Truth, love, and patience.

[JesusIsSovereign]

When spreading the Word of God, no matter how hard I try, I find it very tough to spread the Word of God without the person I'm preaching to thinking I'm a hateful bigot and getting very angry. I'm asking for advise on how to spread the Word of God without angering someone and also not veering off from the truth at the same time. Is this even impossible at some points? How do we overcome this?

 

[glf]

Hey! Jesus is sovereign...
Praise the Lord that you share the gospel with others! Sadly, I suspect, that were in the last days which the scripture tells us, "except there is a falling away the end shall not come." We're dealing with a time of hardened hearts and slothful believers who remain babes-in-Christ during their entire spiritual life, sadly.
When you share the Lord Jesus and his amazing sacrifice of love, be ready to stop they become defensive and before arguing, so that the next person who shares the gospel with them, will be able to water the seed which you've planted. It is an effort managed by the Holy Spirit. Pray for them that they become furtile soil for the seed of the word and that the Lord paves the way for that person to see the truth. This is especially true for these last days before the Lord's return.
A great booklet regarding soul winning is called, The way to God; by DL Moody, which led me to successful soul winning. The Lord anoint you with himself and make his word to be the power of his might to both your heart and mind. The Lord give you an ever increasing faith, and a growing love for those whom he loves, so so much in Jesus' name, our God and King, both now and forever.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Everyone in the US knows about Jesus so what's the point of witnessing? You know what the best way to lead people to Christ is? Live it. Then those who are appointed to be saved will see Jesus in you and be drawn to him.

 

[GWH]

When spreading the Word of God, no matter how hard I try, I find it very tough to spread the Word of God without the person I'm preaching to thinking I'm a hateful bigot and getting very angry. I'm asking for advise on how to spread the Word of God without angering someone and also not veering off from the truth at the same time. Is this even impossible at some points? How do we overcome this?

Jesus and Paul did the best they could, but many people got angry and eventually killed them, so it may be very difficult although not possible for us to know which are fertile soil and which are callous, as in MT 13:14-15 and ACTS 28:26-27.

All we can do is our best to follow the instruction in 1PT 3:15-16 to witness with gentleness and respect, so that haters and divisive persons may become ashamed. But yes, v. 17 says it is better to suffer for doing good [including sharing truth/the Gospel] than for doing evil [including not witnessing for Christ].

 

[Deuteronomy]

When spreading the Word of God, no matter how hard I try, I find it very tough to spread the Word of God without the person I'm preaching to thinking I'm a hateful bigot and getting very angry. I'm asking for advise on how to spread the Word of God without angering someone and also not veering off from the truth at the same time. Is this even impossible at some points? How do we overcome this?

Hello JesusIsSovereign, I don't know exactly how you are approaching people and what you are saying to them, so I cannot give you specifics, but one thing that you might consider as a possibility is that people may be getting the wrong idea (as sadly, many do). Quite frankly, sometimes it doesn't matter what you say because all they end up hearing you say (at first blush anyway) is that 'you' are a good person, and 'they' are a bad person.

That isn't what we mean, of course, but the question is, how can we convince them of that, yes?

One way to go would be by allowing them to do it for you In the end, some of them will still get mad at you when they realize what you've done, but at least it will be harder for them to be 'as' mad at you (since they came to the conclusions that you wanted them to, but they did so on their own).

I believe that this method of teaching is called the Socratic method, and it involves asking leading questions of people to help them come to the answers/conclusions that you want them to, the answers/conclusions that you know that they need to come to (to understand why they need to know the Savior and come to saving faith in Him, for instance).

If you are interested in pursuing this idea a bit further, here's a book that will help you: Tactics, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions: Koukl, Gregory, Lee Strobel: 9780310101468: Amazon.com: Books

I believe that Dr. Koukl has a YouTube channel as well, just FYI.

God bless you!!

~Deuteronomy (David)
p.s. - while all are not specifically called to be evangelists, all of us are called to be the Lord's "witnesses" in this world (Isaiah 43:10-11; Acts 1:8). Witnessing is typically a far more personal thing that uses a more personal approach than evangelism does. Basically, you tell others about why you became a Christian (and how, if it comes to that), what it has meant to you to be a Christian, how it has helped you, how life today is better for you as a believer than it was for you before you became one, what knowing God and being loved by Him has meant to you/what it's like, etc., and it always helps to work in a verse or two from the Bible whenever you witness to people, of course (Romans 10:17), perhaps a verse or two that is meaningful or important to you in some way, and/or one that fits in with what you're telling them, etc.

It's kind of like being a witness in a court room. You tell people what you know, what you've seen, heard & experienced, how you feel, etc.

Also, you may want to listen to the 4th message (called "How to Witness") from a 4-part teaching series called, Spiritual Boot Camp), as it will give you a number of other ideas about evangelism/witnessing, and practical ways to apply those ideas, as well The entire 4-part series is free to listen to online here (just scroll down a bit when you get there and click on How to Witness (and the other three parts too, if you'd care to).

Finally, be sure to talk to your pastor and ask him for his help with this (and tell him everything that you've told us). Perhaps your church has a class or a program or a ministry that you could join, as going it on your own, especially with something like witnessing, evangelism and/or apologetics can be tough at times. Oh, and don't be discouraged, just keep up the good work in His precious Name (as you are doing what he has called you to do, loving others by helping them to find Him)
.

 

[JesusIsSovereign]

Hey! Jesus is sovereign...
Praise the Lord that you share the gospel with others! Sadly, I suspect, that were in the last days which the scripture tells us, "except there is a falling away the end shall not come." We're dealing with a time of hardened hearts and slothful believers who remain babes-in-Christ during their entire spiritual life, sadly.
When you share the Lord Jesus and his amazing sacrifice of love, be ready to stop they become defensive and before arguing, so that the next person who shares the gospel with them, will be able to water the seed which you've planted. It is an effort managed by the Holy Spirit. Pray for them that they become furtile soil for the seed of the word and that the Lord paves the way for that person to see the truth. This is especially true for these last days before the Lord's return.
A great booklet regarding soul winning is called, The way to God; by DL Moody, which led me to successful soul winning. The Lord anoint you with himself and make his word to be the power of his might to both your heart and mind. The Lord give you an ever increasing faith, and a growing love for those whom he loves, so so much in Jesus' name, our God and King, both now and forever.

Yes, we must remember we are not the Holy Spirit and that we can't change someone's heart─that's God's job. Thank you for your insight and I will look at the booklet you mentioned. May God bless you!

 

[JesusIsSovereign]

Everyone in the US knows about Jesus so what's the point of witnessing? You know what the best way to lead people to Christ is? Live it. Then those who are appointed to be saved will see Jesus in you and be drawn to him.

We are called to spread the gospel, even if someone may already know about it.

 

[JesusIsSovereign]

Hello JesusIsSovereign, I don't know exactly how you are approaching people and what you are saying to them, so I cannot give you specifics, but one thing that you might consider as a possibility is that people may be getting the wrong idea (as sadly, many do). Quite frankly, sometimes it doesn't matter what you say because all they end up hearing you say (at first blush anyway) is that 'you' are a good person, and 'they' are a bad person.

That isn't what we mean, of course, but the question is, how can we convince them of that, yes?

One way to go would be by allowing them to do it for you In the end, some of them will still get mad at you when they realize what you've done, but at least it will be harder for them to be 'as' mad at you (since they came to the conclusions that you wanted them to, but they did so on their own).

I believe that this method of teaching is called the Socratic method, and it involves asking leading questions of people to help them come to the answers/conclusions that you want them to, the answers/conclusions that you know that they need to come to (to understand why they need to know the Savior and come to saving faith in Him, for instance).

If you are interested in pursuing this idea a bit further, here's a book that will help you: Tactics, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions: Koukl, Gregory, Lee Strobel: 9780310101468: Amazon.com: Books

I believe that Dr. Koukl has a YouTube channel as well, just FYI.

God bless you!!

~Deuteronomy (David)
p.s. - while all are not specifically called to be evangelists, all of us are called to be the Lord's "witnesses" in this world (Isaiah 43:10-11; Acts 1:8). Witnessing is typically a far more personal thing that uses a more personal approach than evangelism does. Basically, you tell others about why you became a Christian (and how, if it comes to that), what it has meant to you to be a Christian, how it has helped you, how life today is better for you as a believer than it was for you before you became one, what knowing God and being loved by Him has meant to you/what it's like, etc., and it always helps to work in a verse or two from the Bible whenever you witness to people, of course (Romans 10:17), perhaps a verse or two that is meaningful or important to you in some way, and/or one that fits in with what you're telling them, etc.

It's kind of like being a witness in a court room. You tell people what you know, what you've seen, heard & experienced, how you feel, etc.

Also, you may want to listen to the 4th message (called "How to Witness") from a 4-part teaching series called, Spiritual Boot Camp), as it will give you a number of other ideas about evangelism/witnessing, and practical ways to apply those ideas, as well The entire 4-part series is free to listen to online here (just scroll down a bit when you get there and click on How to Witness (and the other three parts too, if you'd care to).

Finally, be sure to talk to your pastor and ask him for his help with this (and tell him everything that you've told us). Perhaps your church has a class or a program or a ministry that you could join, as going it on your own, especially with something like witnessing, evangelism and/or apologetics can be tough at times. Oh, and don't be discouraged, just keep up the good work in His precious Name (as you are doing what he has called you to do, loving others by helping them to find Him)
.

Thanks for the insight sir! Also, I do actually have the book and read it. But I think some people are impossible not to anger because God, as He did with pharaoh, let his heart be hardened. We both know God has an elect, and I also think it depends on whether this person is one of God's sheep He gave to His Son. We can't know whether or not this is a person whom God has chosen to saved before the foundation of the world, but if the person is, "they listen to my voice". In John 10:14-18, Jesus talks about this and I just wanted to give a reference. May God continue to bless you greatly!

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

We are called to spread the gospel, even if someone may already know about it.

Can you point me to scripture that says that? When Christ told the eleven disciples to go into all of the world and proclaim the gospel he was talking specifically to them. Not everyone is called to be an apostle or evangelist; far from it. Expecting everyone to go out and proclaim the gospel puts a yoke of bondage on those who are not called to do so..

 

[JesusIsSovereign]

Can you point me to scripture that says that? When Christ told the eleven disciples to go into all of the world and proclaim the gospel he was talking specifically to them. Not everyone is called to be an apostle or evangelist; far from it. Expecting everyone to go out and proclaim the gospel puts a yoke of bondage on those who are not called to do so..

We are all called to be fishers of men, not just the apostles he was talking to.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

We are all called to be fishers of men, not just the apostles he was talking to.

No we're not. That was said to a few disciples, who did indeed fulfill their apostolic commission. We are all called to live righteous lives and manifest the particular gifts given to us in order to edify the church. Then if we actually live the life and walk the walk, those on on the outside who hunger and thirst for righteousness will see Christ in us and be drawn to him. Instead they don't see Jesus in the people "witnessing" to them and are rightfully turned off. Witnessing as it's practiced today is a distraction and an excuse to not obey the words of Christ

 

[Cameron143]

Both are true. While the commission was given to the Apostles, the principle is for all Christ followers. It was hardly merely the Apostles who carried out the commission. At the same time, a life well lived speaks louder and makes more of an impact than the loudest message.

 

[Webers.Home]

.
Well; to my knowledge, Jesus' disciples weren't sent out as salesmen as if
they were pushing Kirby vacuums and/or Fuller brushes. They were sent out
as heralds: roughly defined as a messenger.

Now, for safety's sake, the messengers would be wise to exercise discretion.

● Matt 7:6 . . Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to
swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and
tear you to pieces.

Also; it is very easy to get oneself mired in perpetual arguments that never
get to the bottom of anything. We really shouldn't be doing that.

● 2Tim 2:23-26 . .The Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be
kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he
must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance
leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their
senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to
do his will.
_

 

[Mem]

We are all called to be fishers of men, not just the apostles he was talking to.

This metaphor, "fishers of men," came to my mind recently and so, as is my nature, I noted it for more consideration. When thinking of fishing, we bait a hook and then cast it out into the water, even though we can't see the fish. And, in Peter's case, he cast out a net but in either case, fish either bites the hook or swims into the net. So, your only thing you need be concerned about is checking your hook or your net, which is as Paul stated, "I resolved to know nothing.... except Jesus Christ and Him crucified," and then, once you sense the drag on the line, set the hook and reel them in!

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

 

[homwardbound]

When spreading the Word of God, no matter how hard I try, I find it very tough to spread the Word of God without the person I'm preaching to thinking I'm a hateful bigot and getting very angry. I'm asking for advise on how to spread the Word of God without angering someone and also not veering off from the truth at the same time. Is this even impossible at some points? How do we overcome this?

Living Bible
Luke 21:14-15
Therefore, don’t be concerned about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such logic that none of your opponents will be able to reply!


Living Bible
Matt 10:16-20
“I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be as wary as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be arrested and tried, and whipped in the synagogues. Yes, and you must stand trial before governors and kings for my sake. This will give you the opportunity to tell them about me, yes, to witness to the world.
“When you are arrested, don’t worry about what to say at your trial, for you will be given the right words at the right time.For it won’t be you doing the talking—it will be the Spirit of your heavenly Father speaking through you!

trust God who lives to live his risen Life through you. You being dead to first born you willingly between God and you

 

[JesusIsSovereign]

No we're not. That was said to a few disciples, who did indeed fulfill their apostolic commission. We are all called to live righteous lives and manifest the particular gifts given to us in order to edify the church. Then if we actually live the life and walk the walk, those on on the outside who hunger and thirst for righteousness will see Christ in us and be drawn to him. Instead they don't see Jesus in the people "witnessing" to them and are rightfully turned off. Witnessing as it's practiced today is a distraction and an excuse to not obey the words of Christ

If Jesus was only meant for that to be for those He said verbally to, then why would He even include it in the Bible? Jesus knew exactly we were going to read this and knew exactly what was going to happen right now. Here are a few verses to support my claim: Matthew 24:14; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20; Psalm 96:3; Romans 1:16; Mark 13:10; Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 3:15; and what I would recommend that you would read more Matthew 9:37-38.

 

[Karlon]

When spreading the Word of God, no matter how hard I try, I find it very tough to spread the Word of God without the person I'm preaching to thinking I'm a hateful bigot and getting very angry. I'm asking for advise on how to spread the Word of God without angering someone and also not veering off from the truth at the same time. Is this even impossible at some points? How do we overcome this?

a conflict within yourself possibly? long conditioned also? a possible inferiority complex? this can be existing for a myriad of reasons. some of the common ones are: lack of confidence, rejection, abandonment, self pity, lack of ambition in life & it goes on. speak in structure that is pleasing to hear (practice this in front of a mirror & see how you would want to be spoken to), speak with up-tones with excitement, speak enunciatively especially. repeat to yourself lesson phrases to recondition positivity.

 

[Mem]

once you sense the drag on the line, set the hook and reel them in!

a properly baited hook and a (mended) net is the gospel is the good news of Christ, crucified for the sins of the world, as reality. The nibble on the line is the response that takes hold of the absolute possibility of that reality and the setting of the hook (or the drawing of the net) is your "Yes! Amen" in faith that the Holy Spirit is there as a 'Second' of that witness! "...and where two agree... there I Am..."

 

[Gideon300]

When spreading the Word of God, no matter how hard I try, I find it very tough to spread the Word of God without the person I'm preaching to thinking I'm a hateful bigot and getting very angry. I'm asking for advise on how to spread the Word of God without angering someone and also not veering off from the truth at the same time. Is this even impossible at some points? How do we overcome this?

Don't be surprised if the world hates you. After all, they crucified Jesus. We do need wisdom. Personally, I back off as soon as someone gets aggravated. This only applies one on one. If there is a crowd, as long as someone is interested, I'll keep going. This is not often.

God can lead us to people who are open. A few weeks ago, my wife and I spent about 20 minutes witnessing to a young waitress. The kitchen was closed and other customers had left. She was really open and it was a joy to speak to her. We've had other occasions where someone got really hostile.

Seek wisdom from God. You may get some hints from "Living Waters" ministry (Ray Comfort and his colleagues). They do a lot of street work. I've watched some of their approach on youtube.