Bible Question: Numbers ch 13 is being used to promote spiritual mapping as a legitimate practice for effective evangelism. Is this good or bad exegesis? |
Bible Answer: Dear geoffc, I cannot see that you can get any help from Numbers chapter 13. 10 out of 12 'heads of the sons of Israel' had no faith, and the 'mapping' of the land was for the purpose of killing, enslaving or displacing the inhabitants. Hardly evangelism! Spiritual mapping does take any rocket science; our first 'territory' is our own immediate family (spouse, children), then our extended family (including in-laws). The next obvious group would be friends, acquaintances, coworkers, classmates, etc. Next is the people that 'the Lord sends to you' in your daily walk. We have a responsibility to share the Gospel with those that we know, which is much more difficult than people we do not know. Our most effective tool is the 'preaching' of the Gospel, the power of the Word of God, spoken in faith. The next most effective tool is our example of faith, the 'testimony' of our lives. This 'testimony' is not money or position, but the holy manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit. "Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1 Peter 2:12 NASB. Then you will be effective to evangelize the lost. I am not saying that you cannot go out and evangelize until you have 'saved' all your family and friends. But I look askance at a believer that is 'full of charisma and the 'gift of gab,' brimming with convincing evangelism and enthusiasm, but their natural life is in a shambles. I also wonder about a church that goes to great lengths to 'fill the pews,' but does not shepherd the flock. This is not a judgment on any man or church, just an observation. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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geoffc | ||
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charis | ||
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Norrie | ||
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ronscarpet | ||
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robinkath | ||
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Donnaeve | ||
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Children | ||
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HappyGirl2323 | ||
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angelface | ||
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C.A.Hurricane | ||
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cleaninglady |