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The Casual gospel

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Iconoclast

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"DHK

PLEASE! Don't assume anything. I used the word "friend." Sorry. My mistake. Perhaps I should have used "enemy." Maybe "stranger." "unsaved person." or "this person whom I have never talked to before but he says he is unsaved and wants to talk to you"
Just leave me out of it and stop being so biased.

Well you have to make up your mind before you post. I followed your scenario.

Now it is different. we do not have to go to a hypothetic situation.
I pray each day for opportunities to be used to present the gospel face to face with people that I have contact with. I believe each person is a divine appointment that I am meant to interact with.
I am confident that I can handle any objection or the most vile person that comes my way, as God knows my frame and will bring before me those I can present gospel claims to. No one I speak to is more hostile to the gospel than I was before God saved me...so I can speak with anyone.
It happens quite often so I am not as surprised as I was at first.
Before I sat here at the computer I was speaking to a man about the Muslims and was steering the conversation to spiritual things.
I have a unique opportunity in that I travel from state to state so I have learned to be prepared and have several different ways I go about it.
I used to be a bit of an introvert, but that is not well suited to gospel proclamation.
I pray for discernment and make a read of the situation.
 
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Iconoclast

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Go through Paul's sermons in the Book of Acts. How many of his sermons are recorded?
In those that are recorded in how many of them does he use his own personal testimony?
Here is one in Acts 13;
13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.

19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.


Here Paul used the history of redemption to focus on Jesus.

27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

30 But God raised him from the dead:

31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Now he speaks of the kingdom being fulfilled as the PROMISE MADE UNTO THE FATHERS.

40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

Now in the next sermon Paul preaches gentile inclusion in the same promises to all who God had ordained to life......2 sermons, not testimony, redemptive history, covenant promises here!.....is that what you mean?

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
 

Internet Theologian

Well-Known Member
The more I read on this board the more I'm wondering if some theologies have removed the True Gospel from the Scriptures.
And some of these do what the OP states and want names of those who do it. I just asked my wife if people really believe there is a God after thinking about this.
 

DHK

<b>Moderator</b>
Here Paul used the history of redemption to focus on Jesus.

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
You seem to skip over verse 47:

Act 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Act 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Act 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
--The Lord had chosen Paul to be a light to the Gentiles. When the Gentiles heard this they were glad, and glorified the Lord. But the Jews were angry and stirred up trouble. Therefore Paul and the disciples "shook off the dust of their feet against them." From thenceforth they went to the Gentiles.
They had given, at least in part, their testimony. It is very possible we don't have the full account here, but only part of the sermon, part of what transpired--the part that God chose for Luke to write.

It always seems to get to people when one tells the reality of Christianity. "This is how God saved me..." It cannot be refuted.
 

DHK

<b>Moderator</b>
"DHK



Well you have to make up your mind before you post. I followed your scenario.

Now it is different. we do not have to go to a hypothetic situation.
I pray each day for opportunities to be used to present the gospel face to face with people that I have contact with. I believe each person is a divine appointment that I am meant to interact with.
I am confident that I can handle any objection or the most vile person that comes my way, as God knows my frame and will bring before me those I can present gospel claims to. No one I speak to is more hostile to the gospel than I was before God saved me...so I can speak with anyone.
It happens quite often so I am not as surprised as I was at first.
Before I sat here at the computer I was speaking to a man about the Muslims and was steering the conversation to spiritual things.
I have a unique opportunity in that I travel from state to state so I have learned to be prepared and have several different ways I go about it.
I used to be a bit of an introvert, but that is not well suited to gospel proclamation.
I pray for discernment and make a read of the situation.
Good introduction, good principles, nice try. But you avoided answering the question.

Here it is again:
Let's make this easy Icon. I introduce you to my [friend, enemy, stranger, want-to-be-saved person, etc.]. You have the idea now. (hypothetical situation).
His name is Fred.
Fred is not saved. He would like to be saved. Would you please tell Fred how you got saved, and then tell Fred how he can be saved.
 

Iconoclast

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
You seem to skip over verse 47:

Act 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Act 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Act 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
--The Lord had chosen Paul to be a light to the Gentiles. When the Gentiles heard this they were glad, and glorified the Lord. But the Jews were angry and stirred up trouble. Therefore Paul and the disciples "shook off the dust of their feet against them." From thenceforth they went to the Gentiles.
They had given, at least in part, their testimony. It is very possible we don't have the full account here, but only part of the sermon, part of what transpired--the part that God chose for Luke to write.

It always seems to get to people when one tells the reality of Christianity. "This is how God saved me..." It cannot be refuted.
Just to show how badly you wrongly divide the word once again.....vs 47 is speaking of the Servant of the Lord quoted front Isa 49.....it is the Lord Jesus Christ as the TRUE ISRAEL.
You missed the whole passage as usual.....far from skipping over it I post this all the time see the Kim Riddlebarger blog
 
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DHK

<b>Moderator</b>
Just to show how badly you wrongly divide the word once again.....vs 47 is speaking of the Servant of the Lord quoted front Isa 49.....it is the Lord Jesus Christ as the TRUE ISRAEL.
You missed the whole passage as usual.....far from shipping over it I post this all the time see the Kim Riddle Barger blog
From the Bible Knowledge Commentary:

In thus turning to the Gentiles Paul and Barnabas saw an outworking of the prophecy of Isa_49:6, I have made you a light to the Gentiles. This Old Testament passage has at least three applications — to Israel (Isa_49:3), to Christ (Luk_2:29-32), and to Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

The reason the Jews were angry was because of Paul and his testimony, not because he spoke of the Servant of the Lord. They were angry because he was turning to the "dogs of society," the Gentiles. How could anything more despicable than that be tolerated among them???!!!
 

Iconoclast

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
From the Bible Knowledge Commentary:

In thus turning to the Gentiles Paul and Barnabas saw an outworking of the prophecy of Isa_49:6, I have made you a light to the Gentiles. This Old Testament passage has at least three applications — to Israel (Isa_49:3), to Christ (Luk_2:29-32), and to Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

The reason the Jews were angry was because of Paul and his testimony, not because he spoke of the Servant of the Lord. They were angry because he was turning to the "dogs of society," the Gentiles. How could anything more despicable than that be tolerated among them???!!!
The passage is speaking about the Lord Jesus Christ alone and I'll show it later on. It is not the nation of Israel s in view at all it's an individual it's the servant of the Lord he is the true Israel of God.
 

DHK

<b>Moderator</b>
The passage is speaking about the Lord Jesus Christ alone and I'll show it later on. It is not the nation of Israel s in view at all it's an individual it's the servant of the Lord he is the true Israel of God.
I don't care much about your interpretation of this passage. That would be derailing this thread. The thread is "The Casual Gospel." The effect of Paul's preaching was anger to the Jews and rejoicing to the Gentiles. It came at a point when he testified of his own experience about how God told him to go to the Gentiles. It was a part of his testimony. This is something you fail to see.

Act 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Act 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Act 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
Act 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
Act 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
Act 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

The result of the commotion on the part of the Jews, and the rejoicing on the part of the Gentiles, started with Paul's testimony and ended with the preaching of the gospel along with persecution.
 

Iconoclast

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
I don't care much about your interpretation of this passage. That would be derailing this thread. The thread is "The Casual Gospel." The effect of Paul's preaching was anger to the Jews and rejoicing to the Gentiles. It came at a point when he testified of his own experience about how God told him to go to the Gentiles. It was a part of his testimony. This is something you fail to see.

Act 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Act 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Act 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
Act 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
Act 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
Act 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

The result of the commotion on the part of the Jews, and the rejoicing on the part of the Gentiles, started with Paul's testimony and ended with the preaching of the gospel along with persecution.
Of course you don't care much for my interpretation of the passage because it's truth and that's something you don't recognize too well.
I'll show it all in a little while and I'll make a separate thread that's so not to derail this one
nothing here about Paul's testimony whatsoever the whole passage is preaching of Christ and Gentiles come into the light of Christ .
 

Internet Theologian

Well-Known Member
I don't care much about your interpretation of this passage. That would be derailing this thread. The thread is "The Casual Gospel." The effect of Paul's preaching was anger to the Jews and rejoicing to the Gentiles. It came at a point when he testified of his own experience about how God told him to go to the Gentiles. It was a part of his testimony. This is something you fail to see.

Act 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Act 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Act 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
Act 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
Act 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
Act 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

The result of the commotion on the part of the Jews, and the rejoicing on the part of the Gentiles, started with Paul's testimony and ended with the preaching of the gospel along with persecution.

It had nothing to do with Paul...he was preaching Christ, not self, not his personal testimony. Yours is a clinic on as to why even the RCC didn't want the Scriptures to be in the hands of common man. You're way off base here friend.

'For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.' 2 Cor. 4:5
 

DHK

<b>Moderator</b>
You are simply avoiding the topic of this thread. I have five pages of Scripture, just in the book of Acts. There are other references (many other references) in the epistles, where Paul gives his testimony, testimony that relates back to his salvation, testimony that he uses to point people to Christ.
Here are some of those passages:
Acts 20:17-28; 21:39-22:22; 23:6-23:10; 24:10-24:21; 26:1-26:29; 28:17-18-39

The question still remains:
When confronted with an unsaved person what do you tell them in order that they might be saved, and what is your testimony of salvation that they may here how one is saved. That is what has been asked of you. You have avoided this question through four pages now.
 

DHK

<b>Moderator</b>
It had nothing to do with Paul...he was preaching Christ, not self, not his personal testimony. Yours is a clinic on as to why even the RCC didn't want the Scriptures to be in the hands of common man. You're way off base here friend.

'For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.' 2 Cor. 4:5
Our goal is to preach Christ. Quite often a very good way to do that is to tell others how we got saved. If you think I am so off base, then explain to me what Paul said to King Agrippa, and why Agrippa said, "Almost persuadeth me to be a Christian."
 

Internet Theologian

Well-Known Member
Our goal is to preach Christ. Quite often a very good way to do that is to tell others how we got saved. If you think I am so off base, then explain to me what Paul said to King Agrippa, and why Agrippa said, "Almost persuadeth me to be a Christian."

Of whom was the verse concerning, which he quoted from Isaiah? Himself?

As to your latter question above, it is showing the objective of preaching Christ - to persuade men. 2 Cor. 5:11
 

DHK

<b>Moderator</b>
Of whom was the verse concerning, which he quoted from Isaiah? Himself?

As to your latter question above, it is showing the objective of preaching Christ - to persuade men. 2 Cor. 5:11
Your answer doesn't make any sense.

Act 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
--This is not a quote of anyone. It is simply a rebuttal of what Paul said.
What had Paul said. He had given his testimony.
 

Internet Theologian

Well-Known Member
I don't care much about your interpretation of this passage. That would be derailing this thread. The thread is "The Casual Gospel." The effect of Paul's preaching was anger to the Jews and rejoicing to the Gentiles. It came at a point when he testified of his own experience about how God told him to go to the Gentiles. It was a part of his testimony. This is something you fail to see.

Act 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Act 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Act 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
Act 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
Act 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
Act 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

The result of the commotion on the part of the Jews, and the rejoicing on the part of the Gentiles, started with Paul's testimony and ended with the preaching of the gospel along with persecution.

Your answer doesn't make any sense.

Act 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
--This is not a quote of anyone. It is simply a rebuttal of what Paul said.
What had Paul said. He had given his testimony.

Maybe because even as you are having trouble with the Scriptures, you are also having trouble staying in context on a forum? Maybe? The above is what we are talking about, verse 47 particularly. As usual you are trying to divert away from the topic and passage at hand. You do this often as well. Why not just admit you are wrong? It would be a good starting point for your walk.
 

DHK

<b>Moderator</b>
Maybe because even as you are having trouble with the Scriptures, you are also having trouble staying in context on a forum? Maybe? The above is what we are talking about, verse 47 particularly. As usual you are trying to divert away from the topic and passage at hand. You do this often as well. Why not just admit you are wrong? It would be a good starting point for your walk.
I don't have any trouble with the scriptures. Restate your question. Make it clear. We were speaking of Paul's testimony before Agrippa. There are not 47 verses there. What are you talking about?
 

JonShaff

Fellow Servant
Site Supporter
I'd like to remind everyone, myself included, that unbelievers may be watching us argue back and forth. While debating can be healthy, let us not do it at the expense of our witness of Christ. WE ARE called to be the light to a lost and dying world so that they may see the beauty of God's holiness in the Face of Jesus Christ. I think debating can be fruitful but let us do it while exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit...meekness, gentleness, love, self control, patience....

To God be all the glory now and forever amen!
 

Iconoclast

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Your answer doesn't make any sense.

Act 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
--This is not a quote of anyone. It is simply a rebuttal of what Paul said.
What had Paul said. He had given his testimony.
Is talking about the Isaiah verse reread his post. Testimonies are overrated. They can do some good but overall your better off presenting Christ presenting the Christ of the Scriptures presenting the promises of God and the judgment
 

robustheologian

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
I'd like to remind everyone, myself included, that unbelievers may be watching us argue back and forth. While debating can be healthy, let us not do it at the expense of our witness of Christ. WE ARE called to be the light to a lost and dying world so that they may see the beauty of God's holiness in the Face of Jesus Christ. I think debating can be fruitful but let us do it while exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit...meekness, gentleness, love, self control, patience....

To God be all the glory now and forever amen!
Amen!!
 
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