On the subject of Faith...?

Question

Read something today, that I believe is "food for thought"

To one with faith, no explanation is necessary.
To on without faith, no explanation is possible.

Have you ever of the saying "attraction, rather than promotion"?
This quote made me think of that saying.
Reason being, do you notice how you lose a person's attention or even run the risk of annoying them, when you try to promote your faith?
I understand completely why us as Believers want to spread the "Good News"
But doing that does it ever concern you that sometimes your doing more harm than good?
That sometimes we get in the way of allowing God to do only what God can do?

Please believe, I am NOT trying to cause a stir.
For I am so grateful for the people in my life who inspire me to change, by "testifying" about their journey(s).

Blessings to all and thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Some years ago, when I was working with the Billy Graham organization on the Boston Crusade, I talked with Ron Shea and several others about the idea that we need to earn the right to be heard.

All people have preconceptions. They think they know what the church is like; what Christians are like. If you 'promote' the faith (as if it were some product for sale), you run head on into those preconceptions and biases. If you live the faith with integrity, up to and including being honest about your failings, that faith will be attractive at some point and you'll be there when people are ready to consider it. That's how we earn the right to be heard.

Which is NOT to say that we shouldn't think in terms of evangelism. We need to focus on it as a priority because people are dying without Christ. We have to be prepared to 'give an answer to anyone who asks' (I Petter 3:15). But we rarely, if ever, need to be confrontational about it. The Gospel stands on its own merits -- the transformation it makes in people's lives -- it doesn't require obnoxious militancy from us.

Now some people have the gift of evangelism. They have, on the one hand, the burning desire to share the gospel with hurting people. On the other hand, the successful ones also have a winning and attractive way of naturally introducing the topic (My wife is like this). And they have a sensitivity as to when people are ready to listen and how to approach them.

As I think about it, the idea of 'hurting people' is central. Those who are satisfied with their lives feel no need for Christ. It is counterproductive and a complete waste of time and energy to try to confront them with the gospel. Only when people feel a need that nothing else seems to satisfy are they ready to really listen. That need may be financial or health-related, it may come from the disintegration of a relationship, it may come from realization of a moral shortcoming (sin), or it may come when they confront some of the larger, philosophical questions of life. That's when we need to be ready to give an answer about our faith, why we believe, and how well it works.

Answer 2

I agree to some extent...have you listened to the first song on the new castign crowns cd "The Altar and the Door"? i encourage you to give the lyrics a look at... they do say that actions speak louder than words but i think at a point actions need to be justified by faith in the public eye.
im not saying one should promote their faith, but claim it as the reason for their actions....anyone can have good actions, but if their reasons are purely selfish it will not help anyone else...i think both aspects must be there

Answer 3

Thank you for being thoughtful. I agree that some well-intentioned Christians do get annoying.

I cannot blame anyone for feeling good about what works for them. All I ask is respect and acknowledgment that the rest of us tend to have life philosophies that may be different, but work for us, and that diversity of perspectives is a good thing.

Answer 4

Jesus said to spread the good news throughout the world. He knew that some would not care to hear, so, in sending out the 70, He said to shake the dust off your feet wherever you were denied acceptance and move on to another place.

But, He said to tell. Let them refuse. But tell them! God said He would deny anyone who denies His son.

We are commanded to speak. We are not commanded to beat anyone over the head and be overbearing. But we are commissioned to speak the good news.

Blessings to you too!

Answer 5

I have found that foks who want to share their faith rarely show any interest in our returning the favor.

Rather than debate theology. let's inspire each other to love, and good works.

Answer 6

To one without faith, explanation is necessary.
As well as logic, reason, and evidence.

Answer 7

you always have to be careful giving too....too much information at one time can cause that....only give them enough as one can handle...a little at a time..........it's a growing& learning process....We learn more as we grow in Christ....

Answer 8

I think I'm in love...