Comments on: Witnessing Wisdom

By: Sandrine

Sandrine — Mon, 29 May 2017 04:16:34 +0000

Ouch!
The whole problem is there: to be led by the Holy Spirit … to recognize when He leads us to something … But? ?
What about “throwing bread roll to the surface of the water”?
I think I often confuse this with throwing pearls to pigs…

By: Lynne clark

Lynne clark — Mon, 22 May 2017 19:31:25 +0000

Oh wow what a great message. I always worry that I have missed an opportunity in speaking to people about Jesus but you have made this teaching so simple, thank you chip

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 22 May 2017 17:45:56 +0000

I ask the Lord to let me see the spiritual condition of others when I come into contact with them. Then I can spiritually unite with them at their level. It’s then that they can see Christ in me and become thirsty and then because they are open, I can share the truths they need with them. Some need a hug, others a kick in the seat of their pants. I hope this doesn’t sound too complicated because it isn’t.

By: Mario C. Alleckna

Mario C. Alleckna — Fri, 22 May 2015 14:53:06 +0000

Thank you Chip. A very important subject. I call it the sender/receiver principle. If we want to send (speak) out a certain message, unless the person was prepared (heart) by Him to receive it, it’s just going to fall on deaf ears (rocky ground). Even in our desire to serve we must completely surrender to His constant guidance, for without Him we can do nothing. It is better to just sit at His feet than to busily run around, doing our own thing.

By: Joanne

Joanne — Fri, 23 May 2014 02:34:06 +0000

Thank you for the reminder that it is when we are sent to one who is open, interested, enquiring, that the truth is heard. When one has the “evangelist mindset” then there is the “need” to throw out the seed, regardless, trusting it to land where it will. It was, for me, a point well taken, your saying that we are to give where we are led by the Spirit, for the Spirit knows who is able to “spend the 10 pennies,” and not just throw them down.
The ” good, glad, merry news that makes a man leap for joy” (the REALLY good news) is what is needed (so often, alas, what is told bad news). And, PTL, as you point out, such opportunities are HIS leading.
Thank you…

By: Jim Kahler

Jim Kahler — Thu, 22 May 2014 17:41:47 +0000

Great word at the perfect time for me!

By: Chip Brogden

Chip Brogden — Thu, 22 May 2014 15:26:35 +0000

In reply to Lance.

My purpose is to make a distinction between being led by the Spirit and being led by the flesh, or by need. I realize the evangelical mindset teaches us to always being going, always be witnessing, share with everyone, etc. But like a lot of other activities that we are trained in or think we should do based on need (such as church planting), that position is not fully supported by Scripture.

Today’s writing is only a portion of a longer article. Perhaps the whole article will help clarify my perspective:

To Whom Am I Sent?
http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/to-whom-am-i-sent.html

By: Lance

Lance — Thu, 22 May 2014 14:50:44 +0000

Ones view on this very much depends on ones interpretation of the parable of the sower and other passages. The sower is the evangelist (all Christians are commanded to be an evangelist). The seed is always good because it is the Gospel. The sower throws seed on all of the soil. Why? Because God is responsible for the soil, not the sower. While the seed is precious, it is also in abundance, otherwise the sower would carefully plant each seed instead of throwing it. I can happily and joyfully toss seed because God is responsible for the soil and not me. My job is to make sure I have the proper seed (as Peter says, “make sure I am in the faith”) and then to toss it to everyone. God’s Word is Living & Active. I don’t have to fear that it will somehow lose it’s Power.
As an evangelist I toss seed everywhere. I hand out gospel tracts to people in parking lots, I leave them on tables, I do questionnaire evangelism, and I share the Gospel with family, friends, and neighbors. I am not going to hide the Gospel until the appropriate time comes up. The time is always NOW. I share the Gospel in season and out of season; whether the visible church supports or opposes me. I will not be GUILTED into NOT sharing the Gospel to anyone who will listen As I GO.
In 20 years of being an evangelist I have found the main hindrance and opposition comes from the church(s) and church leadership, and even from those, like us, who are in the wilderness. I have many sad stories of how Satan uses Christians with “good intentions” to hinder evangelism.
I agree that the evangelist is not to argue, etc…. with those who clearly do not want to listen and are trying to waste your time. One of the things that EE and Way of the Master teach is to specifically pray for divine appointments; also discernment when witnessing. I know this is what you meant when writing the article, but it came out as though those that witness regularly are somehow wasting their time.

By: Nalinimatilda

Nalinimatilda — Thu, 23 May 2013 01:35:02 +0000

Your message is as true as our Gospel of Christ Jesus.Thank you and may the Lord keep you and your family safe Bro.Chip.

By: Eddie

Eddie — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:34:17 +0000

Thanks for the wise advice shared, bro Chip. It’s a valuable reminder of our absolute dependence on God’s Spirit . Unless God first draw someone, and we feel “led” to approach the individual, it can be a total waste of time trying to “persuade,” or as it were, “witness” to the person who is not the least sincere or interested. I remember a few cases of people who were more interested in receiving us so long as they are able to “scrounge” some money from us. Their focus was more on the financial gain they could get out of us rather than the message itself. Learning to discern and being let by the Holy Spirit is so important if we are to really go about “bearing fruits.” Jesus’ words “Abide in Me, for without Me, you can do nothing” (John 15 : 5) is so apt. Spending time communing with God daily and continually is so necessary. Without the Vine Life, witnessing can only go where human efforts can take us. Sadly, most of the time, this is nothing but self trying to accomplish what God has not put into our hearts. The flesh always lead to death but the Spirit gives life.