quote: Originally Posted by O No!:Bill, there is more than one way to spread God's word. And a LOT of them are much more effective than knocking on doors.
When someone comes into my shop and asks what brought me here, I say "God." That will usually open a conversation, and without making them feel like I am invading their privacy. Just read the responses on this thread. NOBODY likes having strangers knock on their door and tell them they are d a m n e d. But no one takes offense if I tell them about MY life, and MY experiences with my Lord. That is called planting a seed, and I would be willing to bet that seeds planted that way take root and grow much more often than seeds planted at a stranger's door.
Hi O,
You are right. There are many ways to share the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, that is why God has given all of us different gifts. My gift is not being a pastor; but, is the gift of writing. I love to share His Word in writing, in Bible studies, in Sunday Schools, etc. Others have the gift of being a caregiver or some other supportive function. Many share God while caring for a sick person or giving healing care and medication. Personally, I could never be a doctor or nurse.
And, your gift may be nice to people who come into your shop. That is wonderful. I applaud you for sharing your gift.
Some have the gift of door knocking, street evangelism, etc. Again, these are not my gifts -- but, I applaud those who do have this gift and who use them to God's glory.
Some years ago, I had to go to the Emergency Room. Waiting in line to register, I noticed a young man standing behind me. He was the perfect stereotype for a White Supremacist -- buzz cut hair, tattoos all over, muscle shirt, etc..
When we went to the waiting room, I took out my Bible to read -- and noticed that he had taken out a Bible to read. Yet, when I looked at the hands holding his Bible -- I saw H - A - T - E tattooed on his fingers.
Later, when he and I were in the waiting room alone, I asked him, "The book you are reading says LOVE, yet your tattoos say HATE. What is the story?"
He told me that he had, indeed, been a devout White Supremacist -- he and his whole family. But, one day, on the street, a Christian walked up to him and began to witness to him. That day, on the sidewalk, that White Supremacist became a Christian believer.
He and I sat for hours talking, comparing our writings (he also liked to write Christian tracts), and discussing our faith.
Now, how many Christian believers have the nerve to walk up to a young man in his twenties, obviously a White Supremacist -- and witness to him? I most likely would not have the nerve. But, I praise God for that person who did! That was his gift. And, through his gift -- he glorified God.
So, yes, O, we are commanded by our Lord and Savior to Go, Make Disciples, Baptize Them, and Teach Them -- to be His witnesses to all the world. But, we each do it with our unique gift or gifts God has given us.
However, while I should not criticize you for doing your witnessing in your shop -- neither should you criticize me for witnessing in my shop, my writing. And, for others, their "shop" is door knocking, street evangelism -- or even Forum evangelism and apologetics.
We each are doing as He has told us. So, we should be joining forces for His glory -- not bickering over who is doing it properly.
O, we are in the same family, the family of God. Let's start working together for His glory, not challenging one another. Let the door knockers do their thing, let the street evangelists do their thing, let the shop clerks and owners do their thing, and let those of us called to do apologetic writing on Forums do our thing.
Can you imagine how unsuccessful the University of Alabama football team would be if Nick Saban had fifty quarterbacks -- and nothing else? No, the team is successful because Saban has the right mix of quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, offensive and defensive linemen and backs. Diversity, excellence in their own gifts -- yet, working together -- is what makes a winning team for Alabama -- and, the same thing works when we use our diversity to win for our God.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill