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webacus
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Joined: 02 Mar 2001
Posts: 608
Location: Behind you.
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 Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2002 11:58 am Post subject: |
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Curious how all of you might be building relationships and reaching out spiritually to your coworkers, friends and neighbors.
What are your spiritual gifts? You don't need to be an evangelist to evangelize! :p
Any good stories? Invited anyone to church lately? When's the last time you shared Christ? |
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kelly
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Joined: 03 Mar 2002
Posts: 232
Location: Long Island, NY
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| Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2002 10:55 am Post subject: |
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Spiritual gifts, huh? I'm still trying to figure that one out!
Being young, yet married with kids, I have the opportunity to have friends in all age groups. The teens tend to gravitate towards Jason and myself as they see us as "cool". The older groups respect us and see us as equals. We get to hear stories from all angles and have been able to reach out to many. Being out in the world making so many mistakes (I think between Jason and myself we have everything covered!), we can relate to, and give Godly REALISTIC advice to the younger groups. Being thru an abusive marraige already, raising three kids, and having a very annointed marraige, we have been able to inspire some of the older groups. We are still learning much, but are hungry and eager (we are very much done with the world...been there, done that, don't want it!).
My best witnessing tool is simply my life. People ask why my marraige works so well, how are we making it, how are we so happy, and I am able to tell them we give our credit to God. We give thanks to God. Being such an open person people feel comfortable asking questions and I take that opportunity to share God's love. I'm not a bible scholar, so quoting scriptures is not my strong suit, however leading by example and loving everyone I know seems to work well! I have friends who are not Christians, yet we have impacted thier lives greatly. We don't push, criticize or condemn. We love, share, and GENTLY teach. If nothing else, I know that should the rapture happen today, my friends will either be saved, or at least be strong enough to know what was going on and do the right thing. |
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webacus
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Joined: 02 Mar 2001
Posts: 608
Location: Behind you.
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| Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2002 1:47 pm Post subject: |
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Ahhhh, Spiritual Gifts... Sounds like a new topic! 
I like what you said here:
| Quote: | | We love, share, and GENTLY teach. If nothing else, I know that should the rapture happen today, my friends will either be saved, or at least be strong enough to know what was going on and do the right thing. |
THAT'S what it's all about: rubbing shoulders with your non-Christian friends. That's how evangelism happens, through relationships. Then you pray for opportunities and be ready for those openings.
Oh, there's some great books here on evangelism
here on Growthtrac.
My favorite is the Contagious Christian book. Excellent. |
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kelly
Full Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2002
Posts: 232
Location: Long Island, NY
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| Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2002 7:41 pm Post subject: |
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Added the recommended book to my wish list...Maybe next month we can order it. Will let you know when I read it...thanks for the recommendation!  |
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GIC
Full Member
Joined: 02 Mar 2001
Posts: 102
Location: IL.
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| Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2002 11:14 am Post subject: |
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Jim, I love my Jesus! I am not afraid to talk about Him. My accountability partner and I were talking about this the other day. I have two main ideas. One is to have at least one non-christian friend. In my case that's easy, my kids go to a public school. I find that other moms (Christians or Secular) have the same concerns about their kids as I do. Then I just be a light in the darkness. It is amazing how many people want what I have, they just don't understand it. Explaining Christianity is simple, but sometimes I can complicate it. I try so hard to get them to understand it that I scare them away! Over zealous!!!
Any idea's on how I can remember to keep it simple? And stick to one analogy? I seem to jump all over the board when it comes to trying to get them to understand it. The other thing that I do is not to use too much "Christian" lingo. They don't understand it, it's very foreign to someone who's just investigating Christianity. But that over zealous thing really has me over a barrel. I pray before I speak, but I think getting myself out of the way for the Holy Spirit to work is not an easy task for Him. :blush:
Thanks for suggestions! In Christ, GIC |
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eddie
Newbie
Joined: 16 Jan 2002
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2002 7:12 pm Post subject: |
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GIC, great questions!
| Quote: | | Any idea's on how I can remember to keep it simple? And stick to one analogy? I seem to jump all over the board when it comes to trying to get them to understand it. The other thing that I do is not to use too much "Christian" lingo. They don't understand it, it's very foreign to someone who's just investigating Christianity. But that over zealous thing really has me over a barrel |
Great questions. I've always operated from the "relationship" angle. You know, hang around and do life with people until something "happens". But that doesn't mean I'm passive.
Every day you need to be in prayer and ready to take action in case you sense an opening [as I'm sure you are].
By "action" I mean:
>Dropping a spiritual word in a conversation [i.e. church]
>Inviting someone to church
>Initiating a personal, risky conversation
>Bringing a meal to someone when they're sick...
Just a couple years ago [yea, it took me all my life to figure this out! :p ] I began "responding" to leadings from God. What a surprise that was! Amazing stuff happens.
I agree with you. Keep it simple. Just give out the spiritual stuff in doses -- don't give them more than they need at the time.
Very often a person will ask me what Christianity is. Rarely do I need to initiate. [And this typically only occurs in a one-on-one situation. I never get very far in a group. It's too intimidating.]
I notice too that people notice something different about me. I find that when people see enough of your life, if you are authentic ... eventually you will have an opportunity to share your story.
Oh that reminds me of something... Develop a concise 2-3 minute personal story you can share. This isn't really sharing the Gospel; it's a story like:
"Several years ago, ten years into our marriage, we had financial trouble. Our relationship hit bottom. It was a very hard time and we almost ended our marriage. During that time a friend invited us to a new church, and I started hearing about Christianity. I grew up in a church as a child and I thought I understood, but I didn't. So, through this new church I decided to become a Christian and my life began to change... "
Get the idea? Not too specific. It leaves openings for questions.
Practice telling it. And learn to adapt it to different situations. |
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SAM
Veteran
Joined: 03 Mar 2001
Posts: 1928
Location: Chicago
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| Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2002 7:45 am Post subject: |
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I agree it is a matter of developing your own personal style. For myself, I am better at using my gifts of hospitality and mercy. This often means sending cards to people with small notes to let them know I am thinking of them and praying for them. When friends are hurting and in need, I will make dinners and take them to them. Do I share words about my faith too, of course. I'm not overly bold, but I try to find a way to just bring God or church into the conversation. Just doing that opens many, many doors. I think people are much more receptive after 9/11 too.
We have some friends from high school who we have prayed for over 15 years for God to open a door. Even though they have their children attend church, they often do not. After more invitations and turndowns than you can imagine, they finally came to church with us this past Thanksgiving! Then they invited us to attend a music pageant for their daughter over Christmas. We have watched God slowly open their hearts, it is amazing!
They will also be there to witness the wedding of our daughter this summer. We can't wait! |
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