What do you say to them to try and win them over for Christ? All are very set in their own beliefs and it is a slightly heated conversation at times. How should you respond during the conversation and if you are not successful, what do you do then?
Hypothetical question .............. How can you remain Christ like and glorify God?
Anyone who wonders, yes, I am a Christian, I just would like to know what people think the appropriate response and action is.
2007-02-20 11:33:46 · 34 answers · asked by Gardener for God(dmd) 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I would not try to do this with everyone at the same time in most cases. But I think what you need to do is ask them questions about what and why they believe what they believe. Seek to understand them. It is only natural from them to ask you about what you believe when you take this approach. Don't be pushy don't force it. Remember you are not to only one that is working on there hearts. If they are not open just be a good friend and be true to your faith. When I was in the Army and a young christian I had a whole platoon of guys that made fun of me for my faith. I stood my ground and I stayed respectful. I didn't burn any bridges. Over the course of two years all most everyone of them came to me for some spiritual help. When they would run into tough times in there life. I hope this helps.
2007-02-20 11:53:35 · answer #1 · answered by don_gross_2000 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What is the purpose of this lunch? Are we old school friends just catching up? As part of the catching up, I would inform them that I converted to Catholicism, and then drop it unless they had questions. They would be able to see from my behavior how Christ has changed my life, no words necessary. Getting into a heated conversation is usually counterproductive.
2007-02-20 11:47:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cant think of the reference right now, but the bible tells us to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. But to do it with gentleness and respect.
The second part is key. We can get caught up in "winning" the debate. Our ego gets in there. As Paul said in Romans 1, we should not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but it is God and his word that does the surgery, not us. Our responsibility is to get the word out and be obedient, not "win", thats Gods job, He does the heart surgery.
2007-02-20 11:52:10 · answer #3 · answered by 10 Point Shoe-In 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Quote Scripture to them. It is best used in casual conversation. That is placing the seed of God's Word in their hearts.
From there, their soul is God's responsibility. You will never convince anybody. Only God can.
The response. Be at peace with them. If they choose not to talk about Jesus, then don't. Find someone else.
Follow the example of Paul on Mars Hill in Acts. He preached Jesus and did not insult the beliefs of his audience. Doing so only builds walls that may wind up keeping that person from Heaven.
2007-02-20 11:47:14 · answer #4 · answered by runner1 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should not argue. Tell them what you believe but it is an unrealistic thinking to believe they will convert right there but if you don't argue or raise your voice and if you show love and respect toward them then it will help them believe that maybe He has changed you. If they are hateful you should leave but not in anger. Remember in the NT where it says to dust off your shoes and go on when our message is not well received? You should never ever let the discussion get heated on your part. Jesus was never confrontational to people in general just religious hypocrites of His own faith. It will destroy your witness of the good news of God's love and His desire to reconcile and dwell in us if you are not gentle and slow to anger.
2007-02-20 11:42:38 · answer #5 · answered by bess 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
'Gnostics? The sufi? the hot international Order! ' I absolutely do not comprehend what you're speaking about, did you advise agnostics? because they don't look to be precisely an organised crew so I dont imagine you could communicate for all of them. As for 'the combating' there truly isn't that many religous wars occurring at present and if there have been i'd be adverse to it God would not pick any combating performed in his call. for sure i'm able to address that, Jesus said to 'Love thy neighbour' and 'Love thy enemy' so Christians like me are doing the very similar element.
2016-12-04 10:44:40 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Easy. Focus on treating them--and anyone I meet--the way Christ would. THAT is the real witness fo rChrist--what you say isn't all that important.
The rest is between them and God--no christian can--orshould try to be--anything more than a messenger of the Gospel--and an example of how Christ taught us to live.
2007-02-20 11:40:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
First, I pray. I allow God to work in me and keep my cool. I love them all with the love of Christ Jesus. I answer their questions, but with love and without judgment. I present the Gospel of Jesus then let the Holy Spirit do the rest. I may never know if 'I am successful', but that's not up to me, it's up to them and God.
How can I remain Christ-like and glorify God? I don't always succeed, but I try to think of how Jesus would react in any given situation. I try to live a life that is a beacon to others. I give God my love and faith and allegiance - to His glory, not mine.
2007-02-20 11:42:46 · answer #8 · answered by padwinlearner 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I would say enjoy your lunch and the other guests while showing them the utmost respect and dignity as if you were dining with Jesus himself. Remember St. Francis of Assisi who said "Preach always, when necessary use words" Your actions will speak louder than any words you could ever say, and if you truly needed words, pray that the Holy Spirit will speak through you when necessary.
2007-02-20 12:15:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you won't be successful, in fact there is a much higher chance of your changing your outlook and accepting others than making others the way you think they should be.
Don't go pushing your religion on other people, they may not want to have lunch with you again.
Instead, try asking them about their religions and belief systems, even if they don't convince you to change, you will learn a lot and hopefully gain their respect for not being a typical pushy evangelist.
2007-02-20 11:41:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋