what can you say about real christian evangelization? how will you do it?
98762
We're not selling anything. But lots of evangelists and churches make it look like we're marketing Jesus. We're not trying to make the gospel appealing and palitable to sinners either (but again, too many churches do that). The gospel is an ultimatum, not fire insurance.\n\nI really like the way the Reformers evangelized; confrontationally and leaving the results to God. And I would NEVER use an "altar call" like so many evangelists do. When I compare today's evangelism with that of Jesus, I see huge differences - not just in the METHODS used, but in the MESSAGE!\n\nI will make my case by comparing Jesus' evangelistic message with the usual evangelistic message of today's modern evangelists.\n \nLook at the story of the "rich young ruler" as it is found in Luke 18:18-27 (quoted below from the New American Standard Bible):\n \n"And a certain ruler questioned Him and said, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' And Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' And he said, "All these things I have kept from my youth.' And when Jesus heard this, He said to him, 'One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But when he had heard these things he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. And Jesus looked at him and said, 'How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.' And they who heard it said, "Who then can be saved?' But He said, 'The things impossible with men are possible with God.' "\n \nIt's quite surprising to see Jesus' example, especially when we compare it with how the same scenario would surely have played out in our own time, if a wealthy young ruler asked the same question of a typical modern evangelist. \n \nJesus begins His reply with a rebuke, then goes into a dissertation of the Ten Commandments of all things, then lays out an impossible demand as a condition of receiving eternal life, then He let the fish get away! What's the matter with Him? Doesn't He even know how to lead a soul to Himself? Why didn't He offer Himself as personal savior? Isn't it surprising to see Jesus handle this tender soul seemly so roughly?\n \nSuppose such a candidate had approached the modern evangelist. We know from this passage in Luke and from the other accounts of this story that this young questioner was wealthy and had gained none of his wealth through fraud or theft. We know that he was an influential leader, and that Jesus felt a conscious love for the man as they talked (Mark 10:21), yet let him walk away without knowing Him as savior. But such a candidate, coming publicly to ask "What should I do to inherit eternal life" would have been a fine trophy because of his influence in the community. Surely he could be used to bring many more into the kingdom! \n \n"Well," the modern evangelist might explain, "we're all sinners (nobody's perfect y'know), and we can never be good enough to earn entrance into heaven..." He would whip out his Bible, show the questioner the usual verses and ask the usual questions: Do you believe that you are a sinner? Do you believe Christ died for sinners? Will you accept Him now as personal Lord and savior? Pray this prayer after me..."\n \nThe same candidate that Jesus interviewed would certainly have answered appropriately to the questions and earnestly, sincerely prayed the Sinner's prayer to accept Christ as personal savior. He would have been assured that if he was sincere and really meant that pr
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You will know them by their fruit.\nonly experiencing God's salvation makes you a true Christian. of course, we can't see into man's heart, so we just have to take people at their word and the way they live their life. But remember, it's not our place to judge.
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We shouldn't just try to convert people. If you really want people to become a part of your religious group, or any other group, the best thing you can do is help them, and be nice to them. Make them say, "Wow, this is a great group of people. They're so loving and kind. I might like to be part of their group." The best way to introduce people to God's love and grace, is to show love and grace yourself.
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"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."  Hebrews 10:23-25 \n\n"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."  Matthew 18:19-20 \n\n"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all."  Acts 4:31-33
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Building Your Relationship With God\nI was born and raised a Christian; from the ages of 10-17 I went on a mission trip each year. My last mission trip when I was 17 was a Mission trip arranged by Marantha in conjunction with Peace of the Pie Ministries, called “The Ultimate Workout”. Every mission trip I have ever went on, including this one, was all for the wrong reasons. I did not go to glorify God, or to draw others to Christ; my main reasons were girls, fun, and girls, purely selfish reasons. However what set this trip apart from the rest was not the mission trip itself building churches and seeing people’s lives changed by God, it was the last 30 minutes at the airport as I waited for my plane there in Costa Rica’s airport. \n While sitting there at the airport, I got to talking to a guy that was also waiting for the plane. I told him I was there on a mission trip and we were building churches and stuff. Then he started to ask me what I believed, and I told him what I believed, or at least what I had been taught to believe. I had always taken God for granted since I was surrounded by Christians everyday for the last 17 years of my life. Nevertheless he was not satisfied by my answers; he wanted to know why I believe what I Believe not just what I believe. It was all I could do to scrape up a few verses to try and keep from sinking in this conversation; finally the boarding call for the plane came I was “saved by the bell.”\n I realized that I know of God, but I did not have a personal relationship with Him. I had never truly given my heart to God. All that was part of taking Him for granted. Even then I did not think about it to much, but that seed was planted in my mind. \n When you give your life to God, you need to nurture the relationship, to truly learn and understand who He is. The only way you are going to nurture the relationship is by talking to him, and listening to his word; the Bible. Christ says, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22-23. Just carrying the name Christian does not denote, nor signify a personal relationship with Christ.\n The Bible compares our relationship with God as a groom and his bride. Now, if you get married and you never talk to your spouse again, or if you do all he talking and do not listen, how long do you think that relationship will last. I’ve been married now for 6 months 23 days, and I talk to my wife every day to strengthen our relationship. The Bible says “Do not deprive one another…, that Satan may not tempt you through your incontinence.” 1 Corinthians 7:5. Incontinence means to withhold yourself from something. So to keep the relationship of marriage from failing husbands and wives are not to depriving one another of the use of their bodies, nor any other of the comforts of the conjugal state, appointed of God for keeping the vessel in sanctification and honor, and preventing the lusts of uncleanness. God, through Jesus Christ, has already given us his body; we as Christians are not to withhold our body from him, so that we may have an intimate relationship with God.  \nIn the same way Satan can tempts us by our incontinence away from God. Satan is quite tricky; he can do it without you even knowing about it. Jeremiah 9:5-6 says, “And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity. Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.” Satan has many people deceived, they do not know God because they do not study the Bible, they think that just listening their pastors, and ministers will do the job. Yes it is good to listen to the council of your spiritual leaders; how
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Well, make sure you agree with the doctrine.  Make sure the pastor isn't a crook.  You want to feel like you "get" something out of the teachings there.  And make sure you feel comfortable with the church members.  Also, you might want to check out the various programs the church offers, if you're interested in more than attending regular Sunday services.
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This is the Christian's great commission, to tell whoever we meet the good news of the gospel. We are called to baptize those that accept the gospel in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Once the new believer is baptized (a public confession of his decision), then we are to teach these new believer the Word of God until he is old enough to walk and study on his own. But we do not have to do this on our own, the Lord will be there to help us--forever.
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Want to be blown away with real life evidence of a ministry unlike anything you've ever seen or heard of?\nWe're talking every sickness healed, cancer, deaf, blind, birth defects...even the dead raised!\nWith millions of witnesses, the world over, and in the 20th Century.\nSounds unreal? Then see if it is...\nhttp://www.biblebelievers.org/bblife.htm\nhttp://www.biblebelievers.org/mansent1.htm\nhttp://www.biblebelievers.org/visitsa.htm#visitsa\nhttp://www.biblebelievers.org/lindia.htm\nhttp://tucsontabernacle.com/supernatural.htm\nhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006QX8CA/qid=1139773265/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/104-0434466-2868746?s=books&v=glance&n=283155\n(NOTE: The above 'SUPERNATURAL' books are impossible to put down! I had a Polish girl rent a room in my home once. She was raised RC. She started reading Book 3, of this series. One night she came to me in tears and said she had never read anything like it. That it was the most amazing thing she had ever read. Find out why. It will blow you away!)\nhttp://tucsontabernacle.com/biographies.htm\nhttp://www.spokenwordchurch.com/videos/videos.html\n\nThis is the real thing folks. We're not talking Ernest Angley or Benny Hinn here. This man was the inspiration for the great revival crusades of the late 1940's.\nThere's never been a ministry like this in the history of the world. It is Christ, alive in His people!\n\nRead my own testimony here...\nBrother Shane's Personal Testimony \nAs soon as I started calling on God He answered and said(very sternly),DON'T COME LOOKIN FOR ME IN THESE "CHURCHES"! YOU WON'T FIND ME HERE! STAY HOME AND I WILL SEND SOMEONE TO YOU! YOU 'WILL' KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH 'WILL' SET YOU FREE! DON'T COME LOOKIN FOR ME IN THESE CHURCHES ANYMORE! I'M NOT IN THEM!" \nhttp://www.miafc.com/GRTab/Tesitmny/BroShane.html\n\nTo find out more...\nhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/bibletruths_forbelievers/
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You make a number of excellent observations, but trying to convince or convert in this type of forum is at best a crap shoot. Jesus related to people on a personal level. When someone is ready to accept the truth under the guidance of the Holy Spirit someone will be there to help them take their first step. If you're not called to save the whole world by all means don't try to do so.
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Depends on what religion you are. If you are in the Catholic faith I believe you have to take class or be confirmed I can't remember if what i've heard from Catholic Friends. But If you go to a Christian church then you just have to become a believer of Jesus Christ and repent of your way. It is best that you talk to your Priest/Pastor/Minister depending on what church that  you attend! Many Blessings!
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In broad brushstrokes:\n\n1. Stop the repeating messages- "we need more money, praise god, ain't life great, pray more, we need more money, praise..."\n\n2. Offer purposeful messages on how to deal with the world as it exists for us now using Biblical principles. Use solid examples and offer places to get additional help. \n\n3. Tone down the 'happy happy joy joy' stuff. A big 'puffy' emotional high is just a prelude to a big emotional crash later.\n\n4. Build community. Find concrete ways to celebrate, love, and help each other- within the church and around us.\n\n5. Make it more of a retreat or something- make it something a bit more special. Serve a meal is one good idea.\n\n6. Make it more congregation-based and interactive. Give out homework or assign projects. Let other people write sermons or lead prayers or suggest songs.\n\n7. Stop lying. God does not answer prayer like it was a shopping list. Church does not guarantee happiness or health. Giving does usually feel good or benefit me later. Be honest, almost painfully so. Prepare us for the bad times and hard times, and stop making it easy for everyone to play the 'holier than thou' game.
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I would suggest getting everyone in your church to tell their friends, have certain events and such that set you apart from just any vacation bible school.  Offer things for all ages and just spread the word!\n\n-Giselle
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I guess it depends on what you mean by telling it openly.  When I first got here, I was a little baffled by the backlash of people wanting to know who Christians were to condemn them to hell and why did we say we would pray for them.  I gave what I thought were good explanations of these ideas.  How Christians don't want anyone to go to hell and since we believe it is a real place, we are obligated to help as many people avoid it as we can.  We pray because we are commanded to.  It's an act of love to pray for others.  \n\nI just didn't understand what the problem was.\n\nUntil I was answering a question and noticed that someone -purportedly a Christian, offended by the question -answered "Go to hell."  And further down the line another said, "You're going to hell.  I'll pray for you."\n\nSuddenly, I got what all the fuss was about.  \n\nLater, I answered a question by a teen who said he was ready to tell all atheists to go to hell.  This was my reply to him:\n\nI think we get really frustrated at the point where we are trying to make something happen that is not in our ability to accomplish.\n\nFor the record, I don't think we have any business condemning or wishing anyone to hell. I believe that hell is a real place and that people are going there, but I'm not happy about that.\n\nUnfortunately, you and I cannot make anyone do what we believe they should do. Our job is not to make them. Our job is to be the best example we can be. Even when others are hateful to us and to God.\n\nIf you look at how Jesus handled people, the ones He was hardest on were the Pharisees. Why? Because they were the ones who should have known God's word and should have known who He was. Instead they were concerned with trying to make other people follow laws that they themselves were not willing to follow. We should be really careful not to ever repeat their example!\n\nJesus didn't push people to make a decision. He never told anyone they were going to hell. It wasn't like high pressure sales. There is nothing more precious than a human soul. We should absolutely care about the salvation of others. But we have to respect that their salvation is ultimately between them and God. It isn't about us. And if we make it about us, we're going to run the risk of alienating them and run the risk of endangering our souls. \n\nIf trying to persuade others gets us so angry that we say and do things that are unlike Christ, or we allow their derision to discourage us, we could be at risk ourselves.\n\nPray for them (but you don't have to tell them that you are, since most of them seem to take that as criticism), honestly care for them, be the best example to them that you can be. Answer questions when they ask. \n\nJust lose the pressure and you'll feel so much less pressured yourself. God wants salvation for everyone. He'll help you accomplish His will. You don't have to impose your will on others. It's frustrating for you and for them. And that's not what salvation is all about.\n\nIt is a precious gift, to be given to and received by those who are capable of seeing it's value. \n\n\n\n\n\nIn the end, it is our living out Christ's example that will turn people from hell, not trying to scare them into repentance.   While we cannot be afraid to speak the truth in love, we need to prepare ourselves to live and to give a good defense for Christ, but not be offensive on His behalf.  We must trust the power of His Will and His Word more than we trust ourselves.  \n\nIf we try to force people into a decision, we may turn away an honest soul who has been controlled and manipulated all his/her life.  Jesus never did that.  In some cases we have to be willing to let the wheat and the tares grow up together.   In the end, we are all in His Hands.
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My precious Brother In Christ...You really won't need to ask anyone else if you are called to Preach, you will have the inner witness within your heart that ONLY GOD CAN TOUCH!\nMyself, as well as other true christians sense your sincere\nheart about this matter and will be praying for you to SEEK GOD AND GOD ALONE ON THIS MATTER just like the other Anointed Preachers do...They go straight to God..Remember, when GOD calls you into the ministry to work for Him, HE WILL GIVE THE ANOINTING TO CARRY IT OUT & NOT MAN!!!
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yes...\n\nMark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.\n\nThat's the great commission. Christians are supposed to preach the gospel to unbelievers so that they might believe.
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Preaching to unbelievers rarely, if every works.  But lliving a gracious and joyful life is something that people see and are truly moved by.  I think we should always be clear we are Christians and live as ambassadors of Christ; not beating others over the head with our fancy leather-bound Bibles, but shining Jesus' love and grace through our daily lives.  Then God will move others to see him through us.  We care bear witness to broken-hearted and troubled people in this way and in his time, he will open them to also hear the clear gospel through us.  Actions speak louder than words.  The unbelievers don't care what we say (if they did, they'd already be in church!), but they are very interested in seeing what we do.  Jesus' primary command to his disciples?  "Love one another as I have loved you."  Jesus never criticised, condemned, pointed out others sins; he loved them, and when his love opened their hearts, he taught them the way of God.  We should do likewise.
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The modern message of the gospel is "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." However, our idea of "wonderful" and the world’s may be a little different. Take a sinner through the pages of the Book of Acts and show him the terrifying scene of boulders breaking the bones of Stephen. Then smile and whisper, "Wonderful..." Listen together to the sound of a cat-o’-nine-tails as it rips the flesh off the back of the apostle Paul. Follow together the word "suffering" through the Epistles, and see if you can get the world to whisper, "Wonderful!" \n\nAfter such a ride down Honesty Road, they may think the pleasures of sin are a little more attractive than the call to "suffer affliction with the people of God." John MacArthur said, "We need to adjust our presentation of the gospel. We cannot dismiss the fact that God hates sin and punishes sinners with eternal torment. How can we begin a gospel presentation by telling people on their way to hell that God has a wonderful plan for their lives?" \n\nWho in the world is going to listen if we are so blatantly honest about the Christian life? Perhaps not as many as are attracted by the talk of a wonderful plan. However, the answer to our dilemma is to make the issue one of righteousness, rather than happiness. This is what Jesus did. He used the Ten Commandments to show sinners the righteous standard of God (Luke 10:25,26; 18:18– 0). Once the world sees the perfect standard by which they will be judged, they will begin to fear God, and through the fear of the Lord, men depart from sin (Proverbs 16:6). They will begin to hunger and thirst after the righteousness that is in Jesus Christ alone. \n\nIf you study the New Testament you will see that God’s love is almost always given in direct correlation to the cross: herein is love, for God so loved, God commended His love, etc. (See John 3:16; Romans 5:5,6,8; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:4,5; 5:2,25; 1 John 3:16; 4:10; and Revelation 1:5, among others.) The cross is the focal point of God’s love for the world. How can we point to the cross without making reference to sin? How can we refer to sin without the Law (Romans 7:7)? \n\nThe biblical way to express God’s love to a sinner is to show him how great his sin is (using the Law—see Romans 7:13; Galatians 3:24), and then give him the incredible grace of God in Christ. This was the key to reaching so many on the Day of Pentecost. They were "devout" Jews who knew the Law and its holy demands, and therefore readily accepted the mercy of God in Christ to escape its fearful wrath. When you use the Law to show the world their true state, get ready for sinners to thank you. For the first time in their lives, they will see the Christian message as an expression of love and concern for their eternal welfare, rather than of merely proselytizing for a better lifestyle while on this earth.