intricatic
...a dinosaur... or something...
I'd break out the Holy Water and Holy Fire Hose and spray down the masses.Apollonian said:
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I'd break out the Holy Water and Holy Fire Hose and spray down the masses.Apollonian said:If you had a Christian worship night in that same public park, would you like a bunch of witches screaming in protest and waving signs around while you are trying to worship God?
I disagree entirely. I have no respect for other religions that have been proven to me to be utterly false. I refuse to consider that worshiping an invisible pink unicorn is tantamount to a rational religion.OD3 said:Respect for other peoples beliefs is paramount. My gripe with "organised religion" is that instead of bringing people together, it segregates us.
Yes, but I'd imagine they wouldn't like me much, considering I read the Bible so often and have obvious biases against the theologies of Islam, the philosophies of Buddhism, and the various offshoots of secular philosophy. When it comes to friends, I enjoy hanging out with people I can discuss things that are on my mind with. I don't take it personally that not everyone is a Christian, or that this might spark disagreement, but it would depend entirely on how they felt about this scenario.Could most of you be best friends with a muslim? or a buddhist? or even a athiest?
Actually, I think the No1 cause of death and hatred in the world today would be politics.I think its wrong to protest against other peoples beliefs. and its wrong for them to protest against yours.
Its the No1 cause of death and hatred in this world today. religions that dont like each other. Turn on the news, and tell me it isnt true.
Politics and religion go hand-in-hand now.intricatic said:I disagree entirely. I have no respect for other religions that have been proven to me to be utterly false. I refuse to consider that worshiping an invisible pink unicorn is tantamount to a rational religion.
Yes, but I'd imagine they wouldn't like me much, considering I read the Bible so often and have obvious biases against the theologies of Islam, the philosophies of Buddhism, and the various offshoots of secular philosophy. When it comes to friends, I enjoy hanging out with people I can discuss things that are on my mind with. I don't take it personally that not everyone is a Christian, or that this might spark disagreement, but it would depend entirely on how they felt about this scenario.
Actually, I think the No1 cause of death and hatred in the world today would be politics.
OD3 said:Politics and religion go hand-in-hand now.
OD3 said:Bush invaded Iraq because "God Told him too"
Incorrect. Politicians use religion at times to justify their actions, or to excuse their abuse of power.OD3 said:Politics and religion go hand-in-hand now.
Bush invaded Iraq because "God Told him too"
Correct. But this is not relevant to any actual religion, unless you consider the suicide bombers in Islam to be a good representation of what Islamic theology teaches.They are fighting in the middle east about "Holy Land".
Its all connected.
Correct. God has no use for oil.OD3 said:I doubt God wanted all that oil.
MikeMcK said:By "protest", do you mean picket? I don't think that would be such a hot idea for a couple of reasons.
The first is that that is essentially a political act and this is a spiritual issue, not a political one. It's a good way to tell people what you're against, but telling people what you're against doesn't do any good if they don't know what you're for.
The second reason is that you may change someone's mind, but what you want to do is put them in a position for God to change their heart and that isn't something you can do by chanting a slogan. You need to reach the individual.
When Paul went to Mars Hill, he didn't protest or picket. He didn't even try to dissuade them from their religion.
What did he say? He said (and this is pretty loosely paraphrased), "Hey, I see that you guys are into spiritual things. That's great. Let's talk about that." And he used their well meaning (albeit, misguided) zeal for their religion as an opportunity to share the truth of Christ with them.
You have about one month to prepare. If it were me, the very first thing I would do is to pray about it. Pray that God will open your heart to what He wants you to do and that He would empower you with the Holy Spirit to speak clearly and boldly. Then, I would pray over the event and even go out to the park and pray over the park.
I would study up on pagan/wiccan/new age beliefs and what scripture says about them, so that you'll be able to answer objections, should they arise.
Of course, the best way to answer objections is to know the Bible.
Above all, remember that you're not going there to refute their religion, but to share Christ.
Sharing Christ is easy. All it is is presenting man's sinfulness, his need for a Savior, and finding that Savior in the person of Jesus Christ.
I've been a Christian now for about twenty years and I've shared the Gospel with people in every conceivable way. About a year ago, somebody turned me on to Ray Comfort and Way of the Master.
The way they teach you to share the Gospel is so easy, you'll say, "I can't believe I never thought of that". But the reason I like it is because it's straight to the point. It doesn't give them an opportunity to go down any rabbit trails or to derail the conversation.
It puts their sinfulness right on the table and makes them have to confront it and then gives you an opportunity to tell them about Jesus.
Here is an example I posted on another board ((and, yes, it really did happen this way)):
He was wearing a Beatles' t-shirt and so we started talking. I'll spare you the small talk and pick up where we started talking about the death of George Harrson (my answers in bold):
And it really is just that easy.
If you have a few minutes, take a look at these video clips. I really think they'll help you. "Seal Beach Kid" and the one with the punk girl are my two favorites.
You might also want to check out wayofthemasterradio.com and They go out on the street every day to share the Gospel and listening to them has been a big encouragement to me.
Also, go to http://www.adventuresinchristianity.com/ It has audio of real life witnessing encounters that are just fantastic.
Above all, when witnessing, be sure to remember two things: (1) It isn't personal. Don't get upset or discouraged if they reject it. (2) Don't be discouraged if you don't see great results. Your job is not to save anybody. Your job is only to present man's sinfulness and need for a savior, and that savior in the person of Jesus Christ. Remember, even if it seems like you're not making any progress, you may be planting countless seeds for someone else to harvest.
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/watchwitnessing.shtml
MadJack said:Thanks for the wonderful advice and of course differing veiws.Haven't been around due to computer shopping..mine blew up. I agree with the cider and coco idea! I was thinking about hanging out near the event and talking to people about God and Christianity. I did talk to the event organizer and it turns out that this is strictly a pagan thing. But we are going to set up a small table close by, have vollyball and music and a cookout. If people want to hang out and talk about God, they're welcome to. We are even talking about having our own event the day before or after.
I have done some research on pagans and wiccans and I keep getting conflicting stuff.I'll keep more intouch as the day gets closer.
Jack
So did I! It's been going off quite a bit tonight.imind said:and i had just purchased a new irony meter...
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