When I try to evangelize using reality that the nonbelievers can understand to demonstrate the truth of the Gospel, my biggest critics are believers who tell me I should “just preach the Word and stop bringing philosophy and worldly things into the discussion. You are just trusting in your own understanding “. Yet they have never led anyone to Jesus themselves.
Good stuff. I've often thought about this when evangelizing friends at school, many of whom have heard lots of cliche Christianese phrases. What I shared seemed to have hit them deeper than what they've heard from others, and I can only pray God does something through it. (Also, you used "right" as a filler word way too many times)
Good topic, I think this is some of the most important evangelizing advice many Christians need to hear. It seems like ever since ever since the Jesus movement, evangelicals have been stuck overusing or even misusing the same phrases and platitudes. I especially see this problem in online discussions where 90% of well meaning evangelizing is either spamming verses and pamphlet copypastas, or responding to any argument with some kind but irrelevant and trite statement about Jesus. It comes across as silly or even grating to me and I _know_ non Christians will be even more turned off by that.
Like the Roman culture at the time of Jesus, our own culture is fundamentally hostile to the group called Christians. The Romans were opposed to ANY group that attempted to rock the status quo. Modern Western culture believes, for various reasons, that Christians are kooks, misguided ideologues, disproven and hypocritical-and frequently for good reasons (shame on our behavior). Speaking as the least of the disciples, I believe we must first live our faith genuinely and only then can we reach some of our own people. This man is correct. We can’t speak to people as though they have already taken Church 101 through Church 203 at the local seminary.
Yes. And let's not forget that even those with "Christian" backgrounds or similar beliefs (such as Mormonism) may have different definitions of the same terms we use. This is just one reason why it's so important that we are careful what we say and ask clarifying questions!
The Gospel: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. --- For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. --- For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 KJV The Gospel defined: “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:15-17 KJV Order of Salvation [hear the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation; and then trust/believe in Jesus Christ for everlasting life/salvation; and then sealed by the Holy Spirit]: “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:12-14 KJV Law, sin, death, and [after death] the judgement: “What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; With their tongues they have used deceit; The poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:9-20 KJV “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10 KJV “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8 KJV “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 KJV "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 KJV “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:27-28 KJV Thus, if nothing that we can do [our ‘good works’, ritual, keeping the whole law (=all 613 Commandments of the Torah as outlined in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy) without ever offending the law in one point, etc.] can save/keep us saved until the day of redemption and after, then what must we do to be saved/receive everlasting life?: “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:30-31 KJV “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 KJV “…unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord…” 1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:5-13 KJV God offers salvation and everlasting life as a free gift...by God's grace through faithfulness of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God/the Word was made flesh: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” Romans 3:21-31 KJV -John 1 KJV -John 3:14-17 & Numbers 21:1-9 KJV -John 8:58 KJV “And I, if I [Christ] be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6 KJV -Romans 5:1-21 KJV -1 Timothy 3:16 KJV -1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 KJV The gospel contains nothing about our good works, water baptism, church membership or attendance, tithing, sacraments or rituals, diet or clothing. If we change, add anything to, or subtract from the gospel, we have perverted it. -2 Timothy 2:8-15, Galatians 1:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:17-25, & 2 Corinthians 11 KJV After we hear the gospel and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for everlasting life/salvation, we are then sealed with the holy Spirit of God until the day of redemption, the Spirit of God dwells in us, we are baptized into the body of Christ (have put on Christ) once…becoming individual members that, when combined together, comprise the overall body of Christ [we are all one in Christ Jesus with Christ as the head & chief corner stone], and God and Father of all is in us: -Ephesians 1 KJV “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30 KJV “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 KJV “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3 KJV -Galatians 2 & 3:21-29 KJV -Romans 13:11-14 KJV -2 Timothy 1:8-14 & 2 KJV -1 Corinthians 1, 3:5-15, & 11:32 KJV -Philippians 2 KJV -Romans 1:1-7 KJV -1 Thessalonians 2 KJV All of the thanks, praise, and glory be to our Lord God Almighty!!!
An old-time preacher said, “You’ve got to put the cookies on the bottom shelf where the kiddies can get at them.” I’ve encountered a lot of “witnesses” who don’t care about conveying the message; they speak or write only for their own vanity, and if you don’t understand, tough. That attitude is a red flag because it reveals a lack of love, and therefore, lack of the Holy Spirit’s transforming work, and therefore, false conversion. If you don’t understand a Christian buzzword well enough to work around it, you don’t understand it.
If one is led by the Holy Spirit to be a witness for Christ Jesus, then they don't have to worry about Christianese. There's nothing like Christianese but we MUST cultivate patience and gentleness when we share the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
The Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures and the apostles. He never promised to inspire our witnessing. Otherwise, there’d be no need for the variety of speaking gifts or studying to be an approved worker or to rightly divide the Word, and there would be only one denomination.
It’s not about that. It’s about not being lazy with our word choices, instead, explaining what you mean. When witnessing, it doesn’t matter that we know what we mean; it’s all about helping the listener understand.
Sigh! These are those final days and we are the ones to troll the dead waters looking for the few remaining chosen Gentiles. That last born again soul! That last corner of the world where the Word has yet to reach! Maranatha Lord Jesus!
So say the 'Word.' ?? That is, "Accept Christ as your savior, or burning hell for all eternity." 'Turn or burn?' Such a message from the 'Religion of love that Christ came to announce to the world...??? This was never uttered by Jesus. The Catholic Encyclopedia even credits Paul with this brimstone 'justification.' How can Christianity be both a religion of love and vengeance/punishment at the same time? The Church says accept it as mystery. I'm a historian who found the reason for the disconnect. The Satan/brimstone threat was not in the 300 year 'Jewish Christianity' founded by Christ. Satan/Hades was purely pagan...merged into the faith when the PAGAN Romans commandeered the faith 300 years AFTER Jesus. And "trolling the dead waters looking for the few remaining CHOSEN Gentiles.?? The bible calls the Jews the 'chosen' people. You look for 'chosen gentiles.' There are no 'chosen people.' God made and loves every person on earth he made. Claiming God prefers some over others has caused more war and desolation than any other cause. Christ asked us to love all... this is the true 'Word' of Christ...' the path toward 'Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men.' After being given this threat, a Buddhist asked the missionary, "Who is this god who prefers you to us?"
@@bradodonnell5547 well of course I'll debate your for six hours about the Book you've never read. Sheep among Wolves (2 Timothy 1:3-12) 16Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18On My account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. 20For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. 22You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. 23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! Fear God Alone (Luke 12:4-7) 26So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. 28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.g 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?h Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Confessing Christ (Luke 12:8-12) 32Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. 33But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven. Not Peace but a Sword (Micah 7:1-6; Luke 12:49-53) 34Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ 37Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; 38and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
@@bradodonnell5547 I agree with your premise, yet couldn't the murkiness of the concept 'religion of love and punishment' come from Paul saying "the wages of sin is death"? Wages are not a gift you earned them. So even though Christianity is based/built on love, kindness, and humility it is also balanced by justice = you reap what you sow. You sow love and kindness; what you reap will be a good thing. You sow deceit, stealing, cheating; what you reap will not be good - you earned it. It is not the Faith randomly handing out results - You Earned It.
@@paulwiederhold7629 "couldn't the murkiness of the concept 'religion of love and punishment' come from Paul saying "the wages of sin is death"? No, it did not. ABC News with Peter Jennings did a sobering Documentary June 26, 2000 covering the 'punishment' aspect of Christianity. They postulated that either the church made it up to keep the faithful compliant, or the masses, wanting reward for living a righteous existence, demanded it. This is most likely how brimstone/judgment was later added to the faith. Even though humanity wants a reward/punishment system in civil and religious life, it was NOT part of the loving message of Christ. How do we know? We know deductively because the Romans created 'Roman ' Christianity in 325AD at Nicaea and merged the PAGAN Satan/brimstone punishment dogma 300 years after Jesus gave his message of love and brotherhood on the Mount. His Two Commandments were only about love. Otherwise, he would have had a third Commandment condemning all to Hell who refused him as their savior. HE DID NOT SAY THAT! The original "Roman Church" Catholic and their encyclopedia credits Paul with the punishment dogma...judgment/justification. Pagan vengeance/Satan/Hades was never spoken by our loving Jesus. "Christianity Today" Magazine explained in their article...'Jesus vs. Paul'; “that many Christians are concerned that Paul's theology disagrees with the theology of Jesus. We can't find much in the Gospels that shows Jesus thinking in terms of 'justification by faith...' (judgment); Christians sometimes reduce Paul’s gospel of salvation to something like, 'Believe in Jesus so that you personally can go to heaven when you die.' Salvation through 'justification by faith' was never the teaching of Christ." www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/december/9.25.html?start=2 “
When I try to evangelize using reality that the nonbelievers can understand to demonstrate the truth of the Gospel, my biggest critics are believers who tell me I should “just preach the Word and stop bringing philosophy and worldly things into the discussion. You are just trusting in your own understanding “. Yet they have never led anyone to Jesus themselves.
Good stuff. I've often thought about this when evangelizing friends at school, many of whom have heard lots of cliche Christianese phrases. What I shared seemed to have hit them deeper than what they've heard from others, and I can only pray God does something through it.
(Also, you used "right" as a filler word way too many times)
Good topic, I think this is some of the most important evangelizing advice many Christians need to hear. It seems like ever since ever since the Jesus movement, evangelicals have been stuck overusing or even misusing the same phrases and platitudes.
I especially see this problem in online discussions where 90% of well meaning evangelizing is either spamming verses and pamphlet copypastas, or responding to any argument with some kind but irrelevant and trite statement about Jesus. It comes across as silly or even grating to me and I _know_ non Christians will be even more turned off by that.
Well done you are so right
Like the Roman culture at the time of Jesus, our own culture is fundamentally hostile to the group called Christians. The Romans were opposed to ANY group that attempted to rock the status quo. Modern Western culture believes, for various reasons, that Christians are kooks, misguided ideologues, disproven and hypocritical-and frequently for good reasons (shame on our behavior).
Speaking as the least of the disciples, I believe we must first live our faith genuinely and only then can we reach some of our own people. This man is correct. We can’t speak to people as though they have already taken Church 101 through Church 203 at the local seminary.
Yes. And let's not forget that even those with "Christian" backgrounds or similar beliefs (such as Mormonism) may have different definitions of the same terms we use. This is just one reason why it's so important that we are careful what we say and ask clarifying questions!
100% Correct
Right?
The Gospel:
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
---
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
---
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 KJV
The Gospel defined:
“So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:15-17 KJV
Order of Salvation [hear the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation; and then trust/believe in Jesus Christ for everlasting life/salvation; and then sealed by the Holy Spirit]:
“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:12-14 KJV
Law, sin, death, and [after death] the judgement:
“What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; With their tongues they have used deceit; The poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:9-20 KJV
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10 KJV
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8 KJV
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 KJV
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 KJV
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:27-28 KJV
Thus, if nothing that we can do [our ‘good works’, ritual, keeping the whole law (=all 613 Commandments of the Torah as outlined in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy) without ever offending the law in one point, etc.] can save/keep us saved until the day of redemption and after, then what must we do to be saved/receive everlasting life?: “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:30-31 KJV
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 KJV
“…unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord…” 1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV
“Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:5-13 KJV
God offers salvation and everlasting life as a free gift...by God's grace through faithfulness of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God/the Word was made flesh: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” Romans 3:21-31 KJV
-John 1 KJV
-John 3:14-17 & Numbers 21:1-9 KJV
-John 8:58 KJV
“And I, if I [Christ] be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6 KJV
-Romans 5:1-21 KJV
-1 Timothy 3:16 KJV
-1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 KJV
The gospel contains nothing about our good works, water baptism, church membership or attendance, tithing, sacraments or rituals, diet or clothing. If we change, add anything to, or subtract from the gospel, we have perverted it.
-2 Timothy 2:8-15, Galatians 1:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:17-25, & 2 Corinthians 11 KJV
After we hear the gospel and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for everlasting life/salvation, we are then sealed with the holy Spirit of God until the day of redemption, the Spirit of God dwells in us, we are baptized into the body of Christ (have put on Christ) once…becoming individual members that, when combined together, comprise the overall body of Christ [we are all one in Christ Jesus with Christ as the head & chief corner stone], and God and Father of all is in us:
-Ephesians 1 KJV
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30 KJV
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 KJV
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3 KJV
-Galatians 2 & 3:21-29 KJV
-Romans 13:11-14 KJV
-2 Timothy 1:8-14 & 2 KJV
-1 Corinthians 1, 3:5-15, & 11:32 KJV
-Philippians 2 KJV
-Romans 1:1-7 KJV
-1 Thessalonians 2 KJV
All of the thanks, praise, and glory be to our Lord God Almighty!!!
An old-time preacher said, “You’ve got to put the cookies on the bottom shelf where the kiddies can get at them.”
I’ve encountered a lot of “witnesses” who don’t care about conveying the message; they speak or write only for their own vanity, and if you don’t understand, tough. That attitude is a red flag because it reveals a lack of love, and therefore, lack of the Holy Spirit’s transforming work, and therefore, false conversion.
If you don’t understand a Christian buzzword well enough to work around it, you don’t understand it.
If one is led by the Holy Spirit to be a witness for Christ Jesus, then they don't have to worry about Christianese.
There's nothing like Christianese but we MUST cultivate patience and gentleness when we share the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
The Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures and the apostles. He never promised to inspire our witnessing. Otherwise, there’d be no need for the variety of speaking gifts or studying to be an approved worker or to rightly divide the Word, and there would be only one denomination.
@@ricksonora6656 you make no sense with this.
@@ifiok-dan7926 What don’t you grasp?
Not every Christian speaks like you though.
It’s not about that. It’s about not being lazy with our word choices, instead, explaining what you mean. When witnessing, it doesn’t matter that we know what we mean; it’s all about helping the listener understand.
Sigh!
These are those final days and we are the ones to troll the dead waters looking for the few remaining chosen Gentiles.
That last born again soul!
That last corner of the world where the Word has yet to reach!
Maranatha Lord Jesus!
So say the 'Word.' ?? That is, "Accept Christ as your savior, or burning hell for all eternity." 'Turn or burn?' Such a message from the 'Religion of love that Christ came to announce to the world...??? This was never uttered by Jesus. The Catholic Encyclopedia even credits Paul with this brimstone 'justification.' How can Christianity be both a religion of love and vengeance/punishment at the same time? The Church says accept it as mystery. I'm a historian who found the reason for the disconnect. The Satan/brimstone threat was not in the 300 year 'Jewish Christianity' founded by Christ. Satan/Hades was purely pagan...merged into the faith when the PAGAN Romans commandeered the faith 300 years AFTER Jesus.
And "trolling the dead waters looking for the few remaining CHOSEN Gentiles.?? The bible calls the Jews the 'chosen' people. You look for 'chosen gentiles.' There are no 'chosen people.' God made and loves every person on earth he made. Claiming God prefers some over others has caused more war and desolation than any other cause. Christ asked us to love all... this is the true 'Word' of Christ...' the path toward 'Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men.' After being given this threat, a Buddhist asked the missionary, "Who is this god who prefers you to us?"
@@bradodonnell5547 well of course I'll debate your for six hours about the Book you've never read.
Sheep among Wolves
(2 Timothy 1:3-12)
16Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18On My account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. 20For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. 22You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.
23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
Fear God Alone
(Luke 12:4-7)
26So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.
28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.g
29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?h Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Confessing Christ
(Luke 12:8-12)
32Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. 33But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.
Not Peace but a Sword
(Micah 7:1-6; Luke 12:49-53)
34Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to turn
‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36A man’s enemies will be the members
of his own household.’
37Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; 38and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
@@bradodonnell5547 I agree with your premise, yet couldn't the murkiness of the concept 'religion of love and punishment' come from Paul saying "the wages of sin is death"? Wages are not a gift you earned them. So even though Christianity is based/built on love, kindness, and humility it is also balanced by justice = you reap what you sow. You sow love and kindness; what you reap will be a good thing. You sow deceit, stealing, cheating; what you reap will not be good - you earned it. It is not the Faith randomly handing out results - You Earned It.
@@paulwiederhold7629 "couldn't the murkiness of the concept 'religion of love and punishment' come from Paul saying "the wages of sin is death"?
No, it did not. ABC News with Peter Jennings did a sobering Documentary June 26, 2000 covering the 'punishment' aspect of Christianity. They postulated that either the church made it up to keep the faithful compliant, or the masses, wanting reward for living a righteous existence, demanded it. This is most likely how brimstone/judgment was later added to the faith.
Even though humanity wants a reward/punishment system in civil and religious life, it was NOT part of the loving message of Christ. How do we know? We know deductively because the Romans created 'Roman ' Christianity in 325AD at Nicaea and merged the PAGAN Satan/brimstone punishment dogma 300 years after Jesus gave his message of love and brotherhood on the Mount. His Two Commandments were only about love. Otherwise, he would have had a third Commandment condemning all to Hell who refused him as their savior. HE DID NOT SAY THAT! The original "Roman Church" Catholic and their encyclopedia credits Paul with the punishment dogma...judgment/justification. Pagan vengeance/Satan/Hades was never spoken by our loving Jesus.
"Christianity Today" Magazine explained in their article...'Jesus vs. Paul'; “that many Christians are concerned that Paul's theology disagrees with the theology of Jesus. We can't find much in the Gospels that shows Jesus thinking in terms of 'justification by faith...' (judgment); Christians sometimes reduce Paul’s gospel of salvation to something like, 'Believe in Jesus so that you personally can go to heaven when you die.' Salvation through 'justification by faith' was never the teaching of Christ." www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/december/9.25.html?start=2 “
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