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The other "Don't ask - Don't tell"
- Thread starter Salty
- Start date
freeatlast
New Member
I think that is what many follow don't ask don't tell, and I think there is a reason and that is that our lives are not up to what they are called to be and our shame keeps us from witnessing. It is very difficult to tell someone they need to repent and believe if our life has daily sin in it for all to see. The world knows a hypocrite when they meet one and many today would rather hide their faith because of their sin then they would confess and turn from their sin to proclaim their Lord.
freeatlast
New Member
Well then I suppose you can continue to practice your sin and dishonor the Lord if you think that will win men to Christ, but personally I hold to what the scripture says.
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid
If ye love me, keep my commandments
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
preacher4truth
Active Member
You bring up a good point in line with the OP. Maybe that's why some don't witness.
But isn't it a sin to not witness?
Actually we witness every day
Sometimes we are a good witness :saint: :jesus:
Sometimes we are a bad witness :tear:
Tom Butler
New Member
Maybe we can flesh out our description of just what witnessing is.
Is it knock-on-doors, personal soul-winning, Roman Road kind of witnessing?
Is it street-corner, handing-out-tracts preaching?
Is it standing behind the pulpit, or anywhere else, and giving testimony of God's grace in your life?
Is it preparing young children by teaching them scripture, and teaching them about God and His Son?
Is it taking advantage of opportunities which come your way to point someone to Christ?
Frankly, some folks are scared to do personal Romans-Road type soul winning because they are dealing with eternal matters, and lack confidence to do it right.
Those same folks might be comfortable giving a personal testimony, but not one-on-one.
Since Salty started the OP, maybe he can give us his definition and say whether any of the things I've mentioned qualify as witnessing.
Is it knock-on-doors, personal soul-winning, Roman Road kind of witnessing?
Is it street-corner, handing-out-tracts preaching?
Is it standing behind the pulpit, or anywhere else, and giving testimony of God's grace in your life?
Is it preparing young children by teaching them scripture, and teaching them about God and His Son?
Is it taking advantage of opportunities which come your way to point someone to Christ?
Frankly, some folks are scared to do personal Romans-Road type soul winning because they are dealing with eternal matters, and lack confidence to do it right.
Those same folks might be comfortable giving a personal testimony, but not one-on-one.
Since Salty started the OP, maybe he can give us his definition and say whether any of the things I've mentioned qualify as witnessing.
Yes to all.
Tom Butler
New Member
Let me also add that if you are willing to point people to Christ, the Lord will send lost folks across your path and will open the door for you to do so.
So you never sin? If you do, then humility goes a long way.
Anyone who names the name of Christ testifies of Him, whether it be good or bad.
plain_n_simple
Active Member
I'm not sure where we got "witness" except a verse or two. It says preach the gospel and heal the sick. We have gotten so far away that we do not believe Jesus in us can heal. When He heals, then you have the attention of the listener. Instead we guilt people into saying a prayer that is not even in scripture. The church has been deceived with this "Say a Prayer, Ticket to Heaven" theology.
It is the same nonsense today when the church has calls Bible studies discipleship.
Jesus said, "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple." and "So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions." and "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."
plain_n_simple
Active Member
:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
Don't Ask - Don't Tell
Our secular friends don't ask because they already know the answers and it isn't what they want to hear. What? Me give up my sins? I'm having too much fun. They are like Scarlet O'Hara - I'll think about it tomorrow (when I'm old and gray.)
Often we've been conditioned by the secular world to be politically correct so we don't offend someone. Satan has been subtle over the last 20 years or so as he's woven "PC" into our society. Christian society, that is.
It's gone from being "socially unacceptable" to condem sin to being a terrorist using hate speech. Yet, sinners are exercising their "rights" in a now PC, satan approved, acceptable manner. Christian witness (as a whole) is being treated just like smoking cigarettes. Slowly, but surely, smoking has been moved from being "socially acceptable" to designated areas, to outright wholesale ban. Even in the privacy of some homes and vehicles.
Christian witness is on the same track.
Now, for the rest of the quotes included in my reply. I believe we are witnesses for Christ in everything we do. I'm not a pastor. Don't (working on it) have the skills to quote from memory all the applicable Bible verses. Yet, the Lord provides the opportunity, to reflect Christ in my life. He provides plenty of opportunity, everyday.
* Why are you buying all these paper plates? They are for a fund raiser at our church. Thus, an opening for a few minutes conversation that includes the Lord.
* Saying "Have a Blessed Christmas" instead of Merry Christmas has yielded opportunities.
* Sending "Thinking of You" cards is another way to witness. Especially in the follow up conversation that often happens. Along the same line, simply offering to pray for someone in their time of need is enough to tell them how Christ has helped me. Using specific examples, BTW. I believe that personal testimony is the greatest witnessing tool (gift) that each of us has within us.
* Saying grace at a table in a fast food joint is being a witness to others. Have we become so PC that we don't do that because it may offend someone at the next table? They didn't ask.... we can't tell..... If we don't follow our convictions, even in a fast food joint, aren't we being a "bad witness"?
* Going to church, in a little while, just as we did last Sunday. Think about it for a minute. How many Christians failed to be good witnesses in their actions last Sunday and will this morning. Secular neighbors are watching what we do, everyday. Including this Sunday morning.
Is there a reason our secular friends Don't Ask us about our Christian life? - and thus we Don't Tell them?
Yes indeed, Salty. Perhaps the lost see very little outward manifestation of the Love of Jesus in our lives.
They see most of us believers as being polite and courteous and dressed properly..., and..., and...,and..., or do they really see us that way? Maybe they just see us as a bunch of kooks. Bible thumpers. Perhaps most are as turned off with us as were the "religious" folks toward Jesus.
We sure live in a strange world. I have two neighbors who can't stand the air I breathe but otherwise very respectful when we're face to face. It must be their pride. The one neighbor has commented that for sure he believes..., "in the man upstairs". Ha! That's funny all the while he's "popping" another top.
In answer to your question it must be their pride.
Yes indeed, Salty. Perhaps the lost see very little outward manifestation of the Love of Jesus in our lives.
They see most of us believers as being polite and courteous and dressed properly..., and..., and...,and..., or do they really see us that way? Maybe they just see us as a bunch of kooks. Bible thumpers. Perhaps most are as turned off with us as were the "religious" folks toward Jesus.
We sure live in a strange world. I have two neighbors who can't stand the air I breathe but otherwise very respectful when we're face to face. It must be their pride. The one neighbor has commented that for sure he believes..., "in the man upstairs". Ha! That's funny all the while he's "popping" another top.
In answer to your question it must be their pride.