I often run across Christians who believe we are all called to a ministry of evangelizing the lost. Most of them cite Matthew 28 as proof that all believers should be on the mission field (be it domestic or foreign). I tend to lean this way myself but I often hear ignorant Christians preaching to others and I just wish they'd stay silent. It truely appears to be a skill that not all Christians are given equally. Was Jesus talking to all Christians in Matthew 28 or just the eleven who were with him?
There is another verse in Matthew 28 that confuses me. Verse 17 says, "When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted." Why would some doubt? I realize that we can only speculate but it seems odd for Matthew to mention this. He's writing a gospel to show that Jesus is the Christ yet he says that some of the apostles doubted. Perhaps my chronology is mixed up but was this referring to Thomas?
The Great Commission
The Great Commission
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
Re: The Great Commission
I believe he was referring to everyone in the chapter. If not, than I don't think Christianity would have spread very far. I do agree that evangelism is a gift that some posses more than others and I definately do not have that gift, but it shouldn't stop me from going out and telling someone the good news. I just need to always keep in my mind to be careful of what I say and how I say it. Also, I may never in my lifetime see someone come to Christ, but it doesn't mean that I wasn't an integral part in God's plan to progress the preparing of the soil for God to plant the seed in and make it grow.JC wrote:I often run across Christians who believe we are all called to a ministry of evangelizing the lost. Most of them cite Matthew 28 as proof that all believers should be on the mission field (be it domestic or foreign). I tend to lean this way myself but I often hear ignorant Christians preaching to others and I just wish they'd stay silent. It truely appears to be a skill that not all Christians are given equally. Was Jesus talking to all Christians in Matthew 28 or just the eleven who were with him?
A reference in my Bible points to Mark 16:11 which states they doubted he was alive. It was a pretty remarkable event. Maybe instead of referring to Thomas himself it was actually referring to lots of people who were like Thomas and needed to touch the nail holes for themselves. Hope this is an okay answer for your questions. Take care.There is another verse in Matthew 28 that confuses me. Verse 17 says, "When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted." Why would some doubt? I realize that we can only speculate but it seems odd for Matthew to mention this. He's writing a gospel to show that Jesus is the Christ yet he says that some of the apostles doubted. Perhaps my chronology is mixed up but was this referring to Thomas?
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
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Reason:
Luke 16:17 - It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.
I think just being a Christian ourselves we are evangelizing to others in our demeanor whether we are aware of it or not.Hopefully to the point when folks see us stressed etc. and we handle it peacefully they want to know why we can do it that way and ask us.
And we should always be open or aware for periods that may open up to us to spread the truth of Christ as we know it by our words also. Not easy some times but with the Holy Sprirts help it can be done.
Not all of us can be flying to unknown territory. God knows the future so I am sure when he expected this from us, had it included in scripture, he knew there would be many forms of transportation and many avenues of connecting with others whether t.v , phone, computors etc.
I think it ultimately settles on if we are willing and able and in a position to witness we do. Just my thoughts
Glow
And we should always be open or aware for periods that may open up to us to spread the truth of Christ as we know it by our words also. Not easy some times but with the Holy Sprirts help it can be done.
Not all of us can be flying to unknown territory. God knows the future so I am sure when he expected this from us, had it included in scripture, he knew there would be many forms of transportation and many avenues of connecting with others whether t.v , phone, computors etc.
I think it ultimately settles on if we are willing and able and in a position to witness we do. Just my thoughts
Glow
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
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Reason:
I have a few thoughts here. First it said to make DISCIPLES not converts. Making a disciple is a time consuming work that requires one on one teaching and training. Some folks think it is evangelism and they need to see how many converts they can get each week. I was involved in a large Church in the Atlanta area in a huge singles ministry and their was a big push for everyone to get involved in Evangelism Explosion. There was a mindset if you wern't involved you were a second class christian. One man who was involved with EE would allmost get up and brag about how many "he" won to the Lord. It was another notch on his gunbelt but there was NO discipleship involved. Did God equip every saint to be evangelists? No each ondividual is different and has different spiritual gifts. Does that mean each christian may not be needed to witness to the lost? No because of our experiences in life we may be used to reach just the right person or persons that will be touched by our testamony. I do not believe in canned evangelistic tools such as EE because a person trained that way can become dependant on what the EE examples are and not be led of the spirit to be real and open to a person whom we may share the same problems. So my belief is we each need to be what God has equipped us to be in the body. Paul asked the question can all be eyes, can all be a foot? No so I say not every Christian is called to evangelize every where they go. Just be ready if the Spirit prompts you because if that happens God has a reason to bring that person along to you. Your testamony me be the one that can touch that persons heart.
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
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Reason:
All that glitters ain't gold, BEWARE of false prophets and satans ministers who decieve the flock.
I agree DonO-- i would consider myself much more of a seed planter than a harvester-- for various reasons. the main reason is that i have a difficult time presenting the gospel in a SIMPLE manner. i am amazed at how good Billy Graham is at this. i always tend to get too technical or deep or i get sidetracked by extraneous issues.
the other "problem" i have is that i dont have a great "testimony story." i came to know Christ at a young age and have been pretty good since. in other words, there is nothing dramatic about my conversion experience like a lot of people have who are saved at an older age(after they have become hardened sinners
. believe me, i am glad I was saved young but sometimes, in a way, i feel like i missed something. i know this sounds silly but it's the truth.
TK
the other "problem" i have is that i dont have a great "testimony story." i came to know Christ at a young age and have been pretty good since. in other words, there is nothing dramatic about my conversion experience like a lot of people have who are saved at an older age(after they have become hardened sinners
. believe me, i am glad I was saved young but sometimes, in a way, i feel like i missed something. i know this sounds silly but it's the truth.TK
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
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Reason:
"Were not our hearts burning within us? (Lk 24:32)
tk said
Don't fret my friend you nor any body else is the harvester. Remember Paul said one plants, another waters but GOD gives the increase. Remember that Acts said GOD added to the church daily. What we need to do is be able to tell the simple message of the Gospel of Jesus the death, burial, and ressurrection og Jesus Christ. You don't need the skills of Billy Graham just let the Holy Spirit guide you.
tk said [the other "problem" i have is that i dont have a great "testimony story." i came to know Christ at a young age and have been pretty good since. in other words, there is nothing dramatic about my conversion experience ]
Their is nothing wrong with your testimony tk. Dramatic stories or deliverance from some great sin isn't whats needed. Just be willing to share how Gods love and a relationship with Jesus has helped to keep you from many hurts and heartaches and mistakes you could have fallen into. Many who are saved at a young age still struggle with the pressures of life, depression at times, anxiety, many less dramatic afflictions but you may be just the person who can relate to anothers struggles or disappointments over being passed over for a promotion at work, ect ect... Not all of us had Damacsus road experiences like Paul. Look at Timothy he had a believing mother and grandmother and was saved under Paul at a young age his testamony wouldn't be dramatic but wasn't he used in a mighty way by God?
Don't fret my friend you nor any body else is the harvester. Remember Paul said one plants, another waters but GOD gives the increase. Remember that Acts said GOD added to the church daily. What we need to do is be able to tell the simple message of the Gospel of Jesus the death, burial, and ressurrection og Jesus Christ. You don't need the skills of Billy Graham just let the Holy Spirit guide you.
tk said [the other "problem" i have is that i dont have a great "testimony story." i came to know Christ at a young age and have been pretty good since. in other words, there is nothing dramatic about my conversion experience ]
Their is nothing wrong with your testimony tk. Dramatic stories or deliverance from some great sin isn't whats needed. Just be willing to share how Gods love and a relationship with Jesus has helped to keep you from many hurts and heartaches and mistakes you could have fallen into. Many who are saved at a young age still struggle with the pressures of life, depression at times, anxiety, many less dramatic afflictions but you may be just the person who can relate to anothers struggles or disappointments over being passed over for a promotion at work, ect ect... Not all of us had Damacsus road experiences like Paul. Look at Timothy he had a believing mother and grandmother and was saved under Paul at a young age his testamony wouldn't be dramatic but wasn't he used in a mighty way by God?
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
All that glitters ain't gold, BEWARE of false prophets and satans ministers who decieve the flock.
We are all called to be ambassodors for Christ. Many will come to Him as a result of our representing Him. Wheither it be through testimony, the word or our life. I am with DonO, that everyone is not gifted to evangelize, but we are all gifted to serve and in that service we are to tell and deciple. Planting is something we all can do. Watering that planted seed is something we can all do, but God is the only one who can give the increase. Evagelizing is simply telling other about about Jesus. (Being That Ambassodor).
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
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Reason:
Servant of the Lord