Evangelism question

[qui_est_ce]

.

I’ve got a challenge for you.

Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?

I know what I would do!! :newidea: I would set up a website that contains tracts, documents, and links to sources that support the Catholic Church’s teachings on the Truth of the Gospels. I would then introduce a forum, where all are welcome to discuss, argue, dispute, affirm ideas, Theology, Doctrine, Scripture. I would open the forum to the whole world: people of all faiths and non faiths. This would foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue and understanding.

Then I would financially support the website and the forum. uch:

And last, but most importantly, pray for it.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

I know what I would do!! :newidea: I would set up a website that contains tracts, documents, and links to sources that support the Catholic Church’s teachings on the Truth of the Gospels. I would then introduce a forum, where all are welcome to discuss, argue, dispute, affirm ideas, Theology, Doctrine, Scripture. I would open the forum to the whole world: people of all faiths and non faiths. This would foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue and understanding.

Then I would financially support the website and the forum. uch:

And last, but most importantly, pray for it.

que est ce,

    You responded with the above reply to" "Let's say that I'm an unsaved sinner and you're going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?"

“I would set up a website that contains tracts, documents, and links to sources that support the Catholic Church’s teachings on the Truth of the Gospels.”
Did you?

“I would then introduce a forum, where all are welcome to discuss, argue, dispute, affirm ideas, Theology, Doctrine, Scripture.”
Did you?

“I would open the forum to the whole world: people of all faiths and non faiths.”
Did you?

“This would foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue and understanding. ”
In general, does it do so?

“Then I would financially support the website and the forum. uch:”
Great, we should put our money where our heart or mouth is, support what we believe wisely.

“And last, but most importantly, pray for it.”
Prayer is indeed very important.

May I suggest an imperfect analogy? Say a nurse or doctor sees someone in need of medical care, and the person asks them for medical advice. Should they then go and set up a website with medical information and resources that support current and accepted medical practice, introduce a forum where those in need of medical care can discuss, argue, dispute, and affirm ideas and opinions, open the access to anyone who is interested, and financially support the website?
Or besides supporting quality websites, should they respond to the individual who asks them for medical advice? Why would they not stop and help or give advice, unless they are perhaps unsure of their ability to help and give advice? So they give to someone else to do so, not addressing the individual who was present to them?

1 Peter 3:13-22 “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you–not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience–through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.”

2 Tim 4:1-5 "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

God bless,

Michael

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?

Another thing I would do, if I know the person knows and values Scripture, and is not so keen on Tradition and the catechism, I would focus on what they value, Scripture. One topic at a time. Why use a tool they don’t value or respect? Use what they do appreciate. Paul gives us this advice in 1 Cor 9:19-27:

1 Cor 9:19-27 “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; **I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. **Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

God bless,

Michael

 

[qui_est_ce]

  May I suggest an imperfect analogy? Say a nurse or doctor sees someone in need of medical care, and the person asks them for medical advice. Should they then go and set up a website with medical information and resources that support current and accepted medical practice, introduce a forum where those in need of medical care can discuss, argue, dispute, and affirm ideas and opinions, open the access to anyone who is interested, and financially support the website?

God bless,

Michael

He was an online person playing the role of someone who needed conversion. I presumed online, since that is where he was.
Of course I would talk to a person in person about Scripture.
Your analogy therefore does not fit this situation.

And YES I contribute to this forum. CAF started it, so I don’t need to. I was my way of telling him this is a wonderful place to begin to be evangelized.

Do you have a problem with my approach?

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

He was an online person playing the role of someone who needed conversion. I presumed online, since that is where he was.
Of course I would talk to a person in person about Scripture.
Your analogy therefore does not fit this situation.

And YES I contribute to this forum. CAF started it, so I don’t need to. I was my way of telling him this is a wonderful place to begin to be evangelized.

Do you have a problem with my approach?

Yes, it is a wonderful site. He asked “Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?” So, telling him it’s a wonderful place to be evangelized would be how you would do it?

“Of course I would talk to a person in person about Scripture.” Why not do that on-line since the person was asking on-line?

My “problem” relates to the OP’s point. Many of us Catholics will point to someone else, or an apologetics book or tract, or a website when asked to defend or explain our faith. Many Protestants will sit down with an individual and begin with how sinful they were, how they learned about Jesus, how they repented, how Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead, and will walk through Scripture with the individual. They prepare to share their believes one-on-one, as do many Catholics. Seemed to me he was asking to hear it from Catholics on this site, not just what a wonderful site this is.

1 Peter 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”

God bless,

Michael

 

[po18guy]

Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?

First, I pray for years that you will be charitable and not get banned, or I can’t do a thing for you!

p.s. funny you shouild mention being an unsaved sinner…

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

First, I pray for years that you will be charitable and not get banned, or I can’t do a thing for you!

p.s. funny you shouild mention being an unsaved sinner…

John 3:30 "“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

1 Peter 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”

Mt 5:39 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”

 

[po18guy]

John 3:30 "“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

1 Peter 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”

Mt 5:39 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”

Charitable chastisement accepted. This has been a problem for me and I made the reference post tongue in cheek, but that doesn’t show on a screen. I’m going to prayer intentions, where I might possibly be of some use.

Christ’s peace.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

Charitable chastisement accepted. This has been a problem for me and I made the reference post tongue in cheek, but that doesn’t show on a screen. I’m going to prayer intentions, where I might possibly be of some use.

Christ’s peace.

If you don’t mind saying a prayer for me, that would be nice.

I have my problems as well. Tonite was the first time in three weeks I didn’t need to go to confession before Saturday evening Mass.

The homily was such a blessing. The priest talked about love and hate, and thought that the opposite of love is not necessarily hate, rather it is indifference, not acting, not reaching out. Just as the rich man was indifferent, did not act or reach out to Lazarus. Did not want to be concerned, or bothered. Similar to the OT reading from Amos. So… at the sign of peace, the other person in our row, just three or four feet away, totally ignored my attempt to give even a “signalled” sign of peace. Same with the person in the row in front of me. Finally was able to offer the sign of peace to those two and three rows away. Oh well… besides that curious part, the Mass was quite a blessing. I hope God blesses you at Mass as well.

God bless,

Michael

 

[qui_est_ce]

First, I pray for years that you will be charitable and not get banned, or I can’t do a thing for you!

p.s. funny you shouild mention being an unsaved sinner…

mt 28 19-20, lighten up, Brosam is banned, and PoPo does has a point about this.

Brosam has been wandering threads making prepackaged attacks against “Roman Catholics.” He was asked not to use Roman and given the reasons why. He continued to do it. He got banned for a reason, and I can assure you he was warned and the offensive posts removed.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

mt 28 19-20, lighten up, Brosam is banned, and PoPo does has a point about this.

Brosam has been wandering threads making prepackaged attacks against “Roman Catholics.” He was asked not to use Roman and given the reasons why. He continued to do it. He got banned for a reason, and I can assure you he was warned and the offensive posts removed.

Please consider re-reading post 106 and 107.

How does the above address the question of the original post? These two questions remain unaddressed from post 103:

"Yes, it is a wonderful site. He asked “Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?” So, telling him it’s a wonderful place to be evangelized would be how you would do it?

“Of course I would talk to a person in person about Scripture.” Why not do that on-line since the person was asking on-line?

My “problem” relates to the OP’s point. Many of us Catholics will point to someone else, or an apologetics book or tract, or a website when asked to defend or explain our faith. Many Protestants will sit down with an individual and begin with how sinful they were, how they learned about Jesus, how they repented, how Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead, and will walk through Scripture with the individual. They prepare to share their believes one-on-one, as do many Catholics. Seemed to me he was asking to hear it from Catholics on this site, not just what a wonderful site this is.

1 Peter 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”"

God bless,

Michael
Phil 4:4-9

 

[po18guy]

mt 28 19-20, lighten up, Brosam is banned, and PoPo does has a point about this.

Brosam has been wandering threads making prepackaged attacks against “Roman Catholics.” He was asked not to use Roman and given the reasons why. He continued to do it. He got banned for a reason, and I can assure you he was warned and the offensive posts removed.

Aw, shucks, Christine… Good thing no one saw some of my posts regarding the LSD church…oh, you know what I mean

 

[qui_est_ce]

Please consider re-reading post 106 and 107.

How does the above address the question of the original post? These two questions remain unaddressed from post 103:

"Yes, it is a wonderful site. He asked “Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?” So, telling him it’s a wonderful place to be evangelized would be how you would do it?

“Of course I would talk to a person in person about Scripture.” Why not do that on-line since the person was asking on-line?

My “problem” relates to the OP’s point. Many of us Catholics will point to someone else, or an apologetics book or tract, or a website when asked to defend or explain our faith. Many Protestants will sit down with an individual and begin with how sinful they were, how they learned about Jesus, how they repented, how Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead, and will walk through Scripture with the individual. They prepare to share their believes one-on-one, as do many Catholics. Seemed to me he was asking to hear it from Catholics on this site, not just what a wonderful site this is.

1 Peter 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”"

God bless,

Michael
Phil 4:4-9

I’m not sure exactly which two points you would like me to address. I see several beyond the red. But here’s a stab:

1. "Yes, it is a wonderful site. He asked “Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?” So, telling him it’s a wonderful place to be evangelized would be how you would do it?

A. Brosam was here on this Forum, asking how we would evangelize him. He said he was posing as an unsaved sinner ON LINE, therefore, assumed he meant on the Forum he wanted to be evangelized.

1. Many of us Catholics will point to someone else, or an apologetics book or tract

A. If by this you mean you think this is not acceptable. I say it’s valid if it is used as a reference AFTER a personal “in a nutshell” explanation. Many doctrines and practices are complicated and requite lengthy answers. If the questioner is truly interested, he can check credible references. Again, I assume we are talking about evangelizing on this Forum.

1. Seemed to me he was asking to hear it from Catholics on this site, not just what a wonderful site this is.

A. I didn’t see it that way at all. I did answer him personally in an earlier posts on another threads. As did many others. His original posts suddenly appeared at the same time on many threads. They were offensive and rude. He kept using “Roman Catholic” in an inappropriate manner, and was asked several times to stop and given the reasons why. He continued to do it. He talked past the personal replies with prepackaged propoganda.
Forum administrators will issue a warning to the offender and remove the offensive posts. If they don’t heed the warning, they get suspended, and the offensive posts are removed. If they still don’t comply, they get banned. You will never see what I saw that he wrote, because it’s gone now. IMHO (PO I found out it means In My Humble Opinion) Brosam was not here to be evangelized, he was here to attack the CC, hence Po18guy’s reponse.

1. 1 Peter 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”"

A. If you think I am shirking my duty to evangelize myself, you are wrong. I take 1 Pete 3:15 to heart. CA, CAF, EWTN, and our local Covenant Radio Network have been great sources of knowledge for me. That is why I support them financially and with prayer. I also participate in Bible Studay and RCIA in my parish.

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

I’m not sure exactly which two points you would like me to address. I see several beyond the red. But here’s a stab:

1. "Yes, it is a wonderful site. He asked “Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?” So, telling him it’s a wonderful place to be evangelized would be how you would do it?

A. Brosam was here on this Forum, asking how we would evangelize him. He said he was posing as an unsaved sinner ON LINE, therefore, assumed he meant on the Forum he wanted to be evangelized.

So, your answer here is “Yes”?

1. Many of us Catholics will point to someone else, or an apologetics book or tract

A. If by this you mean you think this is not acceptable. I say it’s valid if it is used as a reference AFTER a personal “in a nutshell” explanation. Many doctrines and practices are complicated and requite lengthy answers. If the questioner is truly interested, he can check credible references. Again, I assume we are talking about evangelizing on this Forum.

Never even hinted that one should try to evangelize all by theirself, or not utilize as appropriate the many wonderful resources. Only suggesting not relying mostly on others to speak for one’s faith and what one believes, and not relying mostly on others to verbalize that for an individual.
I like what you say about it being valid after used as s reference after a pesonal “in a nutshell” explanation. True, many doctrices are complicated, and complicated and lengthy answers can be given. Those are probably not as helpful in initial dialogue. The essence of a doctrine can usually be explained “in a nutshell”, arguements or defenses later might require lenghty discussion/reading.

1. Seemed to me he was asking to hear it from Catholics on this site, not just what a wonderful site this is.

A. I didn’t see it that way at all. I did answer him personally in an earlier posts on another threads. As did many others. His original posts suddenly appeared at the same time on many threads. They were offensive and rude. He kept using “Roman Catholic” in an inappropriate manner, and was asked several times to stop and given the reasons why. He continued to do it. He talked past the personal replies with prepackaged propoganda.
Forum administrators will issue a warning to the offender and remove the offensive posts. If they don’t heed the warning, they get suspended, and the offensive posts are removed. If they still don’t comply, they get banned. You will never see what I saw that he wrote, because it’s gone now. IMHO (PO I found out it means In My Humble Opinion) Brosam was not here to be evangelized, he was here to attack the CC, hence Po18guy’s reponse.

I’m not talking here about what was said on other threads, merely at the replies to the OP on this thread. Regardless of how others act toward us, or if we think they are verbally attacking us, we are to be patient, kind, gentle. We are to turn the other cheek. Otherwise, others will not listen to our words, and our evangelization witness will be less credible in their eyes.

1. 1 Peter 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”"

A. If you think I am shirking my duty to evangelize myself, you are wrong. I take 1 Pete 3:15 to heart. CA, CAF, EWTN, and our local Covenant Radio Network have been great sources of knowledge for me. That is why I support them financially and with prayer. I also participate in Bible Studay and RCIA in my parish.

1 Peter 3:15 is just a reminder of how we are to respond when others ask about what we believe. It applies as a reminder to me, as much as anyone else. While supporting worthy missionary/evangelization ministries financially and with prayer, and participating in Bible study and RCIA are admirable, 1 Peter 3:15 does not address that: it is talking about the individual being ready to give a defense of their hope when someone asks. As you stated above: “a personal “in a nutshell” explanation”

God bless,

Michael

 

[qui_est_ce]

1 Peter 3:15 is just a reminder of how we are to respond when others ask about what we believe. It applies as a reminder to me, as much as anyone else. While supporting worthy missionary/evangelization ministries financially and with prayer, and participating in Bible study and RCIA are admirable, 1 Peter 3:15 does not address that: it is talking about the individual being ready to give a defense of their hope when someone asks. As you stated above: “a personal “in a nutshell” explanation”

God bless,

Michael

If I don’t evangelize myself I will not be able to put 1 Peter 3:15 into practice, as I am being told to do. Therefore Bible study and RCIA are not done to be admirable, but rather to be ready as I am called to do in 1 Peter 3:15.

 

[qui_est_ce]

God bless,
He said he was posing as an unsaved sinner ON LINE, therefore, assumed he meant on the Forum he wanted to be evangelized.

So, your answer here is “Yes”?
Michael

What is the question?

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

What is the question?

From your reply, with my comment in blue:

"I’m not sure exactly which two points you would like me to address. I see several beyond the red. But here’s a stab:

1. "Yes, it is a wonderful site. He asked “Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?” So, telling him it’s a wonderful place to be evangelized would be how you would do it?

A. Brosam was here on this Forum, asking how we would evangelize him. He said he was posing as an unsaved sinner ON LINE, therefore, assumed he meant on the Forum he wanted to be evangelized.

So, your answer here is “Yes”?

So, yes, the question was "So, telling him it’s a wonderful place to be evangelized would be how you would do it?

Your response seemed more like a “yes” than a “no”. Please clarify if that is not the case.

God bless,

Michael

 

[qui_est_ce]

1. "Yes, it is a wonderful site. He asked “Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?” So, telling him it’s a wonderful place to be evangelized would be how you would do it?

A. x was here on this Forum, asking how we would evangelize him. He said he was posing as an unsaved sinner ON LINE, therefore, assumed he meant on the Forum he wanted to be evangelized.

So, your answer here is “Yes”?

So, yes, the question was "So, telling him it’s a wonderful place to be evangelized would be how you would do it?

Your response seemed more like a “yes” than a “no”. Please clarify if that is not the case.

God bless,

Michael

Yes, this place is a great place to Evangelize. I would reply to him and answer any questions he may have. Online. Then direct him to more in depth resources if he were interested.

Where are you going with this?

 

[Mt_28_19_20]

If I don’t evangelize myself I will not be able to put 1 Peter 3:15 into practice, as I am being told to do. Therefore Bible study and RCIA are not done to be admirable, but rather to be ready as I am called to do in 1 Peter 3:15.

Obviously, I didn’t write 1 Peter 3. Just pointed it out, as it pertains to all Christians. So, hope you don’t think I’m telling anyone to do something. Looks to me like God is telling us how to live and share our faith.

That is correct, we don’t study the Bible and participate in RCIA instructions to be admired, we do it to know God and share His love with others, and to be ready to do as we are told in 1 Peter 3:15.

The OP was “Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?”

Given how long ago I was Baptized, and the number of years I’ve been ot the age of reason, I hope I would apply 1 Peter 3:15, and not rely solely on referring them to the catechism or a web site to read.

God bless,

Michael

 

[qui_est_ce]

Obviously, I didn’t write 1 Peter 3. Just pointed it out, as it pertains to all Christians. So, hope you don’t think I’m telling anyone to do something. Looks to me like God is telling us how to live and share our faith.

That is correct, we don’t study the Bible and participate in RCIA instructions to be admired, we do it to know God and share His love with others, and to be ready to do as we are told in 1 Peter 3:15.

The OP was “Let’s say that I’m an unsaved sinner and you’re going to share the Gospel with me. How would you do it?”

Given how long ago I was Baptized, and the number of years I’ve been ot the age of reason, I hope I would apply 1 Peter 3:15, and not rely solely on referring them to the catechism or a web site to read.

God bless,

Michael

You are taking my post grossly out of context. I never said I would solely refer them to this website, tracts etc. I have told you that I personally reply, and the direct if they express interest.