One thing however, it is not about winning the argument. Lets face the truth , when we start to be more vocal about our faith , opposition will come. Sometimes the dialogue can be very respectful but more and more it is not. In fact it can become very heated. Now I'm not saying one needs to be weak and speak like a wimp. Passion is great but it most never get into a insult session . If the conversation begins to spiral out of control or a trade off of points , it is time to end it . Try always to bring it back to Jesus Christ and the cross.
I cannot say that I have been great at keeping my emotions in check .I have said things and realize that at times it was not about witnessing and sharing the gospel, but about winning the argument . That is when it can get quickly out of control. We honor God by witnessing in a manor that glorifies Him .
1 Peter 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect...
May this passage always frame our chance to share the gospel. The focus needs to be on Jesus , why He came ,what He did and the hope of eternal life .Then it most be done with gentleness and respect. The best way to not go off the deep end is to know the gospel. You can't be expected to know every objection but you can at the very least have a general defense.Stay on focus . Ask Questions as well to show the weakness of the positions they may hold.
Be honest and staright forward and let God be God. Realize that you can't save no one . Your points can't convince anyone . But the Holy Spirit can take the word and open a dead heart. All we are called to do is bear witness of the hope within us .
Lastly , do not sugar coat the gospel . The message of the cross is offensive . Just as we were once a unrepentant sinner , at war with God , so are they . If they hated our Lord , then even that little gray haired lady can become just as hateful or more so , then that long haired ,Tattooed youngster . Never make assumptions . An unrepentant sinner come in all shapes,colors and sizes . So don't worry about winning but bearing witness to God's amazing grace . What an honor it is .
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I'm really enjoying the book "Without a Doubt", Answering the 20 Toughest Faith Questions , by Kenneth Richard Samples. All witnessing should be done with a prayerful and thankful heart. For, it is a great honour to have been saved by Grace, in the first place. Being able to share that undeserved gift is very humbling and where you store up your treasures in Heaven.
That being said, the hardest is keeping the focus on the Cross. That and never knowing whose going to be asking you something because some days it can really surprise you. I never think I'm somebody who is left speechless. But, even I have been caught shocked and unprepared. That is why you need to ALWAYS be prepared to give an answer...
When you're discussing where your spending all eternity, with someone who is confused or in denial about this toughest answer, it can get a little heated.
Who wants to look like an idiot? No, I'm not imagining the existence of God. No, I'm not unenlightened or unscientific. No, I'm not deluded by the opiate of the masses.
We must always remember that it is only by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone that we are saved. Now, if that doesn't keep your heart humble, I don't know what will. Love you, Mrs Reg
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