Lets see what you've got, I am lost and need Christ.

[zrs6v4]

I honestly don't know completely how you interperet Grace and how God picks only the elect to be saved where they cannot or can resist..you say its a choice and others its a sovereign will, anyway you get the point. i dont know where this is going to go but the catch is that I'd hope many on here would jump on this opportunity to lead someone to Christ. I am a Christian (sorry), and just want to see how some of you work as far as a basic witness to >


This is pretend: but treat it real please to simulate a real life situation and I realize this is not how it works in life usually when you lead someone to Christ..

I am a lost 20 year old male, who comes up to you saying Mam/Sir I dont know Jesus but I know He died for me and the story. How can I be saved?

I want to learn from you and get some pointers on these types of questions. Another thing is I also realize that the Holy Spirit guides in times like these, but lets just go with it.

 

[Marcia]

I am a lost 20 year old male, who comes up to you saying Mam/Sir I dont know Jesus but I know He died for me and the story. How can I be saved?

You can be saved by believing on Jesus, that He died for your sins and rose again. There is nothing you can do to get to heaven on your own - it's a matter of faith in Jesus because he is the one who paid the penalty for your sins.
......................

I would actually want to ask this person how he knows Jesus died for him and if he knows what sin is, but you seemed to want a brief response just going on what is said above.

 

[zrs6v4]

You can be saved by believing on Jesus, that He died for your sins and rose again. There is nothing you can do to get to heaven on your own - it's a matter of faith in Jesus because he is the one who paid the penalty for your sins.
......................

I would actually want to ask this person how he knows Jesus died for him and if he knows what sin is, but you seemed to want a brief response just going on what is said above.

Yea I was just talking roughly and basing it off of some responses I have gotten, so you can imagine the typical question that would be great.

So if you were talking to him you'd say there is nothing you can do to be saved (which is true).If I were him I may be discouraged and start to walk away because I'd feel like man that is just crazy that I cant do anything, but say he didnt and said, "well how can I know I have faith?" "So if I have faith ill be saved and go to heaven?"

 

[zrs6v4]

add these questions

"how do I know if I beleive?" and "yes, I understand I am a sinner and all people are and that Jesus died on the cross for me."

 

[Marcia]

Yea I was just talking roughly and basing it off of some responses I have gotten, so you can imagine the typical question that would be great.

So if you were talking to him you'd say there is nothing you can do to be saved (which is true).If I were him I may be discouraged and start to walk away because I'd feel like man that is just crazy that I cant do anything, but say he didnt and said, "well how can I know I have faith?" "So if I have faith ill be saved and go to heaven?"

I would say, "Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth, died on the cross for sins, and that the only way to be forgiven is through what Jesus did?" I would have to say more depending on how he answers. There's no formula for this - it depends on the person you are talking to, their knowledge or lack of it about Jesus, their background, age, etc.

I would say, "Yes, if you believe in Jesus you will be saved."

add these questions

"how do I know if I beleive?" and "yes, I understand I am a sinner and all people are and that Jesus died on the cross for me."

I think it's important to keep in mind that we cannot convince anyone of the truth - the Holy Spirit does that. We share the truth, we try to answer questions and explain, but the results are up to God.

If the person seems not to understand what faith is or does not seem to really believe, then I would offer to pray with him and ask that God opens his eyes so that he can believe. If I had a bible, I'd ask him if we could go over some scriptures together. I always try to get people to read the Bible because many are saved that way (I was saved while reading the Bible although people had been praying for me, too).

I wouldn't push it but I'd keep answering him as long as I could, unless he was doing it to argue (I've had experiences like that). But I don't think that's what you have in mind here.

 

[zrs6v4]

I would say, "Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth, died on the cross for sins, and that the only way to be forgiven is through what Jesus did?" I would have to say more depending on how he answers. There's no formula for this - it depends on the person you are talking to, their knowledge or lack of it about Jesus, their background, age, etc.

I would say, "Yes, if you believe in Jesus you will be saved."





I think it's important to keep in mind that we cannot convince anyone of the truth - the Holy Spirit does that. We share the truth, we try to answer questions and explain, but the results are up to God.

If the person seems not to understand what faith is or does not seem to really believe, then I would offer to pray with him and ask that God opens his eyes so that he can believe. If I had a bible, I'd ask him if we could go over some scriptures together. I always try to get people to read the Bible because many are saved that way (I was saved while reading the Bible although people had been praying for me, too).

I wouldn't push it but I'd keep answering him as long as I could, unless he was doing it to argue (I've had experiences like that). But I don't think that's what you have in mind here.

yeah I am not trying to argue although it may come across that way ans sorry if it does. I just have some friends about 25 years old that come to me with these types of questions and they really want to know God and be saved. So I thought I'd run a skit on here with some people, which I appreciate your participation.

so beleiving is in turn a work for salvation. so I cannot say to beleive and be saved due to it being a result. I would in fact keep this silent, while beleiving for salvation does not define grace. I dont want them coming to me and saying now I beleive so am I saved? they beleive, but they doubt they are saved, also you get doubts to come up so would that be the same as losing salvation every time you doubt? doubts dont take grace away nor does beleiving achieve it. the truth is that before you are saved you dont even really know deeo in your heart what beleiving is..

I agree its all the work of God and it is all Him if they are saved and love Him. amen on that

I think you said it with prayer, you can define faith and beleiving, but it is what happens when they receive grace, that they can truly turn it over to Him from the heart in a true act of worship.

I guess how can you break it to them when they seem to be under the impression that they must do something for salvation without completely shattering their world.

See my friends have all made fun of me, and have now began to see and understand me and the gospel. they have prayed to receive Christ and I guess they beleive they are saved. They dont seem like they get it yet, but again beleive they are saved which is good I guess, but I still am uncomfortable with the situations based on words and actions that have happened so recently. I am not saying they arent, but I dont want to lie to them and lead them falsely. What I feel is right is to just go with it and encourage them but it is confusing. Its like they were lead to pray to receive Christ which in that they thought they were saved. I made a comment to one of them and said isnt it nice to know that we are saved by grace. He didnt understand and I began to tell Him there was nothing we could do to earn salvation. He asked me "so you mean I am not saved." He got greatly terrified and burdened so I changed the subject to prevent a war or confussion. I am not saying he is or isnt saved b/c I dont know but he isnt showing biblical signs of freely loving God, it seems his and their only concern may be in going to heaven, which is great but not the answer.

 

[Marcia]

I think you can say that the Bible says, "believe and be saved," but they have to content to their belief. IOW, they have to know who they are believing in and for what. It's not a formula. That may be where they are confused.

I think I've gone as far as I can as far as answering your questions since I don't know your friends. You can only say and do so much -- if your friends are confused or doubt their salvation, I say take them to the Bible. If they are saved, reading God's word will confirm it for them, if they aren't saved, they may get saved reading the Bible.

You are witnessing to them, which is good. Trust the Lord with that and don't be anxious about it -- just do your best and leave the results to the Lord.

 

[Trotter]

Not my church, but they have it online.

FAITH Outline

I would walk you through that. FAITH is simple and straight-forward, and will answer most of your questions. Once we hae gone through it, I would answer whatever questions you still had.

Salvation is super simple... we are the ones who have made it so confusing. Do you believe? If so, accept what Jesus has done for you. That's it.

 

[zrs6v4]

Not my church, but they have it online.

FAITH Outline

I would walk you through that. FAITH is simple and straight-forward, and will answer most of your questions. Once we hae gone through it, I would answer whatever questions you still had.

Salvation is super simple... we are the ones who have made it so confusing. Do you believe? If so, accept what Jesus has done for you. That's it.

I wrote about this today at school, it is rediculous how simple it is. It doesnt make sense for it to be hard, in fact Jesus Himself says its easy. I could go on but theres no need. thanks

 

[Salamander]

Don't know any "formula", but the first thing I ask anyone, "Do you know the Lord?"


Many will answer, "Yes.", but then I ask them if they died today where will they go? many will honestly answer, "Hell".

It is then the door opens to, "I thought you said you KNEW the Lord?"

Most would be surprized at the next few moments of conversation, but this has been used of the Lord many times to present the Gospel in simple form and see a few come to KNOW the Lord!!!

Sad to say quite a few go away without ever asking the Lord to save them, but I know they thought about it later. Why? Because i asked the Lord to follow them home and keep them up late at night dealing with their only being aquainted with the Gospel and not believing unto salvation.

Can anyone be saved? Sure! Just ask the Lord, he said he was not willing that any, um ANY should perish!

Of course the "nay-sayers" will attack the voracity of II Peter 3:9 by saying things like, "That any is limited to only the elect because the will of God is to save all that are included in being his already chosen.

But then the problems occur with that theology, beginning first with Eph 1:4 that the chosen are "in Him", but that they were chosen before they were born and the context deems the chosen ones are holy and without blame. That would mean by that theolo0gy that they never needed salvation or repentence because they were already holy and without blame!

The key is to being "in Him" to be holy and without blame.

Another question might come to mind about John 15 where those who don't prodice fruit are "lift up" out of the mire so as to produce the fruit unto righteousness and the glory of God/ the vine dresser. But that context, being a parable, and making doctrine out of parables can be very dangerous, is they were never able to produce due to the lack of the ability to produce fruit. Besides! any rsponsible vine dresser NEVER lets any of his branches touch the ground!

The idea of the Greek verb does mean "lift up", but that carries on into being taken away and DISPOSED of, y'know, just like and vine dresser does to prune the "sucker" vines away.

But wait a minute! Guess what? The "sucker vines" are to be taken away and placed into a fruitful environment, disassociating them with their former existence and given NEW LIFE!!!

Halelujah! Praise the Lord!

What once was D E A D! is now ALIVE! unto the Lord by and through the redemptive work of Christ!:godisgood:

 

[Thinkingstuff]

Wow that was loud.

 

[ray Marshall]

You can be saved by believing on Jesus, that He died for your sins and rose again. There is nothing you can do to get to heaven on your own - it's a matter of faith in Jesus because he is the one who paid the penalty for your sins.
......................

I would actually want to ask this person how he knows Jesus died for him and if he knows what sin is, but you seemed to want a brief response just going on what is said above.

I will have to say that it takes faith, however that is one of the fruit of the spirit. Before one can have faith, he must be born again, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD. Then you are born again and have the fruit of the spirit in you.

The shed blood of Jesus Christ is the only way that man can receive his saving grace.
If you squeez that old King James 1611 edition hard enough, you can see the blood come out. Not literally speaking.

 

[Allan]

I will have to say that it takes faith, however that is one of the fruit of the spirit. Before one can have faith, he must be born again, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD. Then you are born again and have the fruit of the spirit in you.

The shed blood of Jesus Christ is the only way that man can receive his saving grace.
If you squeez that old King James 1611 edition hard enough, you can see the blood come out. Not literally speaking.

Except for the fact that their is not such wording or insinuation in the scriptures that 'faith' is the "Fruit of the Spirit" and it is never refered to in the actaul list of the 'fruits of the Spirit'. Another thing we see is that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit only happens 'by faith' (Gal 3:14) and not before as you just stated.
All the things listed below are said to happen in the Reformed view before one has excersized their faith unto salvation. However in the list below you will notice that not one happens till faith is first excersized:

It is 'by faith' we are justified (Rom 3:28)
It is 'by faith' we are sanctified (Acts 26:18,)
It is 'by faith' we are made righteous (Rom 3:22, Rom 4:5)
It is 'by faith' the propitiation (substituationary death) is applied to man (Rom 3:25)
It is 'by faith' we receive (obtain) the indwelling Holy Spirit (Gal 3:14)

Thus there is no indwelling of the Holy Spirit apart from the excersizing of faith 'first'.

However regeneration/being born-agian is not the prelude to salvation but the very of act of salvation itself. You can see my argument here.


Sorry for the interuption, please continue with the Threads OP.

 

[Marcia]

I will have to say that it takes faith, however that is one of the fruit of the spirit. Before one can have faith, he must be born again, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD. Then you are born again and have the fruit of the spirit in you.

The shed blood of Jesus Christ is the only way that man can receive his saving grace.
If you squeez that old King James 1611 edition hard enough, you can see the blood come out. Not literally speaking.

I disagree - faith is not listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit.

I do not think one must be born again in order to have faith, either. When the jailer asked Peter how to be saved, Peter said, "believe on the Lord Jesus" (Acts 16.31)

So that's what I said.

I agree with Allan's post.

 

[Salamander]

Wow that was loud.

Just practising for the Eternal Day!:godisgood:

 

[ray Marshall]

I disagree - faith is not listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit.

I do not think one must be born again in order to have faith, either. When the jailer asked Peter how to be saved, Peter said, "believe on the Lord Jesus" (Acts 16.31)

So that's what I said.

I agree with Allan's post.

Not for argument sake, but faith is a fruit of the spirit.
Gal. 5:22,But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, meekness, temporance, against which there is no law.
King James 1611 edition

 

[ray Marshall]

I disagree - faith is not listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit.

I do not think one must be born again in order to have faith, either. When the jailer asked Peter how to be saved, Peter said, "believe on the Lord Jesus" (Acts 16.31)

So that's what I said.

I agree with Allan's post.

Yes Marcia, it is mentioned as a fruit of the spirit.
Kkv 1611 edition. Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, meekness, temporance, against which there is no law.

 

[ray Marshall]

Yes Marcia, it is mentioned as a fruit of the spirit.
Kkv 1611 edition. Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, meekness, temporance, against which there is no law.

am errer in typing, KJV 1611. I often hit the wrong keys.

 

[Marcia]

Yes Marcia, it is mentioned as a fruit of the spirit.
Kkv 1611 edition. Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, meekness, temporance, against which there is no law.

You are right! Sorry, I was wrong.

It is good to learn. :thumbs: I should memorize these!

But I think this is for the believer - for their faith to grow. It's not salvific faith.

 

[Lukasaurus]

Poor lost sinner... I feel sorry that he has to wait for everyone to have a theological debate before he can get saved.

BELIEVE on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and THOU SHALT be SAVED.

AMEN and AMEN.