Reaching The Lost

[Celtic D]

There are as many different brands of Christians out there as there are varieties of Heinz, if not more

We all have different views on subjects like women preachers, evolution and other "controvertial" topics. I do however think and hope we all agree on the greater goal - The Great Commission.

How do we put these differences aside and work for that greater aim?

 

[welshman]

True.

Jesus commands us (not suggests) that we need to reach the lost. Doctrines such as angelology, soteriology, anthropology have their place (and are really important), however reaching the lost is a command and we all need to do our bit; whether it be through a website, tract, preaching, teaching etc.

 

[Celtic D]

True.

Jesus commands us (not suggests) that we need to reach the lost. Doctrines such as angelology, soteriology, anthropology have their place (and are really important), however reaching the lost is a command and we all need to do our bit; whether it be through a website, tract, preaching, teaching etc.

But how do we do "our bit" with those that we don't necessarily fully agree with?

 

[non-religious]

In the town where I live a number of the different churches, from all denominations, occasionally get together and go out and actively share the Gospel. They meet to discuss how they/we can remain unified as Christians, even though we may differ of certain doctrinal issues and continue to be a voice within our communities. I guess it really comes down to laying down our differences for the greater good and it doesn't get any greater than sharing the Good News

 

[welshman]

I guess it depends on what you mean by "our bit".

What I would say is that we may through church, missions, christian school, outreach be involved with other Christians who perhaps disagree about doctrine e.g. calvinism, creation, the rapture etc...that doesn't make them any less of a Christian.

However, when talking about reaching the lost as such, then that wouldn't matter in the sense that we all agree that we are all sinners, Christ died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead and needs to be invited into our lives as Lord and saviour. Believing or not believing in creation or "Millennium" won't change that fact we need Jesus Christ.

What tends to happen is that different denominations tend to reach the lost within that denomination e.g. Charasmatic churches will get together with each other, Fundamental Baptist churches etc will do their own thing. Nothing wrong with that at all. Doesn't mean that on somewhere like CF, we can't all agree on what the Great Commission is and do that together if there are lost people on here looking for answers to eternal life.

But how do we do "our bit" with those that we don't necessarily fully agree with?

 

[Celtic D]

"our bit" - good Weegie phrase

I agree that online it is easier to "work" together with people of different backgrounds because the people that meet online in groups tend to have common goals or interests and are more prepared to put their differences aside.

In real life it can be more difficult to put differences aside although it can and has been done.

 

[Celtic D]

In what ways can people work together on places such as CF and other forums?

 

[welshman]

Lots of ways:
Posting videos, sermons, answering questions from those that are lost etc...

 

[Celtic D]

Lots of ways:
Posting videos, sermons, answering questions from those that are lost etc...

I would say that is working on your own though (not that there is anything wrong with that of course) rather than as part of a team - what can we do as a "team" effort?

 

[artybloke]

Have you thought of buying people a map? That way they won't be lost any more...

 

[brightmorningstar]

Celtic D and Welshman,
I think together Christians are stronger, as to the gospel the good news and the great commission things like women's ordination is how the church is ordered, not directly the good news of the gospel which is about who Christ is and what He has done.
I agree though that doctrines like angelology, soteriology, anthropology are not crucial to the gospel.

 

[welshman]

No need. I just give them a Bible

Have you thought of buying people a map? That way they won't be lost any more...

 

[Celtic D]

Celtic D and Welshman,
I think together Christians are stronger, as to the gospel the good news and the great commission things like women's ordination is how the church is ordered, not directly the good news of the gospel which is about who Christ is and what He has done.
I agree though that doctrines like angelology, soteriology, anthropology are not crucial to the gospel.

Thanks, but I, and I'm sure I can speak for Welshman too, are quite aware what the Gospel message is - that was the whole point of the OP!

 

[ianb321red]

I think you need to recognise what your gifts are. We all have different strengths and sometimes it takes a while before you actually realise what they are….

However, as Welshman very rightly says – we are commanded to save the lost. This is of fundamental importance. Therefore, we need to offer ourselves to The Lord to use us in the way he has planned.

I try and do my bit, but I should be doing more. The gospel message is the key, and that is what I focus on.

I like meeting people so I’ve got no problem going up to members of the public in the middle of London and engaging in the gospel message.

My mate and I have bought individual gospels in bulk. We go around speaking to homeless people in and around London and give them a pair of ears to talk at and gospel to read. We go to Speakers corner and hand them out on a Sunday. We speak there with radical Muslims about the gospel message (btw..anyone is more than welcome to join us at Speakers corner on a Sunday…the more the merrier..PM if you’re up for it!)

We do outreach stuff at church – discussion groups with non Christians about general topics “Does God Exist?”, “Why does God allow suffering?” etc etc

I think we can use forums also. We can obviously coordinate public events such as rally’s, conferences, conventions and such like. Since I quite like meeting people in “real life” I’d always be up for meeting people face-to-face in the London area.

I would definitely like to use social networking to spread messages with regards to social action such as petitions etc.

I think we should also challenge each other – like having an accountability partner, and this could be a virtual partner. For example, you could set a challenge as follows:

- Think about your “typical week”, at work, home, college or whatever…
- Then think about the 5 people you have the most frequent contact with during your typical week.
- Do these 5 people all know that you are a Christian? Do they know what you believe? Do you know what they believe?

Or another challenge - do you have kids at school? Does the headmaster/mistress know you are a Christian family? Do you have any other Christian families with kids at the school? What about getting together and forming a Christian parents group?

We should motivate and encourage each other because it is spiritual warfare, and apathy amongst Christians regarding spreading the gospel means we are fighting a losing battle.

 

[Celtic D]

Minor point of information, Ian, we CAN'T save anyone, that is down to God!!!

 

[welshman]

In all honesty I think Ian knows that. We all say something similar in a roundabout way.

 

[Celtic D]

In all honesty I think Ian knows that. We all say something similar in a roundabout way.

Well those who say such things shouldn't be because we should be giving all the glory to God!

 

[Celtic D]

We are commanded to "go and make disciples of all nations"!

 

[ianb321red]

Minor point of information, Ian, we CAN'T save anyone, that is down to God!!!

You're quite right - only God can actually save us...

Perhaps what I should have said really was that we should be focused on winning souls, as Jesus commanded us to "go out in to the world and preach the good news to all creation".

But no - only God himself can actually do the saving.

 

[uberd00b]

How do we put these differences aside and work for that greater aim?

In answer to your first question; Perhaps just ignore the differences? I think that may be difficult when people are claiming the one true Truth™ but I'm sure it's possible in most cases.

To your second; Converting the un-converted should be relatively easy. All that's needed are good solid honest reasons to think that what is being claimed is actually correct. This is very easy in the case of things which are actually real (I have no problem believing the capital of Jordan is Amman) but much more difficult in the cases of things which really are not. I suppose one may have to overcome people's reluctance to believe something is true which appears false.