John Piper - At what point should I share the gospel with my neighbor?

desiringGod.org

[@timothycai4221]

This best way is to pray for your neighbours and waiting for God's time and sentences, so that you may not be run into "method of man"... Always praying will be a good habit to keep for life!!!! God bless you all and brother John!

[@Jazzygoodtimes]

God's time is now, dont put off the command to preach Christ to every creature and substitute prayer for obedience. Let your compassion overcome your fear of sharing because it would be better to take a chance of them not liking you for talking to them about sin righteousness and judgement to come than for them to be burning eternally in hell knowing you could have said something but didnt.

[@chicmommaplants9692]

It becomes that they never talk to me again…including family~ 😅 continuously praying for all those around me that don’t believe~ 🙏

[@ohnobo14]

Hey I am in the same boat so don’t feel alone. No one wants anything to do with me. Even though before I was a sinner and doing all sorts of evil and the second I truly came to Christ, everyone disappeared. I stopped doing bad, and everyone goes away? Jesus said it himself they hate me so they will hate you too.

[@TheCreepypro]

may we share the gospel whenever we can with the help of our Lord's spirit

[@A7medZ]

I prayed 5 minutes ago concerning this.

[@jasonchase2289]

we are to preach to everyone cause its good news.

[@babsskett2757]

Many thanks for your advice. God bless you. It is URGENT to say sonething as time is passing so very quickly.

[@MadeNewInChrist]

because Jesus Christ commanded us to preach the gospel. Matt. 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

[@kevinerose]

What you don't want to happen - is that your neighbor thinks you only befriended him to get something in return (them hearing the gospel). When first meeting someone, you should let them know within the first 2 or 3 times you talk that you let them know you are a Christian. If you start sharing with them after that, then they may wonder why you didn't reveal that before. If you bring it up the first time meeting them, they will think you are only being friendly so that they will go to your church. Let them know early in the relationship and it won't bring up awkward moments between you. If you don't see your neighbor much other than in passing, just things like going to church every Sunday or having religious lawn ornaments will make them aware you are a Christian. Over time, they will notice these things. And then when you do get a chance to speak, you can feel better about sharing with them. And like John says, if you are helping them with a project or digging a ditch, they will feel more obligated to listening to you. But you should let your neighbor know some subtle way early on that you are a Believer. Then when you talk, test them out. Do they go to church? What do they think about spirit matters?

[@DiscipleJRB3]

Rom 10:14-17 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed?And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?As it is written,“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

[@DiscipleJRB3]

Rom 9:16-19 So then it depends not on human will or exertion,but on God,who has mercy.For the Scripture says to Pharaoh,“For this very purpose I have raised you up,that I might show my power in you,and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.You will say to me then,“Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?”But who are you, O man,to answer back to God...Check out Eph 1:3-7...all works together

[@themeloninc]

The greatest secret never shared, but should be...

[@BloodCovenant]

The other day I saw someone in my neighborhood while I was walking the dog. I said: "Hey I have good news for you. The kingdom of God is near and Jesus Christ is Lord". He asked me if I had heard any news from Biden. 😁

[@DiscipleJRB3]

Amen, I agree context is always huge.Still does not change that it says they were chosen before birth so that God's purpose of election might continue, not bc of works but bc of Him who calls in verse 11. What about Eph 1:3-7?It says b4 the foundation of the world was set we were predestined in love for adoption as His sons through Christ Jesus.This does not change the fact that we are commanded to share the gospel, but no one can come to Christ without God opening their eyes.It works together.

[@Inmatinus]

And be ready to answer questions.

[@Inmatinus]

I think its generally better to do it relativly fast. Because the longer you put it off the longer it will bother you, but i also think you should wait till a good moment comes by or/and pray for one to come by. Well prepared is important if you want to share the gospel, aka know the basics of biblical truth, e.g. Jesus' death. You should know what you talk about before you try to engage. If you have a witness that'd be great and i also think that might even have the greatest impact onto him.

[@andrewccal]

Yeah, I'd agree. Either way, it's a person's own worldview, and I'd prefer it if people openly listened to each others' POVs and didn't shove it down each others' throats. I definitely have considered that I may be entirely wrong and that there is no God, nor gods. There's still the doubt in the back of my mind that says maybe I'm wrong, but every time I've entertained those thoughts, I've found too much evidence for a God to be convinced otherwise.

[@ethanmeraz279]

Do you know the Gospel?

[@jailahbryel305]

We’re sinners going to hell but Jesus died so you can have eternal life. Repent and trust in Him only as your savior (not on being a good person)..!

[@ohnobo14]

Spread this fire into secular comment sections my friend ✝️🔥

[@pauline73733]

Today I was at a neighbour's house,and I didn't share the Gospel,feeling awful. She told me she doesn't believe in God,I told her there's a God,and who loves us,and I also asked if she is not afraid of the life after?, because there is a heaven and a hell. Ohh....I was out of words,I thought of telling her that those whose reject God are condemned already but I didn't,on the other i was afraid of misrepresenting the gospel. Yet again,afraid of being religious. Please can someone give me some tips so that next time I meet her,I share the Gospel to her. I live in German,I haven't yet mastered the language,so we were chatting in German. I have a language barrier problem. Did I reject Jesus.Christ by not sharing the Gospel to her? Please any responses? Thank you.

[@svetlanasoboleva]

Beloved Pauline, our Father does not want us to fear, He loves us with everlasting love. What I can share with you is that I always ask for His guidance, for that gentle whisper. Remember, when Jesus sent His disciples He said they should not think in advance what will they say, the Holy Spirit will do it when the time comes. Pray for His advice and listen to your intuition, there is always the right timing that God arranges for the gospel to be shared. Become His flute and let Him sing through you. Peace be your beacon. It is not easy in the beginning but as the time goes by you will be more and more equipped to discern the right moment and will find the right words. Still the best way for me to share is to be a living example, living light. Become the Word and share quietly with no forced conversations )) hope this can bring some consolation to your soul if God allows.

[@pauline73733]

Svetlana Soboleva Thank you. I pray that He will also use me just as He uses others. I makes me sad to meet people who hate God. Life is short,and eternity is forever and hell is a real place. There will be regret,may God help me to reach someone with His Everlasting Truth.

[@bengrady7048]

Hi Pauline, I don't think you did anything wrong. You warned her of the wrath to come, which is very important. If she wasn't concerned about the bad news, the good news probably wouldn't mean anything to her either. I would lean into questions about where everything came from. The fact that we are here now proves God's existence because matter can't create itself and it's not eternal, which means it came from an immaterial and all-powerful source. God is spirit and omnipotent, qualifying him as the source of everything. Ask if she has a better explanation of how matter came into being. She probably believes in the Big Bang. Where did the matter that went "bang" come from? She has faith in someone else's explanation now, just as you have faith in the Bible's explanation of God. Romans 1 and Psalm 19 teach that the creation declares God's glory. I do agree with Svetlana that prayer is essential. I pray that the Lord will open a door for you.

[@2ndPigeon]

Just tell him the arguments that convinced yourself. If they are sound, then they should convince anybody.

[@noahb4645]

It’s actually hard to witness to someone who isn’t interested anyways. If you’re in the right setting though with the right person God has in mind, the Holy Spirit will give you words to say

[@tessalogan586]

Some people just don't want to know , pray for them❤

[@andrewccal]

@UrukEngineer I agree with your statements here too. Just that I think there is evidence to support belief in God. There's too many people that don't know what they believe, just taking on their family's traditions and assuming it as their own.

[@andrewccal]

@UrukEngineer There are two issues here. 1) Historicity of the bible and ideas 2) Christian response to these ideas. There is evidence for Jesus'existence, resurrection, and the resulting movement that is connected to His claim to being God. That can be debated. However, just because the doctrine is not agreeable it may still be true. I don't like gravity, but I can't say it's wrong because I don't like it and it causes a lot of people hip fractures.

[@stayroxy]

This is so tricky because God says to be so careful when talking about God to unbelievers because their souls are like treasures, I never know what to say or when to say it because so many people will put up guards RIGHT AWAY.....Also I wonder if they reject Jesus should you just push it or let it go, God says share the gospel but does it say to push and push it ? Also, more people in North America know about the gospel so ?? I am just so confused by this topic...

[@Inmatinus]

@Abhorsen27 Humility! More than half the battle is how one acts. Very important :)

[@jamiletvalle4697]

God so loved the world that He sent his only son to die that whoever would believe in Him wouldn’t perish but have eternal life! Repent. Follow Jesus!

[@UrukEngineer]

@andrewccal “just because the doctrine (or scientific theory) is not agreeable it may still be true” I whole heartedly agree. I hope that you can see that statement working both for and against any religious belief. Would you be willing to consider that you might be wrong? There may be no god(s)?

[@DiscipleJRB3]

Rom9:11-15 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad-in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls- 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

[@UrukEngineer]

@andrewccal Many people say they are Atheist (and put no caveat on it) because they just find their native religion unpleasant or illogical. Their Atheism is a reaction to religion. However when pressed they acknowledge that a human can’t know everything about everywhere, so the existence of a god(s) can’t be ruled out. Critically however, an Atheist’s position is that there is no evidence to support a belief in god(s).

[@gregsettle5880]

I love Romans 9! But this wonderful chapter is primarily about NATIONS not individuals, and is about SERVICE not salvation. For context flip to Gen 25:23 and let's what the Lord has to say about these twins! The Lord said to her "Two NATIONS (hello) are in your womb, and two PEOPLES (hello, again) from within you will be seperated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will.....(wait for it) SERVE the younger" You can't understand Rom 9 w/out understanding the context!

[@UrukEngineer]

@andrewccal You are right, insulting one another gets us no where. I am, by nature, somewhat direct...but I hate rudeness. The problem is that religious beliefs lack the evidence to place them on the same level as even tentative scientific theories. Therefore religious opinions should be open to robust scrutiny particularly as they support misogyny, homophobia and other unpleasant behaviour. Christains aren’t “evil”, just fundamentally mistaken.

[@UrukEngineer]

@andrewccal "Why do you have to be so mean?..." That is one of the fairest questions I have had from a believer (I assume that your subscription to this channel is valid evidence) I don't feel that I am mean, certainly not compared to many on YT. But I accept that it may seem so. I felt that any advocate of proselytising should not go unchallenged. There is no evidence for a god, let alone the biblical one. Therefore why peddle unjustified claim?

[@grantjoh2931]

Shouldn't the Holy Spirit Convict one who witnesses? Can one really plant the seed without the Holy Spirit doing its work through you? Else, wouldn't witnessing just to be witnessing be "filthy rags" to Jesus rather than baring "good fruit." Doesn't the Holy Spirit make disciples of men, even though many times believers are a vehicle?

[@music-man2795]

In my experience, every single witness occurred after heart wrenching conviction of myself by the Holy Spirit which followed up with an opportunity to share the gospel. I like to think of these as ‘divine appointments’ because it was as if God had already decided that such a thing would be discussed in such a way on that exact day. I’ve never found myself in a situation where I share the gospel without first receiving direction from God. He had always allowed the conversation to turn in my favor and THEN I speak once given the opportunity. At worst, God will have me share the gospel when I don’t want to, but never when I’m not ready.

[@music-man2795]

Lizzy Not about Christ. Conversation would usually start with something mutual. Like concerns about politics, favorite activities, work to be done around the house, education, etc. From these topics I was quite often able to follow up with the gospel and how the message of Christ was relevant to me even in things like sports or business; and especially concerning politics. If that answer was too long: yes, there are times in which I will initiate the conversation but I’m admittedly too shy to start off with Christ. I personally choose to start with common interests and then move on from there. (Now, of course, I only say that I was Spirit led because all of the people I have spoken to [except 5] were genuinely interested in what I had to say and believed in Christ having died for their sins. Since it’s up to God to reveal his Son to us, I have full confidence that the Holy Spirit used those encounters to have those people saved.)

[@jes9157]

@@music-man2795 Need help.. What should I do.. the time is running and My neighbors do not have saving faith.. I feel dry.. I don't know if the Holy Spirit is still in me.. I lost convictions due to rebellion.. How can I tell them the truth.. :'((

[@music-man2795]

JcsBee ʕ•ع•ʔ You need to calm yourself down and understand that God has not and can not leave you. You won’t be able to speak about God very well while you feel the way you do. Relax and reconnect with the Holy Spirit by preaching the gospel to yourself and then once you accept that Jesus died once and for all of your sins you will have the words to share with your neighbor. Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift (not “reward” that it could be earned) of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Romans 8:38-9 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. God will speak through you and to your neighbors for the glory of His Son. But *you* need to understand that God your Father and Jesus’ Father is for you and not against you! Watch this video and then preach to your neighbors. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3_Pi4V6o95ng80 I have prayed for you.

[@jes9157]

@@music-man2795 Thank you for your kindness.. Actually, I lost my fellowship with God since July.. I've been praying and praying every day that He would finally restore me. I'm hopeless.. It's now too difficult for me to show love to others.. :'((

[@UrukEngineer]

@andrewccal Christains however don't recognise their worldviews as "opinions", they form the core of their identity. Because they have "raised the stakes" in this way, ANY critism of their worldview is seen by them as a personal attack. I would rather they did not feel that way.

[@JunkmanJim]

If my neighbor starts in with telling me what to believe, I will start telling them about my toilet habits, it is all about boundaries......

[@justinvarner9094]

It's not "what to believe" it's THE TRUTH. Without it you'll be swept away

[@tessalogan586]

@@justinvarner9094 You said it!

[@roseNthorn]

You can decide what to believe. We are commanded to share the good news with you. What you do with it is up to you.

[@tessalogan586]

@@roseNthorn ❤

[@jesusfollowerswomenministries]

God designed our world so that everything would exist in perfect harmony. He made humankind in His image, so that we had the capacity to worship Him and walk with Him. Because God created you, He loves you. You exist to glorify Him in a real relationship.Mankind has rebelled against God, choosing to live for ourselves instead of for Him. This rebellion, called sin, has come between us and God. This sin brings about brokenness in our personal lives, our relationships, and also our world. Not only has it separated us from Him and His perfect design, it also brings judgment and death.Because God loves us, He sent His only son Jesus to rescue us from our sins. The Bible says that “God shows his love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross as payment for our sins, was buried, and rose again from the dead. His resurrection proves that God has accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. Believe in Him and go to Jesus in faith and trust in Him and trust in Him for salvation and repent of your sins and He will hear from Heaven and forgive you of your sins and save you from all sin and from death and from the enemy and from the wrath of God that's against sin. (Romans 5,6,7,8, John 3:16, 1 John 1:9). I'll be praying for you to come to know the true God of all and experience His true love and Holy Spirit and salvation and i pray you'll go to Him and get saved Amen in Jesus name

[@gregsettle5880]

If your a calvinist it doesn't matter, right? I mean those neighbors are either elect or not, so your witnessing to them would have no effect at all,correct? I mean it's like a man putting his precious little daughter to bed and saying"Daddy hopes that God loved you and picked you for heaven,but if He didn't and you are a wicked vessel designed for destruction,I just want you to know that while you are being tortured forever and ever that your daddy really loved you"No thanks,you can keep that!

[@andrewccal]

@UrukEngineer Why do you have to be so mean?...

[@angloaust1575]

Direct people to read bible!

[@exilfromsanity]

Question; "At what point should I share the gospel with my neighbor?" Answer; When you feel you want to embarrass yourself and show that you believe in fairy tales that a 5 year old would find incredible.

[@jesusfollowerswomenministries]

Not a fairytale. Spreading the Gospel is spread God's true love and salvation for all mankind. God is real and so is His words. Even if you don't believe it you can't change the fact that God is real and that the Gospel is the power of God's salvation. God designed our world so that everything would exist in perfect harmony. He made humankind in His image, so that we had the capacity to worship Him and walk with Him. Because God created you, He loves you. You exist to glorify Him in a real relationship.Mankind has rebelled against God, choosing to live for ourselves instead of for Him. This rebellion, called sin, has come between us and God. This sin brings about brokenness in our personal lives, our relationships, and also our world. Not only has it separated us from Him and His perfect design, it also brings judgment and death.Because God loves us, He sent His only son Jesus to rescue us from our sins. The Bible says that “God shows his love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross as payment for our sins, was buried, and rose again from the dead. His resurrection proves that God has accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. Believe in Him and go to Jesus in faith and trust in Him and trust in Him for salvation and repent of your sins and He will hear from Heaven and forgive you of your sins and save you from all sin and from death and from the enemy and from the wrath of God that's against sin. (Romans 5,6,7,8, John 3:16, 1 John 1:9). I'll be praying for you to come to know the true God of all and experience His true love and Holy Spirit and salvation and i pray you'll go to Him and get saved Amen in Jesus name

[@gregsettle5880]

That's what I'm getting at. According to the man-made doctrine of irrestible grace (nothing about it in the scriptures) folks can't help but to come to God, they can do nothing else! Then that renders evangelism completely unnecessary!

[@bengrady7048]

Hi Greg, when someone is drawn by irresistible grace they can't resist because they don't want to resist. It is because the Holy Spirit changes their heart, making them want to come to Christ. A good passage to look at is John 6:37-44. [Jhn 6:37, 44 ESV] 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. ... 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. Also, Romans 8:29-30. [Rom 8:29-30 ESV] 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. The doctrine of irresistible grace doesn't change the fact that God uses means in the way he draws people. He uses his word in order to draw people to Christ. That's why we need to evangelize.

[@cougarsrule45]

And you either of a very warped understanding of calvinism, or you are blatantly lying to deceive people and prevent them from LOVING reformed theology. I hope it's not the latter.

[@dannyvalastro2974]

Why share God already knows our outcomes whi will burn in hell or womt there is no free will period this plan is a really bad for mankind there is no chance for change or redemption why would God create a plan that is hopeless if he truly loved us why would God knowingly create us knowing people would burn in hell forever

[@georgexyzabc]

What do you mean??? We were all created by God, for Him, for His glory, to be with Him, however like any relationship, there’s a choice right? if anyone forces somebody else to be with them, it is not love correct? so there has to be a choice. Sadly, we all chose to rebel, disobey, and sin against our holy God which means we are deserving of His punishment //: the reason why hell seems offensive is because sin doesn’t seem offensive enough //: it’s not about the crime we commit, it’s about Who we have committed a crime against //: BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS that same God who woke us today, who provides us food, water, and shelter, in His love for you and me, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world, who lived a righteous life and yet willingly took our punishment, died for our sins. then He was buried and He resurrected 3 days later offering eternal life to all who fully trust in Him alone as their *Lord and Savior*, there is hope, forgiveness, and everlasting life available only in Christ

[@dannyvalastro2974]

@@georgexyzabc by the bible there is no choice period it's a one way ticket too hell gid knowingly created satan knowing he would fall and be tortured forever there is no chance for change or redemption gid has him condemned forever and if you were. Created him you would suffer the same fate you would have too burn in bell forever a free will involves change not putting domekmw in a trap forever

[@jesusfollowerswomenministries]

God won't send everyone to hell. God calls us all to come to Him so he can save them. God designed our world so that everything would exist in perfect harmony. He made humankind in His image, so that we had the capacity to worship Him and walk with Him. Because God created you, He loves you. You exist to glorify Him in a real relationship.Mankind has rebelled against God, choosing to live for ourselves instead of for Him. This rebellion, called sin, has come between us and God. This sin brings about brokenness in our personal lives, our relationships, and also our world. Not only has it separated us from Him and His perfect design, it also brings judgment and death.Because God loves us, He sent His only son Jesus to rescue us from our sins. The Bible says that “God shows his love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross as payment for our sins, was buried, and rose again from the dead. His resurrection proves that God has accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. Believe in Him and go to Jesus in faith and trust in Him and trust in Him for salvation and repent of your sins and He will hear from Heaven and forgive you of your sins and save you from all sin and from death and from the enemy and from the wrath of God that's against sin. (Romans 5,6,7,8, John 3:16, 1 John 1:9). I'll be praying for you to come to know the true God of all and experience His true love and Holy Spirit and salvation and i pray you'll go to Him and get saved Amen in Jesus name

[@dannyvalastro2974]

@@jesusfollowerswomenministries of God sends anyone too.hell forever he is a monster

[@UrukEngineer]

"At what point should I share the gospel with my neighbor?" Save it for bedtime stories along with unicorns, fairies and Santa.

[@jesusfollowerswomenministries]

The Gospel is real and is true. It's not a fairytale no matter what. God designed our world so that everything would exist in perfect harmony. He made humankind in His image, so that we had the capacity to worship Him and walk with Him. Because God created you, He loves you. You exist to glorify Him in a real relationship.Mankind has rebelled against God, choosing to live for ourselves instead of for Him. This rebellion, called sin, has come between us and God. This sin brings about brokenness in our personal lives, our relationships, and also our world. Not only has it separated us from Him and His perfect design, it also brings judgment and death.Because God loves us, He sent His only son Jesus to rescue us from our sins. The Bible says that “God shows his love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross as payment for our sins, was buried, and rose again from the dead. His resurrection proves that God has accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. Believe in Him and go to Jesus in faith and trust in Him and trust in Him for salvation and repent of your sins and He will hear from Heaven and forgive you of your sins and save you from all sin and from death and from the enemy and from the wrath of God that's against sin. (Romans 5,6,7,8, John 3:16, 1 John 1:9). I'll be praying for you to come to know the true God of all and experience His true love and Holy Spirit and salvation and i pray you'll go to Him and get saved Amen in Jesus name

[@UrukEngineer]

@@jesusfollowerswomenministries Wow, this is an old thread...I'll respond nevertheless. You clearly state WHAT you believe. However, I'd like to understand WHY you believe it.

[@gregsettle5880]

If irrestible grace it true, why bother with the gospel, it is unnecessary!

[@jamiletvalle4697]

It definitely is. What do you mean irresistible grace?