How is evangelism to take place in our day?

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mustaphadrink

Senior Member
Dec 13, 2013
1,987
371
83
#21
We are not told to observe what God commanded, PLUS everything our religious whims may think could be helpful! I see the first day of the week, the Lord's Day, celebrated as the one day after six days of work, but nowhere is an annual Easter or Christmas found in the New Covenant.
The why do you meet on Sundays which is not in scripture?
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,167
12,764
113
#23
Publicly and privately...
Actually for our day the Lord Jesus Christ has given us a blueprint: So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. (Luke 14:21)

Making a proper application of this command, how should evangelism be conducted today? There are thousands of homeless on city streets, thousands of drug addicts, many mentally challenged people, many poor without jobs, many veterans without resources, etc. So what could Christians be doing?

1. Setting up food banks
2. Setting up homeless shelters
3. Setting up women's shelters
4. Setting up free clinics

All of these locations would also have meeting rooms for the preaching of the Gospel and the teaching of the Word. People could come without coercion, and also receive free Bibles. Thousands would be flocking to these locations and all could receive Gospel tracts. Of course, the able-bodied homeless should also be helped to find gainful employment. But given the way inflation has destroyed the lives of people the food banks themselves would have a huge turnout.

As to the funding of these facilities, it would be up to Christians to work cooperatively and set up charitable trusts to which donations would be made. If everything was done as unto the Lord and not unto man, then there would be no issues.

Those who were saved from these efforts would be given proper guidance to further their Christian walk and to turn around and make similar efforts for others in need.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
16,542
3,503
113
#24
Actually for our day the Lord Jesus Christ has given us a blueprint: So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. (Luke 14:21)

Making a proper application of this command, how should evangelism be conducted today? There are thousands of homeless on city streets, thousands of drug addicts, many mentally challenged people, many poor without jobs, many veterans without resources, etc. So what could Christians be doing?

1. Setting up food banks
2. Setting up homeless shelters
3. Setting up women's shelters
4. Setting up free clinics

All of these locations would also have meeting rooms for the preaching of the Gospel and the teaching of the Word. People could come without coercion, and also receive free Bibles. Thousands would be flocking to these locations and all could receive Gospel tracts. Of course, the able-bodied homeless should also be helped to find gainful employment. But given the way inflation has destroyed the lives of people the food banks themselves would have a huge turnout.

As to the funding of these facilities, it would be up to Christians to work cooperatively and set up charitable trusts to which donations would be made. If everything was done as unto the Lord and not unto man, then there would be no issues.

Those who were saved from these efforts would be given proper guidance to further their Christian walk and to turn around and make similar efforts for others in need.
However it's done, it should be done both publicly and privately. Preaching out in public and going door to door. I once hear Adrian Rogers say, "Doing good deeds without preaching the gospel is just making this world a better place in which to go to hell from."

Acts20
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,167
12,764
113
#25
However it's done, it should be done both publicly and privately.
There would be plenty of opportunities for private and one-on-one evangelism and discipling. The main thing though is to provide the Gospel Feast through serious and massive outreach. But the poor and the needy need food, clothes, shelter, and comfort. If you have a food bank on one side and a homeless shelter on the other side, many will come through word-of-mouth communication. And when they come for their material needs, their emotional, mental , and spiritual needs, along with the Gospel, can also be provided for. Ultimately it is in the Lord's hands while Christians do what He has commanded. For example governments do not give a hoot for suffering veterans, and treat them shamefully. But Christians can and should do much better. And veterans in turn can begin serving others through these ministries.
 

IsaiahA

Active member
Jan 24, 2023
114
68
28
#26
The why do you meet on Sundays which is not in scripture?
The early church met on Sunday, so most Christians follow them by example. Some, such as the Seventh Day Baptists may meet on Saturday and that is their right if they wish to do so, as long as they do not try to turn that into a command for other believers under the New Covenant. That would be legalism which usually would turn into a works salvation. The Seventh Day Baptist web page reads: "We lovingly observe the 7th Day Sabbath. It is a blessing, not an obligation."

"AND NOW ABOUT the collection in aid of God's people: you should follow my directions to our congregations in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you is to put aside and keep by him a sum in proportion to his gains, so that there may be no collecting when I come." (1 Cor. 16:1-2 New English Bible)
https://www.katapi.org.uk/NEB/NEB.html#NT

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. (Luke 24:1, NRSV)

"When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.'” (John 20:19, NRSV)

"A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.'"
(John 20:26, NRSV)

"On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul was holding a discussion with them; since he intended to leave the next day, he continued speaking until midnight." (Acts 20:7, NRSV)

"I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet" (Rev 1:10, NRSV)

"When you come together, it is not really to eat the Lord’s supper." (1Cor 11:20, NRSV)

There is no command to meet on Sunday, or the first day of the week, but that is when the early church met. If "the Lord's supper" refers to Jesus Christ, it is natural that "the Lord's day" would refer to Jesus Christ, not to Moses and the Old Covenant.

Early disciples were Jews and to reach Jews, of course they'd go to the Jews meeting on their Sabbath. The Sabbath was for Jews, the Old Covenant. So, following the example of the early believers in their meetings, it was on Sunday, the first day of the week and most Christians do likewise.
 

Underwhosewings

Well-known member
Jan 19, 2023
1,312
662
113
Australia
#27
The early church met on Sunday, so most Christians follow them by example. Some, such as the Seventh Day Baptists may meet on Saturday and that is their right if they wish to do so, as long as they do not try to turn that into a command for other believers under the New Covenant. That would be legalism which usually would turn into a works salvation. The Seventh Day Baptist web page reads: "We lovingly observe the 7th Day Sabbath. It is a blessing, not an obligation."

"AND NOW ABOUT the collection in aid of God's people: you should follow my directions to our congregations in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you is to put aside and keep by him a sum in proportion to his gains, so that there may be no collecting when I come." (1 Cor. 16:1-2 New English Bible)
https://www.katapi.org.uk/NEB/NEB.html#NT

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. (Luke 24:1, NRSV)

"When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.'” (John 20:19, NRSV)

"A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.'"
(John 20:26, NRSV)

"On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul was holding a discussion with them; since he intended to leave the next day, he continued speaking until midnight." (Acts 20:7, NRSV)

"I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet" (Rev 1:10, NRSV)

"When you come together, it is not really to eat the Lord’s supper." (1Cor 11:20, NRSV)

There is no command to meet on Sunday, or the first day of the week, but that is when the early church met. If "the Lord's supper" refers to Jesus Christ, it is natural that "the Lord's day" would refer to Jesus Christ, not to Moses and the Old Covenant.

Early disciples were Jews and to reach Jews, of course they'd go to the Jews meeting on their Sabbath. The Sabbath was for Jews, the Old Covenant. So, following the example of the early believers in their meetings, it was on Sunday, the first day of the week and most Christians do likewise.
Hallelujah Amen!
The law cannot save us.
 

mustaphadrink

Senior Member
Dec 13, 2013
1,987
371
83
#29
"AND NOW ABOUT the collection in aid of God's people: you should follow my directions to our congregations in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you is to put aside and keep by him a sum in proportion to his gains, so that there may be no collecting when I come." (1 Cor. 16:1-2 New English Bible)
The word Sunday is not in the original, which has more authority than a modern translation.
 

mustaphadrink

Senior Member
Dec 13, 2013
1,987
371
83
#30
The early church met on Sunday, so most Christians follow them by example
The early church was made up of thousands of Jews and meeting on a Sunday was nonexistent as Jews worked on a Sunday. Their day off was Friday sundown to Saturday sundown.
 

mustaphadrink

Senior Member
Dec 13, 2013
1,987
371
83
#31
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. (Luke 24:1, NRSV)
This has nothing at at do with the church meeting.
 

mustaphadrink

Senior Member
Dec 13, 2013
1,987
371
83
#32
"When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.'” (John 20:19, NRSV)
This has nothing at all to do with a church meeting.
 

mustaphadrink

Senior Member
Dec 13, 2013
1,987
371
83
#33
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.'"
(John 20:26, NRSV)
This has nothing to do with a church meeting.
 

mustaphadrink

Senior Member
Dec 13, 2013
1,987
371
83
#34
"On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul was holding a discussion with them; since he intended to leave the next day, he continued speaking until midnight." (Acts 20:7, NRSV)
When they met to break bread means to have a meal together.
 

montana123

Active member
Oct 9, 2021
719
248
43
#38
"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Matt 28:16-20 RSV)

When did the disciples, including the apostle Paul , complete making "disciples of all nations"? Scripture tells us -

It was to be accomplished prior to the destruction of the temple in 70 AD :

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come. (Matt 24:14 RSV)

It had happened when Paul wrote both Romans and Colossians:

"...provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister." (Col 1:23 RSV)

"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world." (Rom 1:8 RSV)

What about the work and office of "evangelist"? The word is found only 3 times in the NT -

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" (Eph 4:11 KJV)

?? Do the evangelists get grouped with the extra-ordinary offices like apostles and prophets which cease with the apostolic age, or do they continue in the church as pastors and teachers? I believe the office of evangelist was a temporary office, but the work was to be carried on as follows -

Paul writes to Timothy in one of the pastoral epistles -

"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." (2Tim 4:5 KJV)

What if the church stuck to observing what was commanded by Jesus, maybe things would be going better. Bringing the world into the Christian assembly pollutes and adulterates. Maybe we need to abide by a principle from the OT -

You must diligently observe everything that I command you; do not add to it or take anything from it. (Deut 12:32 NRSV)
Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

How could the disciples know that these things would occur on different places on Earth without technology.

Dan 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Dan 12:8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
Dan 12:9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

Daniel did not understand what was told him but the book is sealed until the time of the end, which they will be able to understand at the time of the end for many shall run to and fro, advanced travel, and knowledge shall be increases, advanced technology, which will allow the saints to be able to see, hear, and know of things that happen all around the Earth, and how it is possible for the world to come together for they can communicate with each other, and travel to each other.

Mat 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

How could they be hated of all nation back then.

Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

How could the Gospel be preached in to all the world back then, and the end come back then.

Which the end shall come when the Son shall deliver up the kingdom to the Father which has not happened yet for there are saints on Earth.

Mat 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
Mat 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

This happened in the first century with the falling of the temple, and the rest is for the future.

Mat 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

The disciples asked about the sign of Jesus coming and the end of the world which could not of been in the first century so it has to be future.

Jesus must of been directing his talk to the people of this time speaking in general of the saints although it seems like He is speaking to the disciples, because those things could not of happened in the first century.
 

Webers.Home

Well-known member
May 28, 2018
5,134
953
113
Oregon
cfbac.org
#39
.
After 26 years of activity on more than forty different message boards and
forums; I am convinced the internet is a mission field.

Cyberspace has given many of Christ's obscure followers a convenient venue
for sharing their time-won knowledge and experience with a worldwide
audience. For the world's sake (if not Christ's) I highly recommend making
an effort to compose legible posts; neatly arranged, sensible, coherent, and
tidy.

Excessive bolding, underscoring, and italics, lack of adequate paragraphing,
twitter spelling, unnecessary emogies, horrible grammar, confusing mixtures
of fonts and colors, and/or shouting with caps and oversize letters, makes
for tiresome clutter and annoying graffiti that leave a bad impression.

Some people's posts resemble the obnoxious placards of worked-up
protesters and political activists; yelling, shrieking, and sometimes even
spraying spittle. They are beyond reason and objectivity in their desperation
to be taken seriously. Apparently they assume that if only they shout loud
enough, make themselves irritating enough, and hold out long enough;
maybe they'll get their point across and somebody will finally listen.

I rather suspect that some people regard forums as a canvas for painting
their comments instead of composing them. Well; that might be okay for
outsiders, they can scrawl and splash and be as messy as they want because
their comments don't matter anyway. But for those of us who honestly
believe ourselves to be representing God's son; that kind of penmanship is
unacceptable because it reflects on Christ and makes him look like his
followers are desperate kooks.
_
 

mustaphadrink

Senior Member
Dec 13, 2013
1,987
371
83
#40
Sorry. Verse 7. Good catch.
Why do you pick the things that fit your theology and ignore those that don't? This same verse says they broke bread which means a meal confirmed in v11 where it says "And when Paul had gone up and broken bread and EATEN........."