I'm sure this won't clear anything up but the great commission is to "make disciples". Disciples are people that you invest in with your time. You are patient with them and you build relationships with them based on trust thru shared experiences. This notion that if you're not out on the street with a megaphone screaming that the end is near is making disciples is quite humorous to me and I think God shakes his head and goes.....what an idiot. Lol
Thats Not My Calling: The Great Commission.A Christian Call To Arms
- Thread starter MsSuzanna
- Start date
-
Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.
If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!
To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Sharing your faith with others can be done in many different ways. We should all be willing to give an answer to those around us as to the hope we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). Here are some effective ways to spread Christianity to those around you. My prayer is that you not limit yourself to just these suggestions. Use them as a launching pad to other creative ways of sharing your faith. Please leave a comment below with other suggestions or alternatives to the ones mentioned. [h=2]Carry Tracts[/h] Have tracts with you that you can give out any time you have an opportunity. There are tracts that are general in nature, but you can also find a variety of tracts that are situation appropriate. By this I mean you can get tracts that are written for waiters and waitresses, various holidays and events, as well as location specific tracts. Try to carry a variety of tracts in your purse or car so that you are ready to give one to those you meet. Leave tracts in public place like the restaurant and coffee shop or on public transportation. When you return a book to the library you can leave a tract in it. Don’t stuff every book on the shelves with tracts. That can be considered vandalism and poor taste. But putting them in some of the books you return can be a witness to the librarian when the book is processed.
Share your faith on Twitter and Facebook by including an occasional Bible verse.
[h=2]Social Networks[/h]
You can write out your testimony so that you can share a copy with a friend or even strangers. You can include a copy of what the Lord has done for you in your annual Christmas letter to your family. [h=2]Bible Distribution[/h] There are different groups that hand out Bibles at special events. Ask your pastor if he knows of an opportunity in your area. The pastor I worked with in Mexico was saved as a result of a Bible distribution ministry. Someone slipped a copy of John and Romans under his door one afternoon. He read that Bible and sought out the missionary so that he could learn more. That pastor is now involved in a ministry to distribute Bibles in millions of homes in his region of Mexico. [h=2]Go on a Mission Trip[/h] You can go on a mission trip within your state or in another country. Even if you can’t speak the language well you can show God’s love with those you meet. You can use an interpreter to share the story of why you traveled so far to share Christ with them. [h=2]Share a Movie With a Friend[/h] Have you watched a good Christian movie lately? Try watching the movie together instead of giving it to your friend to watch alone. This gives you a chance to answer any questions as they come up. You also have a shared experience to talk about when other questions arise. If something in the movie applies to a current conversation you can say, “it is kinda like that time so-and-so did this in the movie.” Then you can use that as an opportunity to share more about the Lord. [h=2]Include Tracts in Correspondence[/h] When writing Christmas or birthday cards to your friends and family include an appropriate tract for the occasion. These work well in sympathy cards if done tastefully with the right tract. You can even include tracts with payments you mail each month. [h=2]Genuinely Care for Others[/h] Comfort your friends and co-workers with God’s love when they go through hard times. If you are loving and caring to your friends they will come to you when they have problems. Maybe you have recently read a Bible-based article that speaks to the problem your friend is facing, share the article with them. When they know you care they will gladly accept your offers of help. [h=2]Local Shelters[/h] There are many food and homeless shelters around the country which need volunteers. People who come to these shelters are expecting to have the Bible taught to them. This makes them a willing audience to hear you tell about the Lord. Sit down with those around you and share what Christ has done in your life. There is no need to be judgmental. The fact that you are there and offering to help shows them that you have at least a small level of love towards them. In a loving and kind way make a connection and take the opportunity to spread your Christianity.
[h=2]Social Networks[/h]
Share your faith on Twitter and Facebook by including an occasional Bible verse. Share with others what that verse means to you and why it is important in your life. You can do this without being “preachy.”
Even as a Christian I sometimes skim over Bible verses from friends who spam their own social feeds with them. You should include enough other content that the Bible verses fit well with the information you are providing. This will make the verses stand out and give you a chance for further interaction.
[h=2]Always Have a Bible Handy[/h] You should always be ready to share your faith with those who may ask. You can get a small New Testament to carry with you at all times. There are many Bible apps on smartphones for various platforms. This allows you to always have a Bible with you. [h=2]Share Your Testimony[/h] Look for opportunities to share your testimony with others. One of the most effective witnessing tools you have is your own Christian testimony. Telling others how God changed your life gives them a chance to see that God is real to you and that you want them to have the same relationship with Him that you have. You can write out your testimony so that you can share a copy with a friend or even strangers. You can include a copy of what the Lord has done for you in your annual Christmas letter to your family. [h=2]Bible Distribution[/h] There are different groups that hand out Bibles at special events. Ask your pastor if he knows of an opportunity in your area. The pastor I worked with in Mexico was saved as a result of a Bible distribution ministry. Someone slipped a copy of John and Romans under his door one afternoon. He read that Bible and sought out the missionary so that he could learn more. That pastor is now involved in a ministry to distribute Bibles in millions of homes in his region of Mexico. [h=2]Go on a Mission Trip[/h] You can go on a mission trip within your state or in another country. Even if you can’t speak the language well you can show God’s love with those you meet. You can use an interpreter to share the story of why you traveled so far to share Christ with them. [h=2]Share a Movie With a Friend[/h] Have you watched a good Christian movie lately? Try watching the movie together instead of giving it to your friend to watch alone. This gives you a chance to answer any questions as they come up. You also have a shared experience to talk about when other questions arise. If something in the movie applies to a current conversation you can say, “it is kinda like that time so-and-so did this in the movie.” Then you can use that as an opportunity to share more about the Lord. [h=2]Include Tracts in Correspondence[/h] When writing Christmas or birthday cards to your friends and family include an appropriate tract for the occasion. These work well in sympathy cards if done tastefully with the right tract. You can even include tracts with payments you mail each month. [h=2]Genuinely Care for Others[/h] Comfort your friends and co-workers with God’s love when they go through hard times. If you are loving and caring to your friends they will come to you when they have problems. Maybe you have recently read a Bible-based article that speaks to the problem your friend is facing, share the article with them. When they know you care they will gladly accept your offers of help. [h=2]Local Shelters[/h] There are many food and homeless shelters around the country which need volunteers. People who come to these shelters are expecting to have the Bible taught to them. This makes them a willing audience to hear you tell about the Lord. Sit down with those around you and share what Christ has done in your life. There is no need to be judgmental. The fact that you are there and offering to help shows them that you have at least a small level of love towards them. In a loving and kind way make a connection and take the opportunity to spread your Christianity.
Sharing your faith with others can be done in many different ways. We should all be willing to give an answer to those around us as to the hope we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). Here are some effective ways to spread Christianity to those around you. My prayer is that you not limit yourself to just these suggestions. Use them as a launching pad to other creative ways of sharing your faith. Please leave a comment below with other suggestions or alternatives to the ones mentioned. Carry Tracts
Have tracts with you that you can give out any time you have an opportunity. There are tracts that are general in nature, but you can also find a variety of tracts that are situation appropriate. By this I mean you can get tracts that are written for waiters and waitresses, various holidays and events, as well as location specific tracts. Try to carry a variety of tracts in your purse or car so that you are ready to give one to those you meet. Leave tracts in public place like the restaurant and coffee shop or on public transportation. When you return a book to the library you can leave a tract in it. Don’t stuff every book on the shelves with tracts. That can be considered vandalism and poor taste. But putting them in some of the books you return can be a witness to the librarian when the book is processed.
Share your faith on Twitter and Facebook by including an occasional Bible verse.
Social Networks
You should always be ready to share your faith with those who may ask. You can get a small New Testament to carry with you at all times. There are many Bible apps on smartphones for various platforms. This allows you to always have a Bible with you. Share Your Testimony
Look for opportunities to share your testimony with others. One of the most effective witnessing tools you have is your own Christian testimony. Telling others how God changed your life gives them a chance to see that God is real to you and that you want them to have the same relationship with Him that you have.
You can write out your testimony so that you can share a copy with a friend or even strangers. You can include a copy of what the Lord has done for you in your annual Christmas letter to your family. Bible Distribution
There are different groups that hand out Bibles at special events. Ask your pastor if he knows of an opportunity in your area. The pastor I worked with in Mexico was saved as a result of a Bible distribution ministry. Someone slipped a copy of John and Romans under his door one afternoon. He read that Bible and sought out the missionary so that he could learn more. That pastor is now involved in a ministry to distribute Bibles in millions of homes in his region of Mexico. Go on a Mission Trip
You can go on a mission trip within your state or in another country. Even if you can’t speak the language well you can show God’s love with those you meet. You can use an interpreter to share the story of why you traveled so far to share Christ with them. Share a Movie With a Friend
Have you watched a good Christian movie lately? Try watching the movie together instead of giving it to your friend to watch alone. This gives you a chance to answer any questions as they come up. You also have a shared experience to talk about when other questions arise. If something in the movie applies to a current conversation you can say, “it is kinda like that time so-and-so did this in the movie.” Then you can use that as an opportunity to share more about the Lord. Include Tracts in Correspondence
When writing Christmas or birthday cards to your friends and family include an appropriate tract for the occasion. These work well in sympathy cards if done tastefully with the right tract. You can even include tracts with payments you mail each month. Genuinely Care for Others
Comfort your friends and co-workers with God’s love when they go through hard times. If you are loving and caring to your friends they will come to you when they have problems. Maybe you have recently read a Bible-based article that speaks to the problem your friend is facing, share the article with them. When they know you care they will gladly accept your offers of help. Local Shelters
There are many food and homeless shelters around the country which need volunteers. People who come to these shelters are expecting to have the Bible taught to them. This makes them a willing audience to hear you tell about the Lord. Sit down with those around you and share what Christ has done in your life. There is no need to be judgmental. The fact that you are there and offering to help shows them that you have at least a small level of love towards them. In a loving and kind way make a connection and take the opportunity to spread your Christianity.
Have tracts with you that you can give out any time you have an opportunity. There are tracts that are general in nature, but you can also find a variety of tracts that are situation appropriate. By this I mean you can get tracts that are written for waiters and waitresses, various holidays and events, as well as location specific tracts. Try to carry a variety of tracts in your purse or car so that you are ready to give one to those you meet. Leave tracts in public place like the restaurant and coffee shop or on public transportation. When you return a book to the library you can leave a tract in it. Don’t stuff every book on the shelves with tracts. That can be considered vandalism and poor taste. But putting them in some of the books you return can be a witness to the librarian when the book is processed.
Social Networks
Share your faith on Twitter and Facebook by including an occasional Bible verse. Share with others what that verse means to you and why it is important in your life. You can do this without being “preachy.”
Even as a Christian I sometimes skim over Bible verses from friends who spam their own social feeds with them. You should include enough other content that the Bible verses fit well with the information you are providing. This will make the verses stand out and give you a chance for further interaction.
Always Have a Bible HandyYou should always be ready to share your faith with those who may ask. You can get a small New Testament to carry with you at all times. There are many Bible apps on smartphones for various platforms. This allows you to always have a Bible with you. Share Your Testimony
Look for opportunities to share your testimony with others. One of the most effective witnessing tools you have is your own Christian testimony. Telling others how God changed your life gives them a chance to see that God is real to you and that you want them to have the same relationship with Him that you have.
You can write out your testimony so that you can share a copy with a friend or even strangers. You can include a copy of what the Lord has done for you in your annual Christmas letter to your family. Bible Distribution
There are different groups that hand out Bibles at special events. Ask your pastor if he knows of an opportunity in your area. The pastor I worked with in Mexico was saved as a result of a Bible distribution ministry. Someone slipped a copy of John and Romans under his door one afternoon. He read that Bible and sought out the missionary so that he could learn more. That pastor is now involved in a ministry to distribute Bibles in millions of homes in his region of Mexico. Go on a Mission Trip
You can go on a mission trip within your state or in another country. Even if you can’t speak the language well you can show God’s love with those you meet. You can use an interpreter to share the story of why you traveled so far to share Christ with them. Share a Movie With a Friend
Have you watched a good Christian movie lately? Try watching the movie together instead of giving it to your friend to watch alone. This gives you a chance to answer any questions as they come up. You also have a shared experience to talk about when other questions arise. If something in the movie applies to a current conversation you can say, “it is kinda like that time so-and-so did this in the movie.” Then you can use that as an opportunity to share more about the Lord. Include Tracts in Correspondence
When writing Christmas or birthday cards to your friends and family include an appropriate tract for the occasion. These work well in sympathy cards if done tastefully with the right tract. You can even include tracts with payments you mail each month. Genuinely Care for Others
Comfort your friends and co-workers with God’s love when they go through hard times. If you are loving and caring to your friends they will come to you when they have problems. Maybe you have recently read a Bible-based article that speaks to the problem your friend is facing, share the article with them. When they know you care they will gladly accept your offers of help. Local Shelters
There are many food and homeless shelters around the country which need volunteers. People who come to these shelters are expecting to have the Bible taught to them. This makes them a willing audience to hear you tell about the Lord. Sit down with those around you and share what Christ has done in your life. There is no need to be judgmental. The fact that you are there and offering to help shows them that you have at least a small level of love towards them. In a loving and kind way make a connection and take the opportunity to spread your Christianity.
Can I just be honest with you here for a moment? I'm not gonna take the time to read this long post because you have done nothing but accost me on this thread. I think the reason is that I don't trust you or that it will contain some new revelation for me. And that is based on my interactions with you here and the feeling that you are trying to make me look foolish or out to be something that I am not.
There is no one size fits all. Sometimes people are prompted by the Spirit and don't respond for any number of reasons. Some people talk about it so much it is obvious they are not always being led by the Spirit.
Some people make a lot of money and their ministry may be partly financial backing of a outreach or missionary or something similar.
Some people write books but can't speak in public.
The only common denominator is many parts to the body, developing ones gifts and following his or her calling, being sensitive to, and obeying the Spirit, and love.
Some people make a lot of money and their ministry may be partly financial backing of a outreach or missionary or something similar.
Some people write books but can't speak in public.
The only common denominator is many parts to the body, developing ones gifts and following his or her calling, being sensitive to, and obeying the Spirit, and love.
K
People not living up to the life doesn't change the fact that we are called to be salt and light,we are called to be witnesses. Everyone cant be quiet because some dont live a right Christian life. When I witness to people I make clear that the only good in me is Christ, I fail,Im not perfect. We are supposed to be telling people to look to Christ,who is perfect. I strive to be more Christlike and I explain that when witnessing to a person. People have thanked me for being real and genuine.
by constantly repeating this, are you trying to say in a gentle way that we should not bother talking to you?
thank you for your meekness!
so sweet
thank you for your meekness!
so sweet
1 Corinthians 13:
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Luke 8:5 and 15, “A sower went out to sow his seed... But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
Right,you got a point there,and I was thinking about how people have to be reached by different methods,and that Jesus loves you,does not cut it with a lot of people,which the Bible says save some with compassion,and save some with fear.
A lot of people are not responding with Jesus loves you,and a lot of it has to do with the hypocrisy with the Christians,and their worldly lifestyle,that is driving people away,and being unresponsive,to what they have to say.
So Jesus loves you still works,but not as effectively as it once did,and it would appear that in these times,when the Bible says there will be more hypocrites,than any other time,our best weapon would be to conduct ourselves in the lifestyle of a Christian,to have the fullest impact that we can.
2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
2Co 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
2Co 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
2Co 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
2Co 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
2Co 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
2Co 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
2Co 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
2Co 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
God said give no offense in anything,that the ministry be not blamed,which the ministry is being blamed,because a lot of people that claim Christ,want to live worldly,and fight with each other over the Bible,and the world says they do not want to act like Christ,and they cannot even agree with each other,and they are going to tell us what's up.
But that does not take away from ministering,for we still have to do that,but our lifestyle is what needs to be observed,to act like Christ,to have the biggest impact on the world.
In today's world,and the end time,in which the majority of the world has heard,Jesus loves you,would it be better for the saints to witness,being hypocrites,or to not witness,and live like Christ.
A lot of people are not responding with Jesus loves you,and a lot of it has to do with the hypocrisy with the Christians,and their worldly lifestyle,that is driving people away,and being unresponsive,to what they have to say.
So Jesus loves you still works,but not as effectively as it once did,and it would appear that in these times,when the Bible says there will be more hypocrites,than any other time,our best weapon would be to conduct ourselves in the lifestyle of a Christian,to have the fullest impact that we can.
2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
2Co 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
2Co 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
2Co 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
2Co 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
2Co 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
2Co 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
2Co 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
2Co 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
God said give no offense in anything,that the ministry be not blamed,which the ministry is being blamed,because a lot of people that claim Christ,want to live worldly,and fight with each other over the Bible,and the world says they do not want to act like Christ,and they cannot even agree with each other,and they are going to tell us what's up.
But that does not take away from ministering,for we still have to do that,but our lifestyle is what needs to be observed,to act like Christ,to have the biggest impact on the world.
In today's world,and the end time,in which the majority of the world has heard,Jesus loves you,would it be better for the saints to witness,being hypocrites,or to not witness,and live like Christ.
Since I have a sneaky suspicion that none bothered to go to the link I provided Ill go ahead and continue to post it here for you. Maybe you will read it maybe you wont.
James said in 1:27 of his epistle, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Jesus demonstrated in His parable that believers are directed, "And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled," Luke 14:23. The word "compel" in English translates the meaning of the Greek word that meant to compel or to constrain them to come in in spite of their feelings of unworthiness. There is nothing mentioned here about programs! There is no call to entice or lure sinners into the church through recreation, parties, events, concerts, shows, films, etc. The other gospel say "bid" them to come in to the feast. We are certain that disciples that were fishermen knew the Greek words such as "lure" and "bait" and any other related to their trade. They used none of these just "compel"!
Further we have the great commission of our Lord to us all in Mark 16:15, "And he said unto them, 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.'"
And in Matthew 28:18-20, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.'"
The very title of this tract relates to the nature of the most common argument that I have encountered. It involves a misquotation of Paul from Ephesians 4:11, "he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers". They claim that this clause of a sentence written by Paul is stating that there is a diversity of "gifts" of ministry to various Christians just as there is a diversity of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to each Christian. They apply this clause of a sentence of Paul's to say that not all Christians are called upon to spread the Gospel. Is it applicable to evangelism???
NO! Why not? In order to apply the clause to evangelism, we create a contradiction. In order to say that some Christians are to "proclaim" (preach) the Gospel and others to teach and some to pastor, we have to say that Jesus was wrong in the Great Commission. You see, in order to claim that not all of us are called upon to spread the Gospel everywhere, we must make this clause supercede what Jesus has commanded us to do. It means that we are calling our God a LIAR! If He said "go ye" and Paul said go "some" and Paul is right, then, Jesus, our God, is lying. That can't be right just looking at it on its face. Let's look then to the entire passage from Ephesians 4:10-15
James said in 1:27 of his epistle, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Jesus demonstrated in His parable that believers are directed, "And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled," Luke 14:23. The word "compel" in English translates the meaning of the Greek word that meant to compel or to constrain them to come in in spite of their feelings of unworthiness. There is nothing mentioned here about programs! There is no call to entice or lure sinners into the church through recreation, parties, events, concerts, shows, films, etc. The other gospel say "bid" them to come in to the feast. We are certain that disciples that were fishermen knew the Greek words such as "lure" and "bait" and any other related to their trade. They used none of these just "compel"!
Further we have the great commission of our Lord to us all in Mark 16:15, "And he said unto them, 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.'"
And in Matthew 28:18-20, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.'"
The very title of this tract relates to the nature of the most common argument that I have encountered. It involves a misquotation of Paul from Ephesians 4:11, "he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers". They claim that this clause of a sentence written by Paul is stating that there is a diversity of "gifts" of ministry to various Christians just as there is a diversity of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to each Christian. They apply this clause of a sentence of Paul's to say that not all Christians are called upon to spread the Gospel. Is it applicable to evangelism???
NO! Why not? In order to apply the clause to evangelism, we create a contradiction. In order to say that some Christians are to "proclaim" (preach) the Gospel and others to teach and some to pastor, we have to say that Jesus was wrong in the Great Commission. You see, in order to claim that not all of us are called upon to spread the Gospel everywhere, we must make this clause supercede what Jesus has commanded us to do. It means that we are calling our God a LIAR! If He said "go ye" and Paul said go "some" and Paul is right, then, Jesus, our God, is lying. That can't be right just looking at it on its face. Let's look then to the entire passage from Ephesians 4:10-15
"He (Jesus) that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ"
UHOH..."And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers"..OK SO FAR, but, why did He give them? For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. So, we see that Paul is not talking about evangelism AT ALL. He is talking about the educational needs of the Church and its ministry. He is saying that there are different men and women sent to do various jobs IN THE CHURCH to prepare the Church to fulfill the Great Commission. How can you get this to say that we don't all have to spread the Gospel? You can't. In fact, the verse proves the opposite. The Church congregations exist to disciple and edify the Christians in it so that the Christians can go out and sprea the true Gospel of the Christ with confidence and a sound doctrinal foundation.
Even the argument that you are sharing your faith and evangelizing at work and that is all you have to do to fulfill your commission fails. The argument goes like this, "Oh I share my faith at work and that's good enough." That is not enough. How many of your coworkers have been saved through our on the job "ministry"? Also, haven't you shared with all your coworkers by now? If so, your ministry CANNOT be over because you are still here. You are still breathing. Breath is given you to spread the Gospel not to sin. Therefore, we know that once we have reached all the people at work with the Gospel presentation, we must then turn to other places and other people to witness. Coworkers are just part of the people. Plus, read again the commission. It refers to the WORLD not your coworkers, not just your family, not just your community. Once you have reached everyone within your sphere of reach, you must then work to reach the rest of the world.
UHOH..."And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers"..OK SO FAR, but, why did He give them? For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. So, we see that Paul is not talking about evangelism AT ALL. He is talking about the educational needs of the Church and its ministry. He is saying that there are different men and women sent to do various jobs IN THE CHURCH to prepare the Church to fulfill the Great Commission. How can you get this to say that we don't all have to spread the Gospel? You can't. In fact, the verse proves the opposite. The Church congregations exist to disciple and edify the Christians in it so that the Christians can go out and sprea the true Gospel of the Christ with confidence and a sound doctrinal foundation.
Even the argument that you are sharing your faith and evangelizing at work and that is all you have to do to fulfill your commission fails. The argument goes like this, "Oh I share my faith at work and that's good enough." That is not enough. How many of your coworkers have been saved through our on the job "ministry"? Also, haven't you shared with all your coworkers by now? If so, your ministry CANNOT be over because you are still here. You are still breathing. Breath is given you to spread the Gospel not to sin. Therefore, we know that once we have reached all the people at work with the Gospel presentation, we must then turn to other places and other people to witness. Coworkers are just part of the people. Plus, read again the commission. It refers to the WORLD not your coworkers, not just your family, not just your community. Once you have reached everyone within your sphere of reach, you must then work to reach the rest of the world.
Now before you make excuses for not traveling to the missionary field, let me impugn your work of witnessing and my work and all the churches in America! If you have reached everyone in just your town, with a clear presentation of the Gospel...WHY HAVEN'T YOU WITNESSED THE GREATEST REVIVAL IN YOUR TOWN??? If you have truly spread the Gospel just to your town ALONE, there should have been souls saved. There should be a paradigm shift in your community. God said His Word would NOT return void. He said if He be lifted up He will draw ALL MEN unto Himself. If one tenth of the people attending churches in this country were genuine Christians spreading the genuine Gospel to everyone in their city ALONE, we should see a major revival. At the very least we should begin being persecuted by those who reject the Gospel and fear that if they do not stop us a revival will spread and their sins will be abated.
Let's stop a moment and make clear what I mean by a "clear presentation of the Gospel". Christians seem to think that a passing comment about our Lord is enough to share the Gospel. IT IS NOT. Accepting a prayer request is not. Giving credit to God for anything IS NOT. Handing out a contemporary "Christian" music CD or a video of "The Passion" IS NOT a clear presentation of the Gospel of the Christ!!! In order to present the Gospel clearly, you must first explain sin and the need for a Saviour. Only then can you explain why it was that our Lord died on the cross. Only then can you explain what salvation is and how it can be accepted. If you have not mentioned sin and judgment, you have not declared the fullness of the Gospel unto salvation. A clear presentation of the Gospel provides the basic information necessary for the person's heart to be convicted by the Holy Spirit through their conscience. Paul said, "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference, for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: " Rom 3:20-24.
There Paul shares the Gospel and explains why a clear presentation of the Gospel is necessary. Through the explanation of the law comes the conviction that we are sinners and CANNOT earn our own salvation. It must be bought. Then, the sacrifice of Jesus makes full sense to the sinner. This is a clear presentation of the Gospel of the Christ. I do not wish to get long winded on how to witness or techniques. I am trying to remind you of your calling and get you back in the war. There are plenty of lessons and sites dedicated to witnessing. Please, visit www.wayofthemaster.com for more lessons on witnessing.
Decide in your heart right now whether you are a true child of God. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" John 14:15. This is the same God who said, "Go ye into all the world and preach (proclaim, cry out, publish, spread, tell) the Gospel to every creature."
Let's stop a moment and make clear what I mean by a "clear presentation of the Gospel". Christians seem to think that a passing comment about our Lord is enough to share the Gospel. IT IS NOT. Accepting a prayer request is not. Giving credit to God for anything IS NOT. Handing out a contemporary "Christian" music CD or a video of "The Passion" IS NOT a clear presentation of the Gospel of the Christ!!! In order to present the Gospel clearly, you must first explain sin and the need for a Saviour. Only then can you explain why it was that our Lord died on the cross. Only then can you explain what salvation is and how it can be accepted. If you have not mentioned sin and judgment, you have not declared the fullness of the Gospel unto salvation. A clear presentation of the Gospel provides the basic information necessary for the person's heart to be convicted by the Holy Spirit through their conscience. Paul said, "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference, for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: " Rom 3:20-24.
There Paul shares the Gospel and explains why a clear presentation of the Gospel is necessary. Through the explanation of the law comes the conviction that we are sinners and CANNOT earn our own salvation. It must be bought. Then, the sacrifice of Jesus makes full sense to the sinner. This is a clear presentation of the Gospel of the Christ. I do not wish to get long winded on how to witness or techniques. I am trying to remind you of your calling and get you back in the war. There are plenty of lessons and sites dedicated to witnessing. Please, visit www.wayofthemaster.com for more lessons on witnessing.
Decide in your heart right now whether you are a true child of God. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" John 14:15. This is the same God who said, "Go ye into all the world and preach (proclaim, cry out, publish, spread, tell) the Gospel to every creature."
yes....but what did Jesus do with his disciples? Did He divide Himself so thoroughly with getting the message out that He didn't have any time left over to teach them or even for Himself to go pray? No....He didn't do that....if fact He was very guarded with His time and very intentional with whom He chose to spend time on.
God used a donkey to talk to Balaam and Jesus said if the people weren't praising God on His ride into Jerusalem on a donkey that the very rocks would cry out. So God can use anything or anyone He wants.... Even used Cyrus to conquer Babylon.
We are told that a soft answer turns away wrath in the Bible and I even though we are on opposite sides of the how to go about talking to people sent you a friend request which was turned down and that's o.k. I was willing to have you as a friend even though you have decided that we are enemies?
Your heart may be in the right place but your methods and way you talk to people is in the wrong place and your ears are blocked with plugs.... We would like to be your Christian Brothers and Sisters but we don't do things your way so we must all be wrong.... As God said to Paul why do you kick against the goads? When most of us would like to be your Brother or Sister?
We are told that a soft answer turns away wrath in the Bible and I even though we are on opposite sides of the how to go about talking to people sent you a friend request which was turned down and that's o.k. I was willing to have you as a friend even though you have decided that we are enemies?
Your heart may be in the right place but your methods and way you talk to people is in the wrong place and your ears are blocked with plugs.... We would like to be your Christian Brothers and Sisters but we don't do things your way so we must all be wrong.... As God said to Paul why do you kick against the goads? When most of us would like to be your Brother or Sister?
OK, i'm confused why you think HRFTD who did not even cite any particular verse, but pointed out the scriptural fact that we all have different functions in in the body, is "cherry picking" but when you point out a verse where Paul is giving specific instructions to Timothy who is founding a new church, as though these specific instructions were written to everyone ((though they are not, this is obviously not one of the epistles Paul intended to be read and passed along to every believer, but was written individually to Timothy)) -- what your doing is not "cherry picking" ?
or do you freely admit that you do it yourself?
and by the way, i will say, and i think most agree, that
CHERRIES ARE DELICIOUS