Pet Peeve

[nathansgirl1908]

I had to share this in this thread. Perhaps someone else has felt the same way at some point. Perhaps I am alone in my sentiment.

It has become a serious pet peeve of mine when I am out and about in public and I am approached by strangers who often either:
1. Ask if I am saved before launching into a discussion that shows that they are assuming I am not
2. Ask if I am saved and then launch into a monologue about how young people need to get right and get more involved in church
3. Ask what church I attend and then proceed to encourage me to come to THEIR church
4. Ask if I attend church and upon finding out that I don't attend regularly, launch into a monologue about being saved and honoring God.

I don't like having people who don't know me come up to me and assume that I am not saved or launch into speeches about how I need to improve my walk with God. The truth is that no one really entirely knows another person's relationship with God once they have accepted Him into their lives. It is this kind of behavior that is a turn off for those who have not yet accepted Him. I personally don't feel that this is the way to really help bring lost souls to Him.

sorry for the rant, but it happened to me recently and I let the person know that I was mildly annoyed and that they should not make such assumptions. Not to mention that I really didn't feel like engaging in conversation with a perfect stranger that day.

 

[Sharpened]

I had to share this in this thread. Perhaps someone else has felt the same way at some point. Perhaps I am alone in my sentiment.

It has become a serious pet peeve of mine when I am out and about in public and I am approached by strangers who often either:
1. Ask if I am saved before launching into a discussion that shows that they are assuming I am not
2. Ask if I am saved and then launch into a monologue about how young people need to get right and get more involved in church
3. Ask what church I attend and then proceed to encourage me to come to THEIR church
4. Ask if I attend church and upon finding out that I don't attend regularly, launch into a monologue about being saved and honoring God.

I don't like having people who don't know me come up to me and assume that I am not saved or launch into speeches about how I need to improve my walk with God. The truth is that no one really entirely knows another person's relationship with God once they have accepted Him into their lives. It is this kind of behavior that is a turn off for those who have not yet accepted Him. I personally don't feel that this is the way to really help bring lost souls to Him.

sorry for the rant, but it happened to me recently and I let the person know that I was mildly annoyed and that they should not make such assumptions. Not to mention that I really didn't feel like engaging in conversation with a perfect stranger that day.

Are you serious? So what if the person assumed? You missed an opportunity to fellowship because of your mood? God does not care about your mood, obviously, or it would not have happened. Don't believe me; ask Him yourself.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

Are you serious? So what if the person assumed? You missed an opportunity to fellowship because of your mood? God does not care about your mood, obviously, or it would not have happened. Don't believe me; ask Him yourself.

Are YOU serious? You don't make those kinds of assumptions. It is rude and bordering on judgmental. Not to mention the fact that no one is obligated to "fellowship" every time they are out. Sometimes I just want to be left alone. And I don't think God calls for people to approach people in that manner. Even when I have "fellowshipped" in those instances, I did not feel at ease. Being bold for Christ is one thing. Shoving it down someone's throat when you don't even know their walk is entirely another.

So yes, I AM serious.

 

[Guitarhero]

Oftentimes, people mean well but they do not realize how obnoxious they can be. It it rude to assume that a complete stranger wishes to exchange anything with another, let alone religion. Some people live out their faith by demonstrating and others by shouting. I run into those as well. At the end of the day, I'm not changing my views no matter what the others think. I just wish they understood that. But a brick cannot hear.

 

[WAVES4DAYS]

............

 

[nathansgirl1908]

Oftentimes, people mean well but they do not realize how obnoxious they can be. It it rude to assume that a complete stranger wishes to exchange anything with another, let alone religion. Some people live out their faith by demonstrating and others by shouting. I run into those as well. At the end of the day, I'm not changing my views no matter what the others think. I just wish they understood that. But a brick cannot hear.

I seem to find myself encountering the ones who live out their faith by shouting. I'm just glad that I'm secure in my beliefs and willing to enforce the boundaries I have in place. I have friends who are scared to acknowledge that they don't feel comfortable having these discussions when these people approach them. They think it means that they are somehow going against God. I explain to them that if they know that they worship and honor God and feel secure in their walk with Him, then they should not let someone they don't even know come and undo that security they feel. And they should not let someone like this make them feel inferior in any way.

 

[Sharpened]

When it comes to things done in His name or how I behave towards people in any situation, I keep in mind that Our Father is watching and refining us 24/7. The last time I was witnessed to was over the phone. I was in a hurry, so I simply said, "I am sorry, but the Lord is my pastor and I could not place myself under any organization structured by man's laws, thanks." I should have told her to call me back later to talk. Oh well...

Witnessing to strangers is the toughest things to do when one is trying to be like Christ. You get insulted, spit at, peed on, arrested, even killed. I empathize with them, regardless of religious affiliation. Some of them need witnessing, too. I want to ask that so-called Rev. Phelps cat if he is a CIA agent.

If they are cool with it, like handing out a tract or preaching the gospel, I give them encouragement, a brief moment of fellowship. Other times, He puts things in my mouth that stun them briefly and KIM with a smile. This very rarely happens; most of the time, I run into people who just want to talk about the Father. I love doing that the best!

I guess because I do not attend church, I see things in a different way. Jesus' main place of worship was out in the world, sharing the good news, giving hope along the way, no matter how random the situation was (Romans 12). I don't think we are supposed to have any pet peeves, considering our path towards His likeness. I apologize if I offended you, but I am always serious when I say ask Him and He will show you.

 

[Guitarhero]

I guess because I do not attend church, I see things in a different way. Jesus' main place of worship was out in the world, sharing the good news, giving hope along the way, no matter how random the situation was (Romans 12). I don't think we are supposed to have any pet peeves, considering our path towards His likeness. I apologize if I offended you, but I am always serious when I say ask Him and He will show you.

But what would you have done if someone accosted you saying you are failing to attend according to scripture?

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.



I guess it's all relative. For me, as long as people have respect.

 

[Poohbear]

But what would you have done if someone accosted you saying you are failing to attend according to scripture?

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.



I guess it's all relative. For me, as long as people have respect.

Hebrews 10:25 is often used as the verse to say "You must go to church" or "assemble yourself in the house of the Lord"...But if you really think about it, that verse you posted is not saying we need to be in a church building with other Christians for 1-3 hours every Sunday morning. And it does not say that the church building is the House of the Lord. You can worship and praise God anywhere with fellow Christians.

 

[Poohbear]

Are YOU serious? You don't make those kinds of assumptions. It is rude and bordering on judgmental. Not to mention the fact that no one is obligated to "fellowship" every time they are out. Sometimes I just want to be left alone. And I don't think God calls for people to approach people in that manner. Even when I have "fellowshipped" in those instances, I did not feel at ease. Being bold for Christ is one thing. Shoving it down someone's throat when you don't even know their walk is entirely another.

So yes, I AM serious.

I believe Nymphe was also trying to point out that you shouldn't have made those assumptions when they asked you those questions. Some people ask questions out of mere ignorance. They may have seriously wanted to know if you were saved and what church you attend without thinking you weren't saved or you didn't go to church. It was just a question to get information or start up conversation with you. Maybe you could have shared your knowledge or experience and even give them pointers on how to better approach people they do not know.

 

[Guitarhero]

Hebrews 10:25 is often used as the verse to say "You must go to church" or "assemble yourself in the house of the Lord"...But if you really think about it, that verse you is not saying we need to be in a church building with other Christians for 1-3 hours every Sunday morning. And it does not say that the church building is the House of the Lord. You can worship and praise God anywhere with fellow Christians.

Except that it is the nature of most assembly today. I believe Jesus did go to synagogue and not just to get lost from Joseph and Mary. He and his family regularly went, aside from home worship/traditions. In other words, what would she have done to prove her point when it just wasn't understood that not all strangers engage in conversation with others, christian or not, felllowship or not.

In my own case, I usually find that people who automatically assume something about me because of any jewelry representing my side are just blindly unaware that they are actually attacking me. Asking me if I'm saved or heaven-bound just according to physical appearance is rudeness. I'd rather someone first introduce themselves and attempt to befriend me over weeks and months and demonstrate they truly care about me, the person.

Sometimes, ppl will say that the "spirit" led them. Well, in my case, evidently not. They weren't led by the "spirit" but were judging according to their religious preferences which were bent on denying the holiness and correctness of mine. I'll never change my faith, God so help me, never. I'm not saying there aren't cases where God does ask you to give a word of kindness to someone or maybe even a rebuke. But the point is, unless it's genuine, then it's not effective. What's the point of telling someone who is a devout xyz of Christ that they are hellbound?

 

[Reminiscing]

I believe that questions are not assumptions. The purpose of a question is to acquire knowledge. Now if they had approached you straightaway saying "you need to get saved" with no prior info then that is an assumption and I agree with you for taking offense to it. However, considering that they asked you if you were saved, I feel that their approach was not offensive and whether or not you choose to respond is entirely up to you.

I also want to point out that sometimes when we feel like someone insulted us, it could just be our own mind and spirit convicting us. How we react to someone is a result of that person's actions towards us AND our perception of that person's actions towards us. How we feel about ourselves affects our perception. Not saying that's what happened to you but I want to throw it out there for others who may be experiencing the same thing. It's something to think about.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

I believe Nymphe was also trying to point out that you shouldn't have made those assumptions when they asked you those questions. Some people ask questions out of mere ignorance. They may have seriously wanted to know if you were saved and what church you attend without thinking you weren't saved or you didn't go to church. It was just a question to get information or start up conversation with you. Maybe you could have shared your knowledge or experience and even give them pointers on how to better approach people they do not know.

If you read my original post, you will see that the assuming was on THEIR part. Not mine. Once they began talking I didn't have to assume anything.

Furthermore, I just find it problematic that people think a good conversation starter is the question, "are you saved?" That's a very personal question for a stranger to ask.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

I believe that questions are not assumptions. The purpose of a question is to acquire knowledge. Now if they had approached you straightaway saying "you need to get saved" with no prior info then that is an assumption and I agree with you for taking offense to it. However, considering that they asked you if you were saved, I feel that their approach was not offensive and whether or not you choose to respond is entirely up to you.

You weren't there so you don't KNOW that their approach wasn't offensive. But I can assure you it was. Please refer back to my original post.

I also want to point out that sometimes when we feel like someone insulted us, it could just be our own mind and spirit convicting us. How we react to someone is a result of that person's actions towards us AND our perception of that person's actions towards us. How we feel about ourselves affects our perception. Not saying that's what happened to you but I want to throw it out there for others who may be experiencing the same thing. It's something to think about.

Perhaps, but I think in an effort to avoid overspiritualizing this, sometimes it just boils down to having an issue with someone accosting you in such a way when you don't even know them. I find it odd that very few people seem to feel that you have the right to enjoy your personal space without having to have a discussion you don't feel like having. In general, outside of certain forums, I don't engage in much religious discussion or debate.

 

[Guitarhero]

For example, someone has on a crucifix or Mary medal and then someone asks with NO LOVE on their faces, in a rude and abrupt way, "are you saved?" That's an assumption, not a question.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

For example, someone has on a crucifix or Mary medal and then someone asks with NO LOVE on their faces, in a rude and abrupt way, "are you saved?" That's an assumption, not a question.

Exactly. You know, most times before someone provides a follow up to their original question, where they are coming from with their question. And as I stated in my original post, they follow the question with a monologue indicating that they have assumed that I am not saved.

And if I state that I don't wish to discuss the matter with them, they start talking about not allowing Satan to rob me of my salvation or something similar. smh

 

[JinaRicci]

I believe that questions are not assumptions. The purpose of a question is to acquire knowledge. Now if they had approached you straightaway saying "you need to get saved" with no prior info then that is an assumption and I agree with you for taking offense to it. However, considering that they asked you if you were saved, I feel that their approach was not offensive and whether or not you choose to respond is entirely up to you.

I also want to point out that sometimes when we feel like someone insulted us, it could just be our own mind and spirit convicting us. How we react to someone is a result of that person's actions towards us AND our perception of that person's actions towards us. How we feel about ourselves affects our perception. Not saying that's what happened to you but I want to throw it out there for others who may be experiencing the same thing. It's something to think about.

I agree with this. Cause I am just not following where the offense or insult comes in. The only thing I can think of is that the stranger should know somehow not to ask the question based on one's appearance but then that would be a huge assumption & an opportunity missed if only the people who 'look like they need it' were approached.

TBH, I have gotten irritated at times, when I'm in a rush but then I have to stop myself and remember the deeper purpose- the intent of what that individual is trying to do. Walking up to a complete stranger to talk about Jesus today is hard and many people react badly.

Even if I may think that I don't need to be witnessed to, my reaction could further discourage that stranger from witnessing to someone else. Something like "Sorry I have to run but keep up the good work" to me is a better alternative.

So yeah, like Reminiscing said I look at myself. God uses other people too to reach us who are already Christians.

 

[Poohbear]

If you read my original post, you will see that the assuming was on THEIR part. Not mine. Once they began talking I didn't have to assume anything.

Furthermore, I just find it problematic that people think a good conversation starter is the question, "are you saved?" That's a very personal question for a stranger to ask.

I did read your original post. You said:

It has become a serious pet peeve of mine when I am out and about in public and I am approached by strangers who often either:
1. Ask if I am saved before launching into a discussion that shows that they are assuming I am not

About the bolded part, you said they showed they are assuming you are not saved. Can you be more specific as to how they showed that they were assuming you are not saved???

Trust me, I'm not attacking you, I do see why you were frustrated and annoyed... it would throw me off too if someone out of the blue just ask me a straight question like that without saying hi, introducing themselves, or talking to me in a normal fashion at first. Is that what happened?

 

[nathansgirl1908]

About the bolded part, you said they showed they are assuming you are not saved. Can you be more specific as to how they showed that they were assuming you are not saved???

Trust me, I'm not attacking you, I do see why you were frustrated and annoyed... it would throw me off too if someone out of the blue just ask me a straight question like that without saying hi or normally talking to me first. Is that what happened?

Yes, that is what happened. For instance, I was at a Japanese steakhouse and was seated at a table with 8 other people. The person was sitting next to me with some other friends and family. after we ordered, she turned to me, smiled and asked, "are you saved?" Before I could answer, she started talking about how I would be lost if I did not accept Him as my Savior. she then proceeded to talk about how young people today aren't as into the Word as they should be and she handed me one of those little tiny Bibles. Finally I got a word in and told her that I AM saved and that I READ my Word. I told her the name of the church where I am a member, but that I don't go often. She THEN launched into a discussion about how I needed to go to church and that if I could go out to the club I could go to church. And the latter part just adds more evidence of why you shouldn't make assumptions: I don't go to the club. Period. But not knowing me, and not taking the time TO know me before making such a statement, she only succeeded in aggravating me.

 

[Poohbear]

Except that it is the nature of most assembly today. I believe Jesus did go to synagogue and not just to get lost from Joseph and Mary. He and his family regularly went, aside from home worship/traditions. In other words, what would she have done to prove her point when it just wasn't understood that not all strangers engage in conversation with others, christian or not, felllowship or not.

In my own case, I usually find that people who automatically assume something about me because of any jewelry representing my side are just blindly unaware that they are actually attacking me. Asking me if I'm saved or heaven-bound just according to physical appearance is rudeness. I'd rather someone first introduce themselves and attempt to befriend me over weeks and months and demonstrate they truly care about me, the person.

Sometimes, ppl will say that the "spirit" led them. Well, in my case, evidently not. They weren't led by the "spirit" but were judging according to their religious preferences which were bent on denying the holiness and correctness of mine. I'll never change my faith, God so help me, never. I'm not saying there aren't cases where God does ask you to give a word of kindness to someone or maybe even a rebuke. But the point is, unless it's genuine, then it's not effective. What's the point of telling someone who is a devout xyz of Christ that they are hellbound?

Thanks for your response. It is true that the nature of society today is to worship in a church building with fellow believers on Sunday, but is someone like Nymphe being disobedient or really going to be doomed for not going to a traditional church building every Sunday? I don't think so.

About your case, how did you know that they are asking you these questions based on your physical appearance? Do they mention your physical appearance to you when asking the questions?

And I agree that not everyone is led by the Spirit when they approach people to engage in conversation about religion. If they have to say they are led by the Spirit, they probably more than likely aren't. They wouldn't have to say it to begin with. Their actions should show instead of having to say they are led by the Spirit. And there is no point in telling a Christian of a different church that they are hellbound, but is that what happened to you and nathansgirl? Did they find out you were a Christian but since you weren't of their denomination, they said you were hellbound?

Sorry for all the questions... just trying to understand where you're coming from.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

I agree with this. Cause I am just not following where the offense or insult comes in. The only thing I can think of is that the stranger should know somehow not to ask the question based on one's appearance but then that would be a huge assumption & an opportunity missed if only the people who 'look like they need it' were approached.

.

The insult/offense comes in the same way it would if a stranger walked up to someone and asked that person their credit score, or their weight, or whether they were sexually active. I think maybe you are thinking that the person just wanted to talk about God. But these are situations where people think I need to be saved.

Like I said, "are you saved" is not the most appropriate conversation starter in certain situations. Just picking someone in the line at the grocery store or seated near you at dinner isn't going to cut it. And I think that when God wants you to reach someone, He gives you the insight in how to do it so as not to offend or be off-putting.

 

[Poohbear]

Yes, that is what happened. For instance, I was at a Japanese steakhouse and was seated at a table with 8 other people. The person was sitting next to me with some other friends and family. after we ordered, she turned to me, smiled and asked, "are you saved?" Before I could answer, she started talking about how I would be lost if I did not accept Him as my Savior. she then proceeded to talk about how young people today aren't as into the Word as they should be and she handed me one of those little tiny Bibles. Finally I got a word in and told her that I AM saved and that I READ my Word. I told her the name of the church where I am a member, but that I don't go often. She THEN launched into a discussion about how I needed to go to church and that if I could go out to the club I could go to church. And the latter part just adds more evidence of why you shouldn't make assumptions: I don't go to the club. Period. But not knowing me, and not taking the time TO know me before making such a statement, she only succeeded in aggravating me.

Oh wow! Thanks for elaborating. I was picturing myself in your shoes as I read this. I started to feel uncomfortable myself just imagining someone like her doing that to me.

 

[Sharpened]

But what would you have done if someone accosted you saying you are failing to attend according to scripture?

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.



I guess it's all relative. For me, as long as people have respect.

But I do, just like the early believers did, in my home, on the street, on the internet, on the phone, in the car, whenever and wherever. Just recently, I got a call from a good friend I have not seen in a while. She blew my mind when she said the same thing my brother told me: there is no church we can go to around here. We will be getting together for lunch and prayer very soon. I hope Our Father is drawing some of us together to form our own worship group. That'll be cool by me!

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the middle of them."

 

[Reminiscing]

You weren't there so you don't KNOW that their approach wasn't offensive. But I can assure you it was. Please refer back to my original post.

Notice I stated that "I feel their approach was not offensive," which means I stated my opinion. So no I was not there but I do KNOW what my opinion is. I believe your original post asked for our opinions and our thoughts on this.

I'm not trying to disregard your feelings at all. If you were offended by the lady's actions that is completely your perrogative. I just differ in that questions from complete strangers hold little bearing on my emotions. Now, if these questions came from someone I knew, I'd probably feel a way about it because in that case I'd feel like they're using information about me to ignite their need to question me. Their questions could be taken as judgment.

However, in the case of strangers, especially pushy witnesses (and I live in NY so trust me I've seen my share) they are seeking information and they pretty much treat everyone the same no matter how they look or act. It's my guess that the lady who questioned you at dinner, would've questioned whoever sat next to her that day. It was nothing personal about you. She was on a mission to witness and she didn't care who it was, which is why I tend to brush overly pushy witnesses off. I answer if I feel like it and I ignore them if I don't but I don't walk away feeling offended.

Again, this is MY opinion and if you feel different that is 100% your right.

Perhaps, but I think in an effort to avoid overspiritualizing this, sometimes it just boils down to having an issue with someone accosting you in such a way when you don't even know them. I find it odd that very few people seem to feel that you have the right to enjoy your personal space without having to have a discussion you don't feel like having. In general, outside of certain forums, I don't engage in much religious discussion or debate.

My comment was not intended to be "spiritualizing" or "overspiritualizing." I would have applied the "check yourself" theory for a non-christian situation as well. Our perception affects us in everything we do, not just godly matters.

And, I do agree with you that we all have the right to enjoy our personal space but that's not what I was addressing with my comment. I was discussing whether or not asking you if you are saved is offensive. I have no problem with the way you handled the situation. If you didn't feel like dealing with her then you didn't have to.

I see pushy witnesses on the train all the time. They try to force their tracks into my hand. Sometimes I take them, sometimes I don't. It's all about what I feel in my spirit at the time. But, once I've walked past the person, that's it. It doesn't annoy me for days to come. But that's just me, I completely respect that you feel differently about it.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

Oh wow! Thanks for elaborating. I was picturing myself in your shoes as I read this. I started to feel uncomfortable myself just imagining someone like her doing that to me.

yeah

 

[Guitarhero]

I personally don't have to think about it because I've seen various sides of the issue at work. My religious beliefs are personal, very personal to strangers and there are limits to prying into a stranger. It's intrusion. That's my point. Nearly 100% of the people I've encountered or have seen doing this are 1)not interested in the individual at all 2)think they are gaining heavenly points and 3)unaware just how insulting they are. It's called proselytization. That is not spreading the gospel, that's beating people over the head with a bible. If you are at the dinner table, then freaking eat your dinner. Jesus wept, Jesus ate! LOL.

Reactions to such inquiry? Very gentle with a "well, thank you but I have my faith and am firmly planted." They don't stop with that and that where it's very evidently proselytization or attempted force of religion on another. It is not right. It is rude and it leaves a very stale taste in the mouths of many. One also should realize that not all christians use the same descriptions, neither do they all believe the same.

 

[Guitarhero]

Thanks for your response. It is true that the nature of society today is to worship in a church building with fellow believers on Sunday, but is someone like Nymphe being disobedient or really going to be doomed for not going to a traditional church building every Sunday? I don't think so.

About your case, how did you know that they are asking you these questions based on your physical appearance? Do they mention your physical appearance to you when asking the questions?

And I agree that not everyone is led by the Spirit when they approach people to engage in conversation about religion. If they have to say they are led by the Spirit, they probably more than likely aren't. They wouldn't have to say it to begin with. Their actions should show instead of having to say they are led by the Spirit. And there is no point in telling a Christian of a different church that they are hellbound, but is that what happened to you and nathansgirl? Did they find out you were a Christian but since you weren't of their denomination, they said you were hellbound?

Sorry for all the questions... just trying to understand where you're coming from.

I'm not going to determine for Nymphe what she should do and she should have the exact same respect for anybody else in what they do. It was a counter question to show that others can see things from different perspectives, just like her. I'm not attacking her, just pointing out that we are all different and interpret differently.

Per the second bolded, I agree. And this leads to the third bolded. I never let them get that far to know what I am and how I believe, just that I am fulfilled right where I am. So, that couldn't be led by the spirit - they were rather led by themselves. I don't fault them for trying to do humanity a favor. I just don't want people assuming anything about it. I do not dress provocatively, do not appear homeless (another common assumption that the poor are unsaved) and do not behave in an unseemly manner.

I don't use the lingo "saved" in the same sense and hold a different doctrine than the one-prayer-always-saved model. I'm not saved in that sense-----------YET. I'm still here and I've not gone to heaven. I do have a relationship with the Lord but I'm going to just live every day in faith until the very end, with His help.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

I'm not going to determine for Nymphe what she should do and she should have the exact same respect for anybody else in what they do. It was a counter question to show that others can see things from different perspectives, just like her. I'm not attacking her, just pointing out that we are all different and interpret differently.

Per the second bolded, I agree. And this leads to the third bolded. I never let them get that far to know what I am and how I believe, just that I am fulfilled right where I am. So, that couldn't be led by the spirit - they were rather led by themselves. I don't fault them for trying to do humanity a favor. I just don't want people assuming anything about it. I do not dress provocatively, do not appear homeless (another common assumption that the poor are unsaved) and do not behave in an unseemly manner.

I don't use the lingo "saved" in the same sense and hold a different doctrine than the one-prayer-always-saved model. I'm not saved in that sense-----------YET. I'm still here and I've not gone to heaven. I do have a relationship with the Lord but I'm going to just live every day in faith until the very end, with His help.

well said.

@the bold: this was a point I was going to raise. For some reason too many people think that homeless or poor people are unsaved. I don't get that either.

 

[CoilyFields]

Witnessing is our DUTY as christians...

How you do that should most definately be done in love and lead by the spirit...

As Christians we should do our best NOT to get offended...especially by those trying to spread the gospel...no matter their approach.

A better and more effective response would be to say "Yes I am most definately saved...but you know honey, if I wasnt, your approach would not have lead me to listen to what you had to say about Christ. I am glad you are winning souls to Christ, but it might help if you started with xyz instead of abc..." or something along those lines.

We should be helping each other spread the gospel...not ignoring each other or getting offended. If a fellow believer is going about it the wrong way...dont pass them on to the next person-who may be unsaved-without trying to help them improve their approach to be a better witness

(This is not to discount how people may make you feel-annoyed or offended-but it is to focus on our loving reaction to them...if we can't react in love to our fellow believers then how do we appear to the unsaved?)

 

[Guitarhero]

Living out one's faith speaks louder. I've gotten more of the in-your-face ones than I care to remember. I won't name sects but 3 of them particularly offend me deeply. Love one another. That's scripture. How to demonstrate that? Live it daily with kindness and honesty.

The apostle were FRIENDS. They befriended (got to know each other), spread the good news and the befriendment continued on to include a big family of LOVE and true concern. Forcing one sect's beliefs over another is not friendly. Does one intend to continue a friendship with this person or collect points?

No one has to shout "I love the world." If you wish to share with someone, then do so in an appropriate and timely manner, if someone is receptive. I don't like being accosted by religious anybody on the street, restaurant or on the job but it has happened and from a variety of folks from different religions altogether. It's akin to someone handing me a condom and saying, "have safe sex because people are dying from AIDS." Are people dying? Yes. Do people need to hear the Good News? Yes. Does it have to be forced? NO.

Love one another. Good news. Be faithful and just at home and work. Live it out daily so others will see your light shine. Excusing just any approach to get the word out is arrogance IMHO. I'm not willing to share anything with someone I don't feel comfortable around. They cannot save my soul, only God can. I don't owe anyone else a description of my prayer life. It's not taking offense, it's guarding self and my faith which is my right to do. It's not moodiness, it personal and I'm not obligated to see things from your denomination's point of view.

I wish the christian community understood this. But it seems we are always apologizing decades, even hundreds of years later for how we've "evangelized" peoples and cultures throughout history, often, to their physical or cultural attrition. We oftentimes killed the baby with the bath water.

You see it at work with people inviting ABC to XYZ bible study for lunch. If someone declines politely, they are talked about and targeted for "evangelization" and socially black-marked. Perhaps ABC wishes to spend time in private reflection? Or studying for an exam? Or just plain eating lunch? Perhaps they are praying for you? Then XYZ evangelizers give them the side-eye and talk negatively about them. That's gossip.

They have no intention of making this a family friend, just want the credits to say "they got somebody saved." They're not in heaven, there's no evidence they are going in that instant. That's not love. It just isn't. I'm sorry. Meanwhile, true christian TUV sits quietly, is honest on the job and nonconfrontational and is actually living out the Good News and more effectively than the ones forcing their denomination down someone's throat when they should be working. Give to Caesar what is his. Unless you've been on that side, I guess it would be difficult to empathize but there's no set way to show your faith other than in love and righteousness. Everything else requires reflection and prayer before acting. Charity is the key or so I've been told.