I saw a pastor this morning. I have confessed my sins, but he says that I need to be a witness. But I still have old habits and afraid I am a bad witness. Also, I don't think it is my job to try and change people. If God wants converts, won't he call them like he called me? I think people will feel critisized if I go around with the attitude that they are going to hell... Please help? I want to do the right thing...
2006-06-13 04:42:44 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
do they have snake charmers at this church?
2006-06-13 04:46:14 · answer #1 · answered by kc_brig 4 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Being a witness doesn't mean telling people they're going to Hell. You said you still have some old habits. Some times that can be a witnessing tool. I knew someone (who I disagreed with on this particular issue) who had a tattoo from before he became a Christian, and would use it to preach about the evils of getting a tattoo. I told him I thought he was nuts as a Christian brother, but he was actually very effective in getting people with tattoos to convert and live the Christian life.
Depending on what your "bad habits" are, they might actually allow you to go places that other Christians wouldn't go. Are you a smoker, and going to quit smoking as a result of your conversion? (Not a requirement in most denomonations, but definately healthy and therefore good for the body God has trusted to you.) Well, while you're still quiting, you're going to be out on the edge of the sidewalk, talking to other smokers, whenever you go to a non-smoking establishment, right? Why not start the conversation with, "I'm quiting, really. When I became a Christian, I realized that I wasn't taking care of the body God gave me." Okay, obviously, that's a little contrived. Try to let it flow natural, but there's an opertunity.
Me? I used to go for walks up and down the road when I was stressed out. I live in the middle of no where, and I've actually walked the 25 miles from my house to town, just to see. Now, when I'm driving through that area, I sometimes pick up hitch hikers. The conversation doesn't always lend itself to God-talk. Sometimes it does. I always start by saying that I know what it's like to walk that road... because I do!
The point is, you don't have to be perfect to be a witness.
2006-06-13 13:35:19 · answer #2 · answered by Sifu Shaun 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be a witness without passing judgment on others. The last time I knew, God was The Judge, and determines who goes to hell not man. We are all sinners, and have those 'bad habits' that creep up on us, luckily for us, God is forgiving and merciful. He knows our human weakness, and does not expect us to be perfect. He only asks that we ask forgiveness and be repentant. You alone have no power to change people and I would not make that your goal, you can tell others of your faith, plant a seed so to speak, and see if it takes hold. God called to you because you were ready to listen to Him, pray to Him, that your words while witnessing will reflect His will. If you are still uncertain, ask your pastor for guidance. By posting this question in the first place you have already begun to witness. Peace be with you.
2006-06-13 12:11:31 · answer #3 · answered by zippo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Praise the Lord! I'm so happy that another person is saved!
And answering your question, i think you should become a witness. Why? Do you want anyone - especially your friends - to go to Hell? I know i dont. when you are wondering whether or not to witness, just ask yourself: If not me, who? If not now, when?
God can call people to Him if He wants, but maybe God wants you to do this so that you grow more mature in spirit. It will be hard, but just like in sports - no pain, no gain.
And concerning your last thought - yes, it would be unwise to "jump in front of someone" and say they are going to Hell. believe me - i've tried it, and it doesn't work =]. Instead, i think you should start out on topic they are familiar with - such as evolution or aliens, and then tell them how Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we might join Him in Heaven.
May the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be your banner,
Your brother in Christ,
chaz
PS: I'll be praying for you. If you ever need any help or have a question, just e-mail me. =)
2006-06-13 11:59:56 · answer #4 · answered by chaz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I applaud you for confessing your sins. I want to let you know that ALL Christians have bad habits...No one is perfect!! But is important to renew your mind and to strive to be like Jesus (Repent). This means watching what you allow into your mind. Stay away from things that entice your weakness. I don't know what your habits are, but you know what it is...stay away from it. try reading the word more and praying. Know this...you will fail. But each day, you'll fail less and less. Gte a friend who believes like you do and have good godly fun together. Even Christians can have fun. And you don't have to hit people over the head with bibles...your life will be your witness. My best friend is the funnest person in the world. She always has a smile on her face. People ask her all the time how she does it, and that's when she mentions God. You can do it! Just stay positive. If you need more insight email me!
2006-06-13 11:54:05 · answer #5 · answered by danielle_la_flor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right. God does not want you to witness, at least not now. You have to grow in the spirit so to speak. I would get away from that pastor. If you go out and try to witness with no knowledge you will only make a mess. Its time for you to relax and study a little. I don't know where you are, but if you send me an email I will try help. brojohn55@yahoo.com
2006-06-13 11:49:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
basically, being a witness to God can mean simply living to the principles in the Bible. You don't have to go out right now and try to convert people. That is not what 'witnessing' is all about. Your life walk can be a powerful witness to people wanting to know how it's like to be a Christian. Later, you may feel called by God to stretch your faith by actually discussing your faith with non-believers. My suggestion is to find a Bible based church and attend Bible studies to learn more how God wants you to live, and how to glorify Him by your walk. You can share your past mistakes with others, and how God has forgiven you and how your Christian faith is now a blessing for you. You can share how God is still working in your life to rid you of old habits that are a sin, and actually harmful to your well-being.
2006-06-13 11:58:19 · answer #7 · answered by Bobbi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand what you mean. It's our job to spread God's word. You're not judging people or saying that they are going to hell. We're just supposed to open up to people and talk about God. Millions of people are lost because they don't have God in their lives. It's difficult to talk to co-workers, strangers, even family members about God. God brings these people into your life for you to minister to them. If only more believers would speak up to more people, this world would be so beautiful. We close ourselves off because we don't want to "bother" people or make them feel uncomfortable. Then they wonder why they have so many problems in their life. If someone around you is having a problem, start off with something small like "I'll pray for you" or "How about we pray about it real quick right now?" What is the harm in that? Don't let opportunities to talk about God slip away. I need to get better at talking to people also. None of us are perfect. You can relate to non-believers by saying that cause it's totally TRUE! I say that all time that I'm not perfect. We have problems too but our lives are complete and happy because we have God. I hope this helps! Good luck and go to church every Sunday. You'll recieve many blessings!
2006-06-13 11:52:48 · answer #8 · answered by Amyleo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a witness for Christ doesn't necessarily mean you have to go out and tell others, being a witness may mean as God helps you change your behavior, others are able to witness what God is doing in your life.
Your next step is to start studying God's Word - go to bible study, ask your pastor if there is a study for new Christians - and if there isn't, ask him or her to get you with a same gender mentor. You just started your walk. Don't worry about it, your behaviors will change over time.
2006-06-13 12:29:01 · answer #9 · answered by Miss Vicki 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Roman Catholic, and confessing your sins is great but if you aren't going to change your bad habits confessing is pointless. As far as converting, I wouldn't. You have to learn about yourself first before you can help others. To press you thoughts and beliefs on someone could turn them off to religion all together. My best advice is keep praying and going to church. Listen to that voice inside of you and follow what it says. Your on the right track but it takes a long time to find yourself spiritually. Your doing great and I will also pray for you.
Ben
2006-06-13 11:52:43 · answer #10 · answered by Ben O 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be a witness just by the way you live your life. You can pray that God give you the grace and strength to overcome your bad habits and He will. You are still a human being and will sin. All you can do is pray and with heartfelt sorrow for your sins, ask for forgiveness, know that you will be forgiven and keep on trying.
2006-06-13 11:48:39 · answer #11 · answered by Mamma mia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋