I prayed to God that He would guide me in witnessing to my old Mormon friend who I haven't talked to in over a year (and the relationship kinda... died). I prayed that I wouldn't get distracted from witnessing or anything, but...
I didn't even bring up those things of God once today when I started talking to her again... I just couldn't bring myself to do so; I was just... scared. And I don't know why. I honestly don't know what more I have to lose in this relationship... I'm just afraid to offend her anymore beyond what I've done in attacking her non-Christian beliefs...
And that makes me mad! This isn't what Christianity is about... It's not about making the unsaved feel comfortable... It's about exposing the futility of man's attempts to find perfection, peace, and salvation in ways other than Christ... So why do I fear wittnessing to someone I cared so much about?
I don't know. I just wish that I could lose my emotional side completely... They say I have a heart of stone, but... that's not true. That wouldn't bother me so much if Satan didn't use my own emotions against me...
I don't know what I'm trying to say here... I just feel like...
Like I know what to do, but don't do it at heart...?
Grrraaaaahh gaj;lgja... ><
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Slater - Posts: 2671
- Joined: Sat May 22, 2004 10:00 am
- Location: Pacifica, Caliphornia
Hi Slater,
I think it's tough to talk to a Mormon about their beliefs as being heretical and non-Christian. Whilst that may be true, some Mormons have a persecution mentality - the more you 'attack' their beliefs, the more they feel what they believe must be right, because in their mindset, after all, the early Church believers had their beliefs 'attacked' too, so they must be on the right track.
I think when you witness to people it is much more than just prooftexting the Bible or talking about theological issues. That's definitely important, but one thing that we must consider is spending the time with that person. By showing her your genuine Christian walk, your friend will really see that Jesus empowers people to live rightly before God.
When that happens (and witnessing with our lives is almost always a long process), your friend may begin to see what you have to say about Christ and the Bible in a new light, that you are not trying to simply attack her beliefs, and realise that you are onto something here.
All the best as you continue to help your friend.
I think it's tough to talk to a Mormon about their beliefs as being heretical and non-Christian. Whilst that may be true, some Mormons have a persecution mentality - the more you 'attack' their beliefs, the more they feel what they believe must be right, because in their mindset, after all, the early Church believers had their beliefs 'attacked' too, so they must be on the right track.
I think when you witness to people it is much more than just prooftexting the Bible or talking about theological issues. That's definitely important, but one thing that we must consider is spending the time with that person. By showing her your genuine Christian walk, your friend will really see that Jesus empowers people to live rightly before God.
When that happens (and witnessing with our lives is almost always a long process), your friend may begin to see what you have to say about Christ and the Bible in a new light, that you are not trying to simply attack her beliefs, and realise that you are onto something here.
All the best as you continue to help your friend.
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Sammy Boy - Posts: 1410
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 7:04 am
- Location: Autobase, Cybertron
i pray that God would help you.
Some days are dry 
Some days are leaky
Some days come clean 
Other days are sneaky
Some days take less but most days take more:comp: Some slip through your fingers and onto the floor
Some days your quick but most days you're speedy:bang: Some days you use more force than is necessary
Some days just drop in on us 
Some days are better than others
-U2 ,"some days are better than others"
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snow_Rock - Posts: 88
- Joined: Sun May 01, 2005 5:49 am
- Location: there's gotta be a way outta here
I agree with Ultra Magnus here. Don't worry so much about verbal (that is, conversion or evangelization) witnessing at this point. You need to be a friend and open a dialog first.
Calling Mormons non-Christian is a bit strong to bring up in early conversations with your friend. From theological statements I have gathered from Presbyterian and Methodist web sites, Mormonism is a Christian Religion in so far as members profess a faith in Jesus Christ and hold the Holy Bible as scripture. However, they are not totally in step with the historical, apostolic churches since they have other scriptural documents, etc. Both of these churches require new member previously baptized (as Mormons) to be re-baptized.
Calling Mormons non-Christian is a bit strong to bring up in early conversations with your friend. From theological statements I have gathered from Presbyterian and Methodist web sites, Mormonism is a Christian Religion in so far as members profess a faith in Jesus Christ and hold the Holy Bible as scripture. However, they are not totally in step with the historical, apostolic churches since they have other scriptural documents, etc. Both of these churches require new member previously baptized (as Mormons) to be re-baptized.
"Those who believe will be saved...so they say. Get it?"
Sister Rosette Christopher
Sorry ladies, already married to HitomiYuriko , but it took both our efforts to come up with daughter Althaia
Please use the Haibane Renmei Lesson Plan
MOES: Can't scroll this.
Sister Rosette Christopher
Sorry ladies, already married to HitomiYuriko , but it took both our efforts to come up with daughter Althaia
Please use the Haibane Renmei Lesson Plan
MOES: Can't scroll this.
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SP1 - Posts: 861
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:30 am
- Location: Kentucky
Can I encourage you in one thing? Don't so much stress getting in the five points of salvation. Not yet. Not if the opportunity doesn't present itself. Scripture talks about us loving others because Christ loved us first. Just love this friend of yours, as Christ loved you. THAT will be a witness far stronger than the five points as salvation. Atleast initially.
Don't misunderstand me, please. I'm not saying that you shouldn't lay out the plan for Salvation if God throws that door open, but I don't think you should have to force the conversation. The Holy Spirit is the one who will ultimately bring this girl to a place where she wants to accept Christ. Until the time when the conversation is ready to happen, love this girl with a Christ-like love. Make her wonder why the God in you is active and moving.
Don't misunderstand me, please. I'm not saying that you shouldn't lay out the plan for Salvation if God throws that door open, but I don't think you should have to force the conversation. The Holy Spirit is the one who will ultimately bring this girl to a place where she wants to accept Christ. Until the time when the conversation is ready to happen, love this girl with a Christ-like love. Make her wonder why the God in you is active and moving.
Every year in Uganda, innumerable children simply. . . disappear. These children all stolen under the cover of darkness from their homes and impressed into the guerilla armies of the LRA [Lord's Resistance Army]. In the deserts of Uganda, they are forced to witness the mindless slaughter of other children until they themselves can do nothing but kill. Kill. These children, generally ranging from ages 5-12, are brainwashed into murdering in the name of the resistance and into stealing other children from their beds to suffer the same fate.
Because of this genocide of innocence, hundred and hundreds of children live every night sleeping in public places miles from their homes, because they know that if the do not-- they will disappear. They will become just another number in this genocide to which the international community has chosen to turn a blind eye. They will become, in affect, invisible-- Invisible Children.
But there are those who are trying to fight against this slaughter of Uganda's children. They fight to protect these "invisible children." Please, help them help a country full of children who know nothing by fear. Help save the innocence. For more information concerning how you can help and how you can get an incredible video about this horrific reality, visit the Invisible Children home page.
Because of this genocide of innocence, hundred and hundreds of children live every night sleeping in public places miles from their homes, because they know that if the do not-- they will disappear. They will become just another number in this genocide to which the international community has chosen to turn a blind eye. They will become, in affect, invisible-- Invisible Children.
But there are those who are trying to fight against this slaughter of Uganda's children. They fight to protect these "invisible children." Please, help them help a country full of children who know nothing by fear. Help save the innocence. For more information concerning how you can help and how you can get an incredible video about this horrific reality, visit the Invisible Children home page.
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Mangafanatic - Posts: 4918
- Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2004 5:00 am
- Location: In La-La land.
You never want to loose your emotional side, that's what makes you sincere. I think the majority of use fear some aspects of witnessing because we don't want to mess it up, or say something wrong or whatever.... It's completely understandable.
I'll be praying for y'all.
I'll be praying for y'all.
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.." Prov 17:22
The word 'impossible' isn't in my dictionary... but I don't really have a dictionary you know? - Eikichi Onizuka.
Sorry, but I stop being a teacher at 5 o'clock. - Eikichi Onizuka.
The word 'impossible' isn't in my dictionary... but I don't really have a dictionary you know? - Eikichi Onizuka.
Sorry, but I stop being a teacher at 5 o'clock. - Eikichi Onizuka.
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agasfas - Posts: 2341
- Joined: Sat Aug 21, 2004 7:27 pm
- Location: Austin, TX
I'lll pray for boldeness.
And I'm also praying for your friends salvation
BTW:
"So we may boldy say:
'The LORD is my helper, I shall not fear, what can man do to me?'"
Hebrews 13:6
And I'm also praying for your friends salvation
BTW:
"So we may boldy say:
'The LORD is my helper, I shall not fear, what can man do to me?'"
Hebrews 13:6
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Ryupower - Posts: 1056
- Joined: Sat May 14, 2005 8:55 pm
- Location: Germany, currently
maybe you need to focus on the point, Slater. witnessing isn't a have to...God calls us to do it because no one should go to Hell. you are witnessing to her because you don't want that either...do you? remeber witnessing is not about you! its about the person...and God. someone once said "witness to them...and if you must then speak." aka be an example...show this person love...and let God worry about the talking part...and just be open for when the right time is. attacking her and forcing your beliefs on her will only drive her away. showing love is the way to go.
I will pray for you.
God Bless
~Z~
I will pray for you.
God Bless
~Z~
[color="Green"][font="Verdana"]There is no one you can't love once you know their story-Mary Lou Lawnacki[/font][/color]
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faithfighter - Posts: 806
- Joined: Thu Feb 17, 2005 9:05 pm
- Location: rattling the cages
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