Sharing The Truth

John 1:1-3, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. … And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Comment from “A Divine Appointment” “This is a challenging example, also, for me to be ready to show Scripture to another person, for you are so right: the Word of God is the most powerful thing for convincing someone--rather than man's opinions.”

Do you see my friends how important the story of creation is to a true and meaningful Christian witness? Paul’s witness to the Men of Athens clearly shows that accepting the theory of evolution is an insult to the Creator of the universe. Paul's sermon makes it clear that without the truth of who God is and what he has done; our Christian witness becomes empty and the power is diminished. Without the doctrine of inerrancy, the Bible loses it’s power, and Christianity becomes ... just another religion, more good ideas, or other men's opinions. It is no wonder Christians are afraid to share what they believe.

We are called as ambassadors for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation. So why are we not more focused on how to share our faith, and how to help people to be reconciled to God? I am convinced that too many people have accepted the idea that they need to be politically correct. And that they do not want to offend or alienate others who might think otherwise. So evolution gets a free pass and before you know it … the theory of evolution is taught to our children, and accepted as scientific fact. And as a result, we have a whole generation of adults who, to a large degree, have accepted evolution as truth. Well if evolution is truth, what does that say about the Paul’s talk to the Athenians, John 1:1-3, and Genesis 1-2? If evolution is true, the Bible is just another story. They both can’t be true. Do you see the problem? Christians don’t witness because they don’t know what they believe.

We are a nation that is to a large degree: Athenians. In a meeting I attended years ago, Dr. Bill Bright explained that Campus Crusade had interviewed millions of Christians around the world and that more than 90% of Christians interviewed identified themselves as carnal Christians. Read: Three types of people. The fact is that confused or carnal Christians do not witness. Most Christians in America are more concerned about being tolerant and politically correct, than they are about sharing their faith. Many have never even considered how they would share their faith. If one is admittedly self-centered, why would they even care what others believed, let alone care about convincing them otherwise?

So the key questions are: What does Jesus want you to do? Who has He put in you circle of interest that He wants to reconcile to Himself through you? And what would He have you say to them?

We all know the answer to the first question. Some are hiding from it but we all know it. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” The answer to “who” differs for each of us. But we each have a fairly large circle of influence. Some like the couple I mentioned yesterday, who came to me as a surprise, but the reason they inquired is that I was planting seeds, and I was prepared to share my faith, and they were open to the truth, and the Holy Spirit acted upon all of those facts. Once we got into the discussion, I never doubted what the outcome would be, and I certainly was never worried about what to say. If each of us were to pray that God would reveal to us those he wanted us to witness to most, who do you think he would say that you need to talk to tomorrow? Family, neighbors, friends, co-workers immediately come to mind. But you know; it takes courage to go against the grain, and to question the spiritual ignorance of others. Of course to reach out to the lost in our community would take deeper courage. That’s why most of us don’t do it. It takes courage for me to talk to all of you this way. Did you know that each week someone is offended here and un-follows this blog? There is a price for saying what you believe. The early Christians were horribly martyred for it. Losing a few friends for the cause of Christ is hardly a sacrifice. Well that leads me to the biggest group that most of us have; and that is our church body. Can you imagine what would happen if each of us somehow became the spark that lit the fire that moved their churches out of their chairs and they sharing the gospel with those God has put within their circle of influence. If 90% of Christians are self-centered as Dr. Bright said, then we have a massive mission field within the church. We’re talking about a huge revival. Maybe, that’s why America is poised for a big fall. Too many have become the God of their own world, regardless of their professed Christianity. Their “old self” is still leading the way.

Here is a message I got yesterday from a friend who has surely witnessed to far more people than I have. But, in his spiritual maturity, he is always looking for new directions that the Lord might provide.

“Hello Bob, Men of Athens was an excellent. How would you reply to this GMO response that I received?” Regards, Al”
“Hi! My name is Monique Melone and I am 23 years old. I'm originally from France, so my English is not so perfect. I live in Potomac, Maryland with my Mother and little brother. My parents are separated. My family was Atheist ever since I was born, so I never really gave religion any thought. Most of my friends in high school were Christian, and I would always go to their houses. When I first met their families, they seemed super nice and friendly; they would ask about my day and tell me to feel at home. They said their prayers before eating all the time, and little by little I would try and do that too. Sometimes I would even go to mass with them. Mom would always say that miracles didn't exist, and we shouldn't do any of that nonsense, but I thought I was ready for this. I wanted to be Christian. I just thought I would gather up some information before going for it, and I thought looking on the net was the best way to do it. I just want to learn the basics. Thank you! Hope to hear from you soon!”

BW reply ... Al: Monique provides a great opportunity for you. I would first try to establish an ongoing dialogue with her rather than just giving her information. She has given you some valuable facts.
1. Her mother is an atheist
2. Her mother has misguided her
3. No father figure in her life
4. She is quite likely promiscuous, and unchurched
5. Most of her friends in HS were Christian
6. She is searching for more information
7. She thinks she is ready for Christianity
8. She obviously has internet awareness
9. She just wants to learn the basics on net

So how would I reply to her? Basically three ways.
1. First I would ask her questions about the above facts in an attempt to befriend and perhaps establish a male role model friendship.
2. I would ask her questions in an attempt to learn what she already knows about Christianity. Also I would ask for specifics about her areas of struggle and where she thinks she needs the Lords help.
3. I would tell her that her mother is correct in that most religions are false, and when she says: "miracles don't exist." But, her mother is clearly not aware of the miracles that happen every day in the world of Biblical Christianity. Also I would mention that God is clearly moving on her life, and He wants her to have miracles in her life also. I would then give her specific basic scriptures that speak to the areas of struggle that she has mentioned. Rather than tell her what the verses mean, I would ask her what she thinks God is saying to her in the verse. Then I would help guide her in the truth. An area of scripture that I would give her early on that would lead to conversation is: 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:3. Hopefully she would enter into a dialogue here that will result in her conversion and ongoing discipleship. I would gladly help here in any way possible, and would love the opportunity to disciple her. I am convinced the Lord is clearly moving on her life. But I would NOT just send info.

Al has a great opportunity but also a big challenge. There are three souls here that need the Lord. Al has been invited in as the spiritual counselor. What he says or does not say may well impact the salvation of this young woman and her family. There has been the influence of the enemy of Christ in the atheistic upbringing and the absence of a Godly male role model. When God’s word says; this is: “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. “ How could anything be more important than witnessing to this girl, her mother and brother? Surely they qualify as widows and orphans spiritually.

I plan to focus on witnessing to this family in the next couple of posts, giving Al any ideas that I and the readers here might be willing to share. Pray for this family that the Holy Spirit would prepare their hearts for the words of truth that Al is about to share with them. Any scriptures or ideas you have, please email me at: talavera.bob@gmail.com
John 14:5-6 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
God Bless you my friends, Bob