Witnessing

[GreenNnice]

You're welcome, Joshua . I really liked what you said in the lounge the other day (in the main chat). Someone said that they wanted to be a missionary, so they hoped to go to a foreign country. You said that you wanted to be a missionary also, so you were going to go into your neighborhood and share the Gospel there . Sadly, most of us ignore the chances we have to tell those around us about Jesus because we don't want to become "the weirdo" or miss dating opportunities or... well, so many other reasons, especially fear. When we really know and embrace what Jesus did for us on the cross though, can we keep our mouths shut just because we're scared to say something? It's not like witnessing is above and beyond; it's just what He told us to do..... Mark 16:15 jilly81

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My inspiration for this thread fans like dandelion seeds blown into a graceful wind from jilly's thread and her 3-story telling tale of her personal work on christian chat lately sowing souls , this 'work' said by her in her 'you guys, please read this' thread .
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Please , for this thread here, let's help each other be READY in a supermarket line or at a ballgame or ?? wherever we are to just start talking to someone to lead them to Jesus

Sooooo, please think up a good witnessing story , like I about to do that is TOTALLY untrue but, you never know, it could happen to you

Or, tell one of your own witnessing experiences for others to hear is a great option too .
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Yes, our missionary field is wherever the Lord leads. China or Carolina, just Follow Him. I think some of the reasons believers have a hard time with bravely witnessing is that its thought hard to do...
Getting out there in stores , sporting events and they THINK they have to be preaching Jesus and Hell and brimstone. Nooooo.
Just pray to God as you stand in the grocery line and you will be SURPRISED how God gives you words to say. And what happens next is the Lord's leading.

Above all, don't feel guilty if you are not the personality type to start talking to someone about the cool 'no one cares' necklace on their person and then ask then why no one cares

Then you LISTEN to their telling you their parents split bitterly or??? and at the end as you are watching them get their change from the cashier, say I know someone who cares and you give them the name of Jesus.

 

[Crossfire]

Agreed. I can't count the number of times I've heard someone say 'I wish I knew God's purpose for my life'. The truth is that it is God's will for all believers is simple, we are to preach the gospel wherever it is that we might be and make disciples just as the Great Commission commands. Just because God has not placed some exotic location or a different people group on your heart does not mean that you are somehow exempt from the call. It simply means that you are called to spread the gospel wherever it is that you are right now, be it at among friends and family, coworkers, your classmates, your neighbors, etc.

I strongly urge all Christians to get to know the simple basics of the Gospel and begin to share them with others. You needn't be a scholar or a pastor to do so. In fact, the simpler you keep the gospel, the better results you get so there's no need to learn how to explain the many extras that modern denominations attempt to attach to the gospel such as Calvinism, Arminianism, Once Saved Always Saved, Speaking in Tongues, etc. these things will just confuse a potential new believer(s). It's best to keep it simple and allow God the opportunity to mold them into the people that He wants them to be rather than trying to mold them into a mirror image of ourselves. Love on them, encourage them and support them unconditionally and in time, they will respect you all the more.

 

[Crossfire]

Agreed. I can't count the number of times I've heard someone say 'I wish I knew God's purpose for my life'. The truth is that it is God's will for all believers is simple, we are to preach the gospel wherever it is that we might be and make disciples just as the Great Commission commands. Just because God has not placed some exotic location or a different people group on your heart does not mean that you are somehow exempt from the call. It simply means that you are called to spread the gospel wherever it is that you are right now, be it at among friends and family, coworkers, your classmates, your neighbors, etc.

I strongly urge all Christians to get to know the simple basics of the Gospel and begin to share them with others. You needn't be a scholar or a pastor to do so. In fact, the simpler you keep the gospel, the better results you get so there's no need to learn how to explain the many extras that modern denominations attempt to attach to the gospel such as Calvinism, Arminianism, Once Saved Always Saved, Speaking in Tongues, etc. these things will just confuse a potential new believer(s). It's best to keep it simple and allow God the opportunity to mold them into the people that He wants them to be rather than trying to mold them into a mirror image of ourselves. Love on them, encourage them and support them unconditionally and in time, they will respect you all the more.

A simple gospel can work wonders, just as Billy Graham.

 

[KiwiCA]

I totally respect the work overseas missionaries do, but my thoughts are that a lot of new or mature christians like the idea of evangelising in foreign countries because no one there knows them. At home and in our communities and workplaces, people have known us for a long time therefore take us less seriously and are more likely to ridicule us for breaking the cultural status quo by witnessing.

Jesus struck this very same problem when he tried witnessing in Nazareth. No one took him seriously or at least would never allow this country bumpkin who was the "illegitimate" son of a teenage girl and carpenter to preach to them. But at the end of the day - he tried, and eventually with his ressurrection actually got the support of his entire family.

Personally, I was raised in a family where only my mom and I were christian. My moms husband liked the 'christian' image but hated church and would never encourage us to pray or do bible study or talk about Jesus or the bible, instead he ridiculed us. As a result I swore to myself that when I had my own family things would be different. I would not be ashamed to say grace at dinner or listen to christian music or talk to non christians about Jesus. Im doing eerything I ever wanted to do to help my fith grow except talk to others, I try, I get pushed down or ignored and its very hard to witness to family who prefer for me to remain silent as I was forced to be growing up. Its hard..

 

[adekruif]

Or, tell one of your own witnessing experiences for others to hear is a great option too .

Here is a witnessing story from this past week.

I was scheduled for jury duty and had been praying for two things. 1. That I would have the chance to tell of HIS great name, and 2. that I would actually speak up. I am very introverted, and so speaking to people or a group of people is not something I do very often. During the jury selection I was given the chance to speak about common sense, and the lack thereof. I took this chance to tell all 70 or so people in the room that "we live in a dark world that has lost sight of its savior, Jesus Christ. Without a proper mindset common sense becomes common based on what the people around us are doing." I didn't really answer the question that was asked of me, but I don't really care. Walking in the parking lot shortly after this, I was amazed with what God did through me. Like I said before I don't really talk to people all that much so for me to say this in front of a crowd of people was totally unlike me.

I know it wasn't ME who had the courage it was GOD using me to proclaim HIS name. I hadn't given thought about what I would say...I just said it.

 

[Red33]

Check out this church that I found online that has a Bible School and trains up missionaries. They have quite a missions outreach going on in so many countries.

Greater Grace World Outreach

 

[Jilly81]

Green, thank you for that poetic introduction; I feel rather honored to be the influence of another thread...rather, to be used by God in a way that inspires another to start a thread on a similar topic....maybe I'm being over-dramatic . Anyway, that was a nice intro, and your hypothetical witnessing scenario was touching.

Crossfire, I loved your entire post =D! Ditto what you said . It doesn't take many words..... and for a new Christian who doesn't know how to phrase the Gospel, even just a "you guys, you won't believe what just happened to me; I feel SO much better after I asked Jesus to be my Savior!" can do wonders .

Adekruif, that's a really neat story; sounds similar to some of mine, though it didn't come up in public at jury duty for me . So glad that you asked Him to use you, and said what was on your mind at the time . Glad to see that you're sharing about Jesus; it's actually the best way to grow in Christ, and hopefully the jury members who were already believers saw how it can be done!

KiwiCA, I know it's usually harder to witness to those who like the Christian "title" but nothing else, especially if they're family.... I suspect that you'll see more fruit among the people who are just acquaintances, or even those vehemently opposed to the Gospel. It helped me a bit to pray for a stronger personality, as I didn't want to be a victim of being too shy, though to be honest, if I hadn't simply made myself say something about Jesus to someone I was talking to when it crossed my mind, I'd probably be reading this thread feeling guilty.

 

[GreenNnice]

I totally respect the work overseas missionaries do, but my thoughts are that a lot of new or mature christians like the idea of evangelising in foreign countries because no one there knows them. At home and in our communities and workplaces, people have known us for a long time therefore take us less seriously and are more likely to ridicule us for breaking the cultural status quo by witnessing.

Jesus struck this very same problem when he tried witnessing in Nazareth. No one took him seriously or at least would never allow this country bumpkin who was the "illegitimate" son of a teenage girl and carpenter to preach to them. But at the end of the day - he tried, and eventually with his ressurrection actually got the support of his entire family.

Personally, I was raised in a family where only my mom and I were christian. My moms husband liked the 'christian' image but hated church and would never encourage us to pray or do bible study or talk about Jesus or the bible, instead he ridiculed us. As a result I swore to myself that when I had my own family things would be different. I would not be ashamed to say grace at dinner or listen to christian music or talk to non christians about Jesus. Im doing eerything I ever wanted to do to help my fith grow except talk to others, I try, I get pushed down or ignored and its very hard to witness to family who prefer for me to remain silent as I was forced to be growing up. Its hard..

Kiwi, it is hard but God knows exactly how we can evangelize in our own backyards and he uses the things of our growing-up years to nourish and nurture and move us toward His best plans for our life as we live today.

Yes, it is hard to witness to people in your own circle, Jesus, yes, left his hometown because of this fact. Just let the Lord lead is my best advice

A simple gospel can work wonders, just as Billy Graham.

Amen. Yes!! God wants us to tell the gospel to someone simply and unfearingly crossfyre. We really should not have to feel any rejection from telling others of Jesus because we are just the vessel that God works through, infusing the power of the Holy Spirit transference inside us to THEM we are witnessing too.

The rejection can be compared to working in a call center, you might get cussed out because someone is upset they got charged interest on a credit card when they paid a day late. They may be cussing at you, but they are NOT personally mad at you. They are taking it OUT on you, they are MAD at the company you work for. So, don't take THAT personally and don't take WITNESSING friction personally. Ok

Here is a witnessing story from this past week.

I was scheduled for jury duty and had been praying for two things. 1. That I would have the chance to tell of HIS great name, and 2. that I would actually speak up. I am very introverted, and so speaking to people or a group of people is not something I do very often. During the jury selection I was given the chance to speak about common sense, and the lack thereof. I took this chance to tell all 70 or so people in the room that "we live in a dark world that has lost sight of its savior, Jesus Christ. Without a proper mindset common sense becomes common based on what the people around us are doing." I didn't really answer the question that was asked of me, but I don't really care. Walking in the parking lot shortly after this, I was amazed with what God did through me. Like I said before I don't really talk to people all that much so for me to say this in front of a crowd of people was totally unlike me.

I know it wasn't ME who had the courage it was GOD using me to proclaim HIS name. I hadn't given thought about what I would say...I just said it.

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Awesome how God used you, how you were willing to be used by God, AidK. I once went to the courthouse for a hearing with a friend I met in a singles night at my church and the judge was ready to throw the book at him, I think, but I just spoke the love of people and mercy and grace and I remember the judge saying that because I was sticking up for him that he would grant him leniency.

Really profound words in there, your quoted witness, AidK, awesome !!
I hope you feed off that, as the Lord leads, for more and more great things to happen in your life as you go forward toward Heaven, holding your cross.

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Jilly, thank you

 

[KiwiCA]

Tricky issue I have is most people put in my path who know quite a bit about Jesus and what hes all about but they are very logical, scientific minded people (think Big bang theory Sheldon) and so they believe that Jesus and Christianity cannot be explained in a scientific logical way. So Ive actually studied apologetics by CS Lewis, Josh McDowel and Lee Strobel who explain Christ and biblical stuff brilliantly from a scientific, anthropological and journalistic way that even a darwinist athiest can't ignore.

Except that, being a christian who can back up their faith scientifically REALLY annoys people, like they were expecting to have the upper hand intellectually and are astonished at how I can answer ridiculous trick questions they try to put at me. I never try to be a smart alec about it, if someone starts a debate I do my best to gently but strongly put my ideas across, kinda like that guy who has his debating show "Give me an answer" although I don't think I could ever speak so well as him.

 

[GreenNnice]

Tricky issue I have is most people put in my path who know quite a bit about Jesus and what hes all about but they are very logical, scientific minded people (think Big bang theory Sheldon) and so they believe that Jesus and Christianity cannot be explained in a scientific logical way. So Ive actually studied apologetics by CS Lewis, Josh McDowel and Lee Strobel who explain Christ and biblical stuff brilliantly from a scientific, anthropological and journalistic way that even a darwinist athiest can't ignore.

Except that, being a christian who can back up their faith scientifically REALLY annoys people, like they were expecting to have the upper hand intellectually and are astonished at how I can answer ridiculous trick questions they try to put at me. I never try to be a smart alec about it, if someone starts a debate I do my best to gently but strongly put my ideas across, kinda like that guy who has his debating show "Give me an answer" although I don't think I could ever speak so well as him.

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Kiwi, the Lord will bless you for your readings of great apologetics authors and just acquiring more and more knowledge with prayerful intent to lead others to Christ. Your case for Christ becomes buffeted and groomed and well-tuned for others to hear, at a pretty high intellectual level, so don't be surprised if God puts some 'Sheldons' in your life, LOL.

Btw, I love the Big Bang Theory, Sheldon is such a hoot.


God wants us to be wise alecs, for wisdom trumps as does knowledge as the good God words of Solomon say so often in Proverb. IF knowledge is used, wisdom is used by you for the cause of leading others to Christ, God will give us more insight through the power of the Holy Spirit, as I believe, to do more and more and, consequently, be blessed more and more, much like the story Jesus tells in the gospels of the 'talents' parable.

The bible is incredible evidence presented to others, even atheists. They may not want to believe in God but they still cannot deny the power of scripture in so many people's lives and churches in existence preaching from The Word ('What are all those people doing in there?', I think atheists must say often). Ultimately, our best evidence is God working in our life, that is how our faith builds more and more, seeing the work of God first-hand in our life. I could tell stories and stories of God just doing things for me, in my visions, in my waking thoughts, and, in my dreams.

God bless you, Kiwi, you sound like you are really well-grounded in God-proof, so to speak, that is awesome and God will bless you and your husband for it greatly for together going that path before you from Him, a great path that I cannot put into words .

 

[Snackersmom]

I like this thread . I especially like what Crossfire said about keeping the Gospel simple, because it really is . Here's a link to a thread I started in Miscellaneous a few months ago, it has some stories in it> http://christianchat.com/miscellaneous/32755-he-thought-moment-said-yes.html

Preach the word: be ready in season, out of season.........even just a few words can make a difference in someone's life, and it's a great feeling to be used by God

 

[GreenNnice]

I like this thread . I especially like what Crossfire said about keeping the Gospel simple, because it really is . Here's a link to a thread I started in Miscellaneous a few months ago, it has some stories in it> http://christianchat.com/miscellaneous/32755-he-thought-moment-said-yes.html

Preach the word: be ready in season, out of season.........even just a few words can make a difference in someone's life, and it's a great feeling to be used by God

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Here is snackersmommy's OP (opening post from her link she gave above ^ ).....after I first add my thoughts to snackersmommy's supernatural story of revelation.

YES! , absolutely 100%, snackersmommy, God revealed Himself in that moment of witness by you. You CHANGED his life, got him back to Jesus . and, no doubt, we are just a vessel, our boast of saving someone would not be good because it is ALL GOD and, namely, His Holy Spirit freely given us, inside us, being the one to bring on the change, the (Holy) Spirit of God fell afresh on that man, snackersmommy, because....of your doing as He willed. In other words, God led, you followed and saw God at work, in your life and that man's. Awesome. God is so good, supeditada us sooo much when we step.
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He thought for a moment, and said "Yes!"

I had an interesting experience recently that I wanted to share.

My family runs a small retail operation on our farm, and last weekend a man came to buy some things from us for the first time. He was very nice, but had a sadness about him, like he was missing something in his life. Somehow, I knew that I was the one to help him find it. So, I waited for the right time, and it came as he was getting ready to leave. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you go to church anywhere in the area?" I questioned him, politely. "No, actually," he responded, "but I have been thinking about it lately. I grew up in the church, and it seems like I should be getting back to it." he seemed rather open, so I asked if he belived that Jesus was his Savior. He considered the words very carefully, and told me that he really didn't know. I responded that I understood, but that if he was curious, he could ask Jesus to reveal Himself to him, so that he would know for sure. I also told him that Jesus was real, and that He loved him very much.

Even though he seemed so open, I was rather surprised when he began smiling and thanking me profusely (most people don't respond to hearing about Jesus with a lot of enthusiasm). I was so surprised, I told him I wished I knew of a good church I could reccommend, but they are hard to find in the area. "It's ok, God can lead me to the right one" he said happily. Somewhat stunned by his exuberance, I said "Certainly. Besides, it's not the church that saves you. Only Jesus can do that." He thought for a moment, and said "Yes!". A huge smile spread across his face. He thanked me again profusely, and we said our goodbyes (his daughters were waiting impatiently in the car). I went about my chores, content with knowing that I had said everything that was on my mind to say, and had perhaps pointed him in the right direction.

The next morning, while I was brushing my teeth (I'm a very pensive tooth-brusher), a part of the previous day's conversation popped into my mind.

He thought for a moment, and said "Yes!"

Now, I don't know these things, only Jesus can judge. Some would call me a heretic for even implying it. But, could it be, in that moment when he said "Yes!", the gentleman reached out and grasped the Hand that Jesus was extending to him? As I said, I don't know, but in my heart I really think so. What I do know is that when he headed for his car, there was a look of peace and joy on his face that was definitely not there when he arrived at our farm an hour earlier.

I guess I'll know for sure one day, but I'm curious what the rest of you think.

 

[KiwiCA]

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Kiwi, the Lord will bless you for your readings of great apologetics authors and just acquiring more and more knowledge with prayerful intent to lead others to Christ. Your case for Christ becomes buffeted and groomed and well-tuned for others to hear, at a pretty high intellectual level, so don't be surprised if God puts some 'Sheldons' in your life, LOL.

Btw, I love the Big Bang Theory, Sheldon is such a hoot.


God wants us to be wise alecs, for wisdom trumps as does knowledge as the good God words of Solomon say so often in Proverb. IF knowledge is used, wisdom is used by you for the cause of leading others to Christ, God will give us more insight through the power of the Holy Spirit, as I believe, to do more and more and, consequently, be blessed more and more, much like the story Jesus tells in the gospels of the 'talents' parable.

The bible is incredible evidence presented to others, even atheists. They may not want to believe in God but they still cannot deny the power of scripture in so many people's lives and churches in existence preaching from The Word ('What are all those people doing in there?', I think atheists must say often). Ultimately, our best evidence is God working in our life, that is how our faith builds more and more, seeing the work of God first-hand in our life. I could tell stories and stories of God just doing things for me, in my visions, in my waking thoughts, and, in my dreams.

God bless you, Kiwi, you sound like you are really well-grounded in God-proof, so to speak, that is awesome and God will bless you and your husband for it greatly for together going that path before you from Him, a great path that I cannot put into words .

Bazinga!!

Cheers GreenNnice, I appreciate that encouragement.
BTW I love Big Bang Theory as well. And I find it interesting that although the shows writers obviously anti christian and therefore put Sheldon's mom as an old fashioned texan evangelical believer who follows God more by faith (heart) than sight (logic) and therefore is often the topic of mockery from her son, in most episodes she actually comes out as more 'intelligent' and wise about matters far more than her son Sheldon, and compared to the 2 other moms in the series she is the most respected parent. Isnt that ironic? And funny.

 

[Red33]

Walking by faith in the will of God does not mean that I live in empathy toward my brother or any believer who is having a rough going being a testimony of the grace of God. When we witness or testify we do it unto the Lord as a ministry to Him (Acts 1:8, Col 3:23)...

Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Jesus said that He did always those things that pleased the Father (Jn 8:29,30)...

29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.

We do not have to be occupied with how others are responding to us, even the loved ones of our immediate family or friends. When we open our mouth and testify of God's grace concerning His Son we are to operate by faith that is pleasing to Him when we testify on the streets and in market places with strangers that need to hear the gospel. We are in Christ's stead and have been given a ministry and word of reconciliation.It is always better to go in pairs or even in three's because two are better than one and a three fold cord can not easily be broken. It is so important, as a believer, to be part of a local body of believers that love one another and have an active outreach that seeks out the lost and shares the gospel with them in the love and grace of God.

 

[GreenNnice]

Bazinga!!

Cheers GreenNnice, I appreciate that encouragement.
BTW I love Big Bang Theory as well. And I find it interesting that although the shows writers obviously anti christian and therefore put Sheldon's mom as an old fashioned texan evangelical believer who follows God more by faith (heart) than sight (logic) and therefore is often the topic of mockery from her son, in most episodes she actually comes out as more 'intelligent' and wise about matters far more than her son Sheldon, and compared to the 2 other moms in the series she is the most respected parent. Isnt that ironic? And funny.

I don't know if the shows writers are believers, but the show's producer would be the one to consider of that title, they own/oversee everything, with only CBS higher authority. I think the Big Bang Theory definitely shows signs with the Christian element there when sheldon visits his mom in Texas. Sheldon is a christian too, he sometimes says snippets of his faith like talking with Penny and also Leonard and the boys.

I think by virtue that God is mentioned in a show with Darwinian (evolution) title for show is a great reality and WITNESS, you can TALK about the show and mention God

, that said, I think christian value is not spiritually forward thinking, so to speak, since the producer of Big Bang Theory produces VERY unchristian shows too , like 2 1/2 men , but I don't want to judge and one can do unchristian show production and STILL be a christian, they are just are being convicted, like Saul before changed to Paul, for persecuting christian values. I think big bang is more christian because it is a nearly necessary element for the show to continue existence on the air . My opinion.

Sheldon has some very funny exchanges with everyone, kiwi. Sheldon won an emmy too I am pretty sure, deservedly so if he did, nobody gets into character better.

Walking by faith in the will of God does not mean that I live in empathy toward my brother or any believer who is having a rough going being a testimony of the grace of God. When

we witness or testify we do it unto the Lord as a ministry to Him (Acts 1:8, Col 3:23)...

Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Jesus said that He did always those things that pleased the Father (Jn 8:29,30)...

29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.

We do not have to be occupied with how others are responding to us, even the loved ones of our immediate family or friends. When we open our mouth and testify of God's grace concerning His Son we are to operate by faith that is pleasing to Him when we testify on the streets and in market places with strangers that need to hear the gospel. We are in Christ's stead and have been given a ministry and word of reconciliation.It is always better to go in pairs or even in three's because two are better than one and a three fold cord can not easily be broken. It is so important, as a believer, to be part of a local body of believers that love one another and have an active outreach that seeks out the lost and shares the gospel with them in the love and grace of God.

It is important, but not necessary, be careful not to convict others for not doing something you do that is good to do. Fellowship with believers, going church is good to do , important to undergird our christian life with accountability and learning and blessing but it is not necessary . It will not get you to Heaven to go to church nor will it get you to Heaven if you....

witness.

That would be judgmental and that would also be stressing legalism.

There is NOTHING we need do to get to Heaven except BELIEVE . JOHN 3:16. Now there is a lot couched in that 'believe' word but physical acts, including being a model citizen in church, being baptized , speaking in tongues, being a saint (we are ALL sinners so is being a saint even possible?) , and, since I sure don't want to derail my own thread, witnessing, NONE of these things will get you to Heaven.

Only believe. Confessing your sins is important within that 'believe' framework because it is and when changing our ETERNITY by becoming a christian we SHOULd want to do things to please Him. All that is between you and God, don't be sucked into LEGALISM, that is Satan who will garb your brain with that GUILT God is love, He will forgive you of past mistakes the moment you accept Him and believe. At that point, IT is finished , you are woooo-hoooo!, on your way after Earth to His waiting wonderful-beyond-belief arms in Heaven.

 

[Red33]

It is important, but not necessary, be careful not to convict others for not doing something you do that is good to do. Fellowship with believers, going church is good to do , important to undergird our christian life with accountability and learning and blessing but it is not necessary . It will not get you to Heaven to go to church nor will it get you to Heaven if you....

witness.

That would be judgmental and that would also be stressing legalism.

There is NOTHING we need do to get to Heaven except BELIEVE . JOHN 3:16. Now there is a lot couched in that 'believe' word but physical acts, including being a model citizen in church, being baptized , speaking in tongues, being a saint (we are ALL sinners so is being a saint even possible?) , and, since I sure don't want to derail my own thread, witnessing, NONE of these things will get you to Heaven.

Only believe. Confessing your sins is important within that 'believe' framework because it is and when changing our ETERNITY by becoming a christian we SHOULd want to do things to please Him. All that is between you and God, don't be sucked into LEGALISM, that is Satan who will garb your brain with that GUILT God is love, He will forgive you of past mistakes the moment you accept Him and believe. At that point, IT is finished , you are woooo-hoooo!, on your way after Earth to His waiting wonderful-beyond-belief arms in Heaven.

As believer's, all that we are required to do is to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and to live by faith as we walk in the light of the love of God. How that happens is where the scriptures come in to give us the instructions and understanding needed so that we can be not only in the will of God but to also have fellowship with Him through His body, which is the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. In other words, the fullness of God is in His body.

There is one body but many members that make up that one body. These things are not legislated in the will of God but are given to us by Christ, the head of the body, to embrace, adhere, and cleave to by faith through God's eternal purpose. As we grow together as a body we learn what it means to be a joint participant in the work and fellowship of the ministry. These letters that Paul wrote to (7) different local churches gives the church and body of Christ the instructions needed to communicate, in the love and grace of God, how to function as members in particular.

 

[GreenNnice]

As believer's, all that we are required to do is to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and to live by faith as we walk in the light of the love of God. How that happens is where the scriptures come in to give us the instructions and understanding needed so that we can be not only in the will of God but to also have fellowship with Him through His body, which is the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. In other words, the fullness of God is in His body.

There is one body but many members that make up that one body. These things are not legislated in the will of God but are given to us by Christ, the head of the body, to embrace, adhere, and cleave to by faith through God's eternal purpose. As we grow together as a body we learn what it means to be a joint participant in the work and fellowship of the ministry. These letters that Paul wrote to (7) different local churches gives the church and body of Christ the instructions needed to communicate, in the love and grace of God, how to function as members in particular.

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Amen, I think we are saying the same thing. I pray we are complementing each other with what's said.. The Lord leads, reddy.
I hope that God continues to bless you in your body and with helping the body of Christ's faith continually to be emboldened
Your words speak the wisdom of God as told by Paul in scriptures through inspired Holy Spirit revelation. .

 

[adekruif]

Awesome how God used you, how you were willing to be used by God, AidK. I once went to the courthouse for a hearing with a friend I met in a singles night at my church and the judge was ready to throw the book at him, I think, but I just spoke the love of people and mercy and grace and I remember the judge saying that because I was sticking up for him that he would grant him leniency.

Really profound words in there, your quoted witness, AidK, awesome !!
I hope you feed off that, as the Lord leads, for more and more great things to happen in your life as you go forward toward Heaven, holding your cross.

Thank you Green. It is really amazing looking back seeing what HE really did through me. Being new to the faith it was a major stepping stone for me. I'm not the type of person to come out and say much, and God used this instance to show me that I CAN do it; not via my power but through HIM.

 

[GreenNnice]

Thank you Green. It is really amazing looking back seeing what HE really did through me. Being new to the faith it was a major stepping stone for me. I'm not the type of person to come out and say much, and God used this instance to show me that I CAN do it; not via my power but through HIM.

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God bless you, AidK, and, I pray you can see God's divine appointments and instances where greatness can be attained for God, giving Him the glory. No doubt, for doing that, you will be used more and more by God, like you were in your said court situation helping someone out by speaking your mind of, for maybe lack of better words, faith and freedom.
YES! With God what we do not know is possible is
possible