Results 1 - 2 of 2
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Why doesn?t God just show himself to tho | Mark 11:22 | charis | 66368 | ||
Dear cwade, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Pardon me for interjecting my own comments here. Please know that I am not answering for my good friend Hank. (in fact, I would like to know his thoughts on this matter.) When in a position of speaking the Gospel, you must follow the leading of the Holy Spirit! There is no set 'way' to it. If you get yourself into a 'rut,' you will not be able to minister effectively. Use the senses (and sense!) that God gave you to measure circumstance and the 'target' of your ministry. Listen carefully to hear what this person (or persons) is seeking. Always pray that the Lord would guide you. (I often pray at the start of my day that He would lead me to those who need Good News, then give me the appropriate words for that person or persons) If you find yourself saying the 'wrong' thing, take a breath and ask for the 'right' one. Finally ask that all you say and do be to the glory of God. There are times that we think we 'blew it,' but it is the Lord that works in the heart, not our 'explanations.' There are also times that we thought we did great, only to find rejection. If we speak with humility and faith, it is the Lord who is rejected, not us. Be at peace. Learn to speak with humility and faith, repent of unseemly behavior, and be at peace that we are not 'responsible' for the salvation of the world. (Never take credit for salvation, either!) God is well able to save those He calls, and not one will 'slip through His fingers.' As to whether or not to 'use Scripture,' it really depends on the 'audience.' Some are receptive to 'quotes from the Bible' because they are familiar with them, i.e. brought up in a Bible-believing home, so they have honor for the Word. Some have rejected the Bible for one reason or another, and need to hear common sense. (Notice that I did NOT say logic or philosophy! Though these words sound 'authoritative,' both are usually just emotional 'vehicles' for opinion.) Many will be more impressed by the testimony of your example than any words you say. Remember that a true testimony is the sum of your life in Christ, not a specific story or event. My brother, I hope these few musings would be of help to you. Many blessings to you and yours. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
2 | Why doesn?t God just show himself to tho | Mark 11:22 | cwade | 66416 | ||
Thank you Charis, that was helpful. In this particular case I responded in the way I felt led, but based on the posts afterward I began to doubt my approach. When I was an unbeliever (a very short while ago) I remember how frustrated I would get at people who quoted the Bible to me when I didn't believe in it. That would be like someone quoting the Quoran to me now. It would be wasting their breath because I don't believe the Quoran. I used to just want someone to discuss the existence of God with me without requiring me to (first) believe in the Bible. But I know you are absolutely correct. It is the Holy Spirit of God that convicts a person, not us! We do not convict, convince or convert. God does that. In the future I will follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and not doubt the way I am being led. | ||||||