StanRP wrote:
Hi Sandy,
RE: "When questions come up, and sometimes they do, I tell then how He has changed me and loved me." That is BEING a witness - telling what God has done for you.
too bad that's not the gospel. (the good news)
The good news is that all humans are condemned to be punished in Hell because they are sinners who hate God but because God is a merciful and loving God He has made a way of escape, to repent and turn to the only one who can save them....Jesus Christ who suffered in place of His elect, taking the wrath of God so that they won't.
That's the gospel. Not "see what He's done for me!"
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All too often the church re-defines 'witnessing' to mean "judging and condemning:" telling people they meet "You are a sinner and going go hell - unless..."
And bravo to them...all too often though folks like to water that real message down (as you have) and thereby neuter it of the truth.
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When people ask or question, they are ready to listen - and they will only ask if they see in you something that they like and want for themselves.
Once again, that's not biblical. Folks are sinners, haters of God, lovers of self, they are to be told the truth of their condition and unless God changes their heart, they will stay in rebellion forever. Sinners don't want God...period.
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You write: " I love and enjoy my photography friends, ". This is fulfilling what Jesus said in "John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
Which is a totally separate issue than what we are commanded to tell pagans.
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Your friends like what they see in you and want what you have for themselves.
Not if you are truthful about the gospel message they won't.
If you whitewash it and don't tell them the truth of course they will like it! you are tickling their ears with a false gospel that cannot save.
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Your love of photography
along with your love for that friend was the means of giving guidance relating to reincarnation etc.
Blessings,
Stan.
Not sure what reincarnation has to do with Christianity....hmmm