Testimony at bus stop

[Unveiled Artist]

Why though? Regardless of religion or lack of it if it isn't hurting you then what is the problem? I see your intolerance no different than those who oppose gay or interracial marriage.

Maybe you just have an ax to grind

Christianity hurts A LOT of people. It's in our laws and schools. It's making children commit suicide because their parents have the right to indoctrinate their children. It has denied people of rights that do not even affect them. Christianity has been the "knife" that murdered so many people.

Opposing gay marriage in general doesn't harm anyone. Converting, killing, and indoctrinating children who does not follow your opposition is the problem.

The guy at the bust stop wasn't evangalizing. He was expressing his view of christ, how he was michael the angel (that's his name, michael) who came to give me a message of god's grace. While others may not mind it, if it weren't rude, I would have change the conversation. We need barriers. Without it, people wouldn't know what they believe cause the dominate religion will always be first.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I speak to them in chinese, and they give up.

Lol!!

Tower of Babel.

 

[Deeje]

Are Christians the only ones known to tell a stranger their testimony of being saved, salvation, or anything about Christ?

The guy who just spoke to me found Christ. Told me a thirty min genuine testimony and even said we believe the same but different languages.

If it were an all muslim area, I wouldnt and never met Muslim who does this.

You don't need to evangelize. Some feel Christ called them to tell about Christ. While it's genuine, on the other hand have you asked what the other person believes? Wiccan, Satanist, JW, so have you.

From the Christian perspective, there is no question about our obligation to “witness” to anyone who will listen. It is not a message forced on people, but offered....and its not given to coerce anyone.

It is a direct command from Jesus himself to "make disciples", (Matthew 28:19-20) so there was no misunderstanding as to what a Christian is supposed to do. It has a two fold purpose....

1) The apostle Paul said...
“For “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” 14 However, how will they call on him if they have not put faith in him? How, in turn, will they put faith in him about whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach?" (Romans 10:13-14) Which is why Jesus commanded that it must be done. (Matthew 28:19-20) It is giving people everywhere the opportunity to participate in the life that God originally planned for the human race in the beginning, but was lost.

2) It puts people on notice. This message was to be preached “in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations” before God brings an "end" to a very long and eventful object lesson. (Matthew 24:14)

The Creator has a purpose to our being here, and he allows everyone to hear the message and respond as their heart dictates. Some are attracted by it...others know about it but can't be bothered to do anything about it...still others are repelled by it. It is causing a separation of people in every nation.....as it is designed to do.

Acknowledging that Christians would experience persecution for bringing this message to people who don't want to hear it, and for being no part of their world, Paul also wrote.......”This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you. 7 But you who suffer tribulation will be given relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels 8 in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8)

According to this, there are only two groups of people that are going to be sorry that they didn't listen, much like the people of Noah's day according to Jesus. (Matthew 24:37-39)...those who don't know because they don't want to...and those who hear the message but do nothing about it. Unfortunately, this describes the majority of people today.....even those who identify as "Christians".

I have a co-worker who went on missionary to poor we area of Africa (can't remember where) to convert. It wasn't to be with others of different beliefs but convert people to hers. Not sure they see the damage to the culture.

The whole idea of preaching is to invite people to actually have a future on planet earth (not in heaven or hell). The world is presently heading for mass extinction if we continue on the way we are going......unless we take notice of the Creator and acknowledge his right to dictate the terms of our existence here on his earth, what has culture got to do with any of it? We are messengers offering a future guaranteed by God to people of all cultures, where there is no other way to have a future. If we are not on side with Jesus, we are on the opposing side. (Matthew 12:30; Matthew 7:13-14)

That is the way I see it...I can understand why others don't.

 

[Stanyon]

It's healthy to put barriers up to safeguard your wellbeing.

There is no problem with that but getting upset about such small matters if they aren't actually pushing anything on you seems unhealthy.

 

[Stanyon]

Christianity hurts A LOT of people.

So does a lot of other religions or lack of it or just some interpretations of them? See the M.E. and China. You started out talking in general but your real intent and target is crystal clear meanwhile ignoring the fact that people in other religions and atheists do the same.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

From the Christian perspective, there is no question about our obligation to “witness” to anyone who will listen. It is not a message forced on people, but offered....and its not given to coerce anyone.

It is a direct command from Jesus himself to "make disciples", (Matthew 28:19-20) so there was no misunderstanding as to what a Christian is supposed to do. It has a two fold purpose....

1) The apostle Paul said...
“For “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” 14 However, how will they call on him if they have not put faith in him? How, in turn, will they put faith in him about whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach?" (Romans 10:13-14) Which is why Jesus commanded that it must be done. (Matthew 28:19-20) It is giving people everywhere the opportunity to participate in the life that God originally planned for the human race in the beginning, but was lost.

2) It puts people on notice. This message was to be preached “in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations” before God brings an "end" to a very long and eventful object lesson. (Matthew 24:14)

The Creator has a purpose to our being here, and he allows everyone to hear the message and respond as their heart dictates. Some are attracted by it...others know about it but can't be bothered to do anything about it...still others are repelled by it. It is causing a separation of people in every nation.....as it is designed to do.

Acknowledging that Christians would experience persecution for bringing this message to people who don't want to hear it, and for being no part of their world, Paul also wrote.......”This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you. 7 But you who suffer tribulation will be given relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels 8 in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8)

According to this, there are only two groups of people that are going to be sorry that they didn't listen, much like the people of Noah's day according to Jesus. (Matthew 24:37-39)...those who don't know because they don't want to...and those who hear the message but do nothing about it. Unfortunately, this describes the majority of people today.....even those who identify as "Christians".



The whole idea of preaching is to invite people to actually have a future on planet earth (not in heaven or hell). The world is presently heading for mass extinction if we continue on the way we are going......unless we take notice of the Creator and acknowledge his right to dictate the terms of our existence here on his earth, what has culture got to do with any of it? We are messengers offering a future guaranteed by God to people of all cultures, where there is no other way to have a future. If we are not on side with Jesus, we are on the opposing side. (Matthew 12:30; Matthew 7:13-14)

That is the way I see it...I can understand why others don't.

In the guy at the stop case, he wasn't preaching but was very happy god saved him he gave me a good life story from being in prison and jail, his family, and telling me that god must have sent him to talk to me given he thought maybe I was experiencing something that god wanted him to tell me it's alright.

I'm trying to figure another way to say it. He wasn't dangerous and had a sound mind and all. It was very uncomfortable (with anyone) to share testimonies in the manner that incorporates me without having some reciprocation.

As for the witnessing, though, I understand it to an extent. People respect others who witness by their deeds and example rather than others coming to them as a stranger and telling them about god. Both still get the job done, but the former its from god and the latter it's from man (if to use those terms). Ideally, god would pull people in by his "sheep's" example not words of conversion (accepted or not).

I think we do see it, Deeje, just we don't like the manner and intent in which the witnessing is played out. If I witnessed, it would be by example. I know some people say they come to christ because they "saw someone" living christ's word and they were curious. I assume that's what followers do. Jesus did so by deed.

If someone came up to you and say "I am god" but don't show you the works, why would you believe them. Same with witnessing. It's an action.

Question. If god calls by the heart, why not witness by example and let god do the rest?

 

[Unveiled Artist]

There is no problem with that but getting upset about such small matters if they aren't actually pushing anything on you seems unhealthy.

It depends on the nature of the feeling. If I were angry, crying, or whatever and looking at him with funny eyes, maybe I can see that; I wasn't. But it's not unhealthy to express one's own biases and opinions. It just means I have strong opinions and that's about it. I'm sure we all do.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

So does a lot of other religions or lack of it or just some interpretations of them? See the M.E. and China. You started out talking in general but your real intent and target is crystal clear meanwhile ignoring the fact that people in other religions and atheists do the same.

That doesn't make it right. I just have christians in my area, laws, etc. If I were in a Muslim country, then it would probably be Muslims. When I was at a Buddhist temple, it was Buddhist.

The people is irrelevant in this.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

It's because Christians are commanded to basically their push religion on everyone. It's very obnoxious. I just tell them I'm not interested when they try to do it to me.

That's my typical response if they come to my front door.

If proselytizers decide to push their religion at me when I'm somewhere I that I can't just remove myself from the conversation by closing my door, then my reaction isn't likely to be that courteous.

 

[Aupmanyav]

We are messengers offering a future guaranteed by God to people of all cultures, where there is no other way to have a future. If we are not on side with Jesus, we are on the opposing side.
That is the way I see it .. I can understand why others don't.

Spam. Messages that you do not want to see on your computer informing you that an African dictator has willed you 20 million USD.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

From the Christian perspective, there is no question about our obligation to “witness” to anyone who will listen.

That doesn't absolve you of making sure what you do is well-founded.

As an analogy, you may be convinced that my house is on fire, but if you're going to wake my family up in the middle of the night to get them out into the snow in their pajamas, you'd better be prepared to explain to my satisfaction why what you did was justified.

It is not a message forced on people, but offered....and its not given to coerce anyone.

When getting away from the proselytizer will mean missing your bus, it is being forced on you.

And it's a bit hard for me to take you seriously when you say you aren't trying to coerce anyone, seeing how you threw around threats in the very same post.

 

[Deeje]

Question. If god calls by the heart, why not witness by example and let god do the rest?

Why did Jesus preach? His example was perfect, but people came to hear what he had to say, and experiencing his miracles would have been quite a bonus. They were moved by his message and the power of God's spirit that he demonstrated to them first hand. ....it appealed to their heart....but the response of the majority was not positive.....those who hear the message, respond to it in their heart.....when God sees the right response, that is when, I believe he goes to work. (John 6:44, 65)

Jesus never said God was going to save “good” people.....he said that God would save 'obedient' ones....those who would acknowledge Jehovah as their God and Jesus as their Lord.....AND follow through by a good example and obedience to all of Christ's teachings.
For JW's, it is our good example that keeps us getting welcomed back to our convention cities....to the stadiums that we convert into a place of worship...which we leave cleaner than when we found it.....to hotels and restaurants that host our delegates and notice the love we have for one another and how easy we are to get along with.

Christians should set a good example naturally, because they love God and his creation, and we want to represent him well.....we should all do that naturally.....but when love for God is the motivation behind what we do, there is a hope given to people that extends beyond man, who seems powerless to address all the pressing needs of this world, spiraling into self destruction.

The only two Commands that Christians are to keep are.....

1) To love God with your whole heart, mind and soul and strength.
and
2) To love your neighbor as yourself.

People can practice the second command till the cows come home, but if they have no genuine love for God, it doesn’t really mean much. What’s the difference between a good Christian and a good humanitarian?........a genuine love for GOD, which for us is the right motive for being a good humanitarian.

 

[Deeje]

That doesn't absolve you of making sure what you do is well-founded.

As an analogy, you may be convinced that my house is on fire, but if you're going to wake my family up in the middle of the night to get them out into the snow in their pajamas, you'd better be prepared to explain to my satisfaction why what you did was justified.

Speaking for JW's, would you rather we wake you in the middle of the night (which we would never do) to tell you that your house is on fire, and you and your family get out of your house because it is on fire....would you see that as an inconvenience, snow notwithstanding? Would you rather we let you sleep and burn?

When getting away from the proselytizer will mean missing your bus, it is being forced on you.

When would JW's ever do that? Nothing is forced from us.....it wasn't forced from Jesus either....we make the choice to listen or not. I can't force you to leave a burning building because you can't yet see the flames.It doesn't mean that the building isn't on fire...its just that you just don't believe it is.

And it's a bit hard for me to take you seriously when you say you aren't trying to coerce anyone, seeing how you threw around threats in the very same post.

I believe that many see the warnings as threats.....if trying to save your life is a threat...then guilty as charged. Excuse me for caring......

If you do not want JW's to call on you, it is a simple matter to request us not to call. If you are so sure that what we say is not true, then I assure you we don't want to waste your time, or ours....

 

[Mock Turtle]

Must be the weather. I was sheltering whilst waiting for a bus just the other day and got chatting to a few people doing similar (I thought). After some time chatting about all sorts of things, one guy handed me a leaflet from the board I had not noticed. JWs on the prowl. Fortunately my bus was due, and I thanked him, leaving abruptly rather than letting him have my full views on the subject of religion and his particular one. He got a lot better than the lovely lady who came to my door some time back and the tirade I aimed at her (and her friend) was not really called for, and which I regretted almost immediately.

 

[GoodbyeDave]

Anyone who uses my entry phone is expected to explain themself, and if they are Mormons or Witnesses I'll say a polite "no thank you". I've never been accosted at a bus stop, but I suspect I would try to convert them!

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Christians should set a good example naturally, because they love God

Since you're not Jesus, why not lead by example and let God do the rest?

People usually follow people's example more than they do their words. Anyone can say lord-lord, but doesn't it go beyond speech?

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

A few days ago on the bus, someone left a religious tract on a seat that was just fear-mongering about burning in hell. I just balled it up and tossed it aside. No one needs to see that crap.

 

[Deeje]

Since you're not Jesus, why not lead by example and let God do the rest?

As I mentioned, we try to do that, but it’s only half the story. Unless you hear a warning, you will not understand what is coming and prepare yourself.

For example......If there is an impending tsunami as the result of an earthquake that was far away, so you didn’t even know it happened.....and you cut off all means of communication, how will you prepare for the inundation? People will come to your door to tell you, but because there has never been a tsunami in your location, you don’t believe them. Will the water have to come in your front door before you guess that something is not right?

We have a message concerning a monumental change in the way life is lived on this planet.....the shutting down of all corrupt and inept earthly rulership and it being replaced by God's Kingdom with a powerful King who can bring about the necessary changes.

The Creator has allowed the human race to choose their own gods and rulers, and now it is time for him to act as he said he will. As the rightful Sovereign of his universe, he has the right to call humans to account for their choices. It isn't like he didn't communicate his will and his intentions to humankind....so people ignore his word at their own peril. If you choose your path, you choose your destination. Isn't that obvious...?

People usually follow people's example more than they do their words. Anyone can say lord-lord, but doesn't it go beyond speech?

Yes, of course.....but it's a two fold message. It is the end of one age and the beginning of another....it's all recorded in the Bible and I believe that we are fast approaching the final events at the conclusion of this age.

A 'tsunami' (a “great tribulation”) of mammoth proportions is coming, but no one wants to hear the warning or take action to save themselves, because by and large humans don’t like being told what to do. Rebellious attitudes are what got us into this mess to begin with....and it continues to be the reason why ‘peace and security’ eludes the human race. It is the battle of opposing rebellious attitudes....it leads nowhere.

God is looking for those who are compliant with his commands without complaining....without making excuses for themselves....just obedience from the heart because we know him, we trust him, and we love him.

If you don’t want what God is offering, that is fine...he will not force anyone to obey him or serve him....but his will is that all will return to his original purpose for this earth (Isaiah 55:11)....rebellious ones will not be granted citizenship there.

Those are the only options on the table......obey God and live in the new world that he is creating.....or disobey him and forfeit the gift of life that was given to you. That’s it.

There is no heaven or hell.....there is just life or death.