How should we witness?

[Eric Latham]

Hello I really find this topic very important in order to adopt new followers. I will just first of all voice how I evangelize. I am a very introverted kind of person who a lot of times likes to just be alone in the spirit of God and pray and I use my facebook wall to post encouraging deep statuses sometimes just to kind of set a label on me. I've read a book on evangelizing and it really opened up my eyes that Jesus didn't go out everywhere to spread the word because then it would be very thinly spread but he devoted a lot of his time in the lives of i think was it 89 disciples? And he was especially close to the 12 disciples. But me being in a highschool makes it very hard to effectively evangelize. Its not that I am scared to get discriminated, it is more that well from my past experiences of the hate people fester up for christianity makes me be a little more sensitive. I only start going evangelism mode when i feel as if the person is ready to hear what I have to say because sometimes when you say it too early it turns them off. I would just like some words of wisdom from one who has had a lot of experience though because I want to be doing it the best way possible.

[warrior]

I think your words show a great deal of wisdom. There is no such thing as a secret Christian - got my salvation so keeping quiet and treading water until I die! Jesus told us to spread His gospel accompanied by signs and wonders. The most obvious thing is to live a Christ like life - to some this is very attractive and they will want what you have, others will be repelled. It is the people of peace who are worth talking to see where a conversation goes, it might well be scripted by the Holy Spirit. Sometimes you can be prompted to approach people. Be obedient.
Some favour a talk/argue to everyone approach. Paul tried this and it was less fruitful. Jesus was quite clear about shaking the dust off our feet with those who will not accept, exemplified with the young rich man. He didn't chase after him. Remember we can pray for people and lots of people will let you do this. When people get healing or a dose of Holy Spirit peace it is the proof of what you have said or modelled. I know muslims who ask me for prayer - plant, water, water (growth is not my job). If you do get someone who commits to Christ it is a wonderful thing but we can also see what Christ did. He discipled. Some people will get upset and in some places you can be banned from witnessing or praying for people. You know you are doing a good job when the attacks come. God will find a way. God bless.

[hearingGod]

this song has been in my head so I decided to look up the lyrics this morn & in it you can see a hurt person tired of being preached at.... note the highlights in color. the world is cold & it's too fast.... people get lost in it & wonder 'does anyone really care about ME?' listening & meeting people where they are at is so key....all the while they are watching how you live. when they see you really care, then testifying how you got there comes naturally. and 'matter of factly' instead of shoving every detail at them... amen w/ warrior

(growth is not my job)

"King Of Anything"

Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)

Keep drinkin' coffee
Stare me down across the table
While I look outside

So many things I'd say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet
And count the cars that pass by

You've got opinions, man
We're all entitled to 'em
But I never asked

So let me thank you for time
And try to not waste any more of mine
Get out of here fast

I hate to break it to you babe
But I'm not drowning
There's no one here to save

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)

You sound so innocent
All full of good intent
You swear you know best

But you expect me to
Jump up on board with you
Ride off into your dellusional sunset

I'm not the one who's lost
With no direction oh
But you won't ever see

You're so busy makin' maps
With my name on them in all caps
You got the talkin' down just not the listening

And who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

All my life
I've tried
To make everybody happy while I
Just hurt
And hide
Waitin' for someone to tell me it's my turn
To decide

Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

Let me hold your crown, babe
Oh oh
Ah