|
Post by alon on Oct 27, 2014 15:14:00 GMT -8
How would you witness to a non-believer? What scriptures would you use to lead them to Yeshua?
Dan C
|
|
|
Post by alon on Oct 27, 2014 15:50:07 GMT -8
Here is my short Plan of Salvation, a copy of which I keep in every Bible I have:
Note the prayer at the end is just "bullet points." I hate those pre-canned "sinners prayers." Just give them the point, the idea, and let them say it in their own words. In this way they own it, it is more sincere, and they aren't just parroting some "salvation formula" back to you.
Note too the inclusion of repentance and obedience here. This, as well as the way the prayer is handled sets this apart from the vast majority of (though certainly not all of) the Christian plans.
Also, MOST of the time I don't say what the scripture means. I let them read it aloud and then ask them to tell me what it means to them. Again, shut up and listen while they speak. Try to gently lead them to the meaning, though most will be able to interpret what is said. Rom 6:23 where I use half the verse, then the whole verse is a good transition point to let them start telling you what is said in their own words.
Dan C
|
|
|
Post by Elizabeth on Oct 28, 2014 10:44:08 GMT -8
I have talked to a few people about why I believe in G-d. In my experience, they don't have as hard of a time believing in a G-d as they do understanding why they should believe in a G-d who allows evil, says he is loving but destroys life, and the like. I just talked about what I understand about his character and intentions. I try to reframe it for them. They blame G-d for the state of the world, but I talk about how though he created the world, he also gave us responsibility and freedom to choose. I basically try to show them that he is simply allowing us to see what we do apart from him. I also talk about how there can be no life apart from the G-d who created it, and we live in a world that is trying to separate from him. What he is allowing us to see is what we do on our own; we suffer, destroy, and die. I also try to explain that G-d allows evil because that is a consequence of our sin and part of the lesson we need to learn, but he will not allow it to get beyond a certain point for the sake of his will. I try to show them why he sometimes has to destroy life for the sake of life itself. I go back to Genesis a lot when I try to illuminate his character and intentions. I talk about how he simply wants our company and how he delights in us. I go back to his question, "where are you?" (that question did a lot to help me find him) and I try to apply it to life today. Adam and Eve really didn't know "where" they were because for the first time ever they felt fear, , and the consequences of sin. I think that question resonates with exactly what we feel when we look around and see the state the world is in, but we can see his intention is not for us to be in this state. That was our choice, but Yeshua is our way back to be with G-d. I tell them how I understand Yeshua, as the will and love of G-d personified. I go back to Genesis. He is G-d's way of walking with us, but in spite of our circumstances. I talk about the holiness of G-d as it relates to the need for repentance, forgiveness, and a savior. I have also talked about how much Yeshua not only loves us, but G-d the father. That has helped reframe the question about "why would G-d do that to his son" to get to why Yeshua would choose to die to pay our debt for us. People need to feel valuable, and sadly, I think that's the hardest part for most people to get.
|
|
|
Post by alon on Oct 29, 2014 11:38:48 GMT -8
I have talked to a few people about why I believe in G-d. In my experience, they don't have as hard of a time believing in a G-d as they do understanding why they should believe in a G-d who allows evil, says he is loving but destroys life, and the like. I just talked about what I understand about his character and intentions. I try to reframe it for them. They blame G-d for the state of the world, but I talk about how though he created the world, he also gave us responsibility and freedom to choose. I basically try to show them that he is simply allowing us to see what we do apart from him. I also talk about how there can be no life apart from the G-d who created it, and we live in a world that is trying to separate from him. What he is allowing us to see is what we do on our own; we suffer, destroy, and die. I also try to explain that G-d allows evil because that is a consequence of our sin and part of the lesson we need to learn, but he will not allow it to get beyond a certain point for the sake of his will. I try to show them why he sometimes has to destroy life for the sake of life itself. I go back to Genesis a lot when I try to illuminate his character and intentions. I talk about how he simply wants our company and how he delights in us. I go back to his question, "where are you?" (that question did a lot to help me find him) and I try to apply it to life today. Adam and Eve really didn't know "where" they were because for the first time ever they felt fear, , and the consequences of sin. I think that question resonates with exactly what we feel when we look around and see the state the world is in, but we can see his intention is not for us to be in this state. That was our choice, but Yeshua is our way back to be with G-d. I tell them how I understand Yeshua, as the will and love of G-d personified. I go back to Genesis. He is G-d's way of walking with us, but in spite of our circumstances. I talk about the holiness of G-d as it relates to the need for repentance, forgiveness, and a savior. I have also talked about how much Yeshua not only loves us, but G-d the father. That has helped reframe the question about "why would G-d do that to his son" to get to why Yeshua would choose to die to pay our debt for us. People need to feel valuable, and sadly, I think that's the hardest part for most people to get. Those are some good responses. You can also point out that God hates evil:
"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." —Proverb 6:16-19
"Ye that love the LORD, hate evil..." —Psalm 97:10
But I've been there, and usually the only thing that will change their minds is the Ruach working in their hearts and lives. But you have to try. As I said, what you tell them could be the seed the Spirit uses to water and grow in them.
Dan C
|
|
|
Post by alon on Nov 29, 2014 17:44:34 GMT -8
I think that a couple of verses should be added to address obedience:
Psalm 119:1-2 How happy are those whose way of life is blameless, who live by the of ADONAI! 2 How happy are those who observe his instruction, who seek him wholeheartedly!
John 14:5 "If you love me, you will keep my commands;"
We are responsible to set those we witness to on the path to obedience.
Dan C
|
|