I have a bit of a delema and I hope someone can help. I know that we are comanded to go out and tell others about Jesus. What do we do whoever when they deny him? Do we keep trying even when they mock us? Or do we move on to someone else and give up? Or does this just apply to those who have NEVER heard about Jesus? Are these the ones that we are comanded to reach? Please help!
2007-01-27 05:19:35 · 28 answers · asked by so so 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
When I was 14 it was well known in school that i was christian, didnt drink, smoke, sleep around and generally never judged anyone about anything but you couldnt phase me by mocking me or questioning my beliefs. I would listen and give straight answers and never 'bash' people. My reply to 'bible basher' was "where when", it soon stopped.
One day I was ill, I was in a lot of pain and throwing up, one of the girls who was particuarly nasty to me volunteered to go into the toilets with me to get out of class - I was so sick I didnt care who came with me. While I was puking she said your "still a virgin arnt you", which I was (we were 15) "and your a christian" which I was. She then told me that she had lost her virginity when she was 11 and so there was no way she could ever get into heaven. I was able to tell her (without her laughing or mocking but truly listening) about love and forgiveness of jesus and that as long as she was sorry and ready to be forgiven she could go to heaven. There was no bathroom baptism or anything but I left that girl feeling a lot less dirty and a lot more open to jesus. I had waited for her to reach out and only when she was ready would she ever have heard what I had to say and I never had another problem from her or her friends again. If someone denys and you carry on you are essentially doing the devils work for him and pushing people away. Ther Lord provides opportunitys and opens peoples hearts. He will put you where you are needed, things happen in his time and not yours. please heed advise think it was important.
Just as an addition to those who are talking about witnessing as directly talking to people. I always felt the most imprtant part of witnessing was living it and showing by the way you live your life. The rest is secondary and for when people are ready and prepared by the seed you plant when you live openly as a christian with christian values out in the world.
2007-01-27 05:44:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The apostle Paul and the other apostles as well, asked this very same question.
Paul spent a lot of time in Greece trying to reach and teach the good news of Jesus Christ.. THey listened to him and found his teaching interesting, but never actually "heard" what he was telling them.
Eventually, even Paul had to wipe the dust from his feet and move on to more fertile ground for salvation.
Your heart will tell you when you have done all that you can do, the good news is that God will send another to give them many more chances to accept his will and his way.
We may never see the fruit of our labor, but God sees it and that is more important.
2007-01-27 13:37:35 · answer #2 · answered by cindy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is, in a way, a real toughy.
The question, I suppose, is at what point do we decide that our witness is falling on deaf ears and decide to move on?
Bear in mind Jesus' advice (cue the vehement responses from the indignant:) not to cast our pearls before swine.
Remember also His instruction to those He sent out to preach the good news, to shake the dust of their feet at those who don't believe, as a witness against them.
I feel this calls for a lot of prayer and listening for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, asking for the knowledge of when to continue to witness and when to desist. I think that there's no hard and fast rule, we should ask for guidance on a case-by-case basis.
Just my humble opinion, but it's served me well so far.
2007-01-27 13:36:12 · answer #3 · answered by Pete J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just by attempting your doing more than most of the people that call themselves Christians, but you should never give up hope on another. if they openly mock and ridicule you smile and say may God bless you and yours then leave. Christianity unlike Islam is convert by compassion not conversion by conquer. when the opportunity arises again to share the word with the mockers be prayed up and go for it, you cannot win everyone over but we should try.
GOD bless you, your question is a great testimony and should be shared with as many as it can be.
2007-01-27 13:37:03 · answer #4 · answered by ALEIII 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The admonition was to preach, not force them to listen. "Let them who have ears hear." I believe the accompanying parable had to do with casting seeds upon a field. Where the land is fertile the seeds take route and flourish, where it is not they wither and die. You aren't responsible for people listening (the freedom of will part), only for preaching and praying that your message is heard. As for preaching to the choir, a little positive reinforcement never hurt anyone. The best sermon: "By their fruits you will know them." Just go on living the good life. That's the best lesson of all.
2007-01-27 13:30:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Share the good news of Jesus Christ with all who will listen.....but remember:
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;
but unto us that are saved it is the power of God."
1 Corinthians 1:18
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools".
Romans 1:22
"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14 (New International Version)
2007-01-27 13:27:42 · answer #6 · answered by Chef Bob 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good Question:
Our best example of this, is Christ Jesus Himself.
He was beaten, ridiculed, spit on and crucified.
He never gave up on humanity, rather, He asked God to
forgive us. Those who mock the most are the ones God can use to increase your faith. These are the ones who's hearts he will change and the next thing you know, they are preaching Gods word. Tell them once and then let them see Gods work in your life through the way you act. If they ever "Ask" you about your belief again, feel free to give them your witness and testimony.
Christ never gave up on me, I used to ridicule christians and say hateful things to them. I really did hate them.
I was all wrapped up in my drugs and partying, thefts and demonic worship. I would have laughed and spit in your face, had you, a christian, told me that I would be saved one day.
I would have then punched you right in the face.
Im serious, I hated God and christians.
My older brother, who was and is a christian, never stopped praying for me. He didn't ram christianity down my throat.
We talked about cars and football and interesting stuff. He was living his life in such a way that I couldn't help but notice Gods blessings in his life. He just never forced it on me.
Yet, he never gave up on me.
Thanks to Christ Jesus, I no longer engage in the hateful destructive behaviors that once held me in bondage.
I have been spiritually blessed by God to reach the same kind of people, people like me, the last kind of person you would ever expect to see praising God.
Do everything out of love for God and people.
If they refuse to listen, they cannot help but watch.
Be an example, this is the best kind of evangelism tool we have.
God Bless You....Peace.
2007-01-27 14:34:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well when I witness to people, I used the biblical principle of Law to the proud and Grace to the humble. I would never offer the gospel of God's grace to anyone who is proud and self righteous, denies Christ, unless he is humbled by the Law (10 commandments). Only when I can see that he is humbled will I give him the gospel.
So, you best bet would be to preach the law to him, and if he isn't humble, move on to someone else. We are to preach the gospel to everyone, Jesus commanded use to preach the gospel to every creature (mark 16:15)
for more info go to http://www.wayofthemaster.com
2007-01-27 13:32:12 · answer #8 · answered by Jason M 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
i have this problem too. people i tell about Christ just completely ignore me and mock me. Just keep trying, be VERY patient and pray for them. if they were meant to join the Lords family then God will move in their lives. and as long as they are aware of the truth. but its important that you dont turn them away with insistance, bring it up here and there, be excited but dont over do it if you understand what im saying...i hope i helped somewhat and God Bless you!
2007-01-27 13:35:37 · answer #9 · answered by just fine 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All you can do is plant a seed and the Holy Spirit will make it grow. Don't be pushy because a person has to decide for him/her self. And don't condemn others to Hell because you are not God and not the judge of another's heart. Often a person really is interested or really believes but is shy or embarrassed to admit it so tread lightly.
2007-01-27 13:27:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋