Your Thoughts About Outreach (Witnessing/Evangelism/Apologetics)

[Lanolin]

I found working with children you might have to prepare the soil first before you even speak the Word.

Its like gardening, preparing the seedbed before sowing seeds so you have a better germination rate. And timing is also everything. Some seeds will only grow at a particular time of year.

So it may not look like you are even doing anything 'Christian' by mentioning Jesus or whatever. But you are preparing the soil, and it might even take a few years. Children respond to love and also they are a bit different from adults as children readily come to Jesus before they even know who He is, or they have some kind of inkling of God who is bigger than even their parents.

Parents can't always be there for their children unfortunately...and in big families, middle children can get lost in the shuffle.

With adults, they need to be ready with a listening ear and eyes to see. I think it's harder in many ways when adults are not open to learning anything new or feel like they can't. They get in ruts and often go through their routines cos its safe and familiar. While young people are always bouncing from one thing to the next open to life and all it has to offer.

 

[bobinfaith]

I found working with children you might have to prepare the soil first before you even speak the Word. Its like gardening, preparing the seedbed before sowing seeds so you have a better germination rate. And timing is also everything. Some seeds will only grow at a particular time of year. So it may not look like you are even doing anything 'Christian' by mentioning Jesus or whatever. But you are preparing the soil, and it might even take a few years. Children respond to love and also they are a bit different from adults as children readily come to Jesus before they even know who He is, or they have some kind of inkling of God who is bigger than even their parents. Parents can't always be there for their children unfortunately...and in big families, middle children can get lost in the shuffle. With adults, they need to be ready with a listening ear and eyes to see. I think it's harder in many ways when adults are not open to learning anything new or feel like they can't. They get in ruts and often go through their routines cos its safe and familiar. While young people are always bouncing from one thing to the next open to life and all it has to offer.

Hello Lanolin;

I'm happy you posted this and I agree with you. I have to admit at first I was intimidated when I was asked to help with the children's group back in 1996. I know I date myself but I take to heart the good years and try not to dwell on the bad ones which were plenty in my life.

We had about 40 children, 5 - 12, but as I got to know them they turned out to be the most wonderful people. As they got to know me I found they were grounded in the love of Jesus but it still takes time to develop because they're getting to know who He is.

What's even amazing were the times the children actually ministered to me!

God bless you always.

 

[forgiven61]

I found working with children you might have to prepare the soil first before you even speak the Word.

Its like gardening, preparing the seedbed before sowing seeds so you have a better germination rate. And timing is also everything. Some seeds will only grow at a particular time of year.

So it may not look like you are even doing anything 'Christian' by mentioning Jesus or whatever. But you are preparing the soil, and it might even take a few years. Children respond to love and also they are a bit different from adults as children readily come to Jesus before they even know who He is, or they have some kind of inkling of God who is bigger than even their parents.

Parents can't always be there for their children unfortunately...and in big families, middle children can get lost in the shuffle.

With adults, they need to be ready with a listening ear and eyes to see. I think it's harder in many ways when adults are not open to learning anything new or feel like they can't. They get in ruts and often go through their routines cos its safe and familiar. While young people are always bouncing from one thing to the next open to life and all it has to offer.

you hit the nail right on the head .your gardening example is very true and Bible

 

[Siloam]

When considering outreach and witnessing, it is very important to encourage a new Brother along a supportive path.

When I first accepted Christ, there were three churches I considered attending.

One was the church where my mother brought me when I was small. The seed was sown there. Much of my early thoughts were meditating on what I heard here and considering how what I was learning about the world of science fit in.

The second had a youth group where I had many friends. The seed was watered there.

The third had a christian family that took me under it's proverbial wing. Brought me into their Bible study, and after a while put me to work teaching 4rth & 5th grade Sunday School. I was later 'demoted' to teaching 3rd grade.

The point is that as central as a commitment to Christ is, one should also be able to talk about joining the community of believers and strengthening their faith.

 

[bobinfaith]

When considering outreach and witnessing, it is very important to encourage a new Brother along a supportive path. When I first accepted Christ, there were three churches I considered attending. One was the church where my mother brought me when I was small. The seed was sown there. Much of my early thoughts were meditating on what I heard here and considering how what I was learning about the world of science fit in. . The second had a youth group where I had many friends. The seed was watered there. The third had a christian family that took me under it's proverbial wing. Brought me into their Bible study, and after a while put me to work teaching 4rth & 5th grade Sunday School. I was later 'demoted' to teaching 3rd grade. The point is that as central as a commitment to Christ is, one should also be able to talk about joining the community of believers and strengthening their faith.

Hello Siloam;

I like when you outlined your God's watering of the seed planted in you. I know it's not just a 1, 2, 3 thing. There are years of growing, setbacks, failure, lessons learned, accomplishments and spiritual maturity.

My mother did the prayer of acceptance when I was a boy. The years in my early walk included growing, setbacks, failure and lessons learned where God grew me. But joining the community of believers was/is priceless. It helped strengthen their faith and mine as well.

God bless you, brother, and your family.

 

[Siloam]

Under the broad topic of evangelism and the promotion of the God's Kingdom there is the practice of sending missions into God's world. Sometimes missions are sent to exotic foreign places, but sometimes they are planting a church somewhere closer by.

The first church I joined after receiving Christ supported several missions, but it was done more behind the scenes than a major part of the message. From time to time a missionary would come an talk about the efforts he/they have made (or intend to make) and the results they have seen. There would be a special offering taken specifically for their support, often along with promises by the church to send monthly or quarterly donations. Unless one where on the board of deacons where allocations were made, little of this would be visible as a regular basis.

The church I attend now makes a great effort to aid evangelistic efforts. In addition to many efforts to raise funds, we assemble tracts of scripture (particularly from Romans) in several languages and mail them all over the world to missionaries. When missionaried do visit, there is often a dinner in their honor (where additional collections are taken) and we hear of their efforts from the pulpit many times during year.

Supporting foreign and domestic missions can be a key part of the outreach of a church.

 

[Yurii]

Greetings Everyone, I'd be interested in hearing some of your thoughts about our Biblical call to witnessing, evangelism and/or apologetics.

For instance, how do you define "witnessing", "evangelism" and/or "apologetics"? Also, do you believe they are different from one another in certain ways, or that all of them are basically referring to the same thing?

Do you think that all believers are called to engage in one or more of these methods of reaching the lost, or do you believe that the Lord has given each of them as gifts to certain Christians, but not others (and if the latter, why do you believe it so)?

Finally, there seems to be a popular belief or trend in the church today, specifically, that being an effective witness/evangelist for the Lord is mostly about what we do/how we act towards others as believers, rather than what we say to them (and, in fact, that talking to others about the faith should only be done as a last resort). Do you think that this trend is a good idea, or not so much? Why/Why not?

(One last thought on this: The Apostle Paul admonishes us to "speak the truth in love". Can we truly love the lost if we choose not to do so?)

Thanks everybody I know that it's a lot, so please feel free to comment on as much or as little of the above as you'd like to.

God bless you!!

--Papa Smurf
p.s. - here are some Scriptures about this topic for you to consider if you'd like to.

​

Isaiah 43​

10 “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, ​

“And My servant whom I have chosen,​

In order that you may know and believe Me,​

And understand that I am He.​

Before Me there was no God formed,​

And there will be none after Me.”​

​

Matthew 5​

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.​

14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;​

15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.​

16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”​

​

Mark 16​

15 Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.”​

​

Acts 1​

8 "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”​

​

Romans 10​

17 "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ!"​

​

1 Peter 3​

15 "Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence".​

​

Good morning, brothers and sisters,

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to Papa Smurf for initiating this thought-provoking discussion. It took me some time to thoroughly read through all the responses, and I must say, it was time well spent.

Regarding my personal perspective on the questions raised:
I believe that sharing our personal testimonies is of paramount importance. These testimonies often serve as a catalyst for others to embark on their own journey of faith. People are deeply inspired when they hear or read about how the Lord has intervened in the lives of others. This inspiration can propel them to seek their own encounters with God. Furthermore, when they, in turn, share their experiences, it creates a ripple effect, inspiring even more individuals to draw closer to the Lord.

Personal testimonies also hold particular significance because they allow us to connect with those we know on a personal level. It is a human tendency to empathize differently with the suffering of those we know versus those we don't. For instance, we deeply mourn the loss of a loved one when it affects a friend, yet we may not feel the same level of grief for the thousands who perish daily. Similarly, we may not weep at the scene of a car accident unless we personally knew the victim. Personal connections are crucial, and this applies to sharing our faith. A person is more likely to consider following the Lord when they hear a testimony from someone they know and trust. This is because we share a sense of empathy and emotional connection with those we know better than strangers.

In response to your question, "Can we truly love the lost if we choose not to do so?" I believe we have a responsibility to share our faith. The term "lost" is a powerful one. Would any of us use this term to describe our own mother if she had strayed from her faith? No, we would do everything in our power to guide her back to the righteous path. Even if our efforts seemed futile, we would never give up or consider her "lost" because our love for her transcends such labels. As we cultivate a deeper capacity to love others, we will cease to see them as "lost" and instead view them as individuals on their own unique journey. Ultimately, it is for the Lord to judge their worthiness of His kingdom, while we focus on doing what we can to guide them towards Him.

In Christ,
Yurii

 

[crossnote]

Regarding my personal perspective on the questions raised:
I believe that sharing our personal testimonies is of paramount importance. These testimonies often serve as a catalyst for others to embark on their own journey of faith. People are deeply inspired when they hear or read about how the Lord has intervened in the lives of others. This inspiration can propel them to seek their own encounters with God. Furthermore, when they, in turn, share their experiences, it creates a ripple effect, inspiring even more individuals to draw closer to the Lord.

Personal testimonies also hold particular significance because they allow us to connect with those we know on a personal level. It is a human tendency to empathize differently with the suffering of those we know versus those we don't. For instance, we deeply mourn the loss of a loved one when it affects a friend, yet we may not feel the same level of grief for the thousands who perish daily. Similarly, we may not weep at the scene of a car accident unless we personally knew the victim. Personal connections are crucial, and this applies to sharing our faith. A person is more likely to consider following the Lord when they hear a testimony from someone they know and trust. This is because we share a sense of empathy and emotional connection with those we know better than strangers

Hi Yurii, I believe each of us are wired differently, e.g. my wife thrives on biographies,testimonies and missionary stories, myself? I'll go straight for the doctrinal theology and other dry stuff, not trusting'personal experiences etc.

In response to your question, "Can we truly love the lost if we choose not to do so?" I believe we have a responsibility to share our faith. The term "lost" is a powerful one. Would any of us use this term to describe our own mother if she had strayed from her faith? No, we would do everything in our power to guide her back to the righteous path. Even if our efforts seemed futile, we would never give up or consider her "lost" because our love for her transcends such labels. As we cultivate a deeper capacity to love others, we will cease to see them as "lost" and instead view them as individuals on their own unique journey. Ultimately, it is for the Lord to judge their worthiness of His kingdom, while we focus on doing what we can to guide them towards Him.

I would use the term 'lost' as describing one facing eternal condemnation due to their ongoing rejection of Jesus Christ.

 

[bobinfaith]

Hi Yurii, I believe each of us are wired differently, e.g. my wife thrives on biographies,testimonies and missionary stories, myself? I'll go straight for the doctrinal theology and other dry stuff, not trusting' personal experiences etc.

I would use the term 'lost' as describing one facing eternal condemnation due to their ongoing rejection of Jesus Christ.

Good morning, crossnote;

What you posted caught my attention, "not trusting' personal experiences etc."

Witnessing for Christ and then lying about their personal experience (testimony?) !!!

If that's what you mean, I've experienced that myself but for most Christian folks I feel they're being truthful.

Bob

 

[crossnote]

Good morning, crossnote;

What you posted caught my attention, "not trusting' personal experiences etc."

Witnessing for Christ and then lying about their personal experience (testimony?) !!!

If that's what you mean, I've experienced that myself but for most Christian folks I feel they're being truthful.

Bob

BoB, I have experienced some of that as well working in a House ministry for a number of years.
But I meant that some can be sincere, mentioning their testimony, but they might unintentionally embellish certain points (after all we are still in the flesh). Reminiscent of this passage...

John 4:41-42 LSB
And many more believed because of His word; [42] and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is truly the Savior of the world.”

So I don't think the woman at Jacob's Well was intentionally lying it's just that the towns folk knew the truth from Jesus when they heard it. Sort of like ...

And we have as more sure the prophetic word, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19 LSB

Of course, I'm not saying all theologians would steer us right when they can be some of the worst.

 

[bobinfaith]

BoB, I have experienced some of that as well working in a House ministry for a number of years.
But I meant that some can be sincere, mentioning their testimony, but they might unintentionally embellish certain points (after all we are still in the flesh). Reminiscent of this passage...

John 4:41-42 LSB
And many more believed because of His word; [42] and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is truly the Savior of the world.”

So I don't think the woman at Jacob's Well was intentionally lying it's just that the towns folk knew the truth from Jesus when they heard it. Sort of like ...

And we have as more sure the prophetic word, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19 LSB

Of course, I'm not saying all theologians would steer us right when they can be some of the worst.

Hello crossnote;

I get it and appreciate you clarifying your experience more for me. Regarding all theologians, some are pretty deceptive but the Lord empowers us to keep our guard up, (with wisdom and discernment.)

Thank you, crossnote.

 

[Yurii]

Hi Yurii, I believe each of us are wired differently, e.g. my wife thrives on biographies,testimonies and missionary stories, myself? I'll go straight for the doctrinal theology and other dry stuff, not trusting'personal experiences etc.

I would use the term 'lost' as describing one facing eternal condemnation due to their ongoing rejection of Jesus Christ.

BoB, I have experienced some of that as well working in a House ministry for a number of years.
But I meant that some can be sincere, mentioning their testimony, but they might unintentionally embellish certain points (after all we are still in the flesh). Reminiscent of this passage...

John 4:41-42 LSB
And many more believed because of His word; [42] and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is truly the Savior of the world.”

So I don't think the woman at Jacob's Well was intentionally lying it's just that the towns folk knew the truth from Jesus when they heard it. Sort of like ...

And we have as more sure the prophetic word, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19 LSB

Of course, I'm not saying all theologians would steer us right when they can be some of the worst.

Dear crossnote,

Thank you for your thoughtful response.

I appreciate your honesty about the different ways we engage with faith. It's true that we are all wired differently, and what resonates with one person may not resonate with another. Your point about the potential for unintentional embellishment in personal testimonies is well taken. We must always strive for truth and accuracy in our sharing.

I agree that direct encounters with God and a solid foundation in Scripture are essential. As you pointed out in John 4:41-42, hearing directly from Jesus is paramount. And 2 Peter 1:19 reminds us of the reliability of the prophetic word.

I understand your caution regarding theologians. It's important to approach all teachings with discernment, even those from respected sources.

Ultimately, I believe that personal testimonies, when shared with humility and honesty, can serve as a bridge to introduce people to the living God, which then should lead them to the word of God. The goal is never to replace the word of God, but to help people to find it.

Thank you for this healthy reminder, it helps keep my perspective grounded.

Thank you for clarifying your understanding of the term "lost." I understand and respect your perspective. It is a very serious and important point, and one that is well supported by scripture.

I also believe that we are called to love people where they are, and to show them the love of Christ. This means that we should never give up hope for anyone, and that we should always be willing to share the gospel with them.

I appreciate you sharing your view, it helps to keep the conversation honest and transparent.

In Christ,
Yurii

 

[Yurii]

Good morning, brothers and sisters,

Following up on our previous discussion, I have a request for practical advice from you all. I'm seeking guidance on how to best support a friend who is currently serving on the front lines. He is resistant to conversations about the Lord, and frankly, his life circumstances would lead many to consider him "lost."

As you can imagine, I deeply desire to help him, but the distance and limited communication pose significant challenges. We rarely have the opportunity for phone conversations, and our interactions are primarily through messaging. I've witnessed how regular, in-person interactions can lead someone to seek God, but this situation is vastly different.

I would be immensely grateful for any advice you can offer on how to effectively minister to him. Moreover, I believe that the insights we gain could be applied to help others in similar circumstances, as they might be inspired by his example.

Thank you in advance for your wisdom and prayers.

In Christ,
Yurii

 

[Cosia]

Good morning Yurii
It is brilliant that you have not given up on your friend.

If he refuses to listen he is still going to notice how you love the Lord. Your light shines Yurii.

Prayer is powerful and keeping your friend in prayer is a marvellous thing. God will not force anyone to believe, and we can't.

He will remember that you are praying for him, and that could lead him to pray himself, especially being on the front line. So I would remind him, now and again, that he is in your prayers.

God will find a way.
God Bless you Yurii

 

[Yurii]

Good morning Yurii
It is brilliant that you have not given up on your friend.

If he refuses to listen he is still going to notice how you love the Lord. Your light shines Yurii.

Prayer is powerful and keeping your friend in prayer is a marvellous thing. God will not force anyone to believe, and we can't.

He will remember that you are praying for him, and that could lead him to pray himself, especially being on the front line. So I would remind him, now and again, that he is in your prayers.

God will find a way.
God Bless you Yurii

Good morning, Cosia,

Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words.

I truly appreciate your perspective and the practical advice you've offered. You've reminded me of the power of prayer and the importance of allowing my actions to reflect my faith, even when words are met with resistance.

It's comforting to know that even though I can't physically be there, my prayers can still reach him. I'll remind him that he's in my prayers, trusting that God will work in his heart.

Your reminder that 'God will find a way' is especially reassuring.

Thank you for your support and blessings.

God bless you too.
In Christ,
Yurii

 

[Cosia]

Yurii ii I will pray for your friend. I hope we all do.
God Bless Yurii

 

[Yurii]

Yurii ii I will pray for your friend. I hope we all do.
God Bless Yurii

Dear Cosia,

Thank you for your prayers and kind words. I truly appreciate your support and the support of everyone who has joined in praying for my friend.
I also believe that we should pray for a general awakening and turning to Jesus. If more people would turn to Him, I believe there would be less suffering and hardship in our world.

Thank you again for your prayers.

God bless you.
In Christ,
Yurii

 

[Cosia]

I fully agree with your thoughts on a general rewakening Yurii and I often think it will happen.
God bless

 

[bobinfaith]

Good morning, brothers and sisters,
Following up on our previous discussion, I have a request for practical advice from you all. I'm seeking guidance on how to best support a friend who is currently serving on the front lines. He is resistant to conversations about the Lord, and frankly, his life circumstances would lead many to consider him "lost." As you can imagine, I deeply desire to help him, but the distance and limited communication pose significant challenges. We rarely have the opportunity for phone conversations, and our interactions are primarily through messaging. I've witnessed how regular, in-person interactions can lead someone to seek God, but this situation is vastly different. I would be immensely grateful for any advice you can offer on how to effectively minister to him. Moreover, I believe that the insights we gain could be applied to help others in similar circumstances, as they might be inspired by his example. Thank you in advance for your wisdom and prayers. In Christ, Yurii

Good morning, Yurii;

Your friend has his mind occupied on more pressing matters right now. You have been effective resulting in being his friend, caring for his salvation. He knows you're a believer in the Lord and are praying for him. That is ministering to him whether he knows it or not.

As you continue to pray for him, we're also joining you in prayer.

I'm sending you a pm, Yurii. God bless you.

Bob