leaders have thoroughly trained them in the art of twisting scripture to dismantle every point we make.

Regarding evangelism, we each have unique strengths in some areas and weaknesses in others. God sends us into different mission fields. IMO, if you don't feel biblicaly equipped to debate cultists there is no shame in ignoring the knock at your door.

 

[borrowedtime]

Regarding evangelism, we each have unique strengths in some areas and weaknesses in others. God sends us into different mission fields. IMO, if you don't feel biblicaly equipped to debate cultists there is no shame in ignoring the knock at your door.

Yup. I can’t do online discussions cause it gets out of hand and I get way to angry.

Depending on the personal interactions they vary. But I still study and help my two daughters and they’ve had good witnessing moments from things I’ve taught them.

Different tools for different jobs.

 

[Jan51]

IMO, if you don't feel biblicaly equipped to debate cultists there is no shame in ignoring the knock at your door.

Sometimes I'm just busy or distracted or it's inconvenient to have a theological discussion at that moment. Then I politely but firmly tell them, I'm sorry, I can't visit right now, I believe different than you about the Bible and Jesus Christ, but come back another time if you want. Goodbye. And I close the door before anything else can be said.

 

[Chris]

Couple guys from the Latter-day Saints came by the other day. I was working in the office, and noticed them walking up the street through the window. Figured "I'll set them straight." First mistake I guess... leading with, I reckon, pride, thinking well, I have the correct answer, I'll fix them. Maybe? Not sure that's right, but I think my initial attitude was probably wrong.

They knocked, I answered, and the leader said "Hi, we're from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and would you like to hear about our prophet who has brought a new revelation?

I answered No I would not, and that is false doctrine, and furthermore, Mormonism is false religion. (2nd mistake, calling their beliefs and religion out -- not that it's not true, but it was confrontational) Then I said I hope you fellows will go back and read the Bible a little closer, and come to a correct understanding and a saving faith in Christ. (3rd mistake I think, calling their salvation into question, as I certainly don't know their hearts)

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I sensed the Holy Spirit smack me in the back of the head, I believe. The second fellow's eyes narrowed, he set his jaw, and replied that "we both worship the same Christ, and we are saved." Then they wished me a blessed day and walked away.

I don't think I handled that opportunity very well at all. I felt chastised/rebuked in my spirit over it. I apologized to the Lord. I meant well, but I came off confrontational and judgmental.

So two days later, coming home I caught a bit of a sermon on the radio. Don't know who was preaching, but he was saying that when he preaches, he's not talking to someone, he's talking to everyone, and he leads with Truth. Some may get their toes stepped on. But when he's talking to an individual, he leads with Grace. I didn't get to hear the rest of it, but I think that was for me, about my encounter with the LDS guys.

How do you lead with grace? What do y'all think about what I've related above? Did I in fact mess it up? How could I have done better? I have some thoughts since, about how Paul dealt with the philosophers at the Aeropagus, but I would like to know your thoughts and advice.

I just not too long ago added some Mormon and other cult articles to the cults section on the main site. You can find them here:

https://www.raptureforums.com/category/cults-false-religions/

Maybe they will help next time? Have them printed out ahead of time and give them to the guys going around the block. Make sure it has our website address on it so they can come read the truth.

And to add to what others said, don't beat yourself up over a perceived failure at witnessing because believe it or not God can use all of our communications with cults and unbelievers to his glory. We may never know how, but sometimes a cultist or unbelievers needs to hear a "tough love" message rather than a baby cuddling message. You might have been the one to give them what they needed by not entertaining their foolishness. Maybe one of those guys went home and thought about your strong stance and thought more about the foolishness of his ways? Don't be too hard on yourself. You'll get more chances.

 

[Brother Albert R.]

Couple guys from the Latter-day Saints came by the other day. I was working in the office, and noticed them walking up the street through the window. Figured "I'll set them straight." First mistake I guess... leading with, I reckon, pride, thinking well, I have the correct answer, I'll fix them. Maybe? Not sure that's right, but I think my initial attitude was probably wrong.

They knocked, I answered, and the leader said "Hi, we're from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and would you like to hear about our prophet who has brought a new revelation?

I answered No I would not, and that is false doctrine, and furthermore, Mormonism is false religion. (2nd mistake, calling their beliefs and religion out -- not that it's not true, but it was confrontational) Then I said I hope you fellows will go back and read the Bible a little closer, and come to a correct understanding and a saving faith in Christ. (3rd mistake I think, calling their salvation into question, as I certainly don't know their hearts)

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I sensed the Holy Spirit smack me in the back of the head, I believe. The second fellow's eyes narrowed, he set his jaw, and replied that "we both worship the same Christ, and we are saved." Then they wished me a blessed day and walked away.

I don't think I handled that opportunity very well at all. I felt chastised/rebuked in my spirit over it. I apologized to the Lord. I meant well, but I came off confrontational and judgmental.

So two days later, coming home I caught a bit of a sermon on the radio. Don't know who was preaching, but he was saying that when he preaches, he's not talking to someone, he's talking to everyone, and he leads with Truth. Some may get their toes stepped on. But when he's talking to an individual, he leads with Grace. I didn't get to hear the rest of it, but I think that was for me, about my encounter with the LDS guys.

How do you lead with grace? What do y'all think about what I've related above? Did I in fact mess it up? How could I have done better? I have some thoughts since, about how Paul dealt with the philosophers at the Aeropagus, but I would like to know your thoughts and advice.

God bless you Pixelpusher,
At least you were willing to open the door. I believe all appointments are Divine appointments...or maybe most of them are Divine appointments. I am in an ongoing dialog with an 83 yr. old Mormon who does not know anything other than Mormonism. We have both been talking every week for aprox. 10 yrs. and have become very good friends. I learned more about Mormons from him than I had reading about them. I always take a stand when it comes to the fundamental core Christian beliefs about how we obtain salvation only through Christ, that God has revealed Himself in His word as 1 God in 3 distinct persons, I defend the reliability of the bible and how that we must use what Jesus and His apostles gave us as a measuring rod for all doctrine and practices. I have found out that it is very difficult to win the lost if you are not willing to have a dialog. If we are willing to listen and to learn then we can be more effective in our communication to those who are lost. Your method of dealing with the Mormons is for those who are not wanting to win a soul but an argument. If God has convicted you, then it is a good lesson for you to take to heart.
God Bless you,
brother Albert

 

[Andy C]

And to add to what others said, don't beat yourself up over a perceived failure at witnessing because believe it or not God can use all of our communications with cults and unbelievers to his glory. We may never know how, but sometimes a cultist or unbelievers needs to hear a "tough love" message rather than a baby cuddling message. You might have been the one to give them what they needed by not entertaining their foolishness. Maybe one of those guys went home and thought about your strong stance and thought more about the foolishness of his ways? Don't be too hard on yourself. You'll get more chances.

Agree. I will gladly talk to anyone, but they will first have to agree to talk about whats only in the bible.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

I keep tracts by the doors and hand them out. They're made into little packets by cult (7th Day Adventist, JW/Mormon, atheism, etc.) and provide which ever packet is appropriate for the person(s) that came to the door.

I am polite, but firm (I don't get into discussions because burglars, robbers, etc. sometimes pose as JW/Mormons to get into/case the house). I absolutely never let anyone inside, and if I answer the door, I usually go out a different door than the one knocked on to talk to whomever (with dog and concealed firearm--too many home invasions, etc.).

Several years ago, the one alleged JW/Mormon (never saw any IDs or municipal permits) that actually stuck his foot inside the door to keep me from closing it after I told him I was Jewish and not interested (technically, felony burglary in that state) found out slammed heavy doors break bones. Sorry, but I felt my safety was seriously threatened since I was home alone and there were two of them. Better than unnecessarily shooting and sending him/them to hell...

BTW, as Christians we are all adopted Jews, so I wasn't lying. Most JW/Mormons back off if you tell them you're Jewish... something in their cult about not evangelizing Jews.

 

[sara ann]

I think you did fine....to me you showed love in putting yourself on the line to give them truth...I sometimes I have JW...I don't accept their material...ask them a few questions...they train on what to say....it's a hook.

 

[Kerbluey]

Maybe you said exactly what they needed to hear in exactly the tone they needed. Some people.....ahem, myself.....respond best to a block of wood hitting us over the head on occasion.

 

[RonJohnSilver]

I think few, if any, cultists are going to be 'saved' by doorway encounters so don't beat yourself up over that. They prepare for that, which is why they go in twos, usually one novice and one more senior member. Anyway I find that they are knowledgible or at least briefed on the usual responses. And, sadly, most Christians don't know enough about their own beliefs to give a coherent response. Your own testimony is your best answer I think. Remember that our responsibility is to share the faith, it is the Holy Spirits job to convict them of their error. And He can work through our inadequacies. If you do choose to battle scripture, don't let them use their bible, especially the JWs, as they use the New World Perversion, their own version of the Bible.

 

[Andy C]

Maybe you said exactly what they needed to hear in exactly the tone they needed. Some people.....ahem, myself.....respond best to a block of wood hitting us over the head on occasion.

Worked for me and I have the splinters to prove it

 

[mattfivefour]

I have a couple of JW's who are coming back tomorrow (Friday) afternoon to have a chat with me. They've been by three times already but not at convenient times for me. So, I felt led to make an appointment with them. Christ died for them: I am praying for their souls. I'll let you know how it goes.