Comments on: Distractions from the Gospel – Part 1: Busyness

By: Distractions from the Gospel - Introduction « Eclectic Christian

Distractions from the Gospel - Introduction « Eclectic Christian — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:29:23 +0000

[...] Busyness [...]

By: Distractions from the Gospel - Part 3: Church Contentment « Eclectic Christian

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:24:02 +0000

[...] is the Intro, Part 1, and Part [...]

By: Distractions from the Gospel - Part 2: Politics and The Culture War « Eclectic Christian

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:50:30 +0000

[...] Part 1: Busyness Part 2: Politics and the Culture War Over the last several weeks I have been thinking about things that distract us from the Gospel. The issue of Politics and the Culture War has to be one of the most significant. To state the issue briefly, Evangelical Christians in the United States have been very concerned with trying to determine who is going to be the political party in power. This is as result of two things, the Republican Party co-opting the religious right by preying on their fears of a homosexual focused, or pro-choice agenda coming from the Democratic Party, along with Evangelical Christians having general concerns about these things and so looking to support a party that shares their concerns. [...]

By: Eclectic Christian

Eclectic Christian — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:50:30 +0000

Hi Steve,

As I reread my original post I realize that my words “no way” are not accurate. This was probably what you were picking up on. I am editing the post to be respectful of the fact that it is God who saves, and the Holy Spirit who changes hearts.

By: Steve Martin

Steve Martin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:43:30 +0000

Good points , Michael, and well taken.

The Lord does work and move in mysterious ways, and the “wind doth bloweth where it will”.

I guess an amalgam of witnessing tecniques wouldn’t hurt. For some, the relationship is key, for others the Word is ready to do it’s work right now.

I guess as many different personalities there are, that as many ways the lord is willing to work to make Himself known.

Great post, Michael!

By: Mitch Sylvia

Mitch Sylvia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:55:34 +0000

I long ago came to the conclusion that the volume of church activities is part of the problem that hinders some of us from bringing the gospel to others. Many of our churches have multiple programs that are geared solely to Christians. Thus, we isolate ourselves from the world. For example, Sunday morning and evening services, mid-week services and so forth.

We could a much better job of encouraging Christians to intentionally build relationships with unbelievers and train them to share their faith naturally with others. Part of doing that might be to reduce some of the busyness that is inherently built into church life.

By: Eclectic Christian

Eclectic Christian — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:16:33 +0000

Hi Steve,

I understand where you are coming from, but I have found that for people to really care what I have to say it takes trust, and trust isn’t something you establish overnight.

My brother Pat spent the last twelve years in Japan. In the first six year they saw one person come to Christ through their Ministry. In the next six years they saw over twenty. The difference relationships and trust built up over time.

There are exceptions. I have gone out on the streets with the four spiritual laws, connected with people and seen them make commitments to Christ. I had one friend in particular who had a God given gift of being able to say exactly the right thing to the right person.

But most of my experiences have been of the former variety.

Now having said all that, it may be that both Canadian and Japanese cultures are different enough to the U.S. situation that their are more natural bridges that can be made their as compared to here.

By: Steve Martin

Steve Martin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:22:32 +0000

“The problem is, if we don’t have significant relationships with our neighbors then there is no way that we can effectively share with them about the good news of Jesus Christ.”

The Word will make it’s own way. It doesn’t take too long, and you don’t need to know someone all that well to find out where they are being had by this world. We know that they are. We all are.
Find out what’s eating them, relate to them an area or two where you too are taking a beating by this world, then give them the good news of Jesus Christ for them.