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How to handle failure in witnessing?

Touma

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Peace to you brothers and sisters in Christ,

I am having a hard time with myself, as I feel I am failing at witnessing. I do my best to explain the beauty of the cross, and how the bible is reliable, and everything, but still, no one seems to grab onto the message. I know that all I am saying is biblical, and isn't rude, but its kind and so on. So why am I failing? How do I handle that feeling of failing God in witnessing to other?:scratch:
 

Epsilon5

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It's at these times that you have to remember the parable of the sower.

"1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."" (Matthew 13:1-9, ESV)

Just keep sowing. Some of the seeds you sow are bound to land on good soil, and produce a hundred more seeds in turn.

Read and study the Bible. Do an Internet search for some Bible-based (important!) witnessing strategies, and find one that suits you. Use any and all skills that God gave you.

Remember: Always witness because of your love for and desire to share Jesus with all people.
 
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rocklife

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I like Epsilons' advice. yes keep in bible readings and getting encouragement from Jesus' words and teachings.

are you giving the people a way to follow up? a card, literature with a way to contact or ? a lot of church's have their church location and contact info stamped on literature for that purpose, some also offer bible studies through the mail or online in the literature. My mom has done door-to-door stuff and seen lots of rejection, I personally prefer to help with mailing bible studies but also am involved with children. maybe you can find a good balance with outreaching and also getting refreshment for yourself

there is a lot of rejection, we just need to keep getting encouragement with Jesus. He also had many disciples leave Him too. Keep praying to God for encouragement too. He won't let you down if we keep with Him
 
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Dondi

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You have to go in the power of the Holy Spirit. You must have a clean heart, so confess and forsake any sin you are harboring in you heart so God can use you. You must be in a close walk with God and in fervent prayer for the lost. Ask God for compassion and boldness (Acts 4:31) and that the Holy Spirit will convict the hearts of those you witness to. Don't go with the attitude that you have anything to do with their salvation. You'll end up trying too hard to convert. It is God's work in their hearts that will bring them to the Lord. You are God's messenger. Speak the message when you have opportunity, but don't try to force it on anyone. If their heart is open, they will listen. If not, move on to someone who will. Let the Spirit have His work.

ETA: Also, STAY WITH THE MESSAGE. Don't get sidetracked on peripherals like creationism or biblical reliability. You are not going to get a Holy Spirit conviction that way. Preach the Cross! Preach to their need for salvation. You don't need anything fancy, maybe the Roman's Road or Four Spiritual Laws, but it MUST address their sin and their separation from God and their need to repent and turn to God through Christ.
 
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sgrimsley

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Now that you have planted the seed it is important to "show not tell." Let them see Jesus through your actions. It's especially in my darkest times that I find I am best able to witness because there is no other explanation for my joy during horrible times but the love of Jesus. Let them see Jesus shine through you so that they will say, "Your actions are speaking so loud I can hardly hear what you're saying!" Love and blessings.
 
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AlyTigger

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I agree with all of you. :amen:
however, i think you are missing an important aspect somehow...(unless i missed it LOL):blush:

But i think we have to keep in mind that even if we dont see direct results, we never know just how God will use our words, even if it is 20 years down the track!

its like a general in the army. he will tell his men what to do, where to go. sometimes they do not understand why, and may even think it will fail. but the general sees the bigger picture, and he knows that unless they attack right then and there, then within 2 days time they themselves will be defeated...

hope you know what im trying to say!:)
 
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hiumble1

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I Know what you are trying to say Ally.

we dont measure success by conversion but by obedience. We obey his command and are therefore considered his friend, better to have him know you than you to know him.

Can check out webiste: www.wayofthemaster.com or www.livingwaters.com both show biblical ways of sharing your faith...than after you get an understanding can step away from a 'canned' method and have conversations.
Do not be downtroden friend for you are not alone. For I have spoken to many and passed out numerous tracts, and only 'know' of a small number that repented and placed their faith and trust in Jesus.
Keep your hands on the Plow and do not look back.

Look to Noah.... how many years (100) did he warn of the wrath to come and can only account for his family.

Remember to never stop... I sometimes pray that God may show me someone he is bringing to the cross so I may his glory and grace at working on someone... It causes you to cry inside hearing all of heaven weap for one who is lost and rejoice when they are brought to a blood stained cross.

Now GO
 
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artgaldayna

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I do my best to explain the beauty of the cross, and how the bible is reliable, and everything, but still, no one seems to grab onto the message. I know that all I am saying is biblical, and isn't rude, but its kind and so on. So why am I failing?
[bible]1 Corinthians 2:14[/bible] [bible]1 Corinthians 1:18-25[/bible] For those who don't know they are destined for Hell, God's gift is foolishness. It's like a polio victim who won't accept the vaccine because he's not convinced (or has no idea) that he needs it to live. Keep away from just explaining the cure: explain the disease of sin. The Bible being reliable is a remarkable and solid truth, but to non-Christians it is often circular-reasoning or just not applicable to them - same thing with the beauty of the cross. It is sad, but if they think they are fine eternally, they will not cling to the Good News so well. Stay strong and keep trying - it is God's will.
 
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MeekOne

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Just always remember that it is not you they are rejecting, but the Lord. He has commissioned us to go out and tell of Him. He also is the One Who will open hearts. We need to pray for Lydias - Acts 16:14...And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

We cannot always tell who's heart He has opened. Also, witnessing is done easier if you learn a method (in my humble opinion.) It gives you a place to start and finish...such as EE (Evangelism Explosion), or the Roman's Road, or Way of the Master, etc. Hope this helps. :)
 
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WarEagle

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Peace to you brothers and sisters in Christ,

I am having a hard time with myself, as I feel I am failing at witnessing. I do my best to explain the beauty of the cross, and how the bible is reliable, and everything, but still, no one seems to grab onto the message. I know that all I am saying is biblical, and isn't rude, but its kind and so on. So why am I failing? How do I handle that feeling of failing God in witnessing to other?:scratch:

I think the problem isn't that you're not successful, but that you're defining your success based on something that's out of your hands.

The Bible is very clear that it's just our job to present the Gospel, but that it's God's job to save them in His time, in accordance with His will.

When we try to step over our bounds and try to take on God's job (and we all do it from time to time), that's only going to lead to frustration.

The Bible tells us that some plant the seed, some water it, and some reap the harvest.

The guy who reaps the harvest may get the glory here on Earth, but thank God for the faithfulness of the guys who plant and who plant and water or else the one who reaps wouldn't have anything to reap. And don't be fooled into thinking that just because the one who reaps the harvest gets the acclaim here on Earth, that God doesn't see your faithfulness in planting and watering.

Your success comes from presenting the Gospel faithfully and boldly. You keep on doing that, like it sounds like you're doing now, and you'll never be a failure at witnessing, even if you have to wait until Heaven to see the results.
 
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speakout

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Peace to you brothers and sisters in Christ,

I am having a hard time with myself, as I feel I am failing at witnessing. I do my best to explain the beauty of the cross, and how the bible is reliable, and everything, but still, no one seems to grab onto the message. I know that all I am saying is biblical, and isn't rude, but its kind and so on. So why am I failing? How do I handle that feeling of failing God in witnessing to other?:scratch:
It depends on several things,

- Is this a hard ground, There are places I find very hard to reach, e.g. I find France to be hard ground.

- What technique are you using, power evangelism, prayer evangelism, prophetic evangelism, apologetics, presence evangelism.

Learn about these different techniques and incorporate them into your style.

- You might be spending too much time with those people who are not interested. Learn to close i.e. ask a question which tells you if someone is interested. I am very happy to meet 10 people who say they are not interested and the eleventh one I get the result.

I only spend a lot of time with people from cults Jehovah's witnesses, Mormons and Muslims.

-Do you ask people if they want to be a christians? If you forget to ask this question, you will not be too successful.

I am looking for people who feel that they are looking to increase their effectiveness because I have seen great results in the past two years.
 
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Live4HimAndLoveOthers

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Don't focus on the lack of response. Focus on the fact that there are billions of people who are headed for an eternity of eternal damnation in Hell, which is a place you should not even want your worst enemy to go to. Focus on the fact that it is not only a command and a responsibility, but it is a privilege to share in God's great work of evangelism.

One time, I was passing out gospel tracts and trying to witness at a mall. One guy told me to get away from him, because he did not want to be part of my "pet project." For some reason, his rejection hit me so hard, like a punch in the gut, that I had to retreat to the restroom to pray and gather my confidence. I felt like crying (even though I'm a guy). But, after praying in the restroom, and seeking help from God, I went back and handed out more tracts. I'm not naturally an outgoing person; I've always been shy and an introvert. In addition, I am a sensitive person, and I get my feelings hurt easily. Yet God has given me the strength to witness to people outside of movie theaters, outside of college football games, at crowded Festivals, etc. I even went with a few others to place tracts on the cars in the parking lots outside of a Jehovah's Witness Convention, which had an attendance of thousands. Some JWs in suits were watching me suspiciously the entire time (and they kicked out a couple of those in our group), but I just kept praying.
 
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swee

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I'm so terrible at witnessing, so I'm trying baby steps. I mention our church onstage at gigs and throw some commercial catchy gospel songs in and just try to mention God in conversation in general. Hopefully, it gets imprinted in people I know that if they have any questions about Jesus, they might feel ok asking me, the biggest sinner of all.
 
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rita727

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It's at these times that you have to remember the parable of the sower.

"1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."" (Matthew 13:1-9, ESV)

Just keep sowing. Some of the seeds you sow are bound to land on good soil, and produce a hundred more seeds in turn.

Read and study the Bible. Do an Internet search for some Bible-based (important!) witnessing strategies, and find one that suits you. Use any and all skills that God gave you.

Remember: Always witness because of your love for and desire to share Jesus with all people.
Amen.

I've dealt with this too. But overall, just like this parable shows some will be ready, some won't. YOU are just commissioned to sow. God does the rest.

"One plants, one waters, but God gives the increase." [1 cor 3:6]
 
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hogndog

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For witnessing, you will all remember Jesus when he said these all powerful words. Wait until you receive power from on high. Without the unction of the Holy Spirit your destined for failure. See where he gave me his power from on high, The Seattle Pikes Place Market, in front of hundeds of people. It was glorious!

100_0105.jpg
 
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Live4HimAndLoveOthers

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OK, I feel like sharing something positive, hopefully as an encouragement.

When they showed the movie "The DaVinci Code," I forced myself to sit through the movie, and as soon as the movie was over, I ran to the exit door and handed out beautifully-made "DaVinci Code" gospel tracts (which I think I purchased from livingwaters.com) to everyone coming out the door. The people were so eager to get them, that they stopped and blocked the line until I gave them one. Everyone's hands were held out to get one. One guy asked if they were coupons for free popcorn (LOL!). A few people even came back afterwards and asked for more, to give to their kids or mom or friend, etc. After I had handed them out (I think I handed out 80 or more in just a few minutes), as I was walking outside, I noticed that everyone was standing against the wall and all over the place reading them. That was cool.

I also took those same "DaVinci Code" tracts to Publix where they have the magazine and book aisle, and I found all the "DaVinci Code" books for sale, as well as other Dan Brown books, and I put a tract in each book.

When I went to see the movie Narnia, I handed out gospel tracts that were made specifically for the movie (which were also beautifully made, and which I think I also got from livingwaters.com). But this time, I handed them out to the people sitting down in the seats, before the movie started.

One thing I like to do when handing out tracts, which I learned from Way Of The Master, is, instead of asking, "Would you like one?" (which leaves them open to answer "No"), ask them, "Did you get one of these?" Sometimes, people have said, "No, I didn't!" and they then appreciate your giving them one. I've even had people generously thank me for it.

I've handed out the Ten Commandment coins (I buy the holders for them as well, to make them look more presentable) as well as the pressed pennies (which I use with the "Penny For Your Thoughts" card), and when I give those out (like at Fairs, Festivals, etc.), I ask, "Did you get one of the free souvenir coins (or pressed pennies)?" This usually elicits a more positive response from people.

Outside a college football stadium, just before the start of the game, among the tracts I was handing out was the giant dollar bills, which kids especially love. People would even tap me on the shoulder or stop me and ask if they could have one.

The pressed pennies, giant money, and Ten Commandment coins I think are all available at livingwaters.com.

Here's another good place to get tracts as well:
http://www.customtractsource.com/

I created a design and Custom Tract Source improved upon it, and I purchased 2500 of them. They are the "Warning! Do NOT Read This Card! It WILL Offend You!" tracts. I don't think they work too good handing out to people, but instead, I lay them on the shelves when I go to Publix, Best Buy, Eckerds, WalMart, Walgreens, CVS, Winn Dixie, Dollar stores, etc. I have also put them in the boxes of beer. In addition, I always place them in any public restrooms I visit.

When I go to the gas station, I turn that "Do NOT Read This Card!" on the back side where the message is, and I tape it to the gas pump (I keep a roll of masking tape in my car, and take about an inch of masking tape, tape it to itself in a circle, and put that on the front side of the sturdy tract, pressing it against the pump so that the back side is showing), as close as possible to eye level, message side out, so that people pumping gas can read it.
 
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Live4HimAndLoveOthers

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I also want to re-emphasize hogndog's statement about the unction of the Holy Spirit. I have tried witnessing in the strength of the flesh, and it is discouraging, and I have only seen failure. However, when I have witnessed to people under the power and leading of the Holy Spirit (by spending quantity time with Him first in His Word and in prayer, and soaking Him up so that He fills your mind and heart, so that His thoughts become your thoughts and vice-versa), then I have seen people moved. Recently a Jehovah's Witness who came to my door had tears in his eyes because I was allowing the Holy Spirit to control me.
I don't think that can be emphasized enough: Basically, the only way to be effective in witnessing is through the power of the Holy Spirit. If we try to do it in our own strength, we will fail, and we will only get tired and frustrated.
 
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BarryK

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Peace to you brothers and sisters in Christ,

I am having a hard time with myself, as I feel I am failing at witnessing. I do my best to explain the beauty of the cross, and how the bible is reliable, and everything, but still, no one seems to grab onto the message. I know that all I am saying is biblical, and isn't rude, but its kind and so on. So why am I failing? How do I handle that feeling of failing God in witnessing to other?:scratch:

you are NOT failing!!!! what you are doing id being obiedient, unfortunatly it is most of the church who is failing, as they are not out there witnessing. they are the ones who are being disobiedent. It is a sad state of affairs when the cults are out there testifying to their untruths while the vast majority of those who claim the name of Yeshua are complacent and sit at home.

All you can do is tell people about Yeshuah, and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

remember the words of Yeshuah...

John 6:44 (KJV)
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

these feelings of failing are coming from that pointy headed scumbag who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. he wants you to think you are failing so that you get discouraged and give up. remember that...

Romans 8:1 (KJV)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Keep doing what you are doing.

 
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