Do you get fed or do you feed?

[LisaC]

Yep, time for another question about faith...

What's your stance, do you go out and grow the kingdom or do you sit back and bask in the glory?


And, if you're out growing the kingdom, WHAT are you doing?

 

[deewee]

Yep, time for another question about faith...

What's your stance, do you go out and grow the kingdom or do you sit back and bask in the glory?


And, if you're out growing the kingdom, WHAT are you doing?

Both. I don't set out to "do" anything in particular, or have a plan as you might say. I just give of myself, try to show Christ's love thru my actions, instead of words. I believe some are gifted at speaking (I am not in that category) and others are gifted by doing.

 

[LisaC]

Here is where I'm going with this - I know y'all are curious...




I'm a big believer that there are really two groups of Christians. Folks that actually get out and do stuff and folks that need or just want to be fed the Word. Now, don't get me wrong, everyone needs to get fed the Word of God, but we are commanded to "go forth and make disciples." I'm looking at what we are doing as a community to make disciples. And, as part of the highway community, I think we are more focused on getting fed and in showing our pride in our personal knowledge of the Word or our own faith walk. And, I'm perfectly willing to admit that I am just as guilty of this.




Take Hank for example (sorry Hank - I hope I don't offend you). He has said that he is relatively a new Christian and that he has a lot of questions but isn't yet comfortable bringing them up at his church. I made the suggestion that he reach out to his pastor or Sunday School teacher, when we should have encouraged him to reach out to the men here. He seems to be comfortable with y'all (heck even GD), but I don't see the men here reaching out to disciple him. (Maybe you have done it in a PM or maybe you are waiting for him to reach out to you, either way, this is just an example to put things in a real perspective).




We also run into the same issues when we talk about Catholicism - we have a couple of Catholics on here, but every time we discuss the differences, I feel like we put them on the defensive sometimes. We know that there are differences in their faith that we don't practice in our churches, but we are quick to condemn those practices as not Biblically sound without even thinking about how those practices may actually enhance the faith of others. Heck, some folks even overlook the fact that Diva is Catholic and immediately think that Genevieve is the only viable answer to questions about the Catholic faith. We don't give Diva the opportunity to disciple anyone here when it comes to learning things about Jesus that the Catholic faith actively practice. Again, I don't think this is intentional, it is just what we turn it into.


And, where am I really taking this? I'm bored so hopefully this will turn into a meaningful discussion because I really don't care what you would change your name too... lol

 

[ShoeDiva]

Here is where I'm going with this - I know y'all are curious...




I'm a big believer that there are really two groups of Christians. Folks that actually get out and do stuff and folks that need or just want to be fed the Word. Now, don't get me wrong, everyone needs to get fed the Word of God, but we are commanded to "go forth and make disciples." I'm looking at what we are doing as a community to make disciples. And, as part of the highway community, I think we are more focused on getting fed and in showing our pride in our personal knowledge of the Word or our own faith walk. And, I'm perfectly willing to admit that I am just as guilty of this.




Take Hank for example (sorry Hank - I hope I don't offend you). He has said that he is relatively a new Christian and that he has a lot of questions but isn't yet comfortable bringing them up at his church. I made the suggestion that he reach out to his pastor or Sunday School teacher, when we should have encouraged him to reach out to the men here. He seems to be comfortable with y'all (heck even GD), but I don't see the men here reaching out to disciple him. (Maybe you have done it in a PM or maybe you are waiting for him to reach out to you, either way, this is just an example to put things in a real perspective).




We also run into the same issues when we talk about Catholicism - we have a couple of Catholics on here, but every time we discuss the differences, I feel like we put them on the defensive sometimes. We know that there are differences in their faith that we don't practice in our churches, but we are quick to condemn those practices as not Biblically sound without even thinking about how those practices may actually enhance the faith of others. Heck, some folks even overlook the fact that Diva is Catholic and immediately think that Genevieve is the only viable answer to questions about the Catholic faith. We don't give Diva the opportunity to disciple anyone here when it comes to learning things about Jesus that the Catholic faith actively practice. Again, I don't think this is intentional, it is just what we turn it into.


And, where am I really taking this? I'm bored so hopefully this will turn into a meaningful discussion because I really don't care what you would change your name too... lol

I chime in, but many times just get told I am wrong. They are going with what their bible says and do not listen to me. (interpretations can be different...I have been told that some are just our interpretations to make what we believe right..and I do not believe one is right and one is wrong, but obviously they know my religion better than me, though they are not catholic) ) (Or G even when she comes in and says the same thing. Though I will say... much more eloquently. I :love her.)

Now all that being said, I do not care a hill of beans that someone does not believe as I do. The point is I do not tell them they are wrong and/or crazy to believe as they do. I do not try to school or inform them on their religion. I am much more accepting of differences than many come across as. I do not know it all and I can accurately state the fact that while they think they do, they do not. ;D

So do I actively go out to seek to grow the kingdom, no, not here in Paulding. I will and do share with anyone willing to listen to another way of praise and belief, but unfortunately I have encountered many that do not want to hear what I believe and just want to save me. :dunno


*Note..I do not mean all, but many act this way.

 

[deewee]

Several on here have discipled me. Not sure that they set out to do it, but they have. I didn't reach out, so to speak, for help but they saw something/read something here, or on FB, and took the time to encourage me in a biblical way. Teaching me the ways of The Lord as it applied to my situation. Sometimes it happens when we have discussion here about various topics. Soooo....Madea, IF, BS & Waski....thank you for being a vessel! :love

 

[Guard Dad]

We should be doing both, but there is more than a single way of doing either.

As for feeding...the situation and the people involved determine which is best. There is a time for aggressive proselytizing (sorry, just wanted to throw in a big word) and there is a time for a more passive type of witnessing. Some people do not respond well to an aggressive approach and might push back. In those cases it might be best to witness through your actions and how you live yourself. Sometimes a person will see that and feel good about coming to you when they need help or feel the Holy Spirit tugging at their heart.

Even when taking a more passive approach, I think we should be forthright about our faith so people know we are of The Lord. Of course, that makes it important for us to walk the walk, which is where we sometimes fail.

 

[Guard Dad]

Here is where I'm going with this - I know y'all are curious...




I'm a big believer that there are really two groups of Christians. Folks that actually get out and do stuff and folks that need or just want to be fed the Word. Now, don't get me wrong, everyone needs to get fed the Word of God, but we are commanded to "go forth and make disciples." I'm looking at what we are doing as a community to make disciples. And, as part of the highway community, I think we are more focused on getting fed and in showing our pride in our personal knowledge of the Word or our own faith walk. And, I'm perfectly willing to admit that I am just as guilty of this.




Take Hank for example (sorry Hank - I hope I don't offend you). He has said that he is relatively a new Christian and that he has a lot of questions but isn't yet comfortable bringing them up at his church. I made the suggestion that he reach out to his pastor or Sunday School teacher, when we should have encouraged him to reach out to the men here. He seems to be comfortable with y'all (heck even GD), but I don't see the men here reaching out to disciple him. (Maybe you have done it in a PM or maybe you are waiting for him to reach out to you, either way, this is just an example to put things in a real perspective).




We also run into the same issues when we talk about Catholicism - we have a couple of Catholics on here, but every time we discuss the differences, I feel like we put them on the defensive sometimes. We know that there are differences in their faith that we don't practice in our churches, but we are quick to condemn those practices as not Biblically sound without even thinking about how those practices may actually enhance the faith of others. Heck, some folks even overlook the fact that Diva is Catholic and immediately think that Genevieve is the only viable answer to questions about the Catholic faith. We don't give Diva the opportunity to disciple anyone here when it comes to learning things about Jesus that the Catholic faith actively practice. Again, I don't think this is intentional, it is just what we turn it into.


And, where am I really taking this? I'm bored so hopefully this will turn into a meaningful discussion because I really don't care what you would change your name too... lol

I chime in, but many times just get told I am wrong. They are going with what their bible says and do not listen to me. (interpretations can be different...I have been told that some are just our interpretations to make what we believe right..and I do not believe one is right and one is wrong, but obviously they know my religion better than me, though they are not catholic) ) (Or G even when she comes in and says the same thing. Though I will say... much more eloquently. I :love her.)

Now all that being said, I do not care a hill of beans that someone does not believe as I do. The point is I do not tell them they are wrong and/or crazy to believe as they do. I do not try to school or inform them on their religion. I am much more accepting of differences than many come across as. I do not know it all and I can accurately state the fact that while they think they do, they do not. ;D

So do I actively go out to seek to grow the kingdom, no, not here in Paulding. I will and do share with anyone willing to listen to another way of praise and belief, but unfortunately I have encountered many that do not want to hear what I believe and just want to save me. :dunno


*Note..I do not mean all, but many act this way.

I haven't seen where you've not been allowed to disciple here. In fact, I think the Catholics and Protestants get along very well here and have learned from each other. As you stated, Gen was a blessing, I loved to read her posts, even though I am Protestant.

 

[ShoeDiva]

Here is where I'm going with this - I know y'all are curious...




I'm a big believer that there are really two groups of Christians. Folks that actually get out and do stuff and folks that need or just want to be fed the Word. Now, don't get me wrong, everyone needs to get fed the Word of God, but we are commanded to "go forth and make disciples." I'm looking at what we are doing as a community to make disciples. And, as part of the highway community, I think we are more focused on getting fed and in showing our pride in our personal knowledge of the Word or our own faith walk. And, I'm perfectly willing to admit that I am just as guilty of this.




Take Hank for example (sorry Hank - I hope I don't offend you). He has said that he is relatively a new Christian and that he has a lot of questions but isn't yet comfortable bringing them up at his church. I made the suggestion that he reach out to his pastor or Sunday School teacher, when we should have encouraged him to reach out to the men here. He seems to be comfortable with y'all (heck even GD), but I don't see the men here reaching out to disciple him. (Maybe you have done it in a PM or maybe you are waiting for him to reach out to you, either way, this is just an example to put things in a real perspective).




We also run into the same issues when we talk about Catholicism - we have a couple of Catholics on here, but every time we discuss the differences, I feel like we put them on the defensive sometimes. We know that there are differences in their faith that we don't practice in our churches, but we are quick to condemn those practices as not Biblically sound without even thinking about how those practices may actually enhance the faith of others. Heck, some folks even overlook the fact that Diva is Catholic and immediately think that Genevieve is the only viable answer to questions about the Catholic faith. We don't give Diva the opportunity to disciple anyone here when it comes to learning things about Jesus that the Catholic faith actively practice. Again, I don't think this is intentional, it is just what we turn it into.


And, where am I really taking this? I'm bored so hopefully this will turn into a meaningful discussion because I really don't care what you would change your name too... lol

I chime in, but many times just get told I am wrong. They are going with what their bible says and do not listen to me. (interpretations can be different...I have been told that some are just our interpretations to make what we believe right..and I do not believe one is right and one is wrong, but obviously they know my religion better than me, though they are not catholic) ) (Or G even when she comes in and says the same thing. Though I will say... much more eloquently. I :love her.)

Now all that being said, I do not care a hill of beans that someone does not believe as I do. The point is I do not tell them they are wrong and/or crazy to believe as they do. I do not try to school or inform them on their religion. I am much more accepting of differences than many come across as. I do not know it all and I can accurately state the fact that while they think they do, they do not. ;D

So do I actively go out to seek to grow the kingdom, no, not here in Paulding. I will and do share with anyone willing to listen to another way of praise and belief, but unfortunately I have encountered many that do not want to hear what I believe and just want to save me. :dunno


*Note..I do not mean all, but many act this way.

I haven't seen where you've not been allowed to disciple here. In fact, I think the Catholics and Protestants get along very well here and have learned from each other. As you stated, Gen was a blessing, I loved to read her posts, even though I am Protestant.

Oh I have...many times. (More of I am told I am wrong..but it is all good. I just do not listen to them. ) I will say you specifically have been helpful when I have asked questions of your faith when I truly did not know the answers.

 

[Guard Dad]

Here is where I'm going with this - I know y'all are curious...




I'm a big believer that there are really two groups of Christians. Folks that actually get out and do stuff and folks that need or just want to be fed the Word. Now, don't get me wrong, everyone needs to get fed the Word of God, but we are commanded to "go forth and make disciples." I'm looking at what we are doing as a community to make disciples. And, as part of the highway community, I think we are more focused on getting fed and in showing our pride in our personal knowledge of the Word or our own faith walk. And, I'm perfectly willing to admit that I am just as guilty of this.




Take Hank for example (sorry Hank - I hope I don't offend you). He has said that he is relatively a new Christian and that he has a lot of questions but isn't yet comfortable bringing them up at his church. I made the suggestion that he reach out to his pastor or Sunday School teacher, when we should have encouraged him to reach out to the men here. He seems to be comfortable with y'all (heck even GD), but I don't see the men here reaching out to disciple him. (Maybe you have done it in a PM or maybe you are waiting for him to reach out to you, either way, this is just an example to put things in a real perspective).




We also run into the same issues when we talk about Catholicism - we have a couple of Catholics on here, but every time we discuss the differences, I feel like we put them on the defensive sometimes. We know that there are differences in their faith that we don't practice in our churches, but we are quick to condemn those practices as not Biblically sound without even thinking about how those practices may actually enhance the faith of others. Heck, some folks even overlook the fact that Diva is Catholic and immediately think that Genevieve is the only viable answer to questions about the Catholic faith. We don't give Diva the opportunity to disciple anyone here when it comes to learning things about Jesus that the Catholic faith actively practice. Again, I don't think this is intentional, it is just what we turn it into.


And, where am I really taking this? I'm bored so hopefully this will turn into a meaningful discussion because I really don't care what you would change your name too... lol

I chime in, but many times just get told I am wrong. They are going with what their bible says and do not listen to me. (interpretations can be different...I have been told that some are just our interpretations to make what we believe right..and I do not believe one is right and one is wrong, but obviously they know my religion better than me, though they are not catholic) ) (Or G even when she comes in and says the same thing. Though I will say... much more eloquently. I :love her.)

Now all that being said, I do not care a hill of beans that someone does not believe as I do. The point is I do not tell them they are wrong and/or crazy to believe as they do. I do not try to school or inform them on their religion. I am much more accepting of differences than many come across as. I do not know it all and I can accurately state the fact that while they think they do, they do not. ;D

So do I actively go out to seek to grow the kingdom, no, not here in Paulding. I will and do share with anyone willing to listen to another way of praise and belief, but unfortunately I have encountered many that do not want to hear what I believe and just want to save me. :dunno


*Note..I do not mean all, but many act this way.

I haven't seen where you've not been allowed to disciple here. In fact, I think the Catholics and Protestants get along very well here and have learned from each other. As you stated, Gen was a blessing, I loved to read her posts, even though I am Protestant.

Oh I have...many times. (More of I am told I am wrong..but it is all good. I just do not listen to them. ) I will say you specifically have been helpful when I have asked questions of your faith when I truly did not know the answers.

I very much appreciate my Catholic brothers and sisters. Our beliefs are more alike than different. And Christianity is stronger with both Catholic and Protestant united.

 

[LisaC]

Here is where I'm going with this - I know y'all are curious...




I'm a big believer that there are really two groups of Christians. Folks that actually get out and do stuff and folks that need or just want to be fed the Word. Now, don't get me wrong, everyone needs to get fed the Word of God, but we are commanded to "go forth and make disciples." I'm looking at what we are doing as a community to make disciples. And, as part of the highway community, I think we are more focused on getting fed and in showing our pride in our personal knowledge of the Word or our own faith walk. And, I'm perfectly willing to admit that I am just as guilty of this.




Take Hank for example (sorry Hank - I hope I don't offend you). He has said that he is relatively a new Christian and that he has a lot of questions but isn't yet comfortable bringing them up at his church. I made the suggestion that he reach out to his pastor or Sunday School teacher, when we should have encouraged him to reach out to the men here. He seems to be comfortable with y'all (heck even GD), but I don't see the men here reaching out to disciple him. (Maybe you have done it in a PM or maybe you are waiting for him to reach out to you, either way, this is just an example to put things in a real perspective).




We also run into the same issues when we talk about Catholicism - we have a couple of Catholics on here, but every time we discuss the differences, I feel like we put them on the defensive sometimes. We know that there are differences in their faith that we don't practice in our churches, but we are quick to condemn those practices as not Biblically sound without even thinking about how those practices may actually enhance the faith of others. Heck, some folks even overlook the fact that Diva is Catholic and immediately think that Genevieve is the only viable answer to questions about the Catholic faith. We don't give Diva the opportunity to disciple anyone here when it comes to learning things about Jesus that the Catholic faith actively practice. Again, I don't think this is intentional, it is just what we turn it into.


And, where am I really taking this? I'm bored so hopefully this will turn into a meaningful discussion because I really don't care what you would change your name too... lol

I chime in, but many times just get told I am wrong. They are going with what their bible says and do not listen to me. (interpretations can be different...I have been told that some are just our interpretations to make what we believe right..and I do not believe one is right and one is wrong, but obviously they know my religion better than me, though they are not catholic) ) (Or G even when she comes in and says the same thing. Though I will say... much more eloquently. I :love her.)

Now all that being said, I do not care a hill of beans that someone does not believe as I do. The point is I do not tell them they are wrong and/or crazy to believe as they do. I do not try to school or inform them on their religion. I am much more accepting of differences than many come across as. I do not know it all and I can accurately state the fact that while they think they do, they do not. ;D

So do I actively go out to seek to grow the kingdom, no, not here in Paulding. I will and do share with anyone willing to listen to another way of praise and belief, but unfortunately I have encountered many that do not want to hear what I believe and just want to save me. :dunno


*Note..I do not mean all, but many act this way.

I haven't seen where you've not been allowed to disciple here. In fact, I think the Catholics and Protestants get along very well here and have learned from each other. As you stated, Gen was a blessing, I loved to read her posts, even though I am Protestant.

Actually, what I have seen is that when topics of the Catholic faith come up, many people automatically say that they wish Gen were here to answer them when Diva is a much more active post (and is just as devoted to her faith). It may be that Genevieve does say it more eloquently, but I've never seen a situation where Diva and Gen do not agree on Catholic issues.

 

[LisaC]

We should be doing both, but there is more than a single way of doing either.

As for feeding...the situation and the people involved determine which is best. There is a time for aggressive proselytizing (sorry, just wanted to throw in a big word) and there is a time for a more passive type of witnessing. Some people do not respond well to an aggressive approach and might push back. In those cases it might be best to witness through your actions and how you live yourself. Sometimes a person will see that and feel good about coming to you when they need help or feel the Holy Spirit tugging at their heart.

Even when taking a more passive approach, I think we should be forthright about our faith so people know we are of The Lord. Of course, that makes it important for us to walk the walk, which is where we sometimes fail.

Was Jesus passive in his witnessing? He openly discussed his Father - if people chose not to listen, He didn't stop, but neither did He chase them down.

 

[Guard Dad]

We should be doing both, but there is more than a single way of doing either.

As for feeding...the situation and the people involved determine which is best. There is a time for aggressive proselytizing (sorry, just wanted to throw in a big word) and there is a time for a more passive type of witnessing. Some people do not respond well to an aggressive approach and might push back. In those cases it might be best to witness through your actions and how you live yourself. Sometimes a person will see that and feel good about coming to you when they need help or feel the Holy Spirit tugging at their heart.

Even when taking a more passive approach, I think we should be forthright about our faith so people know we are of The Lord. Of course, that makes it important for us to walk the walk, which is where we sometimes fail.

Was Jesus passive in his witnessing? He openly discussed his Father - if people chose not to listen, He didn't stop, but neither did He chase them down.

Jesus is the son of God and he got crucified for his witnessing. His resurrection made him the living savior, but you or I won't walk out of a tomb 3 days later if that happens to us.

Yes, I do believe that sometimes being too aggressive in sharing your faith can do more harm than good. It's a case-by-case issue.

 

[LisaC]

We should be doing both, but there is more than a single way of doing either.

As for feeding...the situation and the people involved determine which is best. There is a time for aggressive proselytizing (sorry, just wanted to throw in a big word) and there is a time for a more passive type of witnessing. Some people do not respond well to an aggressive approach and might push back. In those cases it might be best to witness through your actions and how you live yourself. Sometimes a person will see that and feel good about coming to you when they need help or feel the Holy Spirit tugging at their heart.

Even when taking a more passive approach, I think we should be forthright about our faith so people know we are of The Lord. Of course, that makes it important for us to walk the walk, which is where we sometimes fail.

Was Jesus passive in his witnessing? He openly discussed his Father - if people chose not to listen, He didn't stop, but neither did He chase them down.

Jesus is the son of God and he got crucified for his witnessing. His resurrection made him the living savior, but you or I won't walk out of a tomb 3 days later if that happens to us.

Yes, I do believe that sometimes being too aggressive in sharing your faith can do more harm than good. It's a case-by-case issue.

But we are to be like Jesus aren't we?


How can that do more harm than good? Either someone is ready to receive the Word or they're not. If they aren't, you don't have to beat them over the head with it, but you also shouldn't just stop talking to them about your faith - you look for opportunities to show them how your faith and love of Jesus has helpd you.

 

[Guard Dad]

We should be doing both, but there is more than a single way of doing either.

As for feeding...the situation and the people involved determine which is best. There is a time for aggressive proselytizing (sorry, just wanted to throw in a big word) and there is a time for a more passive type of witnessing. Some people do not respond well to an aggressive approach and might push back. In those cases it might be best to witness through your actions and how you live yourself. Sometimes a person will see that and feel good about coming to you when they need help or feel the Holy Spirit tugging at their heart.

Even when taking a more passive approach, I think we should be forthright about our faith so people know we are of The Lord. Of course, that makes it important for us to walk the walk, which is where we sometimes fail.

Was Jesus passive in his witnessing? He openly discussed his Father - if people chose not to listen, He didn't stop, but neither did He chase them down.

Jesus is the son of God and he got crucified for his witnessing. His resurrection made him the living savior, but you or I won't walk out of a tomb 3 days later if that happens to us.

Yes, I do believe that sometimes being too aggressive in sharing your faith can do more harm than good. It's a case-by-case issue.

But we are to be like Jesus aren't we?


How can that do more harm than good? Either someone is ready to receive the Word or they're not. If they aren't, you don't have to beat them over the head with it, but you also shouldn't just stop talking to them about your faith - you look for opportunities to show them how your faith and love of Jesus has helpd you.

I'm not saying we should shy from our faith. But beating people over the head with our Bibles is not always the best way and can actually put them on the defensive.

 

[LisaC]

We should be doing both, but there is more than a single way of doing either.

As for feeding...the situation and the people involved determine which is best. There is a time for aggressive proselytizing (sorry, just wanted to throw in a big word) and there is a time for a more passive type of witnessing. Some people do not respond well to an aggressive approach and might push back. In those cases it might be best to witness through your actions and how you live yourself. Sometimes a person will see that and feel good about coming to you when they need help or feel the Holy Spirit tugging at their heart.

Even when taking a more passive approach, I think we should be forthright about our faith so people know we are of The Lord. Of course, that makes it important for us to walk the walk, which is where we sometimes fail.

Was Jesus passive in his witnessing? He openly discussed his Father - if people chose not to listen, He didn't stop, but neither did He chase them down.

Jesus is the son of God and he got crucified for his witnessing. His resurrection made him the living savior, but you or I won't walk out of a tomb 3 days later if that happens to us.

Yes, I do believe that sometimes being too aggressive in sharing your faith can do more harm than good. It's a case-by-case issue.

But we are to be like Jesus aren't we?


How can that do more harm than good? Either someone is ready to receive the Word or they're not. If they aren't, you don't have to beat them over the head with it, but you also shouldn't just stop talking to them about your faith - you look for opportunities to show them how your faith and love of Jesus has helpd you.

I'm not saying we should shy from our faith. But beating people over the head with our Bibles is not always the best way and can actually put them on the defensive.

But how much do they learn if we stop talking about it?


Example: I work with a woman that praises God for every thing - good, bad, indifferent. If you tell her thank you for helping you with something, she will always say "I praise God that I am able." It has led her to tons of discussions about her faith. Some people are interested in hearing all that she has to say, but a lot of people only want to hear the 30 second story but listen only to be polite. Either way, she openly talks about all of the great things that Jesus has done for her and she constantly praises Him. She doesn't worry about offending anyone because it is more important to her that she tell them about Jesus.

 

[Guard Dad]

We should be doing both, but there is more than a single way of doing either.

As for feeding...the situation and the people involved determine which is best. There is a time for aggressive proselytizing (sorry, just wanted to throw in a big word) and there is a time for a more passive type of witnessing. Some people do not respond well to an aggressive approach and might push back. In those cases it might be best to witness through your actions and how you live yourself. Sometimes a person will see that and feel good about coming to you when they need help or feel the Holy Spirit tugging at their heart.

Even when taking a more passive approach, I think we should be forthright about our faith so people know we are of The Lord. Of course, that makes it important for us to walk the walk, which is where we sometimes fail.

Was Jesus passive in his witnessing? He openly discussed his Father - if people chose not to listen, He didn't stop, but neither did He chase them down.

Jesus is the son of God and he got crucified for his witnessing. His resurrection made him the living savior, but you or I won't walk out of a tomb 3 days later if that happens to us.

Yes, I do believe that sometimes being too aggressive in sharing your faith can do more harm than good. It's a case-by-case issue.

But we are to be like Jesus aren't we?


How can that do more harm than good? Either someone is ready to receive the Word or they're not. If they aren't, you don't have to beat them over the head with it, but you also shouldn't just stop talking to them about your faith - you look for opportunities to show them how your faith and love of Jesus has helpd you.

I'm not saying we should shy from our faith. But beating people over the head with our Bibles is not always the best way and can actually put them on the defensive.

But how much do they learn if we stop talking about it?


Example: I work with a woman that praises God for every thing - good, bad, indifferent. If you tell her thank you for helping you with something, she will always say "I praise God that I am able." It has led her to tons of discussions about her faith. Some people are interested in hearing all that she has to say, but a lot of people only want to hear the 30 second story but listen only to be polite. Either way, she openly talks about all of the great things that Jesus has done for her and she constantly praises Him. She doesn't worry about offending anyone because it is more important to her that she tell them about Jesus.

You seem to be seeing this only at the two extremes. I'm not saying we have to stop talking about our faith, but not everyone responds well to constantly being told they will burn in Hell if they don't become a Christian. We should look at prospects on a case-by-case basis and adjust our tactics to what will work best for the particular person. One might respond well to aggressive proselytization (bet you had to google it) while another might react better to a more subtle approach.

 

[honeybunny]

My Grandmother (most religious person I've ever known) almost never talked about her faith.
Her life was a shining beacon of kindness and selfless devotion to others... she led by example.

:love

 

[Hankster]

I'm going to need a thorough background check on all you weirdos before you try and disciple me!!

 

[LisaC]

You seem to be seeing this only at the two extremes. I'm not saying we have to stop talking about our faith, but not everyone responds well to constantly being told they will burn in Hell if they don't become a Christian. We should look at prospects on a case-by-case basis and adjust our tactics to what will work best for the particular person. One might respond well to aggressive proselytization (bet you had to google it) while another might react better to a more subtle approach.

No, you are taking it that I have two extremes. I am saying that we shouldn't stop talking about Jesus just because it makes someone feel uncomfortable. You seem to think that is aggressive proselytization (and I do know what that means). If we allow non-Christians to dictate how and when we talk about Jesus, we will eventually stop talking about Him altogether because it makes other people feel uncomfortable...

 

[LisaC]

My Grandmother (most religious person I've ever known) almost never talked about her faith.
Her life was a shining beacon of kindness and selfless devotion to others... she led by example.

:love

That's awesome, but why wouldn't she talk about her faith? :dunno