Christian Goodreaders discussion

We've been having some discussion of this area on another thread, and I think it's important enough to deserve a thread of its own. So if you're wanting advice, either general or specific, about how to share your Christian faith with others clearly, winsomely and effectively, this is where you can ask your questions. And if you have advice to give, from Scripture and/or your own experience, this is the place to share it. It can also be a place for making each other aware of the many good books on this topic that are out there, and that may very well be helpful resources for fulfilling the Great Commission.

Great idea Werner!
Sometimes, I'm scared I might end up in a situation where I don't know the answer to the questions an unbeliever might have.

Like how a person can be the strongest believer you have ever met, but something devastating can happen to them. Or someone who doesn't know God but lives their lives seemingly happy and dies happy. Does God pick favorites? (It seems like he did with the Israelites, but it was to demonstrate His power, of course. But what about now, in the modern world? We are all his chosen people since Christ made the sacrifice, we just need to accept the gift, etc.)

And always saying that we don't understand God's will is true, but from a logical point of view, it's also the perfect "excuse" for everything, if you know what I mean.

Werner wrote: "We've been having some discussion of this area on another thread, and I think it's important enough to deserve a thread of its own. So if you're wanting advice, either general or specific, about ho..."

My tip is to take the person's beliefs into account. My church has a program on how to witness to different religions; we've learned about Buddhism and Islam so far, and the main point is that you don't share Christianity with them in the same way. For example, with Muslims, it's more important to mention Jesus--but NOT the Crusades (and if you do, acknowledge that both sides did wrong).

And also, if you do succeed in witnessing to someone, don't expect them to jump for joy and sing praises immediately. It's likely that their whole world has been turned upside down in some ways. :)

I've read somewhere (can't remember which article it is now) to not expect to have many friends as a Christian because a lot of people are going to be offended by God's truth) While we will run into people being offended for God's glory, I think it can be possible to embrace friendship as a Christian. Sure we have to use discernment in all things, but friendship, encouragement, and genuine love are all gifts from God and I appreciate that He gives them to us.

 
Hello, fellow CGR's! I wanted to include the link that Werner is speaking about, so you can go back and see where it started --> CLICK ME!. When you go to that page, scroll down to entry #929 made by our little sister Rachel. She has a friend that she is concerned about. Werner and myself were speaking to her about it, and Werner thought it would be a good discussion topic all its own. Now you can go read about this, and help pray about it, too. Thank you!
 

Thanks for posting that link, Urs!

Werner wrote: "Thanks for posting that link, Urs!"
 
Welcome! :)
 

I wrote an article on paganism from a Christian perspective, since I have a pagan friend who I'm testifying to, and I wanted to share this part of it in this thread:

If I have a pagan friend, how should I treat him or her?
No different than the same love you show to God and to your believing friends. Show your pagan friend the same genuine love that Jesus shows you. Meet your friend where he or she is at right now. This doesn't mean to necessarily agree with everything she says or to give up on Christianity and join in, but instead it means to see your friend as needy (In other words, you should see her as needing a Savior, see Matthew 9:12) Share the gospel message of John 3:16 with your friend, explaining that Jesus loves all of us so much, he chose to take our sins and was crucified for us on the cross so that we can have a way to get into heaven, by repenting of our sins and choosing to live for him. Share your own story of how Jesus changed your life, and thank God for giving you this opportunity to plant a seed in your friend's life.