Difficult Conversations At Pride Event

[David Hunter]

At the Medina pride event we had difficult conversations while sharing the law (this person wearing a cross ripped up a Gospel tract) and also regarding abortion with a girl who thinks a baby in the womb is a parasite.

 

[BibleBeliever1611]

Wow, what an obnoxious idiot wearing a ginormous sign like some kind of a circus clown and preaching lies about the gospel.

 

[AlexB23]

At the Medina pride event we had difficult conversations while sharing the law (this person wearing a cross ripped up a Gospel tract) and also regarding abortion with a girl who thinks a baby in the womb is a parasite.

What? Why would a person wearing a cross necklace rip up a Gospel tract?

Prayers for these people, that they turn to Christ.

 

[AlexB23]

Guys, I just noticed something in the road signs. It says "One Way". You know who is the "One Way"? Jesus is, as what John 14:6 states.

John 14:6 (NIV): "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 14:6 emphasizes Jesus' identity as "the way, and the truth, and the life." This passage further highlights Jesus' exclusivity as the only means to reach the Father in heaven. No other paths or beliefs can lead to salvation but through Him.

 

[PloverWing]

At the Medina pride event we had difficult conversations while sharing the law

This is now the second video I've seen of you talking with a fellow Christian. The person you're talking to is Catholic, and says of Jesus (correctly) that "He died for our sins" -- so that person is a Christian, as far as I can tell from the short conversation.

The overall conversation confuses me. The person initially gives the answer of getting into heaven because of various good things they've done, and you say no, it's believing in Jesus. But the person says they believe in Jesus, and you then say that that's not enough. "We've got to turn from our sin." And pretty soon the person you're talking to is done with the conversation and wanders off.

This person has told you that they believe in Jesus, and they live in a way that's good, and you tell them that, no, they have to believe in Jesus and live in a way that's good.

I guess I have two thoughts here.

1) If you don't think we're saved by the finished work of Christ, or by believing in Jesus, or by trying to follow the teachings of Jesus -- if it's not any of those things, then in your theology, how do you think we are saved?

2) Have you considered using a different script when you're talking to a fellow Christian? If the person is already a Christian, I don't see the point of trying to convert them to Christianity. But maybe you could share something of what brings you the most joy in your Christian faith, and they could talk a little about their faith journey, and you could find some common ground or learn something from each other.

 

[d taylor]

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​

Another Legalistic gospel. To bad when this person gave a "i am a good person answer". She was not given the only way a person receives God's free gift of Eternal Life salvation. By belief in Jesus, then given the explanation of what it means to believe in Jesus. Which is to believe Jesus is The promised Messiah/Son of God, the resurrection and the life. This truth on how people receive God's free gift of Eternal Life is simply and truthfully explained in The Gospel of John. I know why the people who use the legalistic gospel like to avoid The Gospel of John.


And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should [c]not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
------
He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
------
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
-------
And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
------
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”
Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
------
And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
------
And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
------
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
------
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”
He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”
And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”
Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
------
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
------
And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

 

[d taylor]

This is now the second video I've seen of you talking with a fellow Christian. The person you're talking to is Catholic, and says of Jesus (correctly) that "He died for our sins" -- so that person is a Christian, as far as I can tell from the short conversation.

The overall conversation confuses me. The person initially gives the answer of getting into heaven because of various good things they've done, and you say no, it's believing in Jesus. But the person says they believe in Jesus, and you then say that that's not enough. "We've got to turn from our sin." And pretty soon the person you're talking to is done with the conversation and wanders off.

This person has told you that they believe in Jesus, and they live in a way that's good, and you tell them that, no, they have to believe in Jesus and live in a way that's good.

I guess I have two thoughts here.

1) If you don't think we're saved by the finished work of Christ, or by believing in Jesus, or by trying to follow the teachings of Jesus -- if it's not any of those things, then in your theology, how do you think we are saved?

2) Have you considered using a different script when you're talking to a fellow Christian? If the person is already a Christian, I don't see the point of trying to convert them to Christianity. But maybe you could share something of what brings you the most joy in your Christian faith, and they could talk a little about their faith journey, and you could find some common ground or learn something from each other.

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​

Believing in Jesus for this girl means nothing. Because she does not see Jesus as the way to Eternal life, she sees being a catholic along with being a good person, helping animals, etc... as the way to Eternal Life (heaven). Where there is not a single verse in The Bible that states being a catholic along with being a good person, helping animals, etc... Gives a person God's free gift of Eternal Life and them becoming a permanent born again child of God

 

[d taylor]

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​

The opening statement asking a person about Eternal Life salvation.

Should be, " What do you understand it takes for a person to become a permanent born again child of God" ?
and not, Why should God let you into heaven?

 

[FireDragon76]

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​

Believing in Jesus for this girl means nothing. Because she does not see Jesus as the way to Eternal life, she sees being a catholic along with being a good person, helping animals, etc... as the way to Eternal Life (heaven). Where there is not a single verse in The Bible that states being a catholic along with being a good person, helping animals, etc... Gives a person God's free gift of Eternal Life and them becoming a permanent born again child of God

Catholics do believe in receiving Jesus as their Savior. Just because it doesn't fit your peculiar formula, doesn't make it not so.

 

[Lost4words]

Pride is the work of the devil....

 

[AlexB23]

Pride is the work of the devil....

Agreed, 100%. Wasn't it the devil's pride that caused him to fall from heaven?

 

[d taylor]

Catholics do believe in receiving Jesus as their Savior. Just because it doesn't fit your peculiar formula, doesn't make it not so.

-

​

You can make excuses for her all day, but the fact is when asked, she gave a being good person answer.

 

[1Tonne]

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

I love the book of John because it talks about belief.
The question is, what is true belief? Because the word "belief" is used in John. If we truly believe something, then we will act upon it. So, if I told you that there is a land mine on the path and you choose not to believe, you will walk right on it. But if you believe, you will act on what I told you and you will walk around the mine. So, your actions substantiate your belief. Just like in James 2:24.
If we truly believe that our sin put Jesus on the cross, then it would be terrible to simply continue in sin. That is like nailing another nail in His hand. We would want to leave our sin because we believe it put Him up there. Someone who continues in sin either does not believe or they do not have any regard for what Christ has done on the cross. They simply trample the cross.

At the Medina pride event we had difficult conversations while sharing the law (this person wearing a cross ripped up a Gospel tract) and also regarding abortion with a girl who thinks a baby in the womb is a parasite.

Keep up the good work and keep posting it on here. What you are doing is good and so Satan will be doing his best to use people who say they love God, to dishearten you so that you will not share the good news.
Let negative posts create excitement in you for the fact that you are now being persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. Well done.
The early apostles had the same issue with the Pharisees.

Keep teaching the commandments to the lost. Do not be like some on here who nullify the commandments.
Matt 5:19 Therefore, whoever nullifies one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

 

[BibleBeliever1611]

Pride is the work of the devil....

Wouldn't it apply to those preachers too though? Asking the type of question which says "Why should God let you into heaven?" just comes off as a very prideful and arrogant way to approach someone who is without Christ. Why should have God let you into heaven when you were not saved? Yeah, for zero reasons. It doesn't matter how highly you think of yourself as a Christian.

 

[1Tonne]

Wouldn't it apply to those preachers too though? Asking the type of question which says "Why should God let you into heaven?" just comes off as a very prideful and arrogant way to approach someone who is without Christ. Why should have God let you into heaven when you were not saved? Yeah, for zero reasons. It doesn't matter how highly you think of yourself as a Christian.

So, being a very knowledgeable person on evangelism. How do you share the Gospel, and how often do you do it?

 

[David Hunter]

Guys, I just noticed something in the road signs. It says "One Way". You know who is the "One Way"? Jesus is, as what John 14:6 states.

John 14:6 (NIV): "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 14:6 emphasizes Jesus' identity as "the way, and the truth, and the life." This passage further highlights Jesus' exclusivity as the only means to reach the Father in heaven. No other paths or beliefs can lead to salvation but through Him.


View attachment 350684

Ah-hahaha, good catch, Alex! Didn't even notice or think of that!

This is now the second video I've seen of you talking with a fellow Christian. The person you're talking to is Catholic, and says of Jesus (correctly) that "He died for our sins" -- so that person is a Christian, as far as I can tell from the short conversation.

The overall conversation confuses me. The person initially gives the answer of getting into heaven because of various good things they've done, and you say no, it's believing in Jesus. But the person says they believe in Jesus, and you then say that that's not enough. "We've got to turn from our sin." And pretty soon the person you're talking to is done with the conversation and wanders off.

This person has told you that they believe in Jesus, and they live in a way that's good, and you tell them that, no, they have to believe in Jesus and live in a way that's good.

I guess I have two thoughts here.

1) If you don't think we're saved by the finished work of Christ, or by believing in Jesus, or by trying to follow the teachings of Jesus -- if it's not any of those things, then in your theology, how do you think we are saved?

2) Have you considered using a different script when you're talking to a fellow Christian? If the person is already a Christian, I don't see the point of trying to convert them to Christianity. But maybe you could share something of what brings you the most joy in your Christian faith, and they could talk a little about their faith journey, and you could find some common ground or learn something from each other.

Staff edit

1) We are saved by believing in Jesus, but we need to turn from our sins. If I just say I believe in Jesus and continue to live my life my way and refuse to repent of my sins then do I really believe in Jesus? Jesus even says if you love Me you'll obey my teachings.

2) Great point and suggestion. But, it's something, for me, that will come with time as I was really nervous going to the pride event. Actually, I get nervous every time I go out to evangelize but I trust the Spirit will guide me. Usually when I go out around town with my one friend he loves to share his testimony.

-
​

Another Legalistic gospel. To bad when this person gave a "i am a good person answer". She was not given the only way a person receives God's free gift of Eternal Life salvation. By belief in Jesus, then given the explanation of what it means to believe in Jesus. Which is to believe Jesus is The promised Messiah/Son of God, the resurrection and the life. This truth on how people receive God's free gift of Eternal Life is simply and truthfully explained in The Gospel of John. I know why the people who use the legalistic gospel like to avoid The Gospel of John.


And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should [c]not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
------
He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
------
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
-------
And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
------
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”
Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
------
And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
------
And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
------
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
------
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”
He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”
And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”
Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
------
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
------
And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Thanks, the book of John is absolutely incredible and I go to it often! As for being legalistic or works based... I guess we'd have to define what you mean by that. Technically, it's "work" to believe. If someone goes to give you a free gift, do you say you worked for it? You could... as you would have to reach out your hand to accept it, which could be considered work.

-
​

The opening statement asking a person about Eternal Life salvation.

Should be, " What do you understand it takes for a person to become a permanent born again child of God" ?
and not, Why should God let you into heaven?

Do you have any examples you could share with me with you using this opening? There's not just one way to open the conversation, but nice question.

I love the book of John because it talks about belief.
The question is, what is true belief? Because the word "belief" is used in John. If we truly believe something, then we will act upon it. So, if I told you that there is a land mine on the path and you choose not to believe, you will walk right on it. But if you believe, you will act on what I told you and you will walk around the mine. So, your actions substantiate your belief. Just like in James 2:24.
If we truly believe that our sin put Jesus on the cross, then it would be terrible to simply continue in sin. That is like nailing another nail in His hand. We would want to leave our sin because we believe it put Him up there. Someone who continues in sin either does not believe or they do not have any regard for what Christ has done on the cross. They simply trample the cross.

Keep up the good work and keep posting it on here. What you are doing is good and so Satan will be doing his best to use people who say they love God, to dishearten you so that you will not share the good news.
Let negative posts create excitement in you for the fact that you are now being persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. Well done.
The early apostles had the same issue with the Pharisees.

Keep teaching the commandments to the lost. Do not be like some on here who nullify the commandments.
Matt 5:19 Therefore, whoever nullifies one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Thanks for the continued encouragement, Nathan!

 

[David Hunter]

Wouldn't it apply to those preachers too though? Asking the type of question which says "Why should God let you into heaven?" just comes off as a very prideful and arrogant way to approach someone who is without Christ. Why should have God let you into heaven when you were not saved? Yeah, for zero reasons. It doesn't matter how highly you think of yourself as a Christian.

I'm not seeing how that question is prideful or arrogant.

 

[AlexB23]

Ah-hahaha, good catch, Alex! Didn't even notice or think of that!

Hey, thank you. My ADHD brain makes random connections sometimes. The "One Way" road sign reminded me of how Jesus is the only way. I love Jesus, as He is the guy that is our ticket to livin' in heaven, as well as He being the Lord.

 

[PloverWing]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, PloverWing! As for Catholics, I don't believe they are Christians. I'm sure some may be Christians who are Catholic, but as a whole I don't believe they are.

1) We are saved by believing in Jesus, but we need to turn from our sins. If I just say I believe in Jesus and continue to live my life my way and refuse to repent of my sins then do I really believe in Jesus? Jesus even says if you love Me you'll obey my teachings.

2) Great point and suggestion. But, it's something, for me, that will come with time as I was really nervous going to the pride event. Actually, I get nervous every time I go out to evangelize but I trust the Spirit will guide me. Usually when I go out around town with my one friend he loves to share his testimony.

Ah, I see we have some fundamental disagreements. I view the Catholic church as one of the oldest and most venerable of the branches of Christianity, so to me, when someone says "I am Catholic", they are saying "I am Christian", just with more detail. Given your point of view, your conversation with the Catholic person makes more sense to me.

In general, I consider a person who looks to Jesus Christ for salvation to be a Christian. This is true even if I disagree with them on some theological points, or on LGBT issues, or on some other point of ethics. The other person may be mistaken (or maybe I am, or we both are), but I still see them as Christian. So that's going to lead to different kinds of conversations with some of the people we meet.

I appreciate the bit about being nervous. It takes courage to do what you're doing, and it's a challenge to think on your feet like that, to hear just a sentence or two from a stranger and then have to think of just the right words to tell them the good news that Jesus loves them and has brought us the forgiveness of sins.

I'm still uncomfortable with your friend's signs. I can't read all of the words on them, but they seem to be lists of various sins. In the context of a Pride event, where so many of the attendees have experienced rejection by their churches, I would think that a message of God's immeasurable love for them would be better.

 

[Lost4words]

Wouldn't it apply to those preachers too though? Asking the type of question which says "Why should God let you into heaven?" just comes off as a very prideful and arrogant way to approach someone who is without Christ. Why should have God let you into heaven when you were not saved? Yeah, for zero reasons. It doesn't matter how highly you think of yourself as a Christian.

Nope. Pride is the work of the devil. Just like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Have you witnesses a pride march?