Is this any way to witness?

[CelticRose]

http://www.christianforums.com/t2500...l#post21264959 (http://www.christianforums.com/t2500...l#post21264959)

Reading through this thread it struck me that this was an incredibly ineffective way to witness. I am not sure that 'logic' wins people to Christ, especially when one isn't really listening to the other person's side of the arguement. What do others here think? :scratch:

[MrJim]

I agree, faith isn't a "logic" sort of thing to argue over, though there certainly is a place for reasonable discussion--thinking particularly of Paul at Mars Hill.

There is something to the "do not cast pearls before swine". If someone isn't ready to hear it, then after a few attempts ya just let it alone. HOWEVER, the life lived will say more than the words spoken, and when the subject comes up again, perhaps there'll be more credibility.

And forum discussions work the same way. If it seems to be going no where then bid adieu and move on. Problem is that some view it as a fight, and if ya walk away "you lose", and people don't like to "lose".

[Joykins]

How did you even find a thread that old? ;) That thread is interesting also because of the posts missing in it.

Witnessing is not a debate. You do not "win" by scoring points on your "opponent."

[CelticRose]

Joykins: I followed a link from a poll on salvation - which was more a debate than anything else & rather 'icky' as well. I don't think I understand why people want to hammer each other unreasonably. :scratch:

However it seems some Christians think this is the way to go about things. :sigh:

[CelticRose]

As always, Menno, your comments are reasonable & to the point.

[oliveplants]

I think Menno's got it on this one. Some of us just hate to "lose."

As long as the conversation can remain friendly - as long as one is witnessing in tone and attitude as much as with the words used -I think these words can have an impact. People read that and it puts little thoughts in their heads.

But once a person gets 'ugly' or silly there is no good being done.

I think there are people in the world that need to know being a Christian doesn't mean leaving your brains at the door.

Just as there are people who need to hear the law, and people who need to be loved... it really does take all kinds. :groupray:

[AnaBaptistPat]

I've found it's pointless to argue Christianity with a Non-Believer.

[Danfrey]

One of the greatest ways to witness to non-believers is through our actions rather than our words. Look at Katrina for instance. The work that went on down there by the various churches went a long way to spreading the gospel with few words.

Two groups come to mind when I think of the contrast. Look at the salvation army that does so much to witness by feeding the hungry and housing the homeless. When people think of the Salvation Army they normally do so in a positive light. Next look at the Jehovah's Witnesses who do a great deal of witnessing door to door. When many speak of them, they do so in speaking of avoiding their message.

When we look at Jesus' ministry, he managed to witness both through meeting the physical needs of the people and sharing the gospel with them. May we all strive to strike the balance that he demonstrated so well.

Blessings

[CelticRose]

I would agree with you, Danfrey, that our actions speak louder than our words. Before I came to Christ the thing I hated most about Christians was being battered by their words ~ especially when their actions failed to match. I think I still cringe when I see it happen ~ which is not to say I am ashamed of my Lord & saviour, just his disciples sometimes.

[ydouxist]

I use to try to share my faith on those threads but never had any success, (that I know of anyway.)
But then again if you sow sparingly you reap sparingly.