During the failed attempt back in 1973 to organize several denominations to preach from door to door to, (an effort called "Key 73"), one minister said the reason for the failure was that ministers are "Keepers of the aquarium rather than fishers of men."
How can church "members" be expected to do what their leaders don't? |
|
---scott on 7/16/08 |
Yesterday I was out two hours, saw 12 people receive Lord Jesus Christ. One of these people was a man of 40. Who ask me(I'm giving away chances on a pickup truck) what are you doing? I told him , ask him question about his salvation. I led him in a sinner's prayer. Immediately he said, oh goodness, I heard a voice telling me to come over here but I never dreamed it was about salvation. He said he had been praying for some time about getting saved,
Wealthy man not interested in used pickup. |
|
---Mima on 6/3/08 |
It's been my experience that when Christians are properly taught to defend why they believe what they believe, they become confident enough to witness.
Many people have reasons why they won't believe (I was one)and there are answers. There is a wonderfully helpful book called 'The Answers Book' which is available on the site creationontheweb dot com.
It covers common questions people ask--who did Cain marry?, how did the races come about, what about carbobn dating.... |
|
---Warwick on 6/3/08 |
Sorry for the repeat, not quite sure what happened there. |
|
---scott on 6/2/08 |
cross-bearer Re: People simply being attracted to a Christ-like example rather than preaching.
When Jesus told his disciples to "GO and make disciples of people of all nations...teaching them.." had they demonstrated the attitude that you are describing, Christianity would not have grown past a handful of disciples. Matt 28:19,20.
Your comment is contrary one of the most fundamental tenants of Christianity. |
|
---scott on 6/1/08 |
cross-bearer Re: People simply being attracted to a Christ-like example rather than preaching.
When Jesus told his disciples to "GO and make disciples of people of all nations...teaching them..," good thing they didn't demonstrate the attitude that you are describing. If they DID Christianity would not have grown past a handful of good examples. Matt 28:19, 20
Your comment is contrary to one of the most fundamental tenants of Christianity. |
|
---scott on 6/1/08 |
I think Mormons and JW's do consider themselves Christians. Not sure on that. Other denominations should witness but most don't. They are either afraid due to very little or no teaching,no personal bible and devotional times,most days.Or most are living defeated and dismal christian lives due to disobedience and failure to mature in Christ.They do not seek God's face on most issues in their lives and are very carnal and fleshly christians. We cannot please God when we try to do things on our own. |
|
---Robyn on 5/24/08 |
The devil has a whole lot of people out there witnessing for him. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Football games are more important than God is, right? WRONG. Can FOOTBALL games and its players send you to heaven or hell? Well, it might send you to hell, if you are not careful. |
|
---catherine on 5/24/08 |
The problem is that people don't realize day to day living is a witness to others. Actions are louder witness than words. People approach you. A saying is "Be ready to witness, and if you must-SPEAK." I noticed Protestants seems to witness better than Catholics. Catholics believe faith is a gift from God.They seem to believe God will convert people without their help. They are wrong. God needs us.I am not comfortable going door to door. Thats why there are different kinds of people in the world. |
|
---Nicole on 5/24/08 |
Many Christians I think feel that God is rammed down enough peoples throats. Pushed like vaccuum cleaners sold door to door. Many I feel would rather live a Christ-like example. When people look at Christians they should "see" Christ. See something different and they will be attracted to that. |
|
---cross-bearer on 5/23/08 |
That's an easy one. Because they don't believe in anything anymore. God, country, taking a stand for what is right. I can't for the life of me understand why liberals on the left are so scared of the mythical Pat Robertson "theocracy" that is supposedly looming around every figurative corner. I'm sort of looking forward to seeing America go down in flames. Maybe it will be replaced by a nation that believes in something. |
|
---Jay_Hartley on 5/23/08 |
witness like Jesus, of course use plain words, dont use too many parables, if you do, do explain what you are trying to say when using a parable [and when you do witness, God will bring you someone you least expect, to witness to, so, dont walk away from them] |
|
---Winni on 5/23/08 |
Cont.
Whether those 1st Century Christians would stay with ONE host in a particular town while going from house to house within that town...
...Or whether they stayed for an undetermined amount of time at EACH home while preaching and teaching, is not spelled out in scripture.
It is clear though, that they went from town to town and house to house in proclaiming the good news or gospel about Christ and His kingdom.
It was Christ's admonition to do so. |
|
---scott on 5/23/08 |
In ancient times the guest, while treated with courtesy and honor, was expected to observe certain requirements. For example, it was considered among the worst offenses to enjoy or partake of another mans food and then betray him or bring some sort of harm to him. (Ps 41:9, Joh 13:18)
The guest was not to presume upon his host or on the group gathered together by taking the seat of honor, but was to leave this for the host to determine. (Lu 14:7-11) Cont... |
|
---scott on 5/23/08 |
Cont- The guest was also not to wear out his welcome by being staying too long or by going too often. (Pr 25:17)
That's the reason for Christ's direction not to be "Going from house to house."
While preaching the gospel, 1st century Christians were not to take advantage of the hospitality or to seek out particular accommodations where the material advantages might be better than in another place.
Thus Jesus' words: "A workman is worthy of his wages." Luke 10:7 |
|
---scott on 5/23/08 |
Bill_bila5659, Re: "they would settle in...staying with one worthy person...get to know that person..."
Clearly an indication that times and especially CULTURES have changed.
It was customary to be invited in and even to stay a while, no matter what the reason for the call.
I hear that's still the case with missionaries in certain parts of the word where, culturally, people demonstrate greater hospitality.
Can't imagine that happening in So. California where I live! |
|
---scott on 5/22/08 |
I agree we are to witness anywhere we get or can make make the opportunity, or when God gives opportunity.
If you are speaking with non-believers who show disinterest ask them what stops them believing in Jesus free gift of salvation. I've done this and mostly it's because they have been educated into believing that 'science' has somehow proved the Bible wrong, therefore not worth staking their lives upon.
Try it then learn to give right answers as we are commanded in Scripture. |
|
---Warwick on 5/21/08 |
Jesus told them, "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house." (Luke 10:7) The context, here, shows me that Jesus was saying that in order to get their needs met, they were not to keep moving from one house to another, but stay with the host God has chosen and prepared. Evangelizing, though, could be at different places . . . like Jesus visited different houses. |
|
---Bill_bila5659 on 5/21/08 |
"And daily in the temple, and
in every house,
they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." (Acts 5:42)
OK, so I can see the apostles went "house to house" to evangelize and pastor, but they would settle in one house where they got their needs met, and stay there. By staying with one worthy person, they'd have time to get to know that person and show him/her how to use that house to help the church as it grew. |
|
---Bill_bila5659 on 5/21/08 |
As I read from the earlier posts of this blog, to the '08 entries, I notice quite a difference in who is posting and the content.
About Jesus telling them not to go "from house to house" > one thing I get about this is, Jesus was personally directing them. They knew what He meant > if you are personally directed by Jesus, He can make sure you know what He means (o:
What He has you do, and therefore the directions, "may" be different (o: |
|
---Bill_bila5659 on 5/21/08 |
Nana,
Paul at Acts 20:20 "I did not hold back from...teaching you publicly and from house to house." Paul's NEXT words show that he was ministering to nonbelievers. He says: But I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus."
Explain how the Jews and Greeks that Paul was bearing witness to about repentance, (by going from house to house among other things), was simply an encouraging visit amongst fellow believers. |
|
---scott on 5/21/08 |
Nana,
In The NIV Theological Dictionary of New Testament Words we read under KATA:
"5. Finally, kata can have a distributive meaning...the early church in Jerusalem...taught and proclaimed the good news "from house to house" (5:42, lit., "according to the house")."-p.653. |
|
---scott on 5/21/08 |
Nana
Acts 5:42
"From house to house." Greek= Kai-Kat-Oikon
Kat'-a= Lit., according to house. Here kata is used with the accusative sing. in the distributive sense.
"Never for a moment did the apostles cease their blessed work...in the Temple...and, of course, also Kai-Kat-Oikon, which is distributive, from house to house, and NOT MERELY adverbial, 'AT HOME.' "
R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of The Acts of the Apostles, Minneapolis (1961)
|
|
---scott on 5/21/08 |
Nana Re: Acts 20:20
Randolph O. Yeager wrote that Paul taught "both in public assemblies [de'mo'si'a] and from house to house [ka'ta'] Paul had spent three years in Ephesus. He visited EVERY HOUSE or preached to all of the people. Here is SCRIPTURAL WARRANT for house to house evangelism as well as that carried on in public meetings. A similar use of ka'ta' appears at Luke 8:1, which speaks of Jesus preaching "from city to city and from village to village." |
|
---scott on 5/21/08 |
Although I dont agree with the JWs or Mormons, I wouldn't throw around the word cult so quickly. Anyway, me personally, I dont witness because I would feel like a hypocrite because I'm not on the narrow path right now and my heart is not right with God. I witnessed when I gave my heart to Christ and was on fire a few years ago, even went to an evangelism college for a while. I'll say this: it's easier preaching to a stranger than to a friend. |
|
---Todd1 on 5/21/08 |
.steveng, none are so blind, as those whom will not see. |
|
---Eloy on 5/21/08 |
scott,#1
First off, Matthew 10:5: "These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." That part is simple right? They were at first sent to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel". We can't quite say those "lost" were unbelievers. |
|
---Nana on 5/21/08 |
scott ,#2
They believed, only that their faith was misplaced and they were to also get the news that "The kingdom of heaven is at hand.", Mt. 10:7. The twelve were told to carry provisions, that they will be provided them, "for the workman is worthy of his meat.", v10. |
|
---Nana on 5/21/08 |
scott ,#3
Next in the instructions given them, Matthew 10:11: "And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till ye go thence." Find "who in it is worthy" for an abode while in the city or town. The Scriptures do not say anywhere in these verses to go "house to house". |
|
---Nana on 5/21/08 |
scott,#4
Furthermore it was told them that if on entering a house to lodge therein they find that the house, "be not worthy, let your peace return to you.", v13. How is that, if they had before going to the house found that the person was "worthy"? That is in accordance with the saying that not all that say "Lord, Lord" is worthy to enter into the kingdom. |
|
---Nana on 5/21/08 |
scott,#5
How about the Scriptures in the book of Acts? In Acts 2:44_47 the first thing we read is Acts 2:44: "And all that believed were together, and had all things common, 45: And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.". Verse 44 is key to understand the other verses for in it is said clearly
"And all that believed were together, and had all things common". |
|
---Nana on 5/21/08 |
The Lord rebuke you, DDM. You are constantly personally attacking me, why don't you move on some time and say something true? |
|
---frances008 on 5/20/08 |
It is difficult for the true Christians, when so many so called Christians support killing innocent people in wars created by the Illuminati, and kill in the name of Christ. For a long time I have had to take off my crucifix, in shame. Today I put it back on. It is time Christians stood up and exposed Satanists in their ranks. |
|
---frances008 on 5/20/08 |
Well,surprise some do.Even today.I remember when the smaller Baptist churches used to every Sat.About 26 years ago a friend of mine and myself did it but we were the only ones out of a 1,000 member church.That was an AG church.I do think most christians think the USA is over evangelized and the people who aren't born again just plain aren't interested.Later on in my christian life most of my witnessing has been on medical mission trips to 3rd.world countries. |
|
---shirley on 5/20/08 |
Nana, (Interesting tone to your comments by the way)-
Remember that at Acts 5:42- in addition to going "from house to house," (In the same sentence and verse), they were also preaching and teaching at the Jewish temple.
Were they just having "fellowship with believers" at the Jewish temple too?
They were preaching to unbelievers in both cases. Just two of the many ways they followed Christ's example of a bold preacher of the gospel. |
|
---scott on 5/20/08 |
Nana
You'd have to ask as well if these disciples were just visiting with fellow Christian why Jesus would say:
"When you are entering into the house, greet the household...if (He) is not deserving, let the peace from you return upon you. Wherever anyone does not take you in or LISTEN TO YOUR WORDS, on going out of that house or that city shake the dust off your feet." matt 10:7, 11-13
Those were some unfriendly "fellow believers". |
|
---scott on 5/20/08 |
"House to house dissemination of the gospel characterized the first-century Christians from the beginning (cf. Acts 2:46, 5:42). ... [Paul] had thoroughly discharged his responsibility both to Jews and Gentiles at Ephesus, and they were left without excuse if they perished in their sins."- The Wesleyan Bible Commentary, Volume 4, pages 642-3. |
|
---scott on 5/20/08 |
"He (Paul) was not content with teaching and discoursing in the synagogue and the market. He was ever diligently teaching from house to house. It was a house-to-house, hand-to-hand, face-to-face contest with evil, and to win men to Christ, that he waged in Ephesus."
Biblical scholar, Edwin W. Rice |
|
---scott on 5/20/08 |
Nana,
Paul said "I did not flinch from...teaching you publicly and from house to house."- ACTS 20:20, Byington.
Then in the next verse, (21), he says that he was "Testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God." ASV
It seems clear that those "Houses" didn't contain fellow believers, at least not initially. |
|
---scott on 5/20/08 |
scott,
That "HOUSE TO HOUSE" is not what you make of it. These are the houses of the fellowship of believers. In the Gospels the disciples were to enter houses only to rest and for their substenance. Luke 10:7: "And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house." |
|
---Nana on 5/20/08 |
scott,
Mark 6:10: "And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place." Now if you have any other Biblical support for your stance, lets hear it. So far the practice appears more tradition than Biblical interpretation. |
|
---Nana on 5/20/08 |
I was a J.W. for 20 yrs, in a spiritual wilderness for 13 more, now a Spirit born Christian. Once in a bondage of fear and "have to witnessing", now I can't help myself from sharing the true gospel--by LIVING and SPEAKING the Word thru my life.
Not everyone has the gift of evangelism but we must be able to give a defense of the faith when necessary, Paul in Col. and Peter in 1 Peter,to sow seeds.
Q. Are the door knockers the mission field on our doorsteps? |
|
---ruth on 5/20/08 |
Scott Christianity isn't a popularity contest so percentages of growth are meaningless. Christianity is about Jesus, God the Son who is The Truth, the only Truth. The Truth of Christianity is the unpopular narrow way and few find it.
If you are correct then it is very sad that anti-Christian cults are growing, taking unsuspecting people to hell, along with the deceiving leaders. |
|
---Warwick on 5/19/08 |
Melanie,
While it's imperative for Christians to demonstrate the fruitage of the spirit in a variety of ways, what your leaving out in Christ's commission to his disciples at Matt 28:19 is the word "GO."
"Go make disciples of people of all the nations..."
That's very different than just having good relationships with others.
"And every day, in the temple and from HOUSE TO HOUSE, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." NASV |
|
---scott on 5/19/08 |
I very much disagree with going door to door. It is down right annoying. The bible never says to go a witnessing..it says to make disciples...that means you know people..have relationship with...discipleship. I have seen more damage by the Christians that go door to door notching up their spiritual belts..than good. |
|
---melanie on 5/19/08 |
frances008_Try practicing what you preach!
Haven't you even read some of the Replies you've posted?
Looks like alot of "Christians" are seeing you for what you SEEM to be, A Wolf Dressed-UP like a Lamb that devours from within the Flock! |
|
---Duane_Dudley_Martin on 5/19/08 |
Frances, Re: "The Mormons and the JWs...are actually putting more people off them than attracting to them."
Whether or not you agree with their teachings or approach, as reported in the "Christian Post Reporter" Feb 20, 2008- "Jehovah's Witnesses increased by 2.5 percent and LDS by 1.56 percent." While all other groups either had a much smaller increase or actually saw significant decreases.
Obviously someone is 'Attracted' to their approach. |
|
---scott on 5/19/08 |
Steveng, you are very wrong to criticize all Christians en masse. There are many doing great work for God. They are ploughing the fields to receive the World of God all over the world. They are exposing the Vatican to the whole world and risking their lives to do so. They are being cruelly persecuted everywhere across the globe. Especially the doers of the word. As for the miracles...like opening the eyes of the spiritually blind.... |
|
---frances008 on 5/17/08 |
which would be a greater miracle than opening the eyes of a physically blind man. Please read Ecclesiastes 9 and also Sun Tzu's The Art of War. It is those who are on the look out warning of attacks before they happen - those whose names never get out of the house, those who work quietly perhaps praying and fasting or in spiritual warfare. They achieve much. |
|
---frances008 on 5/17/08 |
The Mormons and the JWs by intruding on the family at times they are not wanted (all the time) are actually putting more people off them than attracting to them. And they are not Christians anyway, so why would we want to follow their example. There are many other ways to witness. |
|
---frances008 on 5/17/08 |
Catherine is correct in saying that something is amiss. It is that not many people realize the dangers of doing nothing. They think that if they are saved, (and their idea of salvation may be different to God's), then that is all they need to worry about. It is not like that. We need to produce fruit. |
|
---frances008 on 5/17/08 |
Catherine I agree. I've found people have lots of questions about Scripture. Because of their secular, and often anti-Christian education, they're confused, finding it difficult to believe the Bible is ultimate truth.
Many Christians are too lazy to do the necessary study.
We are told to be ready to answer questions in such Scriptures as Col.4:6 & 1Pe.3:15. This demonstrates that though Christianity is of faith it's not blind faith, but faith in the one true reality! |
|
---Warwick on 5/17/08 |
God tells me, "not many are equipped". Christians are suppose to go where God says to go and do what God says to do. But these people, God must prepare. Something is terribly amiss. |
|
---catherine on 5/16/08 |
Beautifully stated, Eloy :) |
|
---Mary on 5/15/08 |
Eloy: "...but Christians go heart-to-heart."
Christians are lazy. They are self-centered. They lack true love. They are only hearers of the Word of God, not doers. They are lovers of pleasure than lovers of God. They have other things to do: family, friends, work, attend sermons and concerts, play with their computers and ipods, etc. They have the form of Godliness, but deny His power.
If Christians are to perform greater miracles than Jesus, why don't we see it every day? |
|
---Steveng on 5/15/08 |
No one wants to be confused with the JW's or Mormons, so Christians do not make the rounds, walk the streets. Most people shut the shades, lock the doors and run for the basement when they see the JW's or Mormons coming. You shouldn't let false gospels into your house anyway. |
|
---Sagmat on 5/15/08 |
I am sure Eloy and Frances are right. The best evangleism we can do is live lives that are different, become servant rather than success oriented and reach out to the unsaved as friends. Reaching out to people with whom we have relationship and credibility.
If a Christian feels convicted to go door to door then they should follow God's leading. I feel insincere in doing so. |
|
---Warwick on 5/15/08 |
Some Christians are nervous about what will happen. Will there be a fight? Will the person they're trying to talk to hurt them in a phisical or an emotional way? They concentrate more on "What if...?" instead of just trying to share. |
|
---Michelle on 5/15/08 |
Witnessing if asked, let them know where you get you good person from. Luke 10 misguided interpretations for example when Christ Jesus tried to get the 70 jobs with the son of peace the son of the father of the farms, they demons to be cast out was in their own head they wanted to follow the Lord as Abel, and not Cain Zechariah 13 suggests this, but could be forced by Christians to read Abel not Cain. |
|
---michael on 5/15/08 |
Thats funny, I could have sworn that Jesus and Peter & Paul & others went House to House and broke bread & Baptized people...
Jesus went to ALOT of peoples houses & Taught them.
Most of the time he had to teach on the side of a Mt. or from a boat Because of All(1000's) the People. |
|
---Duane_Dudley_Martin on 5/15/08 |
Salesman go door-to-door, but Christians go heart-to-heart. |
|
---Eloy on 5/15/08 |
If Christians went from door to door, they might put people off, which is what the JW' s do when they continually knock on my door. As for witnessing with pamphlets outside. I have done a bit of this and continue to do it, it is illegal in most places in this country and I am afraid of the police. The responses I get show who the really brainwashed ones are.....Catholics, sad to say. |
|
---frances008 on 5/14/08 |
Witnessing on forums is also a good way to win souls. When I was googling something health-related I came across this website. So God can do the same again, bringing non-believers onto this website by accident. We have to get ready and know the Word of God, and also stop inter-fighting, if we want to attract people to Christianity. Of course, some 'Christians' are counterfeits and we cannot stop them also from posting blogs. |
|
---frances008 on 5/14/08 |
Once a person works out his Salvation, it's time to move on to the Meat of the Word and leave the Milk behind them...
The Bible says that the Meat of the Word gives a man the ability to decern between Good & Evil, right & wrong!
Maybe thats why, I am the Way I am?
I Grew up on the Meat of the Word W/only sips of Milk as a New Born(1974)till now.
I have tasted the Sincere Milk of the Lord,
and the Taste Fills the Soul. |
|
---Duane_Dudley_Martin on 5/14/08 |
Because for these groups that's part of obtaining salvation.
A true Christian works out his salvation instead of working for it. |
|
---Pharisee on 5/14/08 |
JWs believe Jesus and Satan are brothers - Satan is an angel a created being. Jesus is the Creator.
The JWs denigrate Christ - if you want to hang out with them you should know they are a cult. If you need to feel special - cult serve that purpose.
But their were 144000 martyrs for Christ that have already taken all the seats in heaven.
you will work your little heart to the bone and still won't even be able to take communion.
This is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. |
|
---Andrea on 9/3/07 |
Because, Andrea Maria, it is risky buisness.
Religion=death
Father God, Jesus the Son, Holy Spirit=life. |
|
---Whisper on 9/3/07 |
JW's do not spread "stinking lies" any more than any other sect does. They believe they are informing others who do not know the Bible. Why is it that we Christians, who base our beliefs on the sacrifice of a loving God, cannot agree. Who is right? And why do they feel privileged enough to be enlightened while others "walk in the darkness?" God wants us to love one another and to lose the attitude of self reliance. God works in mysterious ways and not through one religion. |
|
---Andrea_Maria on 9/2/07 |
Is learning something new so scary? We are ordered to keep seeking the Kingdom of God, why do so many assume that they know it all and can stop and rest on their laurels?
The fact is that nobody knows it all and we should all be open to new information. |
|
---Andrea_Maria on 9/2/07 |
Yes it would be good. Steven G. and I agree we must be careful Robin. |
|
---Whisper on 9/2/07 |
Christians DO still go out and evangelize! In fact, there are hundreds of small teams of 3 that go out once per week and spread the Good News across the world! These folks are equipped to share their faith and train others to do the same. It's called Evangelism Explosion. An equipping ministry for ALL saints to witness in ANY situation! |
|
---Rob on 9/1/07 |
catherine: "...like everything you must be called into it."
We are "called into it" the moment we become Christians. |
|
---Steveng on 9/1/07 |
Whisper: "Now we use the internet instead mostly, and use other means of communication.
But wouldn't it be better to spread the Gospel face to face with others? To bring a person under your wing for a time and then have him or her start their own home church? For you to plant your vine to grow fruit? To encourage that person to become stronger in the Lord? If you can bring in one person a month in personal service to God and Jesus, at the end of the year you, too, will have 12 disiples. |
|
---Steveng on 9/1/07 |
Gail - I'm sorry you feel that way, but then you knew that. I liked your ex-mormon stuff so much I copied to my personal file - I don't do that often. It is better then lots of stuff I find on the web. And yes Andrea is Andrea ex-atheist,mormon now non-d pent. with my mouth why would I sign my name and lie. silly woman.
I apologize for telling you to get a backbone - you definitely have that. |
|
---Andrea on 9/1/07 |
|
