What Happened To Boldness? - Page 2

JustifiedByFaith · 08-21-2006, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dor

Our actions should speak volumes also but not to the point our mouth stays shut or waits on questions that may not come in time.

Dear Dor,

Thank you. This is also my concern Dor. I think we as Christians do anything possible in words and deeds to avoid sharing that Jesus is the only way.

We MUST in a kind and gentle fashion in our witnessing remember that Jesus can come back at any day. Jesus didn't say "behave" the gospel throughout all the world but "preach" the gospel throughout all the world. Let's let our "Actions" follow behind our "Words".

InLove · 08-21-2006, 06:18 PM

Hi, Peace to All Here--

When we examine the earthly life of Jesus Christ, we find there were times when He spoke out boldly and times when He remained silent. There were times when He vocally promoted peace and times when He displayed righteous anger.

I find it revealing that Paul, when he could have gone to the Romans and talked about how Diana was dirty, he instead noticed the altar to The Unknown God, and proceeded to introduce Him.

To everything there is a season....

InPeace,
InLove

Quahom1 · 08-21-2006, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dor

We definately should speak with boldness and confidence and just be ready for the backlash we will recieve in the politically correct world we live in.

Our actions should speak volumes also but not to the point our mouth stays shut or waits on questions that may not come in time.

On who's time? Man's or God's? Also, not everyone is a preacher by nature. In fact there are very few who can preach to or address the masses.

To "share" the Good News, only works when the listener wants to hear it. Even Jesus was specific in His instructions to His Apostles. He said if the people of a town want to hear the Good News, then stay and share it with them. If they do not welcome the Good News, then leave and shake the dust of the town from your scandals as you leave.

The persecution you speak of is not due to preaching, but rather to the way one lives. The Romans didn't persecute Christians becase of what they said, but because of what they wouldn't do. They were considered secretive, aloof, and flaunting their righteousness in the face of the rest of society. So when things went bad, the leaders had to focus the peoples' attention on other than themselves, so they used Christians as a scape goat. Only it backfired then, as it backfires today.

It is estimated that during Nero's reign, for every one Christian killed, 100 Romans converted. Not by the Christians' words, but by their deeds and refusal to give up Jesus as their savior. Then, like today, people are desperate for that peace and assuredness that Christians have. They might mask it in anger, or contempt, but we know that the outward appearance hides the fear and insecurity inside.

No, one does not have to be a "Billy Graham" to win hearts to Christ.

my thoughts

v/r

Q

It's easier to catch flies with honey than with vinegar.

Quahom1 · 08-21-2006, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustifiedByFaith

Dear Dor,

Thank you. This is also my concern Dor. I think we as Christians do anything possible in words and deeds to avoid sharing that Jesus is the only way.

We MUST in a kind and gentle fashion in our witnessing remember that Jesus can come back at any day. Jesus didn't say "behave" the gospel throughout all the world but "preach" the gospel throughout all the world. Let's let our "Actions" follow behind our "Words".

I submit that actions must preceed our words, or the majority of ears will turn deaf.

JustifiedByFaith · 08-21-2006, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quahom1

I submit that actions must preceed our words, or the majority of ears will turn deaf.

Dear Quahom1,

Can we conclude together the importance of balance between actions and words? Can we also conclude together by the verse in Acts that regarding this "Boldness" that the Apostles desired, it was for them to "speak" in boldness? I feel that to be "Bold" in action without words or "Bold" in words without action would be hypocritical wouldn't it? Also, many people will not know us by actions or have the opportunity to see our actions. Therefore, first impressions may only be "words". The message Jesus shared about the Sower and the Seeds in Matthew 13 involved "words". He concluded the Parable saying, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear...

Dor · 08-21-2006, 07:34 PM

I agree somewhat Q. Actions say alot.

There is one problem. I can do all the good I want to do for anyone in the world I can feed them, tend there wounds, build them houses, anything I want but in the end if I haven't shared Jesus and the love God has for us then he still ends up dead.

Quahom1 · 08-21-2006, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustifiedByFaith

Dear Quahom1,

Can we conclude together the importance of balance between actions and words? Can we also conclude together by the verse in Acts that regarding this "Boldness" that the Apostles desired, it was for them to "speak" in boldness? I feel that to be "Bold" in action without words or "Bold" in words without action would be hypocritical wouldn't it? Also, many people will not know us by actions or have the opportunity to see our actions. Therefore, first impressions may only be "words". The message Jesus shared about the Sower and the Seeds in Matthew 13 involved "words". He concluded the Parable saying, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear...

Yes, we can. However bear in mind that the boldness spoken of in acts was that of one on trial, and who was encouraged to not be faint of heart for the Lord, or fear for one's own well being. Not to recant one's faith under pressure.

If we are to "preach" the Gospel of Jesus, then I believe under everyday circumstances we should act just like Jesus acted. That is, quietly and confidently with the "boldness" of conviction. Preaching is not restricted to words. In fact words only accent the most important part of preaching. And that is to live what one believes, and be the light on the hill for all to see by.

Thats all.

v/r

Q

RubySera_Martin · 08-21-2006, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quahom1

Yes, we can. However bear in mind that the boldness spoken of in acts was that of one on trial, and who was encouraged to not be faint of heart for the Lord, or fear for one's own well being. Not to recant one's faith under pressure.

If we are to "preach" the Gospel of Jesus, then I believe under everyday circumstances we should act just like Jesus acted. That is, quietly and confidently with the "boldness" of conviction. Preaching is not restricted to words. In fact words only accent the most important part of preaching. And that is to live what one believes, and be the light on the hill for all to see by.

Thats all.

v/r

Q

Q, I really like the position you take on this thread.

I'm not sure how to say it but some of you insist that faith comes alone through hearing. Maybe it works this way for some people but not for everyone. Many of us grow up in church and never believe because it makes no sense. This is not for lack of hearing but for lack of logic in the doctrine.

I apologize for this emphasis on whether or not the doctrine makes sense but I don't know how else to make my point. I am sure it makes sense to you but it doesn't make sense to me. I am speaking only for myself here. My point is that faith does not necessarily come from hearing. I don't know if I'm right but sometimes I think people who are so "bold" in speaking to strangers about their beliefs are very weak in their trust in the Holy Spirit.

I personally am very tuned in to the message of the Spirit. I will accept its message before I will accept the word of any human no matter how boldly or loudly or appropriately it is spoken. I think there are very many people like this.

A word on the value of seeing as opposed to hearing. Based on my personal experience, I had basically written off Christians as being about the worst kind of people walking the earth. Then I encountered people who accepted me as I was, along with all my "heretical" beliefs. Those Christians put a new face on Christianity for me. Now if their doctrine would also make sense to me (which it doesn't) then I would convert to their church.

I found out that they were accepting, not because they said so, but because they lived it. Every day. As Jesus said, like a city that is set on a hill, their light could not be hid.

JustifiedByFaith · 08-21-2006, 09:24 PM

Dear Quahom1 and RubySera_Martin,

I clearly understand the importance of external things as setting examples to others in our walk with the Lord. I understand the power behind action with words. Again, the point I am trying to make in this thread is the growing "silence" from Christians to "verbally share" Jesus.

Since Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17)

How are unbelievers suppose to believe and be saved by examples of us walking our faith only?

"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"

Romans 10:14

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace...

RubySera_Martin · 08-21-2006, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustifiedByFaith

Dear Quahom1 and RubySera_Martin,

I clearly understand the importance of external things as setting examples to others in our walk with the Lord. I understand the power behind action with words. Again, the point I am trying to make in this thread is the growing "silence" from Christians to "verbally share" Jesus.

Since Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17)

How are unbelievers suppose to believe and be saved by examples of us walking our faith only?

"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"

Romans 10:14

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace...

I think I understand your concern. I am not convinced that your concern is justified. Like Q said, there is one Christian for every two non-Christians. The chances that a non-Christian will pass the whole of life without any exposure whatsoever to the Bible are very slim.

Compare this with the ratio of the time Jesus and Paul were speaking and writing. It logically follows that their messages must be modified to fit the times.

If I am not mistaken, there are more people converting to Christianity these days than there have ever been. Just look at the mega-churches sprouting up all over the place, with their global out-reach missions. Many of these missions maintain both a website and broadcasts via TV and radio, plus Christian literature.

lunamoth · 08-21-2006, 09:53 PM

"Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door. "

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I think there are really very few people in the world who hve not heard of Jesus Christ and Christianity. I am often kind of perplexed by the idea that there are so many people out there dying without hearing about Christ.

When Christianity = Love then they will know that we are Christians by our Love.

Our actions are speaking much louder than our words.

Dondi · 08-21-2006, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubySera_Martin

I personally am very tuned in to the message of the Spirit. I will accept its message before I will accept the word of any human no matter how boldly or loudly or appropriately it is spoken. I think there are very many people like this.

Ruby,

I'm curious as to how you tune into the Spirit's message exactly. Is it through your conscience? Through reading? Through feelings? Through visions or dreams? Do you hear a still, small voice? I've very interested in any insight you might have.

Dondi

lunamoth · 08-21-2006, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubySera_Martin

I think I understand your concern. I am not convinced that your concern is justified. Like Q said, there is one Christian for every two non-Christians. The chances that a non-Christian will pass the whole of life without any exposure whatsoever to the Bible are very slim.

Compare this with the ratio of the time Jesus and Paul were speaking and writing. It logically follows that their messages must be modified to fit the times.

If I am not mistaken, there are more people converting to Christianity these days than there have ever been. Just look at the mega-churches sprouting up all over the place, with their global out-reach missions. Many of these missions maintain both a website and broadcasts via TV and radio, plus Christian literature.

Simultaneous postings. High-five.

JustifiedByFaith · 08-21-2006, 10:01 PM

Dear All,

Hmmm...

JustifiedByFaith · 08-21-2006, 10:03 PM

Dear All,

Again, this was my initial question.

Question: Do we as Christians speak with boldness and confidence about Jesus and share God's word or are we reserved and more concerned about how people perceive us?