Evangelizing through service

Kristen Johnson

Kristen Johnson

I have only ever been able to evangelize through acts of service. In other words, I am called to serve because Christ calls us to serve. (Matthew 25:35-40): 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.’)

I assume that I feel this way because I have been "called" to service, as opposed to others who are "called" to evangelize with DIRECT evangelizing - like preaching, handing out tracts, missionary service, etc. Just curious if there are others like me who feel absolutely NOT called to evangelize in this way.
 
Hi Kristen,

Just a friendly reminder to use the bold feature or the colors when wanting to highlight a word of importance to you. When one uses all caps, some people tend to think your yelling at them...and so is one of the rules (Rule 1.3 The use of all capital letters in member posts is prohibited. All such posts will be eliminated and members given a 1 point warning. Continued violations will result in the member account being suspended.)
we ask for your cooperation with.

Again you are not in any trouble, this is just a reminder :)

Thank you for your cooperation
Blessings of grace and peace to you
 
Kristen Johnson said:
I have only ever been able to evangelize through acts of service. In other words, I am called to serve because Christ calls us to serve. (Matthew 25:35-40): 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.’)

I assume that I feel this way because I have been "called" to service, as opposed to others who are "called" to evangelize with DIRECT evangelizing - like preaching, handing out tracts, missionary service, etc. Just curious if there are others like me who feel absolutely NOT called to evangelize in this way.
Click to expand...

I think for me I have been called to both. I do serve in lots of ways and also am there to help others through encouragement and bringing the burden removing yoke destroying anointing (Jesus and His ways...the truth of the Word of God) to those whom the Holy Spirit wants ministered to.

For I believe that the angels can do only so much. God also needs those of us with physical bodies to plant the seeds of the Word, and intercede for those whom are having difficulty hearing the Holy Spirit or grasping the habit of meditating on the Word, or even just geting the Godly Word to override what is in their minds. Sometimes the devil's lies have gotten so buried within someone's heart...that some Godly intervention is needed, and that person needs some personal one on one for a little bit.

So as I am writing all of this I feel the Holy Spirit saying to you that you too can be, and are called as one to minister in an evangelistic way. It just takes knowing the Word (it being within you in abundance...eat, breathe, sleep the Word (Mt 12:34b-35a) and being empowered (submitting to the power and desires of the Holy Spirit) when He leads.

God bless you in abundance
 
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Kristen Johnson said:
I have only ever been able to evangelize through acts of service. In other words, I am called to serve because Christ calls us to serve. (Matthew 25:35-40): 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.’)

I assume that I feel this way because I have been "called" to service, as opposed to others who are "called" to evangelize with DIRECT evangelizing - like preaching, handing out tracts, missionary service, etc. Just curious if there are others like me who feel absolutely NOT called to evangelize in this way.
Click to expand...

Do you ever feel like your ability to evangelize via acts of service comes from a works, or earning your salvation type of mentality? Or does it come from being uncomfortable in sharing God's Word, because your more of an activist and the Word of God takes second place in your life?

How important is God's Word to you? Is it what shapes everything you are, your whole being, mind and thoughts?

Blessings
 
Cturtle said:
Do you ever feel like your ability to evangelize via acts of service comes from a works, or earning your salvation type of mentality? Or does it come from being uncomfortable in sharing God's Word, because your more of an activist and the Word of God takes second place in your life?

How important is God's Word to you? Is it what shapes everything you are, your whole being, mind and thoughts?

Blessings
Click to expand...

I am uncomfortable sharing the gospel - not because I'm ashamed, but because I'm afraid. I do think, as you suggested, that I am more of an activist.
 
Hi Kristen J

Kristen Johnson said:
I am uncomfortable sharing the gospel - not because I'm ashamed, but because I'm afraid.
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2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I gave you this scripture because it has changed me. It continues to change me. I have to stand on this scripture and keep it in my eyes, ears and mouth. Otherwise I would still be scared too.

Kristen Johnson said:
that I am more of an activist.
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An activist is a person who campaigns for some kind of social change. When you participate in a march protesting the closing of a neighborhood library, you're an activist. Someone who's actively involved in a protest or a political or social cause can be called an activist.

Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Those are opposed to each other.
One says battle with flesh the other says don't battle with the flesh.

I am not saying there is not a time to rally but that is best left unto the Lord's direction or another words, when, how and where and His instructions tend to not make sense to our mortal minds.

Again Kristen Johnson
I shared this with you because if we are not paying close attention to things we can convince ourselves to do certain things as if God has called us to and miss the mark or His plan.

Just sayen....:cool:
Blessings
FCJ
 
Kristen Johnson said:
I am uncomfortable sharing the gospel - not because I'm ashamed, but because I'm afraid. I do think, as you suggested, that I am more of an activist.
Click to expand...

What about becoming an activist for Christ? It's not always easy to share the gospel, that I fully understand, But one thing I learned was relying on the boldness of the Holy Spirit is so important and is a huge help.

Plus something else that helped me was to pray for boldness, and going through situations that caused me to not fear what people thought of me.

There is a Scripture...
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).
Matthew 10:28 AMPC
http://bible.com/8/mat.10.28.AMPC

And.....
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? [Heb. 13:6.]
Psalm 118:6 AMPC
http://bible.com/8/psa.118.6.AMPC

Being afraid of what people think of us or the fear of not being accepted are key issues, that stem from not really realizing how much God is on our side and loves us. For when we know how much we are loved it makes it easy to share with others how much God loves them.

God will move heaven and earth to protect His children if they will obey Him and stand securely and fully persuaded upon His Word. Just like Abraham. (Romans 4: 20-22)

Blessings to you
 
For myself, I am strongly motivated to service in the service to my community sense. In my retirement (when I have much more time and flexibility) I have volunteered to sort food at the food bank, distributing that food, wheel patients out of the hospital, help with an ostomy support group, including manning their supply sharing efforts, etc. I have received training to be a certified visitor for the local ostomy support organization.

Just this last week, I attended my first meeting with a cancer support group at another city where I spend a lot of time, and am praying about becoming a blessing there.

While I do these things, I meet and talk with others, some of which are going through deep personal and physical trials. SOme are preparing for leaving this world. I try to keep the things of the Lord gently on my lips. Not in a confrontation manner, nor in a full-on, everything must be about God (even if it is) manner.

Many times I am just someone silently performing a service. Sometimes I am a friendly face. Sometimes there is more opportunity.

I mention scripture that may help, or be uplifting.
I offer to pray for people (and keep that promise).
I mention reading the Bible.
etc.
 
Cturtle said:
What about becoming an activist for Christ? It's not always easy to share the gospel, that I fully understand, But one thing I learned was relying on the boldness of the Holy Spirit is so important and is a huge help.

Plus something else that helped me was to pray for boldness, and going through situations that caused me to not fear what people thought of me.

There is a Scripture...
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).
Matthew 10:28 AMPC
http://bible.com/8/mat.10.28.AMPC

And.....
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? [Heb. 13:6.]
Psalm 118:6 AMPC
http://bible.com/8/psa.118.6.AMPC

Being afraid of what people think of us or the fear of not being accepted are key issues, that stem from not really realizing how much God is on our side and loves us. For when we know how much we are loved it makes it easy to share with others how much God loves them.

God will move heaven and earth to protect His children if they will obey Him and stand securely and fully persuaded upon His Word. Just like Abraham. (Romans 4: 20-22)

Blessings to you
Click to expand...

Thank you - this post really helped me! I like the thought of praying for boldness.
 
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