Davidius
Puritan Board Post-Graduate
So far I've tried several different methods of evangelism in college. I've done open-air preaching, gone up to random people and asked whether I could talk about Jesus with them, passed out tracts, helped campus ministries setup "programs" and other kinds of "event-style evangelism," have talked to friends on an individual basis, etc. Sometimes I felt guilty that I wasn't doing enough. Now I don't even know what I'm supposed to do. Once I became Reformed my understanding of both faith and practice changed drastically. I would not do many of the things I used to approve of in worship; I no longer will accept many things I used to believe. There are passages of scripture which seem to promote a more aggressive style of evangelism and there are others which seem to promote the exact opposite. All in all, there seems to me to be very little said in the epistles about sharing our faith. And most of what is said, both in the epistles and some of what is said in the gospels, seems to be more passive, or "reactionary" than aggressive. I understand that the Great Commission has to influence the way these passages are interpreted but I was wondering whether I could get some help making sense of that (the Great Commission) and other passages.
So how does this fit in with the Great Commission? Am I justified in not feeling guilty for not going door-to-door or passing out tracts, preaching open-air, etc?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 said:...that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
Matthew 5:14-16 said:You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 said:I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Colossians 4:6 said:Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
1 Peter 3:15 said:But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
So how does this fit in with the Great Commission? Am I justified in not feeling guilty for not going door-to-door or passing out tracts, preaching open-air, etc?
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