I'm in an argument with a friend over the proper way to convert a non-Christian. I learned to lead with my actions and let the person know God loves them and I do too. She learned to actively pursue the conversion of others by convincing them that the Bible is right, and asking them to except Jesus as their savior. She claims I'm not Christian because I don't mention a Bible quote in every argument I make, or many things that I say. But I do what is right...so I don't understand. Christians, what do you think the proper way is to evangelize, and non-Christians, even if you believe there is no chance you will ever be converted, which do you think would probably be more effective? I appreciate your answers.
2007-01-13 17:35:56 · 9 answers · asked by trueblue88 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
the body of christ is a many membered body.
not every one is called to be the brain, not everyone is called to be the heart, etc, etc.
you will not be able to convert everyone, and there is not one method that is going to work with all people. while you may not quote scripture in any or all of your testimonies you should be studying the letter that God spent several hundred years composing just for you.
Jesus instructed us to be fishers of men, and if you ever talk to fishermen of fish you will find that the successful ones may have a variety of methods. there are some who practice noodling which entails luring the fish and then grabbing the fish with the hand. some drop a net and drag it in a location they believe fish will be in. some flyfish which entails throwing a line with a lightweight lure into the water and skimming it against the surface of the water and wait for some thing to grab it. while others like to throw dynamite in the water and grab everything that floats to the top.
the common theme in all of these is they go where they think that fish will be.
again jesus told the parable of the sewing of seeds. you can spread your testimony in many places and only a few of them are fit for growing a healthy plant. don't waste your seed trying to plant them on a rock. if they are fetile ground and ready to grow a seed then your testimony will be appreciated. if not you have done all you can go on and try to find fertile ground elsewhere.
Oh, and by the way. only God can grow a seed. you don't need to keep on planting in the same spot week after week until something grows.
2007-01-13 18:01:20 · answer #1 · answered by sodajerk50 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question.
I'd say, both. But your friend should stop judging you for not being overboard.
You are quite correct to lead by example. Paul definitely argued his case with those he was sharing Christ with, but he clearly (and repeatedly) said Christians should lead a holy life to win others. Jesus said it (and *did* it) even more clearly: How can you tell your brother to let you take the speck out of his eye when you've got a whole tree branch in yours?
Let your actions lead.
Barjesse37
2007-01-14 01:48:37 · answer #2 · answered by barjesse37 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the situation, the person that you are speaking with.
Check the accounts in the Gospels and Acts to see that telling the good news (evangelism: from the Greek New Testament word "eu angellion" ..eu= good, angellos = message) is done in many ways and there is no rule set in the Bible.
Jesus simply said, literally: "As you are going, make disciples of all..."
2007-01-14 02:19:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF I were ever to be converted I guarantee you it would not be by the person who insisted on quoting scriptures at me. Most who do not beleive the Bible see it as conflicting half truths and manipulative lies, so repeating all that isn't exactly the best course. I would be far more apt to follow a person whose actions and happiness spoke for themselves.
2007-01-14 01:55:06 · answer #4 · answered by jerseyGirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why do you want to convert anyone? if you ask me, God created everything, knows everything and controls everything. God is everything. why can't you accept what God has created and let God offer a solution. I think the proper way to show people who God is, who Christ is, is to show them love. To me, the lesson is to learn to love all things as all things are a creatoin of God and realize that Christ and God are in all things good and bad. I don't understand why Christians fight amongst themselves about differences on how to convert or what is the proper way; did Christ convert or did Christ minister to souls who were in need of love; did Christ build up religion or did Christ break it down? If you offer people love they will see the true spirit of God.
2007-01-14 01:53:11 · answer #5 · answered by David W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Action. You cannot browbeat people into believing something, they have to decide for themselves.
I doubt I'll ever be converted in the sense you mean it, but I have found myself to be more contemplative about religious issues as I've got older.
2007-01-14 01:42:48 · answer #6 · answered by InitialDave 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
St. Francis of Assisi used to remind people to evangelize constantly, sometimes even by using words.
2007-01-14 02:18:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Joel Osteen, an Evangelist, doesn't believe in shoving Christianity down people's throat. He just talks about it to anyone who will listen.
2007-01-14 01:39:14 · answer #8 · answered by Asilos Magdalena 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mathew 28:19,20......it was commanded to preach...all of God's people were commanded by Jesus to preach....but preaching and teaching does not come in only one given way....it comes through your actions, it comes through you hope and happiness.....and it DOES come through use of scriptures.....it takes all sorts to be effective.....no one way for sure works for everyone, that's because many people believe and perceive things differently....
2007-01-14 01:41:52 · answer #9 · answered by Tomier 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋