Sharing the gospel

[Andy C]

Great thread. Our sister forum over the last few days had a very heated debate on this same subject.
All praise to our Lord and Savior that we all have different gifts, and all the gifts are used just as He wants us to use them.

 

[BarbT]

And don't let us forget about the Christian footprint each of us can leave on the Web. I try to find a way to integrate Christ's love/Gospel on public Facebook pages and news *comments* sections nearly every day. This morning I read an article {LA Times, I think} about how director Ron Howard is exploring the subject of stopping the aging process and possibly living forever. My comment following the article said "We've already been given the key to eternal life and His name is Jesus Christ."

Ok ... so maybe to us this was a minor act of evangelism -- no big deal -- but who can say those were not the exact words someone out there needed to read this morning?

The point is we don't need a soapbox to spread the Gospel. For the more reserved Christians among us who worry about their role in witnessing, I urge you to see your keyboard as a valuable tool God gave you for reaching the online mission field!

 

[MarleneF]

I agree with many of the posts here. As Christians, we are called to evangelize or share the gospel. But that does not mean we are all gifted to be evangelists.

I have led a number of people to the Lord since I became a Christian, and witnessed to many others. I think the thing to do, is let God be in charge of the harvest. Sometimes we are just called to plant seeds or to water them. Not everyone is called to the harvest.

I have a friend who has an amazing gift of evangelism. She leads as many as 5 to 10 people to the Lord a week! And they all follow through with water baptism, and get planted in a local church. They also are discipled by people, sometimes she does it and sometimes other people do it. She is a shining example to me of what one person God gives the gift of evangelism can do!

But I know God does not despise my gifts, as he gave them to me! He has opened doors to witness and lead people to Christ, but not like my friend. God has shown me that as long as I am faithful to what he has called me to do, he will not turn away from me! So I continue to follow God, and rejoice for my friend and the many people who are now going to spend eternity with Cbrist, because of her vibrant witness.

 

[Andy C]

I agree with many of the posts here. As Christians, we are called to evangelize or share the gospel. But that does not mean we are all gifted to be evangelists.

I have led a number of people to the Lord since I became a Christian, and witnessed to many others. I think the thing to do, is let God be in charge of the harvest. Sometimes we are just called to plant seeds or to water them. Not everyone is called to the harvest.

I have a friend who has an amazing gift of evangelism. She leads as many as 5 to 10 people to the Lord a week! And they all follow through with water baptism, and get planted in a local church. They also are discipled by people, sometimes she does it and sometimes other people do it. She is a shining example to me of what one person God gives the gift of evangelism can do!

But I know God does not despise my gifts, as he gave them to me! He has opened doors to witness and lead people to Christ, but not like my friend. God has shown me that as long as I am faithful to what he has called me to do, he will not turn away from me! So I continue to follow God, and rejoice for my friend and the many people who are now going to spend eternity with Cbrist, because of her vibrant witness.

Amen Sister, Amen. Very inspiring post. God Is in charge , and He will lead me or plant me where He desires.

Romans 12:12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

 

[RandallB]

Volunteering is another great opportunity to share the Lord. When you do something for someone they are very receptive. I drive car-less people home from the food bank each week. Any new clients are offered a copy of "More than a Carpenter" with a track stuck inside. Haven't been turned down yet. Bulk boxes of those books make inexpensive items to include on your Christmas list.

 

[Andy C]

This is where IMO our focus should be. I pray everyday I will have an opportunity to witness.

Leading the unsaved to Jesus is far more beneficial than leading one to the voting stations.

Focus on Him, not them.

 

[Belle of Grace]

Volunteering is another great opportunity to share the Lord. When you do something for someone they are very receptive. I drive car-less people home from the food bank each week. Any new clients are offered a copy of "More than a Carpenter" with a track stuck inside. Haven't been turned down yet. Bulk boxes of those books make inexpensive items to include on your Christmas list.

What a great idea! You might not ever know on this earth the number of people whose lives are impacted by those books. Well done, Sir!

 

[Belle of Grace]

This is where IMO our focus should be. I pray everyday I will have an opportunity to witness.
Leading the unsaved to Jesus is far more beneficial than leading one to the voting stations.
Focus on Him, not them.

Amen!!

 

[Len]

Hi Noah, I have always found that God will open the door for you to witness to someone and give you the words you need, though just giving your testimony to someone on what God has done for you is a good way of witnessing eh!

 

[sara ann]

Noah....the Holy Spirit will draw anyone He wants you to share with...and Never be afraid that you will say the wrong things...the Holy Spirit will lead you...sometimes He will have you withhold something...He know what words to have you say...just follow His lead...and remember you don't save....He does...that's not your job...you job is to share...what He puts on your heart.......that's all you need...God Bless..

Let me add Noah...you are truly blessed....I wasted many years and wish now that I had been in my 20's....God has truly blessed you Noah...and you had ear to hear HIM...what a blessing!!

 

[donna1951]

Such good advice, Sara Ann.

 

[RoseWood]

We are to have a positive influence on the world in which we live. It's in the Bible, Matthew 5:13-14, TLB. "You are the world's seasoning, to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor, what will happen to the world? And you yourselves will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the world's light—a city on a hill, glowing for all to see."

Christ wants Christians to make a difference in the world. It's in the Bible, John 17:15, TLB. "I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from Satan's power."

 

[Len]

I always embarass myself and probably those I try to witness to when I take it upon myself to do so, I have learnt that if I let God open the door it seems to just flow, by that I mean I j pray if there is anyone He wants me to talk to then I am willing and just go about my day ....... you will recognise the door and that God has prepared those "people" in advance ........ in the verse below you will notice it says "sanctify the Lord in your heart" first and then "those who ask"


But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord, always ready for a defense to everyone asking you an account concerning the hope in you; yet with gentleness and fear, 1 Peter 3:15 BLB

 

[Len]

And don't let us forget about the Christian footprint each of us can leave on the Web. I try to find a way to integrate Christ's love/Gospel on public Facebook pages and news *comments* sections nearly every day. This morning I read an article {LA Times, I think} about how director Ron Howard is exploring the subject of stopping the aging process and possibly living forever. My comment following the article said "We've already been given the key to eternal life and His name is Jesus Christ."

Ok ... so maybe to us this was a minor act of evangelism -- no big deal -- but who can say those were not the exact words someone out there needed to read this morning?

The point is we don't need a soapbox to spread the Gospel. For the more reserved Christians among us who worry about their role in witnessing, I urge you to see your keyboard as a valuable tool God gave you for reaching the online mission field!

Yes, I have a few "Motorcyclist Enthusiasts" (bikers) and many others following my FB page, so I post lots of bike pictures interspersed with scripture posts or world events relating to Israel and I promote motorcycle ministries etc I have around 1600 people watching and I would guess about 15% are Christian the rest hardcore non christian but I quite often get a like on something christian from the non christians ......

 

[mphsmom]

Thank you Len for reviving this thread today.
Reading the original post and all the responses has been a great help.

 

[Andy C]

Time is short, praying I can be used to help spread the good news to those who are lost. This is not a strong area for me, but with His strength and the Holy Spirit leading, I pray I will be placed in the path of one in need.

 

[Len]

I pray I will be placed in the path of one in need.

If you pray for that AndyC then it will surely come about and the wonderful thing is that a chosen person will be prepared especially for your particular spiel for them.... count on it!!

 

[Len]

I had a pretty exciting slash interesting fortnight when it comes to witnessing.... firstly we had a carpet layer spend a few days at our home last week, he started out hating Trump and the Israeli's abuse of the PA etc .... ended up with him taking a bible and his views were changed of one that was a bit more informed..... this week I was involved in a motorcycle toy run with Christian Motorcycle Association and Bikers for Christ then in a tent handing out tracts (a hard thing for me to do) but I ended up with the leader from the Christian Spiritualists Association Church from Perth .... I can praise God because everything this man tried to confuse me on I already had first hand experiences with ie: out of body experience, spirits & demons and I could bring him back to the only way to the father and hence heaven, by Jesus it was a good 40 minute conversation and he took a tract!..... then we had a Christmas carol show to go to and I got talking to a 65 yo practising catholic (my wife was catholic so I was forearmed) and after a bit of polite catholic/protestant differences conversation I asked him if he died what would he say to God that would let him into heaven? And yes he said he was a good person and yes I got to tell him the whole protestant gospel message plus lots more to convince him to read his bible and trust in Jesus alone .... he even asked me to explain purgatory so it was a wonderful experience ..... God put those people in my path and it was not me answering them it was the Holy Spirit sharing what I knew .....

 

[Jeff K]

I had a pretty exciting slash interesting fortnight when it comes to witnessing.... firstly we had a carpet layer spend a few days at our home last week, he started out hating Trump and the Israeli's abuse of the PA etc .... ended up with him taking a bible and his views were changed of one that was a bit more informed..... this week I was involved in a motorcycle toy run with Christian Motorcycle Association and Bikers for Christ then in a tent handing out tracts (a hard thing for me to do) but I ended up with the leader from the Christian Spiritualists Association Church from Perth .... I can praise God because everything this man tried to confuse me on I already had first hand experiences with ie: out of body experience, spirits & demons and I could bring him back to the only way to the father and hence heaven, by Jesus it was a good 40 minute conversation and he took a tract!..... then we had a Christmas carol show to go to and I got talking to a 65 yo practising catholic (my wife was catholic so I was for armed) and after a bit of polite catholic/protestant differences conversation I asked him if he died what we he say to God that would let him into heaven, and yes he said he was a good person and yes I got to tell him the whole protestant gospel message plus lots more to convince him to read his bible and trust in Jesus alone .... he even asked me to explain purgatory so it was a wonderful experience ..... God put those people in my path and it was not me answering them it was the Holy Spirit sharing what I knew .....

Praise the Lord!
Great testimony Len. Thanks for sharing.

 

[mattfivefour]