Moose Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 Ok, this is for my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, although, I'm sure others will post their thoughts in here as well, and that's to be expected. When do you draw the line in your witnessing? What I mean by that is, when do you back off on sharing the Gospel? Does the Holy Spirit softly tell you, "Ok, your pushing it, you're going to do more harm than good", as it does me sometimes? My thought is, there is such a thing as protecting/defending your Faith. But sometimes, for the SAKE of it, (Your Faith).....sometimes you need to just BACK OFF! Thoughts? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 you've got to be tuned in to someone emotionally so that you don't whomp 'em over the head with the message you hope to share about God. It's being aware of someone's needs and knowing when to softly spread the word or to sing from the tree tops, and you usually get pretty good indicators from people when they want or need to hear about God and Jesus the most. though, I know there are times when I become defensive about my particular flavor of Christianity and I just want to be rude to people because I feel they refuse to "get it," and I have to work hard at controlling that impulse ... on a separate but related note, I'm requesting prayers from my fellow 'Shackers for my best friend's dad, who suffered a massive heart attack last week. I just got back from a visit home and opened an email from her dated last Thursday, and I could kick myself because I kept thinking, I should call Steph's folks while I'm down here, but never did. Anyhow, all prayers for her daddy and the family would be greatly appreciated. quank Link to post Share on other sites
Admiral Thrawn Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 Ok, this is for my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, although, I'm sure others will post their thoughts in here as well, and that's to be expected. When do you draw the line in your witnessing? What I mean by that is, when do you back off on sharing the Gospel? Does the Holy Spirit softly tell you, "Ok, your pushing it, you're going to do more harm than good", as it does me sometimes? My thought is, there is such a thing as protecting/defending your Faith. But sometimes, for the SAKE of it, (Your Faith).....sometimes you need to just BACK OFF! Thoughts? While I have sort of gone behind the cue-ball, I have to remember to order some more tracts. Usually, I would, properly give out three tracts per day, from Jack Chick's "This was Your Life", and just drop them anywhere (phone booths, pockets of clothes in clothing stores, change rooms, washrooms, just drop them randomly). It feels really good to do so. I think I'll start doing it again. My mom usually takes a whole bunch, and gives them out in malls to whole groups of strangers as they are shopping. She has allot of guts when it comes to witnessing. Usually, I just drop them and run and hope someone reads it and gets saved. Thank-you Moose, for your inspiring thread. I will contact Jack Chick publications make an order and mail a cheque ASAP for some great tracts. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
TeaCooler Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 to me, religion is a very private thing. i guess i don't feel the need to discuss it with people. if someone asks me a question, i have no problem talking about it, but i would never just see someone on the street and tell them they needed to be saved. i don't think that's fair, and i do not feel it is my place to do so. i also don't think that religion should be entering so much of the world. schools, NASA, you name it. maybe our leaders think they are doing the right thing, but i think they are taking religion and making it commercialized and corrupt. eventually, many people are just going to resent it being forced on them, and they will reject it for that reason. the people who speak for this country seem to think we need to release OTHER people from the hands that hold them down (their religion and their leaders) yet it's almost like we're trading places with them. it's sad, and it's very frustrating. we're liberating others and controlling ourselves. it doesn't make sense. to me, the past two paragraphs illustrate "okay, you're pushing it and doing more harm than good." as i said, to me religion is a private, personal thing that i keep for myself and for others i know who feel as i do. i will, however, help people in any way i can, any way they ask. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
HotCaliGirl Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 Admiral, I don't think you answered Moose's question at all..he's asking if you ever think you overdo it when you push your beliefs down someone's throat, and you responded by saying you're ordering more material to sneak into people's pockets to spread your belief. In my opinion, you're a good example of what he calls someone who doesn't back off spreading the Gospel, to the point it's intrusive to some and does more harm than good. Ever thought of that, that it does more harm than good when people start to associate pushiness and rudeness with your religious ways? 2 Link to post Share on other sites
TeaCooler Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 Admiral, I don't think you answered Moose's question at all..he's asking if you ever think you overdo it when you push your beliefs down someone's throat, and you responded by saying you're ordering more material to sneak into people's pockets to spread your belief. In my opinion, you're a good example of what he calls someone who doesn't back off spreading the Gospel, to the point it's intrusive to some and does more harm than good. Ever thought of that, that it does more harm than good when people start to associate pushiness and rudeness with your religious ways? well done. Link to post Share on other sites
Admiral Thrawn Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 Admiral, I don't think you answered Moose's question at all..he's asking if you ever think you overdo it when you push your beliefs down someone's throat, and you responded by saying you're ordering more material to sneak into people's pockets to spread your belief. In my opinion, you're a good example of what he calls someone who doesn't back off spreading the Gospel, to the point it's intrusive to some and does more harm than good. Ever thought of that, that it does more harm than good when people start to associate pushiness and rudeness with your religious ways? No, I think tract distribution is non-intrusive. If people want to read a nice comic book tract that has a message on it, which more often than not they do, then they can read it. If they dont want to read it, then then maybe someone else will pick it up. Your view sort of presupposes that everybody thinks like you and nobody wants to hear the Gospel, while in fact, many people do, read these tracts and give their lives to the Lord. Link to post Share on other sites
a4a Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 No, I think tract distribution is non-intrusive. If people want to read a nice comic book tract that has a message on it, which more often than not they do, then they can read it. If they dont want to read it, then then maybe someone else will pick it up. Your view sort of presupposes that everybody thinks like you and nobody wants to hear the Gospel, while in fact, many people do, read these tracts and give their lives to the Lord. It is intrusive and it is littering in a way. Are you aware that employees do and can get in trouble for not cleaning these pieces of paper up. Regardless if it is an ad for a movie or one of your pamphlets left about a store ect. Nor do I wish to go to an establishment and be "witnessed". Nor more than I wish to be panhandled. If I wanted to be witnessed I would go to church or approach a person of religion. As a business owner I would toss you out for bothering customers. What if satanist left pamphlets like you did....... wow that would be something! Link to post Share on other sites
Author Moose Posted February 7, 2006 Author Share Posted February 7, 2006 If you take a look at Jesus' teachings, most of what He spoke of was in direct response of someone asking Him. With the exception of the sermon on the mount..... I just feel that this is the approach we as Christians need to take. Unless it's a direct questions towards us, we should stay quite, and patient, and pray the Holy Spirit would move the potential convert to continue asking away...... More thoughts? Link to post Share on other sites
ThumbingMyWay Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 I just feel that this is the approach we as Christians need to take. Unless it's a direct questions towards us, we should stay quite, and patient, and pray the Holy Spirit would move the potential convert to continue asking away...... More thoughts? hello Moose that is my stance. I keep to myself, but when opps arise I am very tactfull in my witnessing. But usually I keep to myself. Need to find a happy medium, cause as you said. You have to feel the person out to see if they are receptive. I feel much better talking to people who believe than those who dont. I figure Faith is a personal choice and who am I to judge ones faith, I worked hard to get to were I am in my faith, many trials and suffering and I dont need to explain it to anyone who doesnt care why or how I got here. That sounds selfish doesnt it 1 Link to post Share on other sites
TeaCooler Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 I figure Faith is a personal choice and who am I to judge ones faith, I worked hard to get to were I am in my faith, many trials and suffering and I dont need to explain it to anyone who doesnt care why or how I got here. That sounds selfish doesnt it no, it sounds the exact opposite of selfish, actually. Link to post Share on other sites
a4a Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 If you take a look at Jesus' teachings, most of what He spoke of was in direct response of someone asking Him. With the exception of the sermon on the mount..... I just feel that this is the approach we as Christians need to take. Unless it's a direct questions towards us, we should stay quite, and patient, and pray the Holy Spirit would move the potential convert to continue asking away...... More thoughts? Moose and Thumbing that is refreshing! I would feel much more comfortable asking you a question about your religion than I would a zealot. This goes for any religion not just christianity. Link to post Share on other sites
ThumbingMyWay Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 Moose and Thumbing that is refreshing! I would feel much more comfortable asking you a question about your religion than I would a zealot. This goes for any religion not just christianity. thanks Tea and a4a I decided a while ago that when I accepted Christ in my heart and let my conscience be govern by the Holy Spirit, that is was PERSONAL. It just made sense to me. I dont need to back it up with WHY I beleive, cause quite frankly I still have doubts, but thats OK too. God wants us to question him, it makes him feel important and he also knows that when we question things, it means we are excercising the free will he gave us to begin with. But he also knows I accept him on faith, so its win win for both of us. Link to post Share on other sites
a4a Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 thanks Tea and a4a I decided a while ago that when I accepted Christ in my heart and let my conscience be govern by the Holy Spirit, that is was PERSONAL. It just made sense to me. I dont need to back it up with WHY I beleive, cause quite frankly I still have doubts, but thats OK too. God wants us to question him, it makes him feel important and he also knows that when we question things, it means we are excercising the free will he gave us to begin with. But he also knows I accept him on faith, so its win win for both of us. Ya see now, that is so wonderful! Truly is. I am a vegetarian....yet I do not shove it down peoples throat. I became one for my own personal reasons, and I do not thump on my veggie burger either. Gosh darn see we could all go out together and have a dang gone good time! Link to post Share on other sites
Admiral Thrawn Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 It is intrusive and it is littering in a way. Are you aware that employees do and can get in trouble for not cleaning these pieces of paper up. Regardless if it is an ad for a movie or one of your pamphlets left about a store ect. Nor do I wish to go to an establishment and be "witnessed". Nor more than I wish to be panhandled. If I wanted to be witnessed I would go to church or approach a person of religion. As a business owner I would toss you out for bothering customers. It seems you had referenced something about a candle in another thread, so it is obvious you already believe in something anti-thetical to Jesus Christ. What are you? Just because you do not like something doesn't mean the next person wont. That's why tracts are picked up and read by people who are interested, because that is who they are meant for. What if satanist left pamphlets like you did....... wow that would be something! If someone has not received Jesus as their saviour, they already belong to the devil. The devil preaches its sin stuff already in Hollywood, greed, and all possible lusts of the flesh, so to be sure, what you are saying, is totally and absolutely absurd. Link to post Share on other sites
Art_Critic Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 What I mean by that is, when do you back off on sharing the Gospel? I normally try not to talk about faith but here goes,, I believe that people that share their belief need to pay attention to their audience to when is enough. A believer will take in all you have to offer and never blink an eye but a non/or almost non believer might have less tolerence to what is being offered. Link to post Share on other sites
blind_otter Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 Why art, how diplomatic of you. Honestly, it is. The world functioning in unity is built on the shoulders of diplomcy -- being aware of the audience youspeak to and matching your tone. I find it ironic that there's a prime example of the opposite of what Moose is describing right here on the thread. Link to post Share on other sites
a4a Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 It seems you had referenced something about a candle in another thread, so it is obvious you already believe in something anti-thetical to Jesus Christ. What are you? 37.4 year old female human being. I believe I will eat another peanut butter cookie. ummmm good! Just because you do not like something doesn't mean the next person wont. That's why tracts are picked up and read by people who are interested, because that is who they are meant for. I like horses but that does not mean that I want my business est. littered with horse pamphlets. There is a proper place for everything. Did you think maybe a store owner where you do this may be hindu or a satanist. Would you appreciate satanist handing out pamphlets in your business? If someone has not received Jesus as their saviour, they already belong to the devil. The devil preaches its sin stuff already in Hollywood, greed, and all possible lusts of the flesh, so to be sure, what you are saying, is totally and absolutely absurd. Hollywood is the devil?, what about Mel Gibson? So I belong to the devil? Even if I do not believe in the devil? Why not just PM me instead of making this a public damnation.... no sense really in cursing the damned is there though? a4a- It will put the lotion in the basket Link to post Share on other sites
Admiral Thrawn Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Hollywood is the devil?, what about Mel Gibson? I did not mean it that way. I mean the sin that is paraded on the big screens - the lusts, the swearing the name of the Lord in vain, all that goup, and how attitudes are affected. In the 1920's, plays of white people defending their white virgin women from black men were responsible for inciting hatred of mobs resulting in mass lynchings of many black people. That would be a classic example of hollywood being a devil, and where movies or plays have resulted in the deaths of thousands of innoscent law abiding people. In this modern era, attitudes have changed, so hollywood has changed to the "Brave New World" type of society defining attitudes about sex, respect for holy things, and a whole slew of other things that would program people into materialistic values and other lusts. So I belong to the devil? Even if I do not believe in the devil? Theologically, that is your master by default and you operate by the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life, and are influenced by the' prince of the power of the air'. It is blinding your eyes to the truth, and has only one objective, to keep you from accepting Christ. Why not just PM me instead of making this a public damnation.... no sense really in cursing the damned is there though? Are you single? a4a- It will put the lotion in the basket What lotion? Link to post Share on other sites
HotCaliGirl Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Ya see now, that is so wonderful! Truly is. I am a vegetarian....yet I do not shove it down peoples throat. I became one for my own personal reasons, and I do not thump on my veggie burger either. Gosh darn see we could all go out together and have a dang gone good time! That's a good analogy a4a. I've been a vegetarian most of my life and there are people who I eat with who don't even know because I don't make a fuss about it and I don't preach against the meat they eat. I want to respect their choices just like I want them to respect mine. There are people I will not eat with because I know they see it as an opportunity to try to "convert" me to eat meat. If they ask why I am, I will explain my reasons and some will leave it at that For others, it's like opening a can of worms cuz they just want to argue away and I just want to take a bite out of their steak just to make them shut up. If someone has a desire to learn something, they will pursue it without being told to. If someone leaves notes in public places telling me to eat meat, I'm not going run to the nearest McDonald's to get a Big Mac! Link to post Share on other sites
a4a Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 I did not mean it that way. I mean the sin that is paraded on the big screens - the lusts, the swearing the name of the Lord in vain, all that goup, and how attitudes are affected. In the 1920's, plays of white people defending their white virgin women from black men were responsible for inciting hatred of mobs resulting in mass lynchings of many black people. That would be a classic example of hollywood being a devil, and where movies or plays have resulted in the deaths of thousands of innoscent law abiding people. In this modern era, attitudes have changed, so hollywood has changed to the "Brave New World" type of society defining attitudes about sex, respect for holy things, and a whole slew of other things that would program people into materialistic values and other lusts. At why do we not start a new thread ...... Media and the effects on society? Hollywood has taken on many Righteous Causes, defending those that are trodden upon. I am serious about the thread could be very interesting.. please start it in the proper forum. Am I single?...... Well I guess you missed out on the whole Tater Thread. Are you hinting at me for a date? - I am pretty hot hot hottie. What lotion? This is a creation of the Hollywood Devil.... Silence of the Lambs. Which my womanly emotional mind is for some reason keeps finding it some how relates to our online relationship. I do not wish to clutter Mooses thread with personal debates with you, or offers of a possible date with you. Why don't we start the thread I mentioned and take this lovers quarrel to PM status. Link to post Share on other sites
lindya Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Does the Holy Spirit softly tell you, "Ok, your pushing it, you're going to do more harm than good", as it does me sometimes? My thought is, there is such a thing as protecting/defending your Faith. But sometimes, for the SAKE of it, (Your Faith).....sometimes you need to just BACK OFF! Thoughts? Very salient point to raise. I'm not a church-goer, but I do have a tendency to rabbit on about certain psycho-dynamic theories which I believe can help people understand their own behaviour (I'm not a psychologist either, btw - but that never stops me...). You could say that psycho-dynamic theory is similar to religion in that sometimes people may feel it's relevant to them, and want to figure out how to solve certain problems they're having with reference to it. Other times they might just find it intrusive and insulting - and feel that they're being spoken down to/judged. If someone says "I'm not interested in listening to your thoughts about this" then it's best to accept that...even if you think it would be in their interests to hear it. People open themselves up to new ideas when they're ready to - and trying to force the process will often just turn them off. Link to post Share on other sites
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