Are Saints Called to Preach/Share the Gospel?

[BrotherJoseph]

We don't know who the elect are, and are to share the Gospel due to this fact, note 2 Timothy 2:8-10.

Brother Internet Theologian,

Hi. In that passage Paul says, "10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes" (2 Timothy 2:1), this makes my point. It was not for the sake of reprobates, but the elect. On the contrary Paul prayed to be delivered from unbelievers, "And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith." (2 Thess 3:2) When the Jews proved themselves to be resisting the gospel he left them for that purpose and preached to the Gentiles in Acts. I don't know who the elect are, but I do know there are surely some here.

 

[Internet Theologian]

Brother Internet Theologian,

Hi. In that passage Paul says, "10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes" (2 Timothy 2:1), this makes my point. It was not for the sake of reprobates, but the elect. On the contrary Paul prayed to be delivered from unbelievers, "And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith." (2 Thess 3:2) When the Jews proved themselves to be resisting the gospel he left them for that purpose and preached to the Gentiles in Acts. I don't know who the elect are, but I do know there are surely some here.

Yes, this passage is excellent. Many professing believers don't like what it says though. Makes one wonder. Then we have some who attempt, futile as the attempt is, to find a passage that proves the non-elect can get converted. I've never figured why so many professing sheep hate this doctrine created by God, and why it makes them act like goats. It's not only all over the NT it's all over the entire Bible. It's a beautiful doctrine to behold!

 

[JonC]

Yes, this passage is excellent. Many professing believers don't like what it says though. Makes one wonder.

Makes one wonder what?

 

[tyndale1946]

Makes one wonder what?

I said in a response to JonShaff that I did not share the gospel randomly on a trip to the store... After that all hell broke lose IMHO!... So this is a question I pose not only to him but all brothers and sister on here, when you share the gospel ( the good news) what is your personal motive?... Brother Glen

 

[BrotherJoseph]

I said in a response to JonShaff that I did not share the gospel randomly on a trip to the store... After that all hell broke lose IMHO!... So this is a question I pose not only to him but all brothers and sister on here, when you share the gospel ( the good news) what is your personal motive?... Brother Glen

Hi Brother Glen,

I hope I have a Christian motive, but I do not trust my flesh because"in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing" so I will not give an opinion. I know one thing, it isn't to save souls from Hell.

 

[Internet Theologian]

I said in a response to JonShaff that I did not share the gospel randomly on a trip to the store... After that all hell broke lose IMHO!... So this is a question I pose not only to him but all brothers and sister on here, when you share the gospel ( the good news) what is your personal motive?... Brother Glen

It says in Scripture of those who ask you to give an answer:

But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to articulate a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is within you. But respond with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15

This doesn't do away with sharing the Gospel 'randomly' but it does speak of the wisdom in being prepared. Sometimes being confrontational can be a huge turn off. It is no measure of a person's spirituality to compare ourselves with one another (2 Cor. 10:12) as in if we do or do not share the Gospel on a trip to 7-11. Praying for an opportunity from God is prudent.

 

[tyndale1946]

Hi Brother Glen,

I hope I have a Christian motive, but I do not trust my flesh because"in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing" so I will not give an opinion. I know one thing, it isn't to save souls from Hell.

AMEN!... I agree with my whole heart, body and soul... Comfort ye... Comfort ye my people!... Before Jesus Christ went away, who did he say he would send... The Holy Comforter!... Brother Glen

 

[JonC]

I said in a response to JonShaff that I did not share the gospel randomly on a trip to the store... After that all hell broke lose IMHO!... So this is a question I pose not only to him but all brothers and sister on here, when you share the gospel ( the good news) what is your personal motive?... Brother Glen

When I share the gospel my motive is to glorify God.

 

[Internet Theologian]

Makes one wonder what?

Whatever it causes them to wonder. Is that allowable?

 

[JonC]

Whatever it causes them to wonder. Is that allowable?

I posted what it caused me to wonder. Isn't that allowed?

 

[Internet Theologian]

I posted what it caused me to wonder. Isn't that allowed?

See?

 

[JonC]

See?

I do.

 

[tyndale1946]

Yes, this passage is excellent. Many professing believers don't like what it says though. Makes one wonder. Then we have some who attempt, futile as the attempt is, to find a passage that proves the non-elect can get converted. I've never figured why so many professing sheep hate this doctrine created by God, and why it makes them act like goats. It's not only all over the NT it's all over the entire Bible. It's a beautiful doctrine to behold!

Agree there is no time I can recall in scripture that the Lord tells his servants to feed a goat... We all remember what he tells Peter in the NT!... Brother Glen

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 

[robustheologian]

Agree there is no time I can recall in scripture that the Lord tells his servants to feed a goat... We all remember what he tells Peter in the NT!... Brother Glen

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

I've never looked at this pericope that way. Interesting.

 

[tyndale1946]

I've never looked at this pericope that way. Interesting.

I have never been a farmer, grew up in the suburbs... But I have heard that a goat will eat anything but a sheep is more selective. So has anyone on here had any exposure to natural sheep?... Can anyone on here elaborate on their traits and habits?... I'm always here to learn and this would sure be a help, is there someone on here who knows?... As for me like I said I've never been a farmer or a shepherd?... Brother Glen

 

[Rob_BW]

I have never been a farmer, grew up in the suburbs... But I have heard that a goat will eat anything but a sheep is more selective. So has anyone on here had any exposure to natural sheep?... Can anyone on here elaborate on their traits and habits?... I'm always here to learn and this would sure be a help, is there someone on here who knows?... As for me like I said I've never been a farmer or a shepherd?... Brother Glen

You can use sheep to clear out underbrush just like a goat, but then you risk messing up their wool.