Capability

[Dante]

Are apostolics capable of social mobility or interacting with non-apostolics without attempting to convert them? Why is there a burdensome sense of being evangelistic in relationships with people?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Dante

Are apostolics capable of social mobility or interacting with non-apostolics without attempting to convert them? Why is there a burdensome sense of being evangelistic in relationships with people?

Because we have neglected the biblical teaching of God's prevenient grace. We think we have to CONVINCE people through head knowledge to illicit a conversion or choice to obey the Gospel. We forget that God alone draws the sinner through the power of His Spirit prior to conversion. So, instead of trying to convince people to obey the Gospel... we should rely on the leading of the Spirit as He reveals who He is drawing unto Himself. I will typically establish friendships and associations with people offering no effort to convert them... until I feel the Spirit at work in someone's life.

Many called... few are chosen.

[Sean]

Aquila, I have a different take on this matter myself. I believe faith comes by hearing. The seed of faith is to be planted through the means of the word of God to even cause a person to want salvation. it is like the parable of the sower...the seed(Word) must be spread evenly over the entire ground to get a harvest. But some seed(most) have a problem before harvest and wont make it.

Jesus said...if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.


Maybe we arent doing a good job of sowing(lifting up Jesus by His word) the seed?

I know it is speaking of the cross, but what about a spiritual application?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Sean

Aquila, I have a different take on this matter myself. I believe faith comes by hearing. The seed of faith is to be planted through the means of the word of God to even cause a person to want salvation. it is like the parable of the sower...the seed(Word) must be spread evenly over the entire ground to get a harvest. But some seed(most) have a problem before harvest and wont make it.

Jesus said...if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.


Maybe we arent doing a good job of sowing(lifting up Jesus by His word) the seed?

I know it is speaking of the cross, but what about a spiritual application?

Faith does come by hearing. However, it is vitally important to know when the Spirit is drawing a soul. That way the Word preached (outer calling) is coupled with the drawing of the Spirit (inner calling). When these two are operating at the same time it leads to conversion (faith and obedience to Acts 2:38). Preaching does plant a seed. However, that seed may not germinate until the inner calling begins. Also, there may be an inner calling and we fail to present the Gospel, thereby frustrating the work of the Spirit in another's life. So, we should sow seed abundantly. But we should be sensitive to the Spirit at the same time. Also, we should respect the context of the relationship. A casual friendship or business association doesn't always call for a verbal presentation of the Gospel. In cases like these our lives serve as a more appropriate, and therefore powerful, testimony. Of course, the exception to this rule is if we sense the Spirit at work.

[KeptByTheWord]

Jesus gave the Great Commission to all of us. If you are a follower of Christ, and believe in a heaven, and a hell... of course everyone you meet and interact with should hear the good news of the gospel. It is just quite simple.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Dante

Are apostolics capable of social mobility or interacting with non-apostolics without attempting to convert them?

Yes

Is anyone else? Im sure they are but you act as though its only Apostolics that seen to convert others. Such a position is extreme naivety

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Dante

Are apostolics capable of social mobility or interacting with non-apostolics without attempting to convert them? Why is there a burdensome sense of being evangelistic in relationships with people?

I have Evangelicals telling me often I am a cultist on the way to Hell. Many Apostolics seem to simply compromise and never reach out with their faith is my experience.

[shazeep]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

Jesus gave the Great Commission to all of us. If you are a follower of Christ, and believe in a heaven, and a hell... of course everyone you meet and interact with should hear the good news of the gospel. It is just quite simple.

Well, you say 'hear,' which I would sub with 'see...demonstrated.'
But then I am a firm believer that proselytizing was invented to chase people away from God...

[Esaias]

It's amazing Jesus and the apostles ever got anything done considering they didn't know that the best plan is to not actually proclaim the gospel to every creature.

Thankfully we today are more advanced and know better, as proven by our much superior results.

[Abiding Now]

WHY wouldn't an Apostolic want to share his/her testimony of God's grace in their life. I mean, it's such a wonderful experience we should want everyone to have the Holy Ghost.