I guess I'm just wondering if you HAVE to convert everyone to Christianity? I suppose that people will just naturally ask why you are so peaceful etc. and then you can tell them why, right? Let people come to you instead of preaching from a pulpit type thing?
2007-11-04 07:50:33 · 31 answers · asked by Martie 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Whosoever will, may come.
Mark 8:34
"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
It is not a suggestion, however, for we are commanded:
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature". Mark 16:15
S
2007-11-04 07:57:52 · answer #1 · answered by squeezy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, let them come to you. Don't sell God door to door please. Do by example not by speech. Hate me if you want, but I suggest going back to the Bible and ignoring most of the things "The Church" has created. Christianity was filtered through the Roman Empire. That should give one pause. I am not a Christian but I believe in the words of Jesus. Christianity is sliding into "Tradition" and away from spirituality. Thats why I'm not a Christian. If you feel the need to convert, pray for them to find God, but don't tell them you are doing this. We need a TRUE revival. If people are turning away from Christianity, then perhaps Christianity is turning away from true spirituality. And evangelists with there oddly inflected speech are usually just showman. It is between you and God, a very personal thing. Easter and Christmas (put over Pagan Holidays) still bring tears and joy to me. Why would you cast pearls before swine? Preachers are guides, nothing more. The modern Church seems to want to lock God into a time-period 2000 years ago. Sorry if I have offended, but I have spent 30 yrs (off and on) contemplating this subject. The Open Bible is an awesome Bible.
2007-11-04 08:17:38 · answer #2 · answered by Peter R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, in the book of Matthew, Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission, telling them to go and make disciples in every nation and most Christians take this commission as a personal call to evangelize. How one shares the gospel will differ. Personality certainly comes into play; I tend to be shy and reluctant to speak to strangers about anything, much less religion. I think it was St. Thomas Aquinas who said to preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words, and I tend to agree with him. However, not everyone will see your joy and contentment and ask you about it. Some people just don't notice, others may not want to ask such personal questions of you. Or, what about those living in remote areas of the world--how will they hear of Christ if no one tells them? Besides, I've come to realize that if the message is so important and life-changing, I should be glad, even eager, to share it. Think of it this way: You hear of a person who has been afflected with a terrible fatal disease. You were once ill with the same disease, but someone offered you the cure and now you are perfectly well. Would you just hope the person would ask you about a cure for their disease or would you seek them out and share the cure with them? Now, you must understand that Christians are not called to "convert" anyone. We are simply told to spread the word and allow people to decide for themselves what to believe. I will probably never stand on a street corner and preach to passerby, but I will certainly try to make what I believe and why I believe it very clear to those around me, whether by word or deed.
2007-11-04 08:12:13 · answer #3 · answered by nicalese 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a dilemma for sure, especially for new or young Christians.
Your Light should always shine and you should never deny your belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
You will be known by your fruits and the the life you live will be witness to many, as you are being watched by non-believers for inconsistencies in your testimony.
Always be frank and honest to those who ask about your Christian Faith. Always give credit to God where it's do in your life.
Be careful about preaching or proselytizing as this will turn off many from listening. Sometimes a conversion will take years and it is the Lord's work. Ours is to planting the seed and too nurture.
I know when I first accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior I could not understand why everyone did not want the new life and joy I had and came across pretty hard on them. I learned patience and have become the witness Christ would have me to be.
2007-11-04 08:07:49 · answer #4 · answered by Crockett 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "Church" (Body of Christ) will Fail to Convert the Whole World---Wanna' Know Why?
Cause Jesus Christ, Risen from the Dead DID NOT Tell us to Conquer the World (World as in "all of the People".
Jesus Told us to Preach the Gospell to All the World.
It is a FreeWill Thingy!
EveryBody has the Right to Believe or Not Believe.
See?
Jesus will Take Care of "The World" (as in all of the invisible devils and satan) when HE comes Back.
By the Way, some Words in the KJV can mean different Things.
2007-11-04 07:56:36 · answer #5 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The missionary work of groups such as Christian Children's Foundation and World Vision is to be commended. They are spreading the gospel and the Christian vision while saving lives. So was Mother Theresa. When people target someone at home by harassing them or lashing out on the Internet against those of other faiths or no faith, it is rude and unfair. People have a right to follow whatever religion they want. The Bible tells Christians to 'spread the gospel'. The Bible doesn't tell anyone to support fake mass conversions, force people to join Christianity or to devalue other faiths in comparison to Christianity.
2007-11-04 07:55:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
We have to use tact! Jesus said, ""Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature" Mark 16:15" He didn't just suggest it - he told us to do it. I believe that if you are living your life according to Jesus teachings, people will know that you have something different. We should bring Jesus up in conversation with others if we get a chance. We are not to literally preach and annoy people.
2007-11-04 08:26:05 · answer #7 · answered by Kaliko 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Matthew 28:19-20 is what Christians usually think as the great commission to convert everybody. But since God created us all with our own free-will to choose what we believe or don't believe, it can't be done. A Christians only obligation is to proclaim the gospel to everyone. Not to hound non-believers or those who don't want to be bothered by it. Trying to cram it down their throats will only turn people away and make them think Christianity is made up of Kooks. So you are right in many ways.
2007-11-04 08:01:30 · answer #8 · answered by gilfinn 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should convert them by example and show them through your actions and kindness. You don't go around forcing everyone to be like you though. If they ask you about God tell them and share your faith with them but screaming Jesus' name in the middle of the mall is not really what you are supposed to do.
2007-11-04 07:53:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The WORD says Go Preach the Gosple to everyone. So, yes evangelism is mandatory for us. ( Would you like to be Saved ? ).
Minister
2007-11-04 08:08:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋