| Author | Message | ||
| Stardoc57 Registered user Username: Stardoc57 Post Number: 13 Registered: 4-2004 |
Today I felt impressed to begin to share some of what I have learned about the gospel and EGW with a nice elderly SDA couple who came for an appointment in my office. They seemed to be mildly interested and asked a few questions. I encouraged them to study for themselves which they replied they would do. I wonder if any of you have developed a process for evangelizing SDA members. Many of us could share things that have failed, but what about sharing success stories/methods. What topics would be good to start with? (EGW, covenants, Christ, etc.) What techniques have been successful for you in the past? I understand that the Spirit is what is working in peoples' hearts and leads them to Christ, but as a witness for Him, there may be some techniques that have worked better that others for sharing the Gospel. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2474 Registered: 12-2003  |
Stardoc, I don't personally know whether there is a preferred method or not. My experience suggests that a person's readiness and willingness to know the truth determines what to say. It seems also that often what we say is more about seed planting than it is about reaping a harvest. Where to start if someone is ready? Sometimes it depends upon what the person asks. Sometimes it's telling one's experience meeting Jesus. Sometimes it's revealing the truth about Ellen. I really believe that God gives us words to say when we are willing to speak for Him and go where He takes us. Sos praise Him for bringing that couple to you when He did! Colleen | ||
| Catalyst Registered user Username: Catalyst Post Number: 13 Registered: 6-2005 |
I think that "evangelising Adventists" is possibly a troublesome way to go. Jesus said to go and tell the gospel to the whole world - I suppose that if you want to "specialize" there is nothing wrong with that. I think that there will be people of many beliefs in heaven - including Adventists - since that is true, why should we specifically try to do what Adventist have traditionally done and preach to the people that aldready have a belief in Christ (no matter whether it matches our own view or not)? I think that if you are ASKED you can share certainly but to target and specifically go after someone who professes a belief in Christ to the detriment of telling someone who has no knowledge may be putting the emPHAcis on the wrong sylLAble? | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1821 Registered: 3-2004  |
Stardoc57, Pray about it. I have a sister, for whom I have been praying, who finally opened her heart just a little to God. When she and I started talking to each other, the furthest thing from my mind was to convert her. I just wanted to help her through a painful spot and God used me. So, pray and love there people and pray some more. God will provide the opportunity to say what He wants you to say and will provide the words. At least that is what He has done with me. He is so awesome. Diana | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 82 Registered: 4-2005 |
Colleen, Ditto! Me thinks that we "formers" have a unique but most painful, dead-earnest-burden for those family, friends, acquaintances wearing Adventist blinders (like race horses) and cannot see the pure, free, joyous "authentic Gospel" right beside them; a burden I feel is uniquely our own. When to speak, when to remain silent and pray? What to say when we do speak or write? These questions can only be answered with guidance by the Holy Spirit of Truth as it is in Jesus! May God grant us all that wisdom, courage and tact, is my sincere prayer. Jess | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2475 Registered: 12-2003 |
Catalyst, I don't believe any of us are talking about "targeting" Adventists. But Jess said it beautifully; we have a deep burden for those we loveóand we have a strong bond with all Adventist because we have BEEN among them! And no, it's not enough to believe in Jesus. As Jesus Himself said, even the demons believeóand tremble. We can know objectively who Jesus is, but unless we embrace His sacrifice for our salvation--unless we know His role in our salvation--we don't know Him. So, our burden is for all those God puts in our path who don't know Him, whether or not they have an intellectual assent to His identity or existence. The issue isn't whether or not their view of Jesus matches our own; it's whether or not they know the Biblical Jesus. I echo Jess's prayer: "May God grant us all that wisdom, courage and tact, is my sincere prayer." Colleen | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 710 Registered: 3-2005 |
Stardoc, My suggestion would be to start by sharing a good book on the New Covenant, and that would be Greg Taylor's book "Discovering the New Covenant". This is an easy read and hits the key points of doctrinal aberrations in Adventism. Stan | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 83 Registered: 4-2005 |
Colleen, I think you hit on a crucial and key fact, when you said, the question is "....whether or not they know the Biblical Jesus." Ahh! The Jesus as Holy Scripture portrays Him, gives truth concerning Him; not concepts "about Him" which is common amidst all religions. Concepts, however holy, elevated and sacred they may be held, will always remain "concepts." A concept about God is just that: merely a concept. It can be believed, held sacred, as I said, with the deepest sincerity, BUT it shall always remain a concept. It is a far cry from personally, individually KNOWING God. And Scripture is our "flag ship" point of reference to knowing God always, until glorification and we see Him face to face. Excellent point, Colleen. Jess | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 84 Registered: 4-2005 |
Stan, I still have not read Greg Taylor's book. Is it available through Dale? Jess | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1028 Registered: 7-2003  |
yes, and wonderful... Easy to read in one setting if you have a few hours. | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 252 Registered: 1-2003  |
Jess, it is a wonderful book. I've always been touched and moved by personal experiences and how others have been touched personally in their journey with the Lord. Richard PS: in answer to previous questions here i believe that listening to the Holy Spirit is essential when sharing our faith. I've often been led to wittness in strange places and if I'm aware and tuned in it has always gone well. |
