Nearly got in big trouble sharing the Gospel- I'm shaken.

[Paidiske]

What you say is similar to what I have heard being taught in many churches. They say, "We are in a post-Christian era and so therefore we no longer should go out and preach the Gospel to everyone. Instead, we are to make friends and then share the Gospel with our friends."

That is not exactly what I am saying, although friendship evangelism is an effective method.

What I am particularly saying is that an adult man should not be approaching children without their parents' consent. That's got nothing to do with being post-Christian, and everything to do with safety, consent and boundaries.

I am not saying that we should not share the gospel with children! But I am saying there is a right and a wrong way to do that.

In fact, there is not one biblical president where Jesus did friendship evangelism. That is, He got alongside someone and became their friend and then when he thought the time was right, He then told them of the Kingdom of God.

I'd argue that all those instances where he healed people first would be an example.

As I said, you are blowing it out of proportion.

In the wake of the abuse crisis in the churches, I don't think we can blow children's safety out of proportion.

You critisize those who do share but you are to scared to do it yourself.

I am not criticising you for sharing the gospel; I am pleading with you to think about how to do that in a way that is safe, and ethical.

 

[1Tonne]

In the wake of the abuse crisis in the churches, I don't think we can blow children's safety out of proportion.

I knew you were getting your thought patterns from something like that. Because it is close to home for you.
I am in a different place to you where it is not as prevalent or close to home.

I am not criticising you for sharing the gospel; I am pleading with you to think about how to do that in a way that is safe, and ethical

What is not ethical, is not saying the Gospel. Leaving those around you to perish even though you know of eternal life. So, how often do you say the Gospel?

If you know of everlasting life, and you know of everlasting death, how much do you have to hate somebody to not tell them of it? Penn Jillette

 

[Paidiske]

I knew you were getting your thought patterns from something like that. Because it is close to home for you.
I am in a different place to you where it is not as prevalent or close to home.

So, because abuse happened somewhere far away, we should observe no safeguards?

What is not ethical, is not saying the Gospel.

Which is not at all what I am arguing for.

You want to reach kids with the gospel? Great. Fantastic. Build a team. Screen and train them appropriately. Start a programme - after school, weekends, whatever - where there are safety policies in place, and where the contents and activities are of the highest calibre. And, crucially, ensure that every child who comes, comes with the knowledge and consent of a parent or guardian.

 

[1Tonne]

So, because abuse happened somewhere far away, we should observe no safeguards?

Yes. That is why I keep in total view of other adults, and I only speak to kids in groups. Remember you need to keep this in perspective. Don't let your mind run away too much.

Which is not at all what I am arguing for.

You were pointing out how unethical I am, but you are even worse by letting people perish. Not only that, but you have also got yourself into a place of authority as a priest and you will be teaching others to do just the same as you.
So, once again, how often do you say the Gospel?
The Gospel is not something to be hoarded. But rather something to be shared Ray Comfort

You want to reach kids with the gospel? Great. Fantastic. Build a team. Screen and train them appropriately. Start a programme - after school, weekends, whatever - where there are safety policies in place, and where the contents and activities are of the highest calibre. And, crucially, ensure that every child who comes, comes with the knowledge and consent of a parent or guardian.

Great idea. Already done that.

 

[Paidiske]

Yes. That is why I keep in total view of other adults, and I only speak to kids in groups.

That's really not adequate.

Remember you need to keep this in perspective.

I think it's perfectly in perspective.

You were pointing out how unethical I am, but you are even worse by letting people perish.

A completely unwarranted accusation.

Great idea. Already done that.

Then you don't need to be approaching kids in parks with chocolate to share the gospel with them!

 

[1Tonne]

That's really not adequate.

That is your opinion. The police thought it was OK as they let me continue. (As I have said, you are blowing it out of proportion in your mind)

Then you don't need to be approaching kids in parks with chocolate to share the gospel with them!

We should reach out to everyone, not just our friends or adults. Loving everyone is crucial, and sharing the Gospel is urgent. We never know when someone might unexpected die—like a child running into the street and getting hit by a car. It would be devastating if that happened, especially if we could have shared the Gospel but didn't because of fear.
Imagine standing before God on Judgment Day and hearing Him say that if only you had spoken to that child in the park, they would have believed and been saved. But, because of your fear of what might happen to you, they perished, and countless others suffered the same fate because you didn't warn them.

There is actually a law in human court about someone who is like this. It is called "Depraved Indifference"
In life, if you have the opportunity to stop someone from being killed or injured but you choose not to warn them, then in man's court, you are guilty of a crime called "Depraved Indifference". This shows that you have a blatant disregard for their life. It is like if you see a person drowning and you have a life jacket right beside you that you could easily throw to the person. But because you cannot be bothered or you are afraid of what other might think of you, you choose not to throw the life jacket and the person then drowns. This is depraved indifference.
If man's court recognises this injustice, how much more would a holy, and just God recognise the injustice of us not warning of eternal death?
"So, for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin." James 4:17

And so, I have the opportunity to share with many at the parks. I will continue.
But thank you for your opinion.

 

[Rescued One]

"Nobody ought to be engaging with children without their parents' consent."

I agree after spending years in a cult.

 

[Rescued One]

Yes. That is why I keep in total view of other adults, and I only speak to kids in groups. Remember you need to keep this in perspective. Don't let your mind run away too much.

You were pointing out how unethical I am, but you are even worse by letting people perish.

God has never let any person perish whom He intend to save. I don't like the arguing in this thread. I'm sorry for it.

 

[Rescued One]

We should reach out to everyone, not just our friends or adults. Loving everyone is crucial, and sharing the Gospel is urgent. We never know when someone might unexpected die—like a child running into the street and getting hit by a car.

But God knows. God is omnipotent and absolutely saves whomever He will. I had/have 2 unbelieving parents and 5 unbelieving siblings.

 

[1Tonne]

"Nobody ought to be engaging with children without their parents' consent."

I agree after spending years in a cult.

What about if the child could die? I hope you would engage with the child then or would you let him die? Of course, you would help the child. It would be unloving not to help.
And we never know when anyone will die. Young or old.

I don't like the arguing in this thread. I'm sorry for it.

I am not happy about it either.

 

[rockytopva]

I was a "cool dude" .... Until I got saved! Now along with Job I must cry...

Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. - Job 14:1

 

[CoreyD]

They do a little. But they are still getting equipped.

Thanks for taking the time to answer.
I hope you don't mind my asking these questions.
I want to get to know a bit more about your ministry, since ministering to others was Jesus' primary focus, and still is today.

If I may ask... on average, how many persons in your group would you say, are "still getting equipped"?
When did you become "equipped", and did you receive teaching and training from someone?

No. I didn't turn them down. We now have a bible study that not only studies Gods word but at the study, we learn and discuss how to share the Gospel.

Cool.
Is this your first time doing this, or did you have a bible study and learn and discuss how to share the Gospel, before?

We now go to the market days and town fairs together. They are a great group of men who do have a fire in them. They are my biggest encouragement.

I'm glad to hear you have encouragement.
We need that. So often we get the opposite... you know.
You said "a great group of men". Are there any women, or is this a men's fellowship group?

I tend to stay in our local town but sometimes we may go to a town fair in a neighbouring town. Or if I am in a neighbouring town with time to kill, I will go off to the local park there. But this is only on the rear occasion.
I know that within my town, there are many who are lost and so I do not have to travel far to find someone.

I know you are aware that the lost are plentiful, and in extended area, and I am sure you would like to reach these also.
As you said, "There is an urgency to it." I totally agree.
What plans do you have for reaching people far and wide?
What would you like to see happen so that more people can be reached?

In the bible, there were many preachers of righteousness. In 2 Peter 2:5, it says Noah was a “preacher of righteousness”. Then we have Isaiah, Amos, and Jeremiah. And we have Jonah who was sent to Nineveh to tell them to turn from their evil ways. We also have Paul and Timothy. In 2 Corinthians it says that they “Commended themselves to every man’s conscience”.
We can look at what Paul preached. In 1 Cor 15:1-5, it says, "Now I make known to you, brothers and sisters, the gospel which I preached to you, which you also received, in which you also stand, by which you also are saved, if you hold firmly to the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve."
We also have Matt 5:19 which talks about teaching The Commandments. "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

I'm glad you mentioned Noah first.
Yes, Noah was a preacher of righteousness.

We would agree, that along with teaching persons what is right, he warned persons of the coming flood, and instructed them on how they can be saved, by getting on the Ark.
Obviously, those who accepted that message, and wanted to do the right thing, would have demonstrated their faith by joining Noah, and his family, in constructing the Ark.

So, his message was specific, as instructed by God.
Similar to John's message, which was to prepare the way for the Messiah Matthew 3:3. He too, preached righteousness Matthew 3:8, and persons had to demonstrate faith by getting baptized for repentance of sins Mark 4:1.
He too had a specific message.

Then when Jesus came on earth, his message was specific, and he had a specific territory as well. Matthew 15:24; Mark 1:14, 15; Luke 4:43
He instructed his followers to go to this territory, and preach this message. Matthew 10:5-7

When Jesus was about to leave the earth, he gave his followers specific instructions, on the territory, and the message they were to carry. Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8

Would you agree that Jesus, guiding his followers from heaven, would be getting that specific message to the territory he wants covered?
According to the Bible, is there a specific message Jesus wants preached? What specific message is that, and in what territory? Matthew 24:14

 

[1Tonne]

Who condemned the rest of the Body for sharing the Gospel in the manner and to whom GOD was leading them to?

That is the issue. Many believe think that sharing the Gospel is simply being nice and making friends. There good deeds are not the Gospel. These people who believe that they are sharing the Gospel by being nice, very rarely ever say the Gospel, only when the opportunity falls into their lap.

I have a dear sister in Christ who serves others, driving the elderly to doctors appointments and such, serving in children's ministry - who encourages me in my walk by observing her true heart of a servant. No, she isn't winning over multitudes in the park, but nobody is going to convince me that she is anything other than a sister of great value to the Lord - Himself the champion of the Servant's Heart - just like His Father is. She encourages me in my own work as much as the guy on the street corner handing out tracts. She is bold enough to share the Gospel, with gentleness and respect, to all those she serves - because they observe her humble dedication to others, considering herself lesser than them. I can't tell you how much I love and respect this woman. She gets little fanfare or thanks from many, but she certainly does from ME.

NOBODY can tell me she has anything other than a deep desire for the lost, just because her ministry doesn't "measure up" to another's.

She probably does have a deep love for the lost. And doing good deeds is a witness.
Our actions do become our witness, and we can be either a good witness or a bad witness. If we do bad things, our word becomes compromised, and people will be less likely to believe what we say. The opposite of this is when we act in love, this will give our word credibility. For example, in a court of law, if you have 2 people with conflicting testimonies, one is a prostitute, and the other is a doctor. The doctor is the one most people would believe as his word is not compromised like the prostitute. He is a good witness.
So, your actions validate what you believe, and then when you do say the Gospel, people will be more likely to believe what you say.
But we need to be careful that we do speak the Gospel and are not simply nice people. Our good deeds are not the power of God unto salvation. Our good deeds only give our words credibility. Then when we say the Gospel, our word will have more substance and will not seem hollow.

1 Corinthians 21:12-27 ESV

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."

God did make us all different. Some he made to be ears, some he made to be hands, some he made to be a mouth and some he made to be feet.
If you are an ear, listen to people's problems and then tell them the Gospel.
If you are a hand, mow someone's lawn and weed their garden and then tell them the Gospel.
If you are a mouth, teach people and then tell them the Gospel.
If you are feet, walk to the parks or down the street and then tell people the Gospel.

We do have different giftings and abilities and with these, we should bring Glory to God. We should not use our gifts as an excuse not to give God glory.
I am a foot. I often choose to go to the parks and give God glory. Sometimes I am a hand and I share the Gospel. Sometimes I listen to people and then I tell the Gospel.
We are not all called to be street preachers, but we should all have a desire to say the Gospel to as many people as possible.

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

I have heard many people say, "I do not have the gift of evangelism." These people believe that the gift is a special ability to go out in boldness onto the streets and share the Gospel and many will believe. But that is not what the gift is.
The gift of evangelism is a gift where a person has the ability to equip the saints for the work of the ministry so that the church may be built up. So, they will be able to teach and encourage others to get out there and tell the Gospel. That is the gift. These people will also go out and share the Gospel, as all of us should do, but their gift is being able to teach and equip others to do the same.
Ephesians 4:11-12 says, "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up".

So, we can't just do good deeds. We need to speak the Gospel too.

on average, how many persons in your group would you say, are "still getting equipped"?
When did you become "equipped", and did you receive teaching and training from someone?

We are all still being equipped. There is always something to learn. Often we will have someone come up with a difficult question and we do not know how to answer it. So, we study God's word for the answer and look up apologetics to see how others answer it.
And we can also make mistakes. When we do, another person in the group may say, "You could have done this better by saying this...."
So, we are constantly learning.
Sadly, many believers simply do not try to learn how to say things. They do not prepare a defence for their belief.

Is this your first time doing this, or did you have a bible study and learn and discuss how to share the Gospel, before?

When I first had the desire to start sharing the Gospel, there was nobody in my area (nobody that I have seen) who went out and shared the Gospel with those outside the Church buildings. Even in my church, there had been a sermon saying that we are no longer to go out and speak the Gospel on the streets but instead, we are to make friends and then share the Gospel. But I (and others) felt that this sermon was overriding what Jesus commanded. That is to go out and preach the Gospel to all creation. So, I had to look for a way to equip myself as there was nobody who was equipping others at the time.
I started looking on YouTube as to what others did and I took notes. Living Waters had some videos called "Way of the Master." Named this way because it is modelled on what Jesus did with the rich young ruler. So, a lot of what I do is modelled off of this.
In the future, I plan to post a thread with a list of videos that I have found very useful. (These are great videos that encourage, equip and build up someone who wants to evangelise)

You said "a great group of men". Are there any women, or is this a men's fellowship group?

The Bible study is for men. But I was greatly encouraged at the Christmas parade as I had a lady give me a homemade Gospel tract. I was really taken back because she had put in the time to make this tract and it was really well done. She left her phone number on the tract, so I rang her and thanked her and encouraged her. She was awesome.

What plans do you have for reaching people far and wide?
What would you like to see happen so that more people can be reached?

Currently, I have no plans for far and wide. Locally, there is an overwhelming amount of people that need to hear the Gospel. So, I pray to the Lord of the harvest to bring more people to the harvest. Then, as more believers come, we will hopefully equip them to be able to go out and share.
NOTE: If someone is not equipped, it can be a very, very scary thing to share the Gospel. So scary that many simply will not do it. But when equipped a person will have more of a boldness because they know how to use the weapon of the Gospel. It's similar to a soldier going into battle. If he has not been taught how to use his weapon, then he will have much fear and will run from the battle. He will feel like he is going into battle with a feather duster.

Would you agree that Jesus, guiding his followers from heaven, would be getting that specific message to the territory he wants covered?

Yes. But the followers have to be obedient. Jesus said to go and preach the Gospel to all creation. Many choose not to preach the Gospel and instead, simply be nice people in the hope that others will be saved. The Gospel needs to be spoken. But how shall they believe without someone to tell them?

According to the Bible, is there a specific message Jesus wants preached? What specific message is that, and in what territory? Matthew 24:14

The message is that we have all sinned and fallen short of His standards, and one day, we will all be judged. Those who have broken God's law deserve death. But God loves us so much that He sent His son to pay our fine. He died in our place for our sins. And if we truly believe in Him we will not perish but have everlasting life. So, the Good News is that there is an eternal Kingdom that is to come, and is now in us, where we will have everlasting life with Him. God is good.

 

[MForbes]

I'll get to this further down. But first, I'll address my first 2 paragraphs that you blazed past.

"I wonder if Paul and Apollos regularly arm-wrestled over who had the superior ministry? Who condemned the rest of the Body for sharing the Gospel in the manner and to whom GOD was leading them to? Resisting the urge to light up in neon lights a running tally of "how many saved today?"

God will answer for you:

1 Corinthians 3:5-9 NIV

"What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. I neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building."

Whoa, Nelly! Big problem here. Paul planted the seed. So why did Apollos follow? Didn't Paul share the full Gospel? Why didn't his work result in instant conversion? Isn't that the litmus test for the effectiveness of Paul's work? Wait a minute. Are you saying that God uses numerous folks throughout one's life to effect salvation, not just the evangelist in the park?

Exactly.

That realization is what led Paul to this conclusion, inspiring him to conduct himself with humility towards his fellow workers, not unnoticed by those being evangelized.

That's why Paul states that they are only servants, and indeed nothing compared to who alone effects salvation: God.

The second skipped paragraph:

"How about spending equal time edifying our brothers and sisters in Christ, does that not have equal value to evangelizing?"

Response? Do you do much of that like, here, on these Forums? Spend any time reading or posting in Christian Advice, Prayer Wall, Mental Health, Praise, Testimony, Devotions, ect. I guarantee if you devoted, say, a week reading and interacting, you would find post-haste that the joint is just brimming with servants who have just as much passion for Christ as you do.

"... sharing the Gospel is simply being nice and making friends. There good deeds are not the Gospel. These people who believe that they are sharing the Gospel by being nice, very rarely ever say the Gospel, only when the opportunity falls into their lap."

Who judges our work? You? Me? Each other? Or the One who separates one pile to burn and one pile to remain when we stand before him?

1 Peter 1:17 NIV

"Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear."

Are you able to predict the future when one's mere kindness reaps trust and creates the very opportunity to share the Gospel - a goal that the mere servant is eagerly striving for (which you would recognize if you spent 5 minutes listening to THEM regale how God is brilliantly rewarding their passion for the lost too - instead of judging them from afar).

Do you appreciate that, oh guessing, that 90% of the folks that come to the Lord did not arrive due to the efforts of one evangelist in the park? (and you're right, we all ARE evangelists - in word AND deed). Yes, some folks, like me, were hard cases who had to see this touted Gospel actually lived out before them. Yes, via that dirty word "lifestyle evangelism".

Do you appreciate the value of seed planting along the way? You know, like God did with you, like God did with me? Has He ever turned you around and reviewed your life and revealed just a few of the people that planted seeds that remained? He has with me, and after seeing it all, I can only conclude that He is a brilliant strategist!

May I share the first seed God planted in me? I was about 10 years old and walked to the schoolyard and lay down in a field flying a kite. I was admiring the clouds and fretting over something. In the quiet, I suddenly heard a voice in my head say simply, "I love you". I was certain it wasn't me. These words had nothing to do with what I was fretting over, simply arrived literally out of the blue. And they were so smooth and sincere.

I knew immediately it was God. Have never doubted till this day. And that was all He had to say at that time. He would spend the rest of my life proving that He meant exactly what He said. I can still see that field, the clouds, the breeze on my face, the calm in my soul. A sacred moment.

Now imagine if there had been a third party there observing, named 1Tonne. Imagine him addressing God, "Is that it? You have a perfect opportunity to share the Gospel and you're gonna let it pass?"

Well consider this. When you are criticizing another Christian's witness you are criticizing the Holy Spirit within - doing the guiding, providing the words, and demonstrating the love that validates the message. The very same Holy Spirit Who can see the whole master plan for this person, and who else will be planting seeds, and what seeds, before it all comes to final fruition.

So who are we to summon the hubris to criticize when all we can see is a snapshot of the Holy Spirit's work?

A predicate to sharing the Gospel is demonstrating our credentials thusly:

John 13:35 NIV

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Is that what people are witnessing on this thread, Christians demonstrating "love" by pooping on each other's ministry?

Do people know we are Christians by our great oratory skills in sharing the Gospel, or as Scripture states, by our love?

"Being nice" isn't sharing the Gospel?

James 2:15-17 NIV

"Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

I'm sure she would appreciate your ringing endorsement. "probably"? You really need to re-read what I said. She doesn't just hand out chocolates, share the 4 Spiritual Laws, and blaze on to the Denny's with the boys to pat each other on the back. She invests her time and effort to providing whatever needs they have. In so doing she develops a friendship to witness further and answer questions beyond a one-time spiel - exhibiting what I say again, is Jesus' most treasured quality - a quality our great Teacher demonstrates Himself - the heart of a Servant:

Matthew 23:11-12 NIV

"The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."


This is a perfect illustration of how one's zeal to preach to others can blind one to the obvious. If you re-read what I said you'll realize that you're preaching to the choir, friend. I clearly stated:

"She is bold enough to share the Gospel..."

Any particular reason you missed that?



Totally agree. So again why are you missing a perfect example in my Sister?

Let me relate something from my experience. If gently inviting one to remove themselves from Christ's judgement seat fails to convince one to vacate post-haste, one can be assured that they will be forcefully removed - and it will be a painful experience not soon forgotten - I will personally testify. That's why my motive is to benefit you. Especially to assert that your attitude is probably hurting your witness. Don't think those you are evangelizing don't notice.


How do you know they don't? Do you follow these inferiors around 24/7 to be justified in your conclusion?


Ah man, we raise the roof giving God glory, bra! You know what the word "assume" means?

You know who really inspires me the most?

In my men's group, there is an 80 yr old elder and a 70-ish elder. Over the months I've sat silently listening to these guys get excited and tag team in sharing in what they've learned through the combination of Scripture and experience. Sometimes they share struggles and hardships of the past and the present. Do you know what's rare? Any of the men in the group touting their evangelistic adventures. Why? There's no need to. We all recognize the Holy Spirit within each of us. Therefore we feel no need to scrutinize and compare our medals. Its pretty darn easy to assume, by sharing the fire and the passion for the Gospel, that we are all bearing fruit, fruit that remains. We don't need to shake it under each other's noses.

I still haven't said what inspires me the most, I'm getting there.

This past Sunday the 80 yr old said, "well, I'm burying my boy this Thursday." Condolences all around. He said, "all 3 of my boys are saved. I did a good job." More condolences.

Then at the very end, the leader asked if anybody had any prayer requests or needs. This fellow said that he had a home-bound friend that needed rides here there and everywhere. He wanted to get several volunteers so that it didn't all fall on one guy. The first to volunteer? Yep, the two elders. As they were working out the details I was just watching these guys, and fighting back tears. I thought, "Now this! This is what Jesus looks like." These guys could be resting on their laurels and taking it easy, but they still had the fire to serve, in whatever manner the situation calls for.

Exactly what the Holy Spirit had been teaching me. Get up in the morning and die. Be so sensitive to His leading that you turn on a dime when He says so. Be proactively on the lookout for ANY need you can fill, and to do anything that is asked of you.

What is the Lord up to? Developing an attitude of service. Why? Because that attitude, or dare I say it, kindness, is what draws folks to you because they see that you are authentic - you aren't out to only put another notch on your belt, you are serving as an Ambassador who is demonstrating that Jesus loves them just the way they are. You've turned what they figured was just a slogan into reality. All this with the hope of making an opportunity to give a reason for the hope that is within you. The Holy Spirit will show you when and how if we remain yielded to Him.

You know, exactly the way you yield to Him, eh? Are any of us so different?

These are the people we are sent to reach. The people who won't be visiting the park soon, or the Church, or who do hang out on forums like this - the introverts, socially anxious, mentally ill, addicts, suicidal or just wrestling with issues like "am I really saved" and "did Iose my salvation", ect.

Where did I learn all this from? My sister in Christ who you skimmed over.

What I am going into considerable lengths to get across to you is that you can be free. Free from comparing yourself against other Christians. It is so liberating to walk in confidence that as long as God is giving you peeks at the fruit He is bearing, you are free from judging yourself, and judging others, and that's how you can honestly love them as yourself in the truest sense of the word.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NIV

"This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God."

God bless, 1Tonne!

Excellent post. I really don't think 1Tonne realizes how much his posts exude negativity for those who don't practice Christianity as he wants them to.

 

[CoreyD]

We are all still being equipped. There is always something to learn. Often we will have someone come up with a difficult question and we do not know how to answer it. So, we study God's word for the answer and look up apologetics to see how others answer it.
And we can also make mistakes. When we do, another person in the group may say, "You could have done this better by saying this...."
So, we are constantly learning.
Sadly, many believers simply do not try to learn how to say things. They do not prepare a defence for their belief.

I thought you meant being equipped to share the gospel.
Did I misunderstand you? I'm sorry.

When I first had the desire to start sharing the Gospel, there was nobody in my area (nobody that I have seen) who went out and shared the Gospel with those outside the Church buildings. Even in my church, there had been a sermon saying that we are no longer to go out and speak the Gospel on the streets but instead, we are to make friends and then share the Gospel. But I (and others) felt that this sermon was overriding what Jesus commanded. That is to go out and preach the Gospel to all creation. So, I had to look for a way to equip myself as there was nobody who was equipping others at the time.

I know what you mean.
Actually, I heard it said that this was a problem in many churches.
They know the Bible says it, but none of their members are equipped to do it.
It made me think back to Jesus' words... Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

That does tell us why they don't, and can't do it.
They don't have the holy spirit, and thus they lack the power and guidance from Jesus.

I started looking on YouTube as to what others did and I took notes. Living Waters had some videos called "Way of the Master." Named this way because it is modelled on what Jesus did with the rich young ruler. So, a lot of what I do is modelled off of this.
In the future, I plan to post a thread with a list of videos that I have found very useful. (These are great videos that encourage, equip and build up someone who wants to evangelise)

Why the rich young ruler, and not the people Jesus invited to be his followers?

The Bible study is for men.

I'm curious. Why men?

But I was greatly encouraged at the Christmas parade as I had a lady give me a homemade Gospel tract. I was really taken back because she had put in the time to make this tract and it was really well done. She left her phone number on the tract, so I rang her and thanked her and encouraged her. She was awesome.

She sounds like one who thinks the church has failed the people, by not doing the Lord's work, and decided she would do it, even if it meant doing it alone... Sort of like you.
Or, I may be assuming.

From 33 C.E. to 2024 C.E. is 1991 years, and Jesus who appealed for more workers in the harvest, has a handful, now getting equipped?
That sounds not only unrealistic, but comical, don't you find?

I believe, the little knowledge we have tells us that Jesus would have far more than a handful of people doing the work, who would not now be making their own handmade tracts, and working out methods, on how to share the gospel.
What do you think?

Currently, I have no plans for far and wide. Locally, there is an overwhelming amount of people that need to hear the Gospel. So, I pray to the Lord of the harvest to bring more people to the harvest. Then, as more believers come, we will hopefully equip them to be able to go out and share.

Your small group will hopefully equip them?
That sounds like another half century of work to get quite a few hopefuls.

Do you believe Armageddon is that far off?
With the stone so close to crushing the last world power, and with all we see happening in the world...

NOTE: If someone is not equipped, it can be a very, very scary thing to share the Gospel. So scary that many simply will not do it. But when equipped a person will have more of a boldness because they know how to use the weapon of the Gospel. It's similar to a soldier going into battle. If he has not been taught how to use his weapon, then he will have much fear and will run from the battle. He will feel like he is going into battle with a feather duster.

The Bible says Jesus disciples need holy spirit to equip them for that.
Stephen is a fine example of that. Acts 6:10

Yes. But the followers have to be obedient. Jesus said to go and preach the Gospel to all creation. Many choose not to preach the Gospel and instead, simply be nice people in the hope that others will be saved. The Gospel needs to be spoken. But how shall they believe without someone to tell them?

There is no reason to think that Jesus' followers are not obedient, and preaching the Gospel.

The message is that we have all sinned and fallen short of His standards, and one day, we will all be judged. Those who have broken God's law deserve death. But God loves us so much that He sent His son to pay our fine. He died in our place for our sins. And if we truly believe in Him we will not perish but have everlasting life. So, the Good News is that there is an eternal Kingdom that is to come, and is now in us, where we will have everlasting life with Him. God is good.

You got all that from Matthew 24:14?
Wow. I only got the message is the gospel - good news - of the kingdom, and the territory is the entire world.
What do you need me for... It looks like you believe you have everything covered.

If at some later date, things change, remember to drop me a PM... if I am still around, and Armageddon hasn't struck.

Thanks for the conversation.
May you have peace.

 

[1Tonne]

"I wonder if Paul and Apollos regularly arm-wrestled over who had the superior ministry? Who condemned the rest of the Body for sharing the Gospel in the manner and to whom GOD was leading them to? Resisting the urge to light up in neon lights a running tally of "how many saved today?"

I was responding to people who were saying my ministry was using bribes and luring children. I took high offence at their language. They were very discouraging. Making me feel very disheartened about my ministry. They were not positively critiquing but heavily criticizing.
So, sorry if my post to that person who offended you. I am simply pointing out that if someone is going to heavily criticise another person's ministry, then they had better have walked in a similar way. If they are to be armchair critics, then they should be doing it in a way that is not worded so negatively.
And I can see that some of my response posts have been similar to what that person posted. So, I am sorry for that.
I was not wanting this to be a slinging match.
So, my aim when I post on here is to encourage, equip and build up. I have watched many posts on YouTube and they have built me up and equipped me. I look at their interactions and I get encouraged. They even post up things that go wrong and I learn from these videos. And this was exactly what this thread was meant to be. It was meant to show that even though we may be persecuted when speaking the Gospel, we can still carry on. Even under the threat of being beaten to a pulp.
Sadly, many people on the forums do not look at it this way. Their mind takes them to a negative place where they believe that I am simply skiting about the numbers I am speaking to. But if I was doing it to get affirmation, then I would not be posting on here as I know that many of the people here are critical and do not build up. They can be crushing. But I will continue to post as some people will hopefully be equipped and built up.
There is another person on this forum who also puts up videos on here. And when I see them, I am highly encouraged. He is awesome. But sadly, many people heavily criticise him too. They will find any reason to discourage him. This is very sad, especially when we should all be overflowing with excitement about what Jesus has done for us. We had the death sentence, but He took our punishment. Does that not excite everyone enough that they want to tell the world? It sure does in me.

 

[1Tonne]

I thought you meant being equipped to share the gospel.
Did I misunderstand you? I'm sorry.

No. You did not misunderstand. Even though I go out and share the Gospel, there is still something new to learn.

I know what you mean.
Actually, I heard it said that this was a problem in many churches.
They know the Bible says it, but none of their members are equipped to do it.
It made me think back to Jesus' words... Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

That does tell us why they don't, and can't do it.
They don't have the holy spirit, and thus they lack the power and guidance from Jesus.

I believe this too. Many claim to have the Spirit but do not show the fruits of it. There is no fire to tell as many people as possible.
So, I lived as a believer. Going to church for 30 years, but I always had a secret sin. One day God showed me my sin in such a light that I saw how evil and depraved it was. I also understood much more the amazing sacrifice that Christ made for me. I do not deserve it, but He still did it. That is amazing Love.
Instantly, once I saw my sin, I came to a place of genuine sorrow, and I chose to truly fight against this evil fleshly desire. And once I had made a true decision to honour God, the fire in me grew and grew. And it grew very fast. Over a few weeks it kept getting stronger. I wanted to tell as many people as possible the great thing that He has done for me, for all of mankind. This fire has not been quenched even though I have had many bad things thrown at me. If I was doing this without the Holy Spirit, I would have slowed down a long time ago.
I pray that God keeps this fire within me.

Why the rich young ruler, and not the people Jesus invited to be his followers?

If I simply go and tell people to come and follow Christ, they will not see the need to follow Him. Even if I tell them that God loves them, and He sent His son to die for them. They still will not understand. So, we need to show them their need for a saviour. That they have sinned. This is what Jesus did with the rich young ruler when he asked Jesus "What shall I do to inherit eternal life". Jesus showed him the commandments.
Biblical evangelism is to preach Law to the proud, and grace to the humble. So, if someone comes to you and says, "Oh, what should I do? I've sinned against God. I'm an adulterer. I'm a liar Oh, what should I do?" Give them grace. Tell them of the cross. But those sorts of people are about as rare as hen's teeth. For others who have not come to this place of understanding, we need to show them their sin by using the Law.

Many sinners think that they are good, and they think that they will make it to heaven because of their goodness. The bible even says that on the day of Judgement, many will confess their own goodness. These people need to see that they have already fallen short of God’s standards, the 10 commandments and that the punishment for breaking God's law is death.

John Wesley, in writing to a young evangelist, said “Preach 90 per cent law and 10 per cent grace.” And you think, “Wow. That is too much. Couldn’t it just be 50-50?” But think of it like this:
A doctor has a patient in front of him who believes he is healthy because he’s young, fit and has a great physique. The doctor has seen X-rays and knows that the man has just two weeks to live. He has a cure on his desk, but should he give the patient the cure immediately, or should he first show him the X-rays? If he knows what he’s doing and cares for the well-being of the patient, he will hold back from giving him the cure. This is because the patient will understandably reject it if he believes he is healthy. Instead, the doctor should show him the X-rays and deliberately point out the poison seeping through his system. He should do this until his patient becomes deeply concerned and even fearful about his condition. Once that happens, you will only have to mention the cure and he will jump at it. He will now appreciate it and accept it—because he has been made aware of his disease. Our disease is sin.

When we tell the lost that Jesus died on the cross without telling them why, it’s foolishness to them. It doesn’t make sense because we’re giving them the cure, without first convincing them of the disease. So, show them the law first.

Romans 3:20 “Through the law comes the knowledge of sin.”
Psalms 19:7 “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul…” If the law is perfect at converting the soul, then why would we not use it? There is no other better tool.
1 Cor 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Gal 3:24 “Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (The Law will show people their sin so that they can run to the saviour)

Quotes:
-He who preaches the Gospel without preaching the Law of God may hold all the results of it in his hand and there will be little for him to hold. Charles Spurgeon
-If you downplay the radical depravity of man, then you downplay the Glory of the Gospel. Paul Washer (Show people their sin in its fulness and it will magnify the splendour of what Christ did on the cross)

I'm curious. Why men?

That is just who has come. I am pretty sure if there was a lady who wanted to come, we would not say no. The more people getting equipped the better.
But sometimes the topics can be more male-related. Such as men battling against lust. So, at times it can be better just having men there.

From 33 C.E. to 2024 C.E. is 1991 years, and Jesus who appealed for more workers in the harvest, has a handful, now getting equipped?
That sounds not only unrealistic, but comical, don't you find?

It is very sad.
I get frustrated as many believers choose not to tell the Gospel. I believe the reason they don't share is because they have not been equipped. Instead, they have been equipped to make friends with the hope the unbeliever may want to come to church. Then at church, they may hear the Gospel. People need to be taught how to say the Gospel in a way that unbelievers will understand why Jesus had to die for their sins.

Your small group will hopefully equip them?
That sounds like another half century of work to get quite a few hopefuls.

LOL. You are most likely right there. A person needs the fire of the Holy Spirit in them before they will have the boldness and drive to learn how to speak to the lost. And then to go and do it.

The Bible says Jesus disciples need holy spirit to equip them for that.
Stephen is a fine example of that. Acts 6:10

Fully agreed.

There is no reason to think that Jesus' followers are not obedient, and preaching the Gospel.

Recently, I attended a new study group at my church (This is different to the Bible Study previously mentioned). It's made up of long-time church members who love God and are very involved in our community outreach programs. During one of our studies, someone asked if I thought our church was equipping people well to share the Gospel with others. Instead of giving an answer right away, I asked the group a question: "In the past year, how many people have you personally shared the Gospel with?" There were ten of them in the group, and collectively, they had only shared the Gospel with eight people throughout the entire year. That means each of them averaged less than one person per year. I did not have to answer the question as they had done it for me. They then realised that they have not been equipped and the church had failed in this area. Many of them realised that they barely ever say the Gospel even though they are heavily involved in outreaches. In fact, in the outreaches, often the Gospel was not spoken at all by anyone. How are we to reach the whole town let alone the whole world with those types of statistics? These people have all been fully equipped for friendship evangelism but not proclamation. And because they do not know how to say the Gospel to an unbeliever, they simply don't say it.
I have been to many churches, and I am sure that there are some who are equipping so that their members can go out and speak the Gospel, but many churches are not equipping and so the Gospel is not being spoken.

If at some later date, things change, remember to drop me a PM... if I am still around, and Armageddon hasn't struck.
May you have peace.

Thank you. Will do.

 

[David Hunter]

Wow, Nathan! Thank you so much for sharing this. Goes to show the dangers we can face while sharing the Gospel, and a great reminder that we will get pushback from unbelievers and believers alike.

Thanks for your continued encouragement and keep working the harvest fields!

 

[Joseph G]

Here"s my prayer for all of us:

God bless!

Matthew 23:12 NIV

"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

 

[SMTA]

Over the past three days, I've been spending about an hour or two at the park sharing the Gospel with people. When I do this, I challenge people to see if they can name the Ten Commandments in 60 seconds to win some chocolate. It usually sparks a lot of conversations about faith which leads to the Gospel. I've been doing this regularly for a couple of years now.

Today started off okay. I talked to a bunch of adults and some kids, mostly between 10 and 13 years old. (Kids were in a group)
After about half an hour, while I was chatting with a lady and her kids, I noticed a big guy watching me from a few meters away. He kept staring as I talked. After I finished with the lady, I went over to him and asked if he wanted to chat. He spoke sternly, asking what I was up to. I explained the 60-second challenge, and he got really serious. He warned me to stop or else he and his grown son would hurt me badly. He thought what I was doing looked shady and said I shouldn't be giving out chocolates in the park because it makes me seem like a predator. I agreed to stop for the day out of respect for him but said I'd be back because sharing the Gospel is important to me. He threatened me not to return or he and his friends would handle it in a very bad way.

During our tense talk, I kept calm and explained how I've tried different ways to share my faith with not much luck until I started with the chocolates, which has been really effective. I also said I had to keep coming back, even if it meant risking getting beaten up, because people need to hear about Jesus.
After about ten intense minutes, I suggested we shake hands to show no hard feelings, but he refused. He then continued to rant at me but, eventually, he started to understand where I was coming from, though he still thought chocolates in a park with kids could be misunderstood. As he softened, he even shook my hand and told me not to go home but to carry on.
I was pretty shaken myself, so I only stayed a bit longer until the man left, then I went home.

I get where he was coming from though—it could seem sketchy for a guy to be handing out chocolates in the park while talking about God. But this method has let me share my faith with hundreds of people who are really grateful. So, I can't stop now. Please pray things don't get worse for me as this was very tense.
I am just glad that the man came to understand that I was genuine and that I love God and the lost.

Pray also for the man that he comes to a place of understanding.
NOTE: This has been my most intense encounter and it has knocked me. But I will continue.

These are not the days to approach people in public uninvited.