What Verses Support Evangelization of Faith?

[Gethsemane]

I tend to be very open and straight forward about my Catholic faith and my beliefs. Usually though, in the company of Non-Catholics I generally won’t talk about religion unless provoked.

When I say provoked, I mean that questions and statements arise during conversation that have to do with homosexual and bisexuality, that God doesn't exist, that religion is just a means of control for governments and that the Bible was written by a bunch of drunk men to make money. Regardless the issue there is no way that I can remain quiet and so I attempt to explain the Truth. 

As a result, I have been accused of constantly bringing up religion and shoving my beliefs down other people's throats. Recently, a semi-Christen friend has claimed that it says in the Bible that one is not supposed to evangelize their beliefs and simple remain quiet. Since the friend could not cite the exact verse which says this, I asked that they find the verse and then come back.

In the meantime, I intend to better prepare myself for the battle. Since this Christian is clearly substantiating everything from the Bible, are there any other verses aside from Matthew 4:19-20 and 5:14-15 which support the evangelization of Faith?

 

[Trishie]

“When the Advocate comes, whom I shall send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father, He will be my witness. And you too will be my witnesses.” [John 15: 26-27]

“When He comes, He will show the world how wrong it was, about sin…and about judgement” and “about who was in the right: proved by my going to the Father…proved by the prince of this world already being condemned.”

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but indeed…to the ends of the earth.” [John 16: 12-13, 15]

Before His ascension, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always, yes even to the end of time.” [Matthew 28:17-20]

A powerful way of witnessing is to live the gospel and the Sacraments authentically and faithfully.

 

[Gethsemane]

Thank you very much for providing these verses for me. They were very helpful.

 

[PJM]

I tend to be very open and straight forward about my Catholic faith and my beliefs. Usually though, in the company of Non-Catholics I generally won’t talk about religion unless provoked.

When I say provoked, I mean that questions and statements arise during conversation that have to do with homosexual and bisexuality, that God doesn't exist, that religion is just a means of control for governments and that the Bible was written by a bunch of drunk men to make money. Regardless the issue there is no way that I can remain quiet and so I attempt to explain the Truth. 

As a result, I have been accused of constantly bringing up religion and shoving my beliefs down other people's throats. Recently, a semi-Christen friend has claimed that it says in the Bible that one is not supposed to evangelize their beliefs and simple remain quiet. Since the friend could not cite the exact verse which says this, I asked that they find the verse and then come back.

In the meantime, I intend to better prepare myself for the battle. Since this Christian is clearly substantiating everything from the Bible, are there any other verses aside from Matthew 4:19-20 and 5:14-15 which support the evangelization of Faith?

Mt. 28: "18* And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."*

1 Tim 4: "14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. 15 Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. "

1 Tim. 2: "1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything. "

2 Tim. 3:16 "15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and * profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. "

There are more, but if this does not convience them, they are neither ready or willing to be convienced:blush:

There ya go friend:thumbsup:

Keep asking questions, we are here to assist

God bless and guide you in your ministery!

 

[fhansen]

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1Pet 3:15-16

 

[Strategery]

Always be prepared to give an answer to **everyone who asks you **to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,1Pet 3:15

This is worth repeating, IMO.

We are called to be prepared to give an answer.

To whom? Those who ask.

How? With gentleness and respect.