Can this make you a failure as a Christian?

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May 17, 2016
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#1
I've been reading a study bible lately and it is continually saying that if you aren't witnessing and seeing people saved you are failing as as a Christian. On the surface that sounds like an okay statement but I have a problem with it.
I will use myself as an example. Right now I am in a place in my life where I spend most my day/week at home (some days I don't speak to anyone other than my husband) and don't have much, if any at all, contact with people that are unsaved. Then there's also the stay at home moms/dads, the young adults/teens whose whole life is school and work, the people that work long hours at a hard job that after work just go home to just unwind then the next day start all over again. I know for the working man/woman and the people at school you have your co-workers and schoolmates but eventually you'll run out of people there.
Is the study bible correct and do they(myself included) just need to try search out people no matter how difficult it may be? Or is it wrong and does God allow you to go through periods of time where you won't witness or see people get saved? Maybe a time of growth or something along that line, a time where God will/can use you for other things.

P.S. I'm not just being a "stale" Christian, I serve in my Church, I use my spiritual gifts, I have my time and a place, I try to let God work in my life and grow as He see's fit, and in my examples the people "are" too.
 

MarcR

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2015
5,486
183
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#2
We are not under Law but we are under grace. This does not excuse us when we have an opportunity to witness and fail to act. That would be outright disobedience. If your life gives you few opportunities to witness, don't worry about it. Just witness when someone is open to receive it.
 

Marcelo

Senior Member
Feb 4, 2016
2,359
859
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#3
Don't worry about witnessing! Seek holiness first and then the Holy Spirit will show you when, where and who you should witness to.
 
S

Seedz

Guest
#4
I've been reading a study bible lately and it is continually saying that if you aren't witnessing and seeing people saved you are failing as as a Christian. On the surface that sounds like an okay statement but I have a problem with it.
I will use myself as an example. Right now I am in a place in my life where I spend most my day/week at home (some days I don't speak to anyone other than my husband) and don't have much, if any at all, contact with people that are unsaved. Then there's also the stay at home moms/dads, the young adults/teens whose whole life is school and work, the people that work long hours at a hard job that after work just go home to just unwind then the next day start all over again. I know for the working man/woman and the people at school you have your co-workers and schoolmates but eventually you'll run out of people there.
Is the study bible correct and do they(myself included) just need to try search out people no matter how difficult it may be? Or is it wrong and does God allow you to go through periods of time where you won't witness or see people get saved? Maybe a time of growth or something along that line, a time where God will/can use you for other things.

P.S. I'm not just being a "stale" Christian, I serve in my Church, I use my spiritual gifts, I have my time and a place, I try to let God work in my life and grow as He see's fit, and in my examples the people "are" too.

Maybe life as we know it is not what life was meant to be. Therefore this life is what's faulty with the whole idea of living for the Lord.

We have too many distractions for it to be an accident. It is the way the system was designed by the elites so that we could just be brain dead consumers.

You are not failing as a Christian. WE are failing as a society....
 

Joidevivre

Senior Member
Jul 15, 2014
3,838
271
83
#5
You only fail as a Christian when you are not witnessing and loving people at the place you are, and to the people He moves into your life.

During my lifetime of many years, I have only led maybe 3 people to Christ, and they were people who God brought into my life. But, as you are doing, my days were mostly filled with raising my family, working, and ministering to other Christians who needed help in my church.

I think the study is wrong in that you MUST seek people out in order to see them saved. The Holy Spirit will be the one who will bring them into your life when He decides to use you for that particular person. However, there are some people who are called as evangelists to go into the streets and mingle with people, giving them the message. They are compelled and know it is their calling.

And if you are not compelled to do this, you might find it purposeful to intercede and pray for those who cross paths with you during your shopping and away from home. It all begins with prayer, and by your simple, heartfelt prayer for those you will never speak to, a door will be open for God to send someone (who He chooses) to come alongside them and give them the gospel.

The intercessor is just as important as the one who leads them in person to Christ. And the one who ministers comfort, help and love to those who are already saved as you are doing is a vital necessity in the church. There are many in the church who are hurting, and God values the help you give them.

I've learned that some are called to evangelize the unsaved, and that usually begins with caring for them. Establishing a friendship first many times.

Others are called to minister within the body of Christians and their own families. Both are important.
 
May 17, 2016
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#6
P.S.S. I don't really feel like I failed. I originally had a problem with it because I thought of my mom while I was growing up, she was raising 5 kids (when the youngest was born I, the oldest, was 7) while my dad worked long hours and she home schooled us, and if we went out it was normally with people from our church or another home schooled family. The more the writer stated that the more people and scenarios came to mind until just recently I realized according to him I would fall under failing.
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
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#7
P.S.S. I don't really feel like I failed. I originally had a problem with it because I thought of my mom while I was growing up, she was raising 5 kids (when the youngest was born I, the oldest, was 7) while my dad worked long hours and she home schooled us, and if we went out it was normally with people from our church or another home schooled family. The more the writer stated that the more people and scenarios came to mind until just recently I realized according to him I would fall under failing.
"He" is nothing but a man who, just like any other man, puts his pants on, one leg at a time.
 
A

Ariel82

Guest
#8
The study Bible seems to imply that we are the ones doing the saving and not God.

God doesn't see us as sucessful or failures, especially not based upon how many people "we see saved" because of anyone is saved it's by God's power not ours. We just have to be open and willing to do what God asks us to do.
 

Hizikyah

Senior Member
Aug 25, 2013
11,634
372
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#9
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]1 Corinthians 12:12-18, "For just as the body is a unity, but yet has many members; and though all its members are many, they are one body: so it is with Messiah. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Yahdaim or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit; For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot should say: Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say: Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the sense of smelling? But now YHWH has set the members, each one of them in the body, as it has pleased Him."

[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Matthew 25:14-30, for it is like a man going from home, who called his own servants and delivered his possessions to them. And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability, and went from home. And he who had received the five talents went and worked with them, and made another five talents. In the same way, he with the two also, he gained two more. But he who had received the one went away and dug in the ground, and hid the silver of his master. And after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents. See, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ And his master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy servant. You were trustworthy over a little, I shall set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Then he who had received two talents came and said, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents. See, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy servant. You were trustworthy over a little, I shall set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one who had received the one talent also came and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed, and being afraid, I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ And his master answering, said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. Then you should have put my silver with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to him who possesses ten talents. For to everyone who possesses, more shall be given, and he shall have overflowingly; but from him who does not possess, even what he possesses shall be taken away. And throw the worthless servant out into the outer darkness – there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’"[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]John/Yahanan 15:5-16, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, produces much fruit; but without Me, you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away like a branch, and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and letting My words; abide in you, you will ask what you will, and it will be done for you. In this is My Father glorified: when you produce much fruit; and in this way you become My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you; continue in My love. If you keep My Commands, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's Commands, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be complete. This is My Command: Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: that one would lay down his life on behalf of his brothers. You are My brothers, if you do whatever I command you."

[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]John/Yahanan 10:16, "And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one Shepherd."

Bind Yahshua's/Jesus words to you mind and heart, He is our guide. We all ahve different roles, but none the less we all should do His will. Do not judge yourself based on another person's actions or words, the Messiah is you Master and Leader. none else. Take joy in knowing what He did for you that He loves you, be strengthened by this. Don't beat yourself up for error or not doing what you think you should, but also dont be complacent or excusing of error. His will, His will, His will. No matter if we fall 99 times get up 100 times. Keep your eyes and heart on Him always. We only fail if we give up, as long as we seek HIm we are not failures.

[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Mat 24:35, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but My teachings will not pass away.”[/FONT]




[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Mat 28:20, “Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age."[/FONT]


[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]John/Yahanan 6:63, "It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words (Instructions) that I (Yahshua/Jesus) speak to you, they are Spirit, and they are life everlasting." [/FONT]
 

Locutus

Senior Member
Feb 10, 2017
5,928
685
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#10
I'm not a fan of "studly" bibles - here is what Paul says:

1 Cor 7:32 But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;

1 Cor 7:33 but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife,

And the same applies to the wife.
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
0
#11
Try to remember this. Guilt is the simplest and most convenient tool Satan hands to Christians. And many of us become very adept at wielding it...... chief among them, the commentators in Study Bibles.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,215
2,551
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#12
I have not seen where it says if your not witnessing you fail as a Christian, I am not saying to be lazy of course but you know I don't go out and preach the gospel and or try to save souls I go where God leads speak what he places on my heart and then it's like the domino effect people are amazed at my(wisdom) which I always tell them isn't my own or people are impacted and effected in some way simply by me speaking what he places on my heart.

Now have I saved any souls or brought people to Christianity? Not that I know, but I do know that by simply going with how he leads me he has used me to help and impact people in far more ways than I can count and even if in the end if I don't save any souls but I was willing to be used to help and impact others that will be more than enough to me.

you see how God and I work is we go with the flow, if I do something or try to say something and that flow isn't there then it's like I am trying to force it it just feels fake and not natural even when others tell me I should do that anyways I simply cannot because I know how he and I work and I know the fruits of when I listen to his guidance and when I try to do it.
When I speak or act and that flow is there it just feels natural it's like instinct I don't think or have any fear or doubt it just happens and I have seen him do amazing things in this manner.

This is just my way of being with him perhaps it isn't everyone's but it is mine, so my advice is to not concern yourself about this and to seek a deeper love and bond with him above everything else put all this complicated stuff aside for now. If you simply seek him out and desire a deeper love and connection with him everyday and in any way you can eventually you will notice this hunger and thirst you will desire a deeper love and will notice a deeper love inside you, you will notice that you will begin to slowly yet surely see through his eyes and love as he does and you will notice that his traits and qualities will begin to form inside you naturally.

This is when he will be able to use you to witness the most
 
Nov 6, 2017
674
12
0
#13
We are not under Law but we are under grace. This does not excuse us when we have an opportunity to witness and fail to act. That would be outright disobedience. If your life gives you few opportunities to witness, don't worry about it. Just witness when someone is open to receive it.
You should be a witness of what Jesus did for you everyday and be led to share the good news.
 

BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
8,896
4,341
113
#14
I've been reading a study bible lately and it is continually saying that if you aren't witnessing and seeing people saved you are failing as as a Christian. On the surface that sounds like an okay statement but I have a problem with it.
I will use myself as an example. Right now I am in a place in my life where I spend most my day/week at home (some days I don't speak to anyone other than my husband) and don't have much, if any at all, contact with people that are unsaved. Then there's also the stay at home moms/dads, the young adults/teens whose whole life is school and work, the people that work long hours at a hard job that after work just go home to just unwind then the next day start all over again. I know for the working man/woman and the people at school you have your co-workers and schoolmates but eventually you'll run out of people there.
Is the study bible correct and do they(myself included) just need to try search out people no matter how difficult it may be? Or is it wrong and does God allow you to go through periods of time where you won't witness or see people get saved? Maybe a time of growth or something along that line, a time where God will/can use you for other things.

P.S. I'm not just being a "stale" Christian, I serve in my Church, I use my spiritual gifts, I have my time and a place, I try to let God work in my life and grow as He see's fit, and in my examples the people "are" too.

What study Bible are you using?
If it's telling you that then it's time to throw it in the bin.
 

Hizikyah

Senior Member
Aug 25, 2013
11,634
372
0
#15
You should be a witness of what Jesus did for you everyday and be led to share the good news.
This is a great point, I want to add that this should be so by word and deed.

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Psalm 36:9, “For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.”[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Mat 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. It is impossible for a city to be hidden on a mountain. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it shines to all those in the house. Let your light so shine before men, so that they see your good works and praise your Father who is in the heavens.”[/FONT]
 

hornetguy

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2016
6,659
1,405
113
#16
The study Bible seems to imply that we are the ones doing the saving and not God.

God doesn't see us as sucessful or failures, especially not based upon how many people "we see saved" because of anyone is saved it's by God's power not ours. We just have to be open and willing to do what God asks us to do.
Yes! I really dislike this whole notion that "we need to SEE people being saved", which implies, "because of my witness"....

As stated above, WE don't save ANYONE. All we can do is present/show the gospel to the lost. Many (I think most) of these encounters will not "show" us anyone being saved.

It is our job to plant the seed, and if we have the opportunity, to water it.... the growing is up to God, and His Spirit moving in that person's life.

Planting the seeds doesn't have to be by knocking on doors and thrusting tracts in someone's face... planting seeds is done by the way we live our lives, and the way unbelievers see us. We should always be ready to tell someone about the good news, but most of the time, we are simply showing others Jesus, in the way we live.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,636
13,035
113
#17
What study Bible are you using?
If it's telling you that then it's time to throw it in the bin.
That's a rather drastic suggestion. For all you know this study Bible might have much to commend it. Bottom line -- we are all called to be witnesses, not just the apostles.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth...And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles...Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

So ordinary Christians -- other than the apostles -- took the command of Christ to heart, and went everywhere preaching the Gospel (which is generally called th Word).

What Christians -- and preachers -- need to understand is that it is the Word of God which is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe. Whenever God's Word is shared, the Holy Spirit is present to bring God's power to bear on what is proclaimed. Those who do not feel confident about sharing the Gospel can always offer a tract, a New Testament, or a Bible to all and sundry. But neither is the Gospel complicated.
 
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Nov 6, 2017
674
12
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#18
There is a major difference between witness and sharing.

I think people get confused when they say they witnessed to someone. I think they really mean I shared Jesus with someone. I say this because our witness is to be seen and not talked about.

If you share Jesus with someone and were not led to do it, then you were most likely in your flesh.

We also need to understand that apologetic debates with non-believers is not sharing the Gospel, it is using the world debating ways and means to prove to people the Gospel.

I also dislike apologetics and wish the term and what it means never came about.
 

BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
8,896
4,341
113
#19
I suppose it depends on what is considered to be witnessing.
I have to be honest it does it me when I hear people saying it's all about taking about Jesus.
Don't get me wrong I'm not saying it's wrong to talk about Jesus, but constantly talking can actually be wrong.
Before I'm jumped on hopefully I can explain what I mean.

Let's take the workplace. I have had it said that in the workplace place you should be telling people about Jesus.
I draw a sharp intake of breath every time I hear it.

As an employer I do not employ people to sit and talk about Jesus when they are meant to be working.
I don't think that is honouring God.

We can witness in the workplace by being like Jesus in the workplace.
If workers around you swear then don't swear, if people act and do things that you know Jesus would not want you to then don't join in.

If people see you are different they may ask why, if so then you can say why.
If they want to know more offer up your lunch break or coffee break or invite them to your church or invite them round for a meal.

I watched a video once about witnessing.

The scenario was that a man was having work done in his loft by a self employed person he did not know.

He walks up the steps to the loft and as the worker turns round he says to the worker "Do you know Jesus, are you wanted in the blood of the lamb? The worker says "what? Then he proceeds to tell him if not he is going to hell.

Then the next part of the video is as follows.

The man walks up the steps and asks the worker "Would you like a cup of coffee" to which the worker says "yes please"
So he invited him down while he made him his coffee.
He then asked him, "How long you been doing this" and they strike up a conversation.
As they are talking the worker noticed a picture of the man and two ladies.

He asks him "is that your family" the guy replies "Yes that's my wife and daughter"
The guy responds with "that's a lovely photo, what do your wife and daughter do?

He tells him about his wife and then says "Sadly my daughter was killed in a car crash by a drunk driver


The worker says "Oh I'm really sorry, as a father I cannot imagine what that feels like"

The guy replies "Yes it's hard and painful but I know one day I will see her again"

Then the conversation progressed to the point that he explains why that reason is because of Jesus.

Anyway I don't want to make this post too long.

To me actions speak louder than words.
People saw Jesus in action with love and compassion.

Jesus said

John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

We are called to be witnesses of love, the love we have for Jesus and the love Jesus has for us.
When people see that then they will want to know why are we different.

Then we can tell them.

Just my simple thoughts.

Ps, we don't bring people to Jesus, the Holy Spirit does that by working through us.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,215
2,551
113
#20
There is a major difference between witness and sharing.

I think people get confused when they say they witnessed to someone. I think they really mean I shared Jesus with someone. I say this because our witness is to be seen and not talked about.

If you share Jesus with someone and were not led to do it, then you were most likely in your flesh.

We also need to understand that apologetic debates with non-believers is not sharing the Gospel, it is using the world debating ways and means to prove to people the Gospel.

I also dislike apologetics and wish the term and what it means never came about.
sometimes sharing Jesus is the most powerful witness, there is no one way to witness and to be a witness just as no one is the same and has different skills and abilities so does God use people in such various ways to witness. With him there is no limit as to how the gospel and salvation is distributed.
the whole idea of witnessing and being a witness is for people to see God in us and if a person sees a trait of God in people then they are being a witness and the people who are being witness could just be at the grocery store talking on the phone and may never even realize that they helped to save a soul that day.

often times we don't ever see the affects of our every word and action and so much more so when it comes to salvation, that one act or words of love or encouragement or that one act of showing forgiveness when no one else would or that one act of showing great patience could very well be the drop into the pond of that persons heart and soul that creates ripples and over time grow and expand and create a pool of a saved soul.

God is very humble in that way, often times it's not the great actions or the witnessing on the streets that he uses to save his lost children the most, rather he uses the tiny things and the tiny and seemingly unimportant actions and words to create a sea of saved souls. honestly we may never see the witness we were until we are home but I am sure we will be very surprised