BiblicalGospel

Reaching Grandma

2026-05-06T22:49:32.699-07:00

Reaching Grandma for Jesus

When I was 7 my grandma's friend had a ferret or weasel that I got to meet. He was in a cage. They let me feed him; lil hamburger (string like consistency) pieces, and he mistakenly bit my finger. Somehow my mom found out, I think from school. There was a rabies fear. That's when mom severed my relationship with grandma. *She forced her to choose between me, and her only friend [who helped her get groceries and get around since she never drove]. Obv she had to pick her friend and I dont blame her. [I was very mad at my mom for weeks]. And then she was erased from my life. But God planned it and for good reason. My godly grandparents and church lead me to salvation as a preteen. And my other grans worldly influence was prevented in my formative years.

Right after I graduated HS at 17, my mom kicked me out of the house; sadly feel they (her and step dad) waited 14 yrs to do that. Anyway my aunt found out and moved me in with her in SoCal (for some months before helping me rent a room elsewhere). While at my aunts I had a phone number in my head and had no idea who it was. I told her, she said call it 😀 and see! It was my father's mom! My grandma. How crazy! I dont ever remember calling her as a kid. I somehow memorized it though.

Calls cost $ back then, so we would only talk sometimes and I would write letters occasionally. I didnt live a year at that shared residency. Between job losses, no driving liscense or car, no trandportation in that town, there was nowhere else for me to go but homeless. A gf of a guy who was living downstairs was a Navy aircraft mechanic and she encouraged me to go inti the military, and I could learn a job there. Job security, steady paycheck and maybe see the world. My aunt had shown me how to use a copier at her job, and encouraged me towards secretarial work (and to move up from there). I had done computers in 80s in 9th grade, and had done typing too a little bit. And had applied to college fir one class (but was so broke I had to withdrawl), so it seemed a good plan.

So I took what $ I had, got to a bus, did a farewell tour seeing family in the State, and got to meet up with & stay with grandma like a week or so. So that was great!

When I got out of the mil 4 yrs later, she had moved (to a new rental home in my grandparents town), and I stayed there with her.

As adult when we reconnected, God was showing her that he answered her prayer even after 10+ yrs, and that shouldve also drew her to Jesus. Her BFF secretly said to me after we had reconnected that she had "lived" in hope for that day. It kept her alive. Even in her last days in the hospital she had time to get right with God; God was gracious with her to have that time with me and to be reminded of her need for Him.

I knew I had to tread lightly when I tried to reach her but wanted to somehow start convos towards faith towards the Gospel, as best I could. I had to balance it carefully because she was totally into horoscopes and worldly ideas [even had shelves full of horiscope book subscription stuff. At one point she told me (at her rental home of my childhood) that a house across the way used to be a brothel house in the gold rush days, it was for sale, and suggested I could buy it and become a madam 😬 ], and so I wasnt sure how to approach faith convos well and not offend, nor get booted out [I did have that fear, and I shouldnt have, as God is in control]. But living with her off and on a few years [awaiting my fiance/husband to get out of the military; we were on opposite US coasts at that time], meant would have nowhere to live if the relationship soured somehow. Godly Grandma died while I was in military, and Grandpa moved to a cottage on his property (and his son got the family homestead), so no room for me there. I was never wanted at home and had no one to fall back on. Plus, I had to take into consideration what I learned about her life a bit, trying to find the right way in, so that faith convos went well.... hard when you've not been trained in evangelism.

Her parents had "sold" her into marriage, her in-laws "used her as a slave" in their restaurant [dishwasher, and no pay], her husband was a drunk and abuser, & when her 2 sons were about 5 to 7 she fled from there to another state [AZ to CA] wuth them. Her son [my bio father] resented her for taking them away from his dad. Kids are ignorant and dont understand stuff. His resentment about it continued her whole life. He only saw her very rarely but did come for trash and lawnmowing the last year of her life [when her live in Vietnam shellshocked other sons death insurance $ enabled her to finally buy a home; it happened to be a few blocks away from my godly grandparents home!]. I never knew him and he only came around 1x after I got out of the military, (I got to meet him for like 5 brief minutes). Outside of that the 6 yrs I knew her after reunited, he wasnt in her life, not holidays, nothing. [He abandoned my mom while early pregnant w me to marry some other woman]. He never was in contact with her either when I was a kid, not even around when I was at her place. I believe he took the trash to the dump every week but I never seen him. Even if I heard metal trash cans outside, and if she said it was "her son taking the trash out", I was oblivious to what that meant 🙃, cuz I never knew he existed.

When living w her on and off 6 months at a time (when my husband wasnt in port in VA), I didnt know if she hated God; blamed him for her life or what. I had tried to try to find ways to talk to her. At one point I was reading my Bible in the living room, and she saw it sometimes. I gifted her one at some point [before hubby got out of mil]. One ot two times I saw her at the table with it open and read browsing it with her big magnifying glass. But she never asked me anything. I couldve asked her then if she understood what the Bible was all about, so as to try to talk about Jesus, (but it wasnt till a decade later that I found out I could say what the whole Bible is about in a nutshell, in one sentence). I was a young 23 year old from small churches, and no churches in mil (cuz theyre not run by saved people, and where I was stationed there was no way to get to land, nor in places people spoke english). I wasnt equipped for those adult convos well. Though I had a few attempts with a friend in the barracks overseas.

I did get a chance to ask if grandma if she had ever seen street preachers back in her younger years [it was pretty normal back then], and she said she had. So I knew she had heard about Jesus. Idk if she saw Repent, Jesus Saves, and flee Hell type pickets too. It was early 1900s, (est 1911). It was normal in society for everyone in America to go to Church, for businesses to be closed on Sunday and society then was very Christian. Even though she had the life she had, lived single, worked as a dishwasher till in her 70s she retired, she had to have heard about Jesus.

That was all a couple years before I had evangelism training, so I had no guidance on what to do to start convos, but if in a convo I mightve done well, and if needed, just looped grandpa or the pastor in... if open.

My godly grandparents tried to reach her many times when I was young, (I went between their homes every weekend till the incident) and when they ran into her once in a blue moon after that, like at a store or in town, (which I didnt know about until after she passed, grandpa told me).

I asked her to church a few times, but she never went. I went to the church with grandpa when I was in town, its my home church too. Went there since a baby, and every weekend till 14 (when we moved). It was nice to be back though the solid old-time pastor was gone, and a new younger couple with toddlers was there now. Well, I had been asked by the pastors wife to be involved in a drama skit probably about 8 months before grandma died. And I thought it would be good to do so I could get grandma to the church and hopefully hear the Gospel again. It was a bit hard to memorize the play, even when learning and role playing w other cast members. It was just a couple of us, but at least it was at church so grandma wouldnt hear it (spoilers). The pastors wife looked a little bit like me, I think I was the only gal in her 20s in the church anyway. And I played the younger her. It turns out the short play was about a woman who died who had to stand before God to give account for her life to God. And had flashbacks (my role) to her sins in life. The pastor preached a sermon of sorts after the play, the Gospel was proclaimed, and a call to salvation made. I was able to get her to come (jumped for joy inside) and my hope was she would come to Jesus & God would save her. But she came, heard and we went home. I'm sure grandpa prayed for her [he drove us], as I did. She didnt then, but hopefully she thought about it.

A short amt of time passed, my husband was out of the service, we moved down to LA, and visited her on weekends, (and holidays) after that. Then one Friday we drove up for New Year's and we were in bed. The rooms were across from each other (the open living room diagonally was in between us) and we settled in for the night. We left the doors to the rooms open, and I heard her kinda wheezing. It sounded odd, I never heard that before. So I woke hubby and had him listen too. Something wasnt right. So I got up to check on her and she was having trouble catching air but said "it happens sometimes". *She had a "puffer" she used, occasionally to catch her breathe. I had no idea it was an inhaler or what that meant. I just knew she occasionally used it. Well, she was a huge chain smoker her whole life, and I never connected dots, cuz she had stopped smoking 10 yrs ago (I guess when I was 8), but her lungs never healed from that. Since she didnt smoke [thank God] when I came back into her life, it never dawned on me. And I had no idea what emphysema was. And she never told me, not even that night.

Anyway it was a *gasping* kind of situation, she thought it would be ok, but I persisted & said this isnt right, and incisted we take her to hospital. So I had hubby get the car and we took her to the little town hospital. We put her in the front seat, seat belted her in. And went through the winding roads to get there, trying to kerp her frail body from flopping side to side as we went through the winding hill roads in the mountians. He was driving a bit fast as he could tell something wasnt right and she needed quick attention. We finally got there. I went into the room with her after they hooked her to machines; they had her on a sitting gurney thing, preparing to transport her to Sacramento. As we talked, I think she got a bit anxious & scared. I tried carefully talking to her about Jesus (because I was worried she might die). Well... all of a sudden all the alarms and bells and stuff started going off and a nurse rushed in and staff had me go out. After that she was calmed then transported.

I had just started a new job, we only had one car, we had to go back to LA on Sunday, in 2 days. I didnt have vacation or anything yet. But heard the hospital had a place for family to stay on site. So the next week my boss let me go, hubby drove me there, and I was able to stay for a week. She was sorta ok the first week, (I wasnt there), but she had some breathing problems. After that week, when I was there, she was ok a couple days, then she took a turn... and was gasping for air every breath and it was awful. Very very awful. I just stayed there with her. It's all I could do. She was staying alive with oxygen and by those struggle gasps 247. On Sunday I had to go back to LA. I told her I would be back soon as I could. And told her I loved her.

I got a call on Wednesday (from her BFF) that she had passed away. 2 more days and I couldve seen her on Friday 😥, but at least her struggle was over. I was grateful to have had her back in my life; that God reconnected us, after all those years apart.

Even though I felt a bit of a failure to reach her for Christ in convos, it wasnt all "on me". She had many opportunities in her lifetime to get right with God, and hopefully did get saved. I pray she had that convo with God in prayer (that last week) and that I'll see her in Heaven. If not, ultimately she's responsible to God for her life. A solemn truth I've had to explain to others recently too. We know Rom 3:23 and Mark 1:15 and many other verses, including ones that call us Redeemed ones to faithfully fulfill our calling to proclaim the Gospel.

Get equipped, and purposefully do so, so you dont miss opportunities, look for divine encounters, and actively reach the lost. So you will have no regrets and Jesus will call you "a good and faithful servant" when you step into eternity.

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Witnessing Resource

When encountering people who've lost their grandparent/grandma you could use this as a convo guode to springboard towards the Gospel.

●If the deceased had a Christian background:

"Im sorry to hear that. Did she/he have a Christian background?" If yes...

"Recently heard Benson Boone song about his Grandmother's passing, and how he struggled with God, going to church, & Faith. Have you been struggling with that?" (Let them share). If open or if frustrated, you can guide the convo towards 'faith in God in any circumstance', & " that God is our comforter and hope in life and death, but it starts with putting our faith in Jesus. The ones in Christ will be reunited again and live a blessed eternity together, with the Lord. Have you ever really understood the Gospel before?" Show him needGod.com video. Ask if they "see their need to be right with God" and if yes, ask them "to pray to God right now to get it settled once for all". Then you can help guide them to a Bible focused church, help them get a printed Bible if they dont have one, and help plug them into their church for new believers discipleship, and Sunday School so they can learn, fellowship and have godly brethren around them in the church community to advise, counsel and guide them in the Faith.

Benson Boone, In the Stars... @13:23
https://youtu.be/3ybrOtuWxOs?si=fw2gsIx-j2RrESdI

Bonus Song by Bart Millard
“MawMaw’s Song (In the Sweet By and By)”
Bart Millard

●If the deceased did not have a Christian background:

Recently I heard a Benson Boone song about his Grandmother's passing, and how he struggled with God, and life questions. Have you been struggling with your loss, thinking about life, death and what comes next?" (Let them share). If open or if frustrated, you can guide the convo towards "Those who have God in their lives know Him as their Father, close comforter who brings us peace, & hope in life and death, but it starts with putting our faith in Jesus. Have you ever heard or ever really understood the Gospel of Jesus before?" Show him needGod.com video. Ask if they "see their need to be right with God" and if yes, ask them "to pray to God right now to get it settled once for all". Then you can help guide them to a Bible focused church, help them get a printed Bible if they dont have one, and help plug them into their church for new believers discipleship, and Sunday School so they can learn, fellowship and have godly brethren around them in the church community to advise, counsel and guide them in the Faith

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, brings peace between us and God, & inner peace and joy. He is always with the Redeemed, and helps us get through every struggle or situation, and shares our joyful times with us too.

Baptism gift ?

2025-09-14T12:02:00.001-07:00

Q: I'm being baptized tomorrow! What is an acceptable gift to give to the pastor?

A: I don’t think a gift is necessary. But here's a couple ideas. You'll be new to Christianity, so there isnt much you could provide thats faith based. (Save that for Pastor Appreciation day in October).

1. Invite him & his family to stay for lunch or dinner!

2. An optional gift could be given that day or next Sunday.

What about magnet photo of "you and your family" for his prayer list; he/wife prays for you when he sees it at his home.

This is Personal and spiritual – It’s not just a “thank you,” it’s an invitation for ongoing pastoral care.

Encouraging for him – It shows you value his prayers and trust him as your shepherd.

Simple and meaningful – It avoids the awkwardness of extravagance and centers the relationship around Christ and discipleship.

You might box & pair the photo with a short handwritten note, something like:

“Pastor, thank you for officiating my baptism. I’d be grateful if you would keep me in your prayers as I continue to grow in Christ.”

“Pastor, thank you for merting with me upon (visiting/meeting) to discuss my salvation, to help me ensure I am saved, and for officiating my baptism. I’d be grateful if you & your family would keep me in your prayers as I continue to grow in Christ.”

This way the “gift” becomes part of your ongoing relationship in the church, and of his continued discipleship and shepherding.

Caution:

● It's best not to give a photo of just you, for proptiey and safeguards, so you with your spouse is ok, or you and your parents. You could also change it to an illustrated like look using Ai, and put your name on the bottom part of the image, so its not realistic, and disuades him remotely thinking inappropriately about you. Just to guard his heart and thoughts. Esp as a woman.

3. Provide the flowers to the church that day. They can note at announcement that the newly baptized newest member has provided the flowers today to brighten the church.

Whether you give $ to cover those costs if theyre already bought, or give $ before church so they can buy them.

You could do flowers to the church, as a thank you for the warm welcome, as a new member, & the pastoral gift.

God bless!

Related

Resources for Believers

hold

2025-02-12T08:08:00.001-08:00

Free sharable Gospel Images

2024-09-23T19:30:00.001-07:00

Here is a growing list of Gospel Images you can share online, that point people to the Gospel. You can also in your post provide an active link by writing NeedGod.com in thr text. But if you use another image as a reply in comments, the image will draw people to read it, and thr webaddress is easy enough they can go type it in.

This first section is simply the Gospel message and drawing people. The rest are varied Images. Keywords and phrases are added so you can come here to search fund download as you use them. *Save to a folder, or delete after usage to save phone space.

Simple Gospel -51 Images

*These have image errors and will be redesigned shortly

# understood

#best #news

#fully #free #offer

Varied Images with Gospel site link

More Soon

Master Witnessing Examples List

2024-02-10T16:19:00.001-08:00

List of example evangelism encounters

in the community or on vacation

Youth, Mall & Movies

Missed Opportunity

Seeds & Souls

Hawaii Street Fishing

Sharing Christ at Work

Fire loss and Christ

Guiding a old military pal

Fun swing - Use Illustrations

2024-01-10T10:15:00.001-08:00

Never know what can become helpful in a convo 😂. Saw this today and thought about one convo for the lost and one for chats w believers:

*If you see someone w a screen protector or case on their phone you can note "its like putting a parachute on preparing for the jump 🪂 that is inevitable."

* For believers they might be concerned about things not going smoothly in life so the phone "needs the full armor of God". 😂

Hospital or Long term care Witnessing

2023-08-30T01:06:00.004-07:00

The recent question came up in a Euthanasia about what we can do to minister to others when a believer is hospitalized. From the view of a believing family member or church representative.

I would say this idea is valid not only at end of life care, but other hospitalized or home care situations; if you are in a horrible accident or major surgery and are inpatient or long term hospital care, or recovering, or a believer is recovering from cancer surgery etc... even if it is ICU and you are not able to have visitors just invite folk & have nurses redirect the visitor to a certian room or area or chapel where you/your representative gathers for prayer, writing well wishes down, etc. minister to their heart, and you can hand out a tract for them to take.

Here are some tracts you can use at the hospital or care giving place to actively and passively share the Gospel with those around you and those you and the patient know.

You can use general tracts, a folded tract, or ones that are around a holiday if they are in there just before and during that time.

Have them delivered overnight so you have them in emergency, but order in advance if theres a planned hospitalization.

This stand is also helpful. Get one [adult] or [#2 for kids/teens] or #3 [teens] if your church cant loan you some in storage. They take up little room.

You can leave some in the room on the counter and ask people to take one while you are there and a lil sign to offer them when you or others are there. Leave it after visiting hours too. Refill them and check on it regularly. While you are there, kerp a restock of them in your purse or tote bag.

You could even in advance encourage all believing family members and church friends to write their testimony out, include a clear gospel presentation in it, condense it for a tract, and have it printed like a brochure size to hand out. It is a bit more personal.

How to write your Testimony

Sample Testimonies

You can turn it into something like this mini book, and include some verses, and at the end go thru the gospel: explain how death is near for us all, it is because of the wages of sin...but forgiveness, victory over death and eternal life as a free gift are available, and we should grasp at it gratefully right this second. You could call it:

*There is hope for me.

*I might soon be gone, but there is hope.

If you have a condition that will lead to hospitalization and care [or in case of sudden hospitalization, care or death]

include a lil sextion on:

* basics on your condition

* why your hope is in Christ regardless

* when you pass into eternity, what it will be like, what Scripture talks about, what you look forward to, etc.

TRACTS

General tract

Your moment of truth

Good person? Comic (all ages)

Folded tract

Your moment of truth

Good person? Comic (all ages)

Mini booklet Tract

I might soon be gone, but there is hope

Someone I know has cancer

Someone I know is dying

Someone I know has

Tracts for kids

mini tract

Good person? Comic

Kids albert brainstein

Halloween Easter & Christmas

Kids millions

Kids albert brainstein

Good person? Comic (all ages)

Your moment of truth (teens and adults)

American holidays

July 4th Independence day

Presidents Day

Other languages

Spanish tracts, in print

million bills

Albert brainstein

Good person? Comic

Your moment of truth, coming soon

Befriending is hard in my church

2023-08-06T18:14:00.003-07:00

Q: I want to meet some Christians to befriend and fellowship with but what to do if you live in an area where hardly any biblical church and few are in the church? It is very hard to make friends people are very distant at my church.

A: note: So this answer is for the ladies but i added Men's link at the end, in case you are a male and find yourself in similar situation.

A: 😔. I understand. Some areas have small churches, and sometimes the only one biblical or closest to it. And others there only keep with friends they known from childhood, or similar-like that, ones who have sadly made a friend group where they dont want to add new people. Churches shouldnt be like that, but many churches have few actually saved in them too. It would be great if like in early beginnings of church where only true believers were in them, cuz they Christian-lovingly embraced & fellowshipped with everyone.

I know for some, online fellowship with believers you find may be the only current option, esp if you are experiencing the above or are new to a new country and no one speaks your language.

3 ideas: Churches & Christian colleges clubs near enough nearby. Or Evangelize and gain new friends thru salvations.

Are there an association of churches in your area? It is where your church is part of a protestant denomination and that denomination has a regional association of churches. You can ask your pastor. He should have or be able to guide you to a list. Perhaps you might be able to find some through that and you can meet up 1 or 2x a month for a fellowship with them. You might need to get a little courage up to go pursue that. But you could first look to see if those have a facebook church page, and browse the posts to see which ladies are active online posting and liking the posts you are drawn to. Then you can go look at their fb page for what they shared publicly to gauge if they are someone you might like to test a connection with by visiting them in person at the church. Find a few there online, then call or email the church to ask for a deacon or pastor to ask something about the members there. Tell him you are in a small church nearby but there are not many women your age who are friendly to fellowship with and had seen a few on your fb page who seem nice. Ask if he would mind introducing you to them on Sunday. He could either notify the ladies in advance or ask them to stay behind from pulpit anniuncements in service or if you go there at Sunday school if he the pastor or a decon to introduce you to those ladies. Then you could ask to meet up over lunch today or over coffee for a fellowship friendship chat. Then when you meet up let them know youve been praying for and seeking some Christian ladies to fellowship with since there are none at your church. You can tell them you are not necessarilly willing to leave your church at some point, but do want to make some Christian friends in the area. Let them know you are aware they might not be those ones and not pressuring ladies you just met. You know they have busy lives, probably kids or job or whatever, and even church friends. But if they are open to it you are also. And if not, pethaps they know of some Christian ladies in the church or in the area who they could refer you to, with advance referral. You would be open to starting a Ladies Christian Fellowship gathering group where we can meet up and fellowship. Which would help us get to know everyone and have a nice time together over snacks.

2. Colleges

Dont dismiss this idea and I'll tell you why.

Not only are these folk active in Christian groups but if yiu are older than them, their parents or adults in their church could be those they cinnect you with. And theybknow who are mature believers there and who are friendly and likely open to befriend a seeking believer like you.

There are colleges or seminaries where you can try to find some friends, and the seminary wives. But this has potential for them moving away. However their connections to churches with believing friends there could be how you connect with those who remain in the area cuz they live here. I would go about it this way:

Find colleges in your area. If there are no Christian ones, find a Christian clubs on secular campuses. There are some like prolife groups and young Christian leaders etc. How to find them? Pray first. Then go to the school website or share the gospel on campus and when you meet an actual Christian there, ask them where you can find a list of the Christian clubs on campus and the contact info. If they ask why just say you are seeking fellowship opportunities. That person might be led by God to you to help guide you or connect you to some people. If you are adult age you could try to befriend the seniors there but theyre likely to move away for jobs, so their connections in their local church is where you are really trying to get to. It will take time, but you will meet interesting people along the way. 😊

3. I know you are likely looking for same age-ish and "mature believer in the faith" ladies to meet with, but what if you share the gospel in your area and

*some ladies come to salvation and

* you disciple and mentor them while they also join your church?

*They could be a Ladies of the Word Fellowship Friendship group of sisters in Christ. You can study important Christian life matters in Scripture and Essential Doctrines. And meet 1x a week, and maybe 1 potluck gathering a month too. And even also 2x a month go out and evangelize together?

* The benefit of this one is you will know their beliefs because you are guiding them in doctrines and right living, so there's less likelyhood of conflicts here than the other listed options (earlier above). It just takes time to find people whom God will save. However, if you do this, God will bring people to you.

If you go through the online evangelism course or the book, you can get access to a private online evangelism group on fb and you can also ask if anyone is in your country, state, region. And connect with some of them irl too. *They come from various denoms & beliefs so you might want to be cautious as you get to know them. Some might just become evangelism town team partners and thats it. But thats ok too.

The below can help you as you start to pursue godly friendships among the brethren. God bless🤗

Sample letter or script to talk with pastor/decon

Evg beginners resources

Evangelism resources page

Ladies new believers studies.

Men new believers studies.

Q: Reaching a False Convert at work

2023-08-06T05:43:00.005-07:00

Q: What to do when coworkers that claim they're Christian yet ALL they talk about is worldly stuff ALL DAY?

For example: My coworker talks about how long she's been here and knows more than us. Talks about how much money she has, how successful her kids are, how much she knows, & how her man better buy me everything or he ain't it. Also, how I need to be quiet and be "in line". Plus, goes asking too many personal questions about my life, ect.

She seems kind but she irritating, and I try to he humble and kind but she is rude too and condescending. Talking about ain't no poor people at my church, just people who are somebody, like doctors, lawyers, teachers and those with money.

It irks me when "Christians" act like that. I may be a broke Christian but content and fulfilled by the Lord!

P.S. Where we work, at Head Start, it was hard building up this business when she started there in the 90s, so you would think she would be humble from where she came from. I'm praying I become a vessel for the Lord so she can be humbled.

Pray I have patience with her she is driving me nuts! Pray I witness to her, and truly have the Lord work through me. If not her then for the families we service. Advice?

A: Theres too many false converts, oblivious ones, ones who recieved a false gospel, etc, or ones that are saved & havent grown yet that we encounter. Both at work and in church.

Idk how long ago she believes she became a believer, but the spirit of how she sounds lacks the fruit of the Spirit and love. From what was shared seems prideful and self righteous, and idolizes money... and thats not a mark of a humble Redeemed One. I am glad she seems kinda nice tho., even if shes rude and condescending at times, I would treat her lovingly regardless of how she talks and behaves.

Here are few ideas to engage with her...

If they are a believer and things always going wrong, it can be a sign God is chastising them. There can come a point he brings them home for lack of obedience. Believers should walk in sanctification, grow daily, in the Word and changing to be like Christ... not to be like the rich young ruler.

Treat her as an unsaved one who you can water. But know theres folk inoculated to the Gospel and Christianity cuz they think they "good to go" already. They'll account to God if they die in their sins, you just do your best. God may have planted you at that job both for your sanctification growth, and to reach her and others around both of you. Even if there's no salvation, seeds are sown, and they might get saved before they die. Your witness of your life, speech, engagement etc can be a positive for them on the way to that path.

Let her in your life a little, right now shes likely going to keep doing that and even talk about you anyway, so just caution in what you share. Try to focus or steer many convos to Christianity. Good convos.

Examples

*Verse you read today, that touches on issues you think she has/lacks. Ask if she ever memorizes verses, and if that was one. 😉

*Ask her if she reads the Scriptures regularly. If she gets offended, note you are curious about her reading plan. Like what daily plan or system she uses. If she says she rarely reads it...

*Ask her testimony for when she got saved.

> it might not actually be one.

>share yours. * write it out in advance , and memorize a 3 or 4 min ver. to share.

*Ask her if she has shared the gospel with anyone lately. and either way tell her you "heard a good question recently >if you were dying and had 3 minutes to live tell me how to be saved because you read Matthew 7:21-23: Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he whodoes the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have wenot prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you;depart from me you worker of lawlwssness,... and i dont think my life is right by how I live, and am afraid of going to Hell. How do I get saved??"<

If she doesnt say Repentance and trusting in Jesus work, she doesnt know the Gospel. Tell her you saw a really good gospel presentation - and text it to her right then (needGod.com) and ask for her thoughts about how well they designed and presented it. 😉

If she says repentance and faith, say, "so the ambulance just took the patient away and she is going to recover, how will her life change after being saved? And How different will her life look from the world? *gauge info from that to help you as you over time can help her realize her life isnt walking that way based on what you know.

* Ask her what kind of prayer method does she use.

*Ask what she has prayed about recently about her growth in her sanctification walk, and after she shares or if she bumbles and deflects, share a tiny thing related to you, that you are comfortable sharing. It could be "Recently..." Not necessarily this week or of today. It broadens your convo options on this in the future.

*When she talks about her money and others money she knows, ask how she "uses the money God gave her to be a good steward of for the Kingdom". And note at some point (after? she shares) that you are "thinking of donating a little bit of money you have, to xyz purpose soon. And were curious how she uses the money God gave her for Christ". Have a cause of some sort already in mind such as donating to a church members mission trip, an evangelism event, a ministry that does X, some babies in heaven books* to a pregnancy center, etc.

*When your church has an believers baptism, be joyful about it in a convo with her when you see her on Monday, and note that "testimonies are so powerful. They also act as a living witness to the power of God and the proof of ones salvation by the radical change; no longer like the world, but set apart and transformed.😀". And you could share some verses in the convo.

*When there's offers to hang out over coffee, or if you decide to invite them to join you at a tea or coffee shop (not starbucks), buy their drink & have a convo on a topic you pick that can edify and educate likeish a short break devotional time. Without them really realizing it, or meeting with that simple purpose. No other convo allowed, no chatter or gossip. If they join give a flier or sth so its clear its a short life chat based on Christianity. You could do this on actual break at work or after work before you all head home. Kind of a quick relaxation before the drive. Our Daily Bread could give you ideas For the day, or you could think of life issues in general, or ones they said you heard and put a mental & actual note about. If theyre open it can be a possible light influence.

*When you see a video that would be helpful for/to her, text/msg the link over and tell her you "saw this and thought it was interesting. That it is great such material is avail cuz it helps believers grow in our faith and daily walk with the Lord." Like that. Gently, not making it seem she is being targeted. And if she asks if your pointing at her, have a good response thought up that allows you room to avoid saying yes while leaving the door open to further minister to her.

>> if she sends you some vid links from a heretic/false preacher/cult etc ask her "what the topic is about." As you can get her cliff notes without having to watch it, and think on verses that would be useful to include in a convo if she asks if you watched it. Ofc you can simply say "While many are drawn to him, i find much of what he believes to not align with Scripture, but on the topic, i had just read <verse> and it is insightful for how we should walk in our faith. I am so Glad God gave us Scripture to be a solid guide and the authority on matters for a believers life and faith." That allows you to cautiously move around the bomb of the false preacher, not have to watch the video, and get an idea from justin peters ministry or elsewhere what the key belief issues that wolf has so if they ask you can tell her you went thru some info on him a while back/recently and he denies the essentials of Christianity/preaches a diff gospel", or say something a bit more subtly, and tell her if you find it you'll let her know. >And do so by popping a link over to her. Let her review it or not. [Many cling to celebrity like preachers as idolatry for various reasons, mostly for ear tickling worldly reasons.]

Theres likely other ideas you can come up with besides this list, but if done genuinely and lovingly it will probe and cause her to examine herself to see if she loves Jesus, realizes her life is His, He is to lead it and use it for His purposes and Kingdom. It isnt for her to hide in her grain warehouses & neglect Christ, the lost & the redeemed. And that her behaviors need to change and align to Scripture. Always pray before you engage, and do a bit of prep in advance. It will bless them even if they reject it, cuz God's Word doesn't return void. And loving the reddemed and the enemies of God is what we are called to do. We are humans; image bearers of God, and you were once lost and deceived as they themselves are.

Outreach Resources

Resources for you and ones you can send her subtly.

Some verses you can use

Realigning & Probing verses

Believers celebration verses

Reading plans as ideas, but feel free to use too.

Link to ideas on other Christian giving like how to contribute to or run a fund for furthering the mission of believers on earth.

http://longertweets.blogspot.com/2023/08/ways-to-use-money-for-christ.html

Prayer systems believers use

Video ideas to share

If they ask about FAQ you can search here and here. The 1st one has answers that always 99.9% of the time include the gospel linked to it. So it is preferable but not exhaustive.

Right mindset

Business or personal card idea

This way you can be a blessing to her while gently, lovingly, caringly trying to plant seeds that move her towards examining herself and making changes. Esp if you work with her & dont go to same church, you do not want them hating you and causing problems for you at work. Esp if it turns out theyre a false convert who is self-righteous, and holds hands with Satan right now. But, it also gives those around you an opportunity to hear you being a true witness for Christ by how diff you live than she does, and that can draw the unsaved ones to Christ.

We are "constantly conforming to the image of Christ", and as we grow and mature too, people see that.

PS if you would like Believers Resources for yourself personally, this is a treasure trove That will bless you.

Why it seems most believers aren't witnessing?

2023-08-05T20:30:00.001-07:00

Q: The unsaved are all around us. Why does it seem most Christians do not witness nor share testinony?

A: How can anyone who is saved not run around sharing what theyve been saved from and to, knowing others need to be as well? I believe Spurgeon rightly said said "If you have no care of others being saved you are not saved yourself". The titanic is sinking, the house is on fire, people are dying daily...and most modern believers [due to 90s junk friendship evangelism] mistakenly think its the pastors job to save and believers job to drag them to church; so they have no skin in the game🤷‍♀️ or/and fear men. But the Bible shows the example, even the ones told not to tell... ran off telling everyone.

It is possible some try, and bumble around, like I did pre 2002 and pre internet cuz I never found a way that worked to strike up convos and it wasnt until I was almost 30 that I heard of tracts. I did what I could. I recently talked with my mom, whom i am not really close with due to childhood issues, about 🤔 what I was like after I got saved (12) she said I was always talking to people about Jesus 😅 i have no memories of it, but 1x on a bus, (i dont usually remember things anyway so I am Glad God does 😊).

Today people have it easy. Post on fb or social media (sns), do a vid clip, share a gospel link in posts on the news etc. So perhaps more than we think are doing so today, but most might be bumbling around trying (online and irl) without any useful training. I got mine at wotm, which is from Living Waters and i never looked back 😀🔥🏃‍♀️.

Testimonies are useful but only if it isnt full of your former life stuff and the focus is on the gospel, and ends with how you are different now. And swings/leads to a gospel convo w that person. But, too many have too few eyes reviewing the written testimony cuz if they did, it wouldnt be 30 min trip of sin memory lane, but about 4 or 5 min with focus as stated.

I actually did wonder, last night actually, how many have seen wotm free video training on yt cuz I got the basic kits way back then, so I recently wondered how many have got it since, and the other day their podcast noted 23,000 bought that kit, and i was so sad and shocked it was so few considering how many churches and believers there are in biblical Christianity. So i looked up who saw the free series and it looks like at least 24k per video. Some had 60k, and just a few had above 220k ( the shock title ones), one of those was how to witness to family. I think if people watched at least 1 of those theyd see how to WDJDCRAFT can help them in sharing with strangers, and how to find ways to reach family and friends. There also is School of Biblical Evangelism online (that comes w extras!) Or just book which likely many who saw the free videos ended up buying and the Evidence Bible which has 200 faq answered, plus many of the books have the gospel in it. And if they only watched a video and the "how to share" clicked 💡for them, and if they bought the tracts and memorize the tract simple gospel they can do better in convos.

So from resharing regularly on their social media to their circle of influence thinks of various ministries post even redpenlogic, LW, or photo quotes ...

[*feel free to save these]

with solid biblical things ...

and ones to attempt discusion to swing to the Gospel ...

besides specific Gospel messages ...

or share the gospel site link sample 1 sample 2 , they are sharing the Gospel.

We dont know how many in their circle see those posts, and thats why it is important to include a gospel tract with holiday cards and to engage in person.

Yes it would be great if they share with their coworkers while at lunch, or meet up for coffee intentionally after work, since most dont connect on social media; for privacy. But I am sure the saved ones of God are doing something today. We just dont see many outside sharing the gospel, and that could be due to lack of finding 2 others to go with them when they are free to go, but you certianly can find a few and commit to once a week maybe Sunday after church, or on a Tues evening, or at least 1x a month at a crowded place etc, either from your church or among believers who live close enough to do so.

But today we cant assume theres too few. There were fewer in Bible times,

" Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Matt 9:37-38

Theres still few but there are many more in that few today [from reformation till now and from NT to 5th century].

...And we do get a bit of a glance into this, like in 1 Kings 18, where we learn God had 7000 other faithful believers in Israel even though Elijah truly was the only faithful prophet left. Vs 18 revealing "Yet I have 7,000 in Israel, all whom have not followed Baal".

So we can see today how many are following solid apologetic and evangelism ministries (see their social media following numbers), and know that a solid chunk of those are Christians, and some whom also will likely become believers too.

You can help equip your lacking Christian friend. And Encourage other believers. Ask whom theyve shared the gospel with this week, and whom you can add to your prayer list to pray for their salvation. Check in, follow up, and see if you can join a get together locally to help be an outside voice to bring the gospel to them too. Sometimes those not close to a person cause them to be more open minded and engage.

At least do something. 😊

Brethren, do something; do something; do something. While [others waste their time], let us win souls. Too often we discuss, and discuss and discuss, and Satan laughs in his sleeve. It is time we had done planning and sought something to plan. I pray, be men of action all of you & get to work"

C.H. Spurgeon. “Lectures to my students.” 1875 – Delivered to Students at his Pastor’s College

Believers resources

Evangelism Resources

Ps. If your Christian friends have fear, it is overcomeable. Most are concerned they wont know what to say to faq, but todsy we have repylutable resources online that no others had pre 2012. We can easily look up answers ar various resources (see above links). So encourage your timid believing brethren. 😊🙂

Testimony Sample - Church kid - 2

2023-07-20T02:05:00.004-07:00

Testimony Sample - Church Kid - 2

My Life before Christ

When I was a child I was reserved, but still I used to do or say what I wanted. I didn't always obey my parents; because I wanted to do the things I wanted to do or say what I wanted to say. I even got in trouble at school a couple times. I didn't care if I cursed at my siblings, and even used God's name in vain a few times when I wasn't around my parents. I only did "good" things in order to get something out of it (something that would benefit me). This all sounds really bad, but when comparing myself to my siblings and classmates I felt I was a really good person.

I enjoyed going to my grandparents house every weekend, because I got to spend time with them and they loved me. I got to go to church with them every Sunday. Their lives reflected that God and Jesus Christ were in control of their lives and the center of it. This is one thing that stayed with me year after year.

Intervention of God's Truth (Gospel)

On a Sunday in 1986 I was sitting next to my grandparents in the Adult Worship service. I was 12. I decided to listen to a full sermon and hear 'what the preacher was talking about.' The pastor's sermon was on the Gospel message. He spoke about God, about Sin, God's Kindness, and about Hell and Heaven. I found out that not everyone goes to heaven, and nothing I could do would get me into Heaven. When I think back on this and consider the 10 commandments and how God sees me as a Lying, Thieving, Blasphemous, Self Righteous, Murderer at heart I knew I would stand before God on Judgment day and be seen by God as a guilty criminal, who's violated His Law! As the pastor talked I realized I was a sinner and that I would be going to Hell. I learned why I needed Jesus as my Savior!

Did you know that Jesus came to earth with the sole mission to redeem man from their sins? He took God's wrath that we deserved while he was on the cross, so that we could have the opportunity to be made right with God. Jesus paid the fine for believers so we can go free from God's court room, and not be punished for our crimes. Justice was served and we can leave as a free man. We don't have to go to Hell. Jesus offers the escape route and the forgiveness of our sins. God wants to save you from Himself because he must punish criminals on the Day of Judgment. He warns us to flee to Christ Jesus, now, while we still have the chance. God tells us that if we delay obeying the gospel and receiving the free gift he offers, and if we die still as a sinner, its too late. The only thing awaiting those who die in their sins is Judgment and eternity in Hell.

I heard how Jesus would be with me, and help me live a right and righteous life. And that I would have a relationship with him now and be with him for eternity in Heaven. All I had to do was give up my sins, repent of them (asking Jesus for forgiveness, and forsaking all sins), and placing my faith and trust in Jesus work on the cross. God offered me mercy and grace when I didnt deserve it. I walked up the isle at the end of the service when they asked if anyone wanted to get right with God, today. I told the pastor I wanted Jesus to be my Savior. I prayed to God and he forgave me of my sins because He promised He would if I came to Him, and I trust and believe that God did that. And I put my trust in Christ as the one who paid my sin debt to God in full.

I like to talk to people about Jesus ever since He came into my life. I was baptized shortly after that, simply to publicly show that I had (already) died to my old way of life and have risen to a new life in Christ. That I was a believer in Jesus Christ and would follow his example of obedience to God, and live for Christ for the rest of my life. I have a Father in Heaven who loved me enough to prove it, through Jesus, and it came at such a high cost to Him.

How my life has changed since salvation

Over the years I have had wonderful life with Jesus. It's still a normal human life filled with problems too. Yet, He has helped me through the many rough physical, emotional, and financial situations. And He still tests my faith, or allows me to go through things, in order to strengthen me, or be an example that helps others through the same things in the future.

I have Christ's righteousness but am not perfect like Christ. I am still human and still have a sinful nature inside me (which is continually at war with my new nature). Sometimes I make wrong choices (sin), and I have to confess the sins in my life, as they block a believer's fellowship with God until it is sorted out in prayer. He gives me the strength and power to do just that. Since Jesus is the Great High Priest, he intercedes for me and other believers too. And just like when we are in trouble with our earthly father if we go to him, he will forgive us and restore the relationship. This is the same with Father God. Our salvation is already dealt with, but our relationship with one another needs to be fixed whenever disobedience and sin are in our lives.

I came to realize the importance of reading the Bible all the time to stay close to Him, know more about Him, and grow in my life; to become more the person God wants me to be. I worship Him regularly with other believers at Church; and he deserves our worship, and praise and glory for all He has done for us. I serve the Lord with the gifts he gave me (to serve in the church, among other members, and be a blessing to those in the community). I found a readable Bible and regularly enjoy spending time in fellowship with Him in the Scriptures and talk to Him during the day through prayer. I have joined an good Bible centered church, that upholds the authority and truth of Scripture, and that is important today more than ever. Through all these things I have grown as a Christian and continually apply Scripture to my life. I enjoy telling people about Christ Jesus and explain His kindness in the Cross towards all us wretched sinners, so they can hear the good news. I tell them how I turned from my way of life and sinful lifestyle, and turned to obey God and live for Him - and I explain to them how they can too.

My assurance for eternity

Scripture says I received eternal life the moment I repented and believed God's message. God has placed the Holy Spirit inside of me as the seal and guarantee of my salvation. God continually uses me for His purposes every day. As a believer, I desire to keep doing what he wants me to do, and grow closer to God in my relationship with Him. God said he will make me more like Jesus until the day he takes me to my eternal home with him in heaven....which is something I am really looking forward to. Until then I have the Joy of the Lord in my life during good and bad times, and His Spirit to guide me to do His will and share His saving message with others every chance I get.

If you want to know more and understand this simply and clearly visit NeedGod.com

Testimony Sample - Church kid - 1

2023-07-20T00:29:00.017-07:00

Testimony Sample - Raised in Church

Before Salvation

I grew up with half and step siblings and in a broken home and I wasn't really cared about. My mother always dropped me off at my grandparents every weekend from toddler through high school where I went to Church with them. I lived and acted like kids did back in the 80's, but was sheltered. Even though I was really a pretty good kid compared to the ones I lived with, and my school classmates. I just lived in my sin nature and was guided by some morality because of my grandparents influence. When I got a bit older I attended the adult worship service, and sat between my grandparents. I would lean on them, snuggle with them, and stay busy with color in books they got me, (and try to sit through the sermon part of the service and not squirm too much or grandpa would put his thumb in my shoulder to get me to correct my behavior).

When I got Saved

When I was 12 years old, I started to wonder what the pastor was talking about. I began to try to listen to him, (it really was a lot for a preteen's attention span, even back then). However on one of the first Sunday's of trying to focus, I actually was able to listen well to the sermon. The church had a solid preacher. He talked about Sin, Judgment, Hell, Heaven and Jesus. I remember being in Grandma's 4 & 5 year olds Sunday class where I learned about the 10 commandments, so when I heard the sermon, I understood what Sin was, and of course saw it play out in my home life. Also, I knew personally that I had lied. And that my babysitter had talked me into stealing some 10c bazooka gum at a mini mart gas station in town once. I had tried to cheat on tests at school but was too short to see others papers, and I knew I had probably stolen something of my sisters at some point like kids do, and that meant I coveted too, because I wanted something that wasn't mine. I understood that I was a sinner.

The pastor explained why we need Jesus as our Savior. To make us right with God, to save us from punishment we deserve, and to make us a new creation so we can live rightly. So, at the end of the service the Pastor asked if anyone wanted to come to Jesus, and I walked right up the isle at the invitation.

The pastor talked with me afterwards, (and my mom came to have a meeting with the three of us). The meeting ended with him saying he thought I was too young. The following Sunday I went right back up there at the alter call. Imagine telling a child that they can't become a Christian, have their sins forgiven, have a relationship with Jesus, and go to Heaven. No one was going to tell me that I can't follow Jesus, be loved by him, and be with him in eternity. So they had to accept it was genuine.

Since I became a Christian

After I turned to Jesus and trusted in Him to be my Savior, I attended a children's new believers class, and through a small booklet with a few lessons, I learned what the Christian life in my daily walk looked like, and to have Jesus be the one controlling my life, not myself. I was baptized shortly after that. Everything I learned about how to live as a Christian came from Sunday School and the things I learned from sermons and the Bible since then. I tried to live a life that God would be happy with. Though young, I was able to serve others & bless others, by joining my grandparents and the group of people who would go to the old folks homes in town after Church (and we would sing and have a little worship time with them). I really enjoyed it and looked forward to it. I tried to be nice and kind to other people even when they werent nice to me. Of course I wasnt perfect, and I messed up sometimes. Sanctification is a process that continues throughout a believers lifetime. Years later after I grew up I remembered trying to talk to a kid on the bus on the way home from school about Jesus. It was a vague memory, so I asked my mom about my childhood in regards to whether I told people about Jesus and she said I talked about Jesus all the time. I was glad to hear that.

I was in church every Sunday as a youth. Even though I didnt have a Bible when I became a Christian, and no one told me that I should be reading it every day, I eventually did get one at my 8th grade graduation (as a gift from my grandparents). It was hard to read and understand it outside of Church classes, because back then most churches only used the old English KJV and it was very difficult for a child and even young adults. But when I was in the military around the age of 21 I read through it for the first time in my life, and I was glad. It only took 2 weeks! I liked how I knew many things in there (because of the faithful teachers who God used to teach me, even though I was usually the only student they had for years and years). I read the Bible regularly now, I am in church on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday night services, as well as other opportunities. I love worshiping God, singing praises to Him, fellowshipping with my Christian family, and the many opportunities available there. I also eventually learned to explain the gospel well; it is a good and loving thing to share Jesus with others. I have been part of various street evangelism groups, online ministries, and outreach teams with my church over the years. I enjoy answering peoples questions and helping them learn about God, Christianity, and how to be saved.

And I keep growing in my knowledge of Scripture and living out the Christian life more maturely. Though I am not perfect, I try to stay sensitive to any sin in my life, and strive to fight and conquer it to victory over it. And that is a normal part of walking in sanctification and persevering until the end.

I love Jesus. I am so grateful that he loves me, he cares about and for me, that he always has and always will. I just want to keep finding opportunities where he can to do good things through me for his Glory. And, I want to become more and more like Jesus every day until he returns or calls me home.

If you would like to understand the gospel and why it is important, visit NeedGod.com

Testimony - ideas for sharing

2023-07-19T23:08:00.008-07:00

When you are a new believer, you want to share your faith with others and you are not knowledgeable in apologetics or the Scripture yet, as more mature believers are. So below are some ideas on how you can share your testimony which shares the gospel, and a few other ideas and tips.

Preparation

First you need a written testimony before you can articulate your conversion story with others, and share the gospel through it.

Once you have a final draft of it, ask a couple mature believers (who share the law and sin when discussing the gospel with people), to review your testimony and ask for feedback. Make any changes you think are appropriate, and finalize it.

Once that is completed, spend time memorizing it.

Ideas and Tips for sharing your Testimony

1. Consider telling your testimony on video. This is helpful and useful for many opportunities.

2. If you were not baptized yet, you can use that opportunity to invite people you know to attend this important event in your life.

*Mail rsvp cards and plan for

A: a refreshments afterwards at your home if it is in the evening, or B. a light lunch at your place or a banquet hall if you get baptized right at the end of service, if it is after church service.

*Make sure the pastor allows for a time just prior to your baptism to give your testimony, and make sure you have it memorized.

If a light gathering time at your home, think of ideas for the refreshments gathering. It doesn't have to be much, nor last very long. Just a fellowship kind of time.

*You can provide a table or tv tray a set of tracts, maybe a copy of several of a book, and maybe a business card with a QR code that goes to the gospel at needGod.com.

*Or include those as thank you gifts in a lil party bag to hand out to everyone when they are leaving [>>maybe set someone by the door to hand those out for you].

*You could have a couple people from church tell a few stories about you that point towards godly living and maybe a friend give testimony to/share about how they noticed your radical change.

If it is a light lunch after church or at a banquet hall you can consider this baptism event idea.

3. If you were already baptized consider something similar by throwing a born again birthday party for yourself and invite everyone you know over. You do not need to tell them what kind of event it is other than inviting them over for your birthday party. As part of the event consider

*either saying or showing a well made video of your testimony, and then

*stand up and share the gospel in 1 to 2 minutes.

*Then ask someone (a pastor or a mature believer you know) to step over (acting as a quick MC) and ask everyone to close their eyes for a minute, Offering that anyone who would like to get saved or make sure they are right with God to pray to him right now. After the silent prayer minute say, if you prayed to God, please let (your name) know sometime today, she/he would love to know and of course celebrate with you. And if you have any questions or need some guidance or prayer just text or call her/him, right now or any time.

*Plan it as a nice event, but it doesnt need to be a expensive one, it can even be at your home.

4. You can post your testimony in a document and email it off to everyone with a short note. *Make sure you title the email something eye catching like "I wanted you to know" or "There's something I have been meaning to tell you" or "I thought it was time I told you..."

5. You can post your testimony video on youtube or Godtube and email it off to everyone with a note

6. You can post the video on your social media page (such as facebook) and redirect others to it from your other social media pages via the link in bio or in linktree.

7. You can share the link to the testimony or the video when you are talking with people online as a new believer if there is opportunity for you to talk about Christianity being true and truth, and that you experienced radical transformation all believers do at the miracle of your conversion.

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Christians, Tips & Tracts

2023-07-06T15:19:00.013-07:00

What Christians need to know and consider about eatery tipping.

There was never an issue in the past with tipping, but some new modern entitlement expectation of tips has arisen with the Z and Alpha generation. These folks were young when the 2020 riots and new looting culture began being encouraged among unsaved people.

Tipping was always voluntary and only if you wanted to, and only if someone went extremely above what you expected. It was rare to tip. And even if there was a tip $1 was normal, then $3 or so. It has gotten out of hand today with this entitlement generation thinking they are absolutely entitled to your money and demanding about it, (as well as how much). Their love of money is at the root of all sorts of evil thoughts, words and behaviors both to those who get food delivered or even for to go. It is the employers job to pay their salary, and it is the employee's job to understand the income they signed up for and that they took that job at that wage. They are free to leave and find a more appropriate living wage for themselves

Tipping is still voluntary and it is not legally required to tip.
I am not advocating for not tipping. But each can determine as their conscience leads them.

I recently ran into some people online complaining, both unsaved and saved, about a image of an old old tract that was used long ago, that is not used anymore today. It was brought up because today servers have incorrect understandings of tips and tips are in the news a lot these days. And it has caused all kinds of arguing and strife and hate.

Here are some regular questions and objections by both groups and some suggested recommendations and reminders. I hope it helps you think through this topic, and also consider using that article link when you have gospel convos online related to gospel tracts and tipping. It includes several calls to action to the gospel, and resources for both believers, and the unsaved. More people see these comments and links(1) than just the person you interact with, so on some platforms like fb try to engage in the "top comments" area first, before going to all comments to search out additional gospel opportunities, as those in the top group are the ones most people will see first.

Feel free to search up tip tract and similar wordings to locate more posts on social media platforms to engage in this topic and the helpful link to get people on both sides thinking, and it redirects to the gospel too.

Think of things you can say when you leave the link there.

Here are a few ideas.

I saw this recently and it made me think about this, link.
Christians need to use appropriate tracts based on where they are, this talks about that, link.
This is an old image & is rarely if ever used today, but the general discussion is good - link.
This person had something good to say about this very topic, link.
🤔 Have you see this yet? link.
Have you had a chance to review this? link.
There are a lot of things people haven't considered, link.
🤔 Some valid points made here, and here link.
That question 😀 was actually answered here, link.
That issue was actually disvussed here too, link.
There was a good discussion going on here about it, link.
other....

For those who say they dont trust offsite links, you can tell them:

I completely understand. You can go to Norton link safety check to verify the link before visiting, your safety matters. https://safeweb.norton.com

Typically it isn't those who are worried about safety, it is usually those who dont want to continue the convo nor go see what the link says, but still want to debate you and get you to say things in comments that might get you flagged, or just to be a time waster, or arguer with you. This above response will either get them curious to just go look at the link, or for those genuinely concerned, they'll appreciate you tried to keep them safe, and when they read the gospel, will also see you are trying to help them with their eternal safety as well.

Direct link to the article

https://snsanswers.blogspot.com/2023/01/viral-tract.html

(1) Footnote:

32 people viewed the viral tract link today. Since it was originally posted 83 looked at it.

Airline Evangelism

2023-05-17T05:03:00.003-07:00

Airline gospel

There's been a viral video and debate going on about "reclining seat" on airplanes. This is highly likely Economy/Coach class, but could apply to some business class airplanes too.

I commented online to the discussion, and ended up with a gospel idea.

Comment:
Let's be decent people knowing airlines caused this issue. So, If leg room or exit to toilet space is minimal on a crap airline, even in economy, i would prefer if the one wanting to recline asked the one being crunched if they mind if you recline for 10 min or a short nap. That way the person being crunched is being taken into consideration, as they might have health issue and need to pee a lot, or have to get up and walk a lot for circulation needs or illness related. It also gives them a chance to go to toilet or try to go, so discomfort and issues getting out of window or middle seat are avoided. It also let's you communicate needs between each other, so "viral video jerry springer" stuff is avoided and all can have a pleasant trip.

Gospel idea:
Think of it as a gospel care package. It is also a peace package.

Like Christmas & Halloween evangelism, we can find out how many seats are on the plane in your "class" and flight attendants. +2.

Then create paper print out message, see template example link, to hand out to each person onboard once everyone is seated.
*Print a few additional ones for animals. 1. dog speak (links to a dog bark that mimics good boy😂) 2. Horse neighing, 3. Cat meow. It makes it kinda fun.

The message has a QR code to scan.
It links to a page or to the "Good Flight" app that, designed to, provides:

Shares the needGod.com video, a link to text of good text extra, next steps new believer, audio of John, LSB link to read Bible, free dramatized Scourby audio of Genesis, Exodus, some OT, and NT, with select Psalms n Proverbs (link to full Bible audio playlist on yt & purchase download of Scourby sale option). And link to FAQ answers of Christians. Links to LW free movies.

Bible art verses to browse thru. Visually get them reading Scripture.

Also has area travelers can unlock for travel itineraries, multi day, 1 day, half day trips.

Collects passenger survey info.
*Do you like the idea of passengers checking with those behind them to see the needs and status before reclining?
*Do you think it is reasonable for flight attendants to accommodate the medical needs of passengers, such as:
>if a reclining person has a medical condition, but the person behind them does too, that a seat change can be made for the one behind the recliner, to swap same seat spot with someone flying solo, or a adult volunteer.
>if a reclining person has a medical condition, but the person behind them has a (legit) service animal, that a seat change can be made for the one behind the recliner, to swap same seat spot with someone flying solo, or a adult volunteer? (As the dog needs to get up to perform medical, assistance & life saving tasks, and cant do so if locked under the seat)
*Should all seats be non reclinable unless passenger has legitimate medical issue and flight attendant, upon confirming by medical form in the system (from check in on fliers profile), then unlocks the recline feature for that seat? (With above noted mitigations taken into consideration)?
*Do you think airlines need to redesign for enough space for average body to get up and move out of the seat when a seat is reclined, so anyone can recline?
*Would you be ok with absorbing an additional fee on your ticket, to account for the airline losing seats to accommodate a redesign?
*Would you rather the airline redesign, without ticket price increase, so some seats are stacked, and those who
*Do you want airlines to go back to previous ticketing policy that all seats cost the same in each class?
*Do you want airlines to stop splitting children up from their families & go to back to previous way where children (infant to age 17) are all seated in the same row with their parents, or at least across 2 rows but where one parent is on each isle but sitting next to their children?
*Do you want airlines to include passengers input as Stakeholders when considering changes in design and policies that affect fliers?
*Do you want airlines to make it policy to get input from all fliers as "Stakeholders" by giving input by website surveys?
*Do you think airlines should swap out used pillows and blankets at destinations to sanitize and reuse, vs never sanitize.
*Do you think airlines should offer healthy food options for children
*Do you think airlines should provide bottled water for passengers asking for water beverage?
*Do you think Airlines should have high quality noise canceling earplugs available to passengers who need peace from crying babies and misbehaving screaming children?
*Do you think flight attendants, by policy like restaurant managers, should have the authority to request parents control their children and respect airline manners/behavior. (So parents actively handle the situation, and not cause problems with the mental health of flight passengers)?
*and as in prev question, do you think with a parents permission (by a thumbs up) flight attendant can kindly but sternly warn a child that their behavior is not ok and they should stand up and apologize to everyone for negatively disturbing them? (or something along those lines, to curb misbehavior when the child wont obey the parent)?
*Do you think flight attendants should also have authority by policy to ask a passenger to
>play audio items with headphones on.
>wear headphones and play music or videos at a lowered volume so it doesnt disturb those next to them.
>Not watch porn or read porn when next to those under 18 or if requested by women or others sitting next to or in view of the screen.
*What small reasonable reward should parents give to children who behave on the plane, when they land?

*Would you appreciate a disabled person letting you know if they might need medical assistance on the flight, so you are aware?

* To prevent a wheelchair bound person having to get to the bathroom by dragging their body all the way down the isle, would you as a able bodied person be will willing to help carry them there?

A. I would help. B. Not strong enough but is a good idea C. Would help if someone else was also able to help. C. Would not help

*What other similar reasonable changes do you think airlines should make?

Sitting next to a child?

Use the app or physical use the 5 star stickers in the baggie to reward their good behavior. Ask their parent or guardian if they can award them a good behavior star. And if yes, place it on the hand next to you and say something short/nice to the child. 😊. When you are about to land, and they did well. Ask if they would like to put the "good behavior smile award" on their shirt 😊🎉. And that might give them good feelings and reward good behavior. But if a good child and misbehaving child are in same row, and throws a tantrum cuz they didnt get good stars [which is why the app helps eliminate that and only focuses on the good behaving child], tell them "if they behave good for the next 30 minutes, you will be happy to reward their good behavior with a good star too, but you have to earn it. Do you want to earn a good reward? Ok we have a deal then?😀" and you can tell them "a good trick and easy way to not disturb others, is to find a fun activity. What is a fun activity you can play on the airline app or your tablet? Do you think you can find one?"

Bonus: pay attention to the candy the mom lets them eat. And if you before you get off the plane if you have a leftover candy or 2 of that they ate and the parents are ok with it, & if they are only 1 or 2 kids in your row, then say "thank you for your good behavior today, i want to gift you this candy, if your mom gives permission." And let the parent give the child time to say thank you. And you could tell them to enjoy their trip. It just might make them feel good both about doing what is right mannered and gives them happy feelings. Even if the one did better after being a misbehaver. (Kids remember how people treated them even when they had a bit of a bad day too. They have big feelings and are still learning how to behave in society). Let's be kind, and forgiving, and helpful to others too. It is only a hour or few hour flight, but can impact a child for a lifetime.

App

Includes a link to kids audio books
Includes a link to online coloring book
Connect the dot book
And find a word book.

Note to Parents and Guardians.
Dear mom and dad, we know flying with babies can be hard, and with young children. We have included earplugs for passengers in case an unexpected incident arises and you feel overwhelmed or stressed about your child causing distress and mental x to passengers. We hope it will alleviate some of that, so you dont need to have anxiety or stress and can tend to your little one.

Parents and guardians of mentally disabled and challenged people, who know they might behave a way that disturbs others, please make those in your row aware of their condition, so they are prepared and can respond kindly and graciously in thoughts, words and actions, to help make all of yall's flight as decent and stress free as possible.

Parents with children above toddler age, passengers do want to get to their destination with as less issues as possible, please kindly ensure your children are using manners, not misbehaving and making the flight more stressful for passengers around them. It is good if they know and are warned by loving parents prior to getting on the plane that there will be consequences if they disturb other people, (such as loss of privileges, or not going to a certian place once you get to your destination, being grounded, losing phone and internet privileges or whatever your normal discipline for education and correction is). Please help the rest of the passengers have a decent flight, and know that you are trying to mitigate the issue, which will give them a bit of peace. There are also audio and game items in the links here that may help redirect them to move their behavior to a distraction and item of interest. Hope you have a good flight.

Those with Medical Conditions
If you have a medical condition that concerns you where you might need attention or help of others, please let the 2 people beside you know. Such as heart issues, balance issues (elderly), diabetes, cancer, MS, a condition where you absolutely need to recline, or other issues. You may want to note to the person in front of you that you have a service dog that does medical tasks and needs to be able to get up off the floor to assist you and so ask that they not recline. Find out from the flight attendant if there are doctors onboard (even for your condition) who could be called on if there is an emergency. And to let the Dr know they might need to assist. Make sure you have your medical alert bracelet on with inscribed directions on it. Or note to the flight attendant ER info is in your front pocket, or on the dog zip pouch etc. Include treat info for the dog. And what to say to calm the dog.

What goes in the care bag?
1. Paper message (with QR scan code)
2. Ear plugs
3. 3 pieces of candy and 1 piece of gum ball. (1.Diabetic sugar free candy 2. Vegan candy. 3. Sugar candy.)

Put the items for the flight attendants and the pilots (minus the earplugs), with candy in separate zip bags labeled, in a large ziplock bag, and a sticky note saying they can have the candy or keep for passengers who might need it for medical needs.
Put everything in your carry on or a carry on tote bag (whatever works for that flight).

When to pass out?
Either as soon as "everyone" has sat down, or 👍as soon as you get in the air at fly altitude.
Simply start at the back of the plane of your section and hand them out with a smile. You can say here you go, and one for you, one for you, one for you and just pass all out.

Until Live
Site is a work in progress, but until it is completed, you could provide a print out message, tract, earplugs and candy in baggies. And mini star stickers from old teachers era.

A basic DIY version is good for now.

We will update the site when the full package/app/site is live. So check back every now and then. And bookmark the page as Flight Evangelism 😊

Have you ever told a Lie?

2023-05-16T00:38:00.003-07:00

There are times when people wont say they are a liar or a thief when you discuss the 10 Commandments.

I ran into a video recently online, and i suppose we could use this in that convo.

Scenario:

A stand up comedian hates corporate and social games such as "2 truths and a lie". It is a cheap & lame way companies try to get people to connect with others or learn about them. She suggested they point at 3 people and say i hate you, you and you.

Usage

During a gospel convo you can bring that up, since many say they havent stole anything, or just candy once.

Have you ever seen something online, maybe a meme and said "I'm stealing that". Or ever cheated on a test at school, stole halloween candy, $ change from your parents change tray? or heard a response you liked online and commented "I'm stealing that idea" ?

Have you ever been at a work event and they asked you to tell 2 truths and a lie, and you played the game, or altered it and told all truths but by not telling a lie. Either way it still makes you a liar.

Just an idea.

Pre gospel survey

You could also do a survey, and it lists 100 things people lie about. Have them mark all the ones theyve done, and the bottom or back last page has the gospel.

They can win a prize based on the answers.

Collect answers for 3 hours, or from a large group currently there.

Without telling them...The person with the least lies gets a prize. In the event of a tie they do a run off test (name the most commandments, without help).

Coukd be a $5 gift card to in and out

Or some small prize.

***

Christian suggestion. 2 truths and a lie game

If you are in a culture at work or social, speak to the person in advance, who is going to speak at the thing, and ask them to pick you last, and do a twist and ask me to say 3 truths.

Or if you are caught off guard at an event where this happens, say, "plot twist, 3 truths: 1,2,3" and make it kind of fun and upbeat so it doesnt look like you are a debbie downer.

Think up 4 different set answers to that question, and keep it in a email to pull up when this happens, or print out if phones arent allowed to be used in the meeting.

You could do something upbeat and funny for one of them, preferably the 1st time you are caught offguard.

Things I might say:

I like images of clowns who juggle lemons

I laughed at the cinnimon challenge back in the day.

I love entertaining videos of puppies

I have been to Italy

I lived in Italy

I want to go back and visit Italy

I do not eat shellfish

I ate Octopus in Italy

I ate Frog legs in France

I like sunsets

I like sunrises

I like rainy days

I wrote a book as a teenager

I want to publish one around cancer

I wrote a mini book a few years ago

Bonus: i do give out free copies😉

I watched subtitle movies since early 20s

I watch foreign shows and movies at home with subtitle

I do watch some foriegn films in theaters

Bonus: my husband doesnt like subtitles

I like the ocean

I have been on large ships

I have worked around yachts

Tips Sharing Gospel online

2023-05-15T23:05:00.002-07:00

Tip when sharing the gospel online & offline...

You can use direct links to NeedGod.com but also can share to a direct link to a tract on LW site. They put the full text of the message on the page.

Many pages and groups dont let you add a link when you post or it gets stuck in pending post & likely deleted by them. So...

In notepad, type your reply. Then, copy &
Post the text, include the link but not the .com part. If it is a site that has more behind the .com then just write the pre .com info and send the comment. Most times this helps as a work around to avoid the website algorithm and let's you post your comment or reply. Then wait around 30 seconds, go edit it, and replace the website holder name with the actual link, and it should take it. This makes it available for everyone who sees it, & lurkers, to peek at the link too.(1)

So instead of LivingWaters .com/store/tracts.7533html you would put the placeholder as "LivingWaters."

Some groups ban links completely but you can work around that both 1. by note below on fb re direct messages, or 2. by simply writing "NeedGod .com" (space).

This is what i do in news posts or things related to God, Christianity, and even bad things we see on the news. I follow many news pages, local and national, to be able to do this.

This doesnt work in Instagram in comments, but you can instead say in the comments

"What you write here. 👉See link in bio"
And then have a link in your bio, either to NeedGod.com or maybe GotQuestions.org or if you run an answers blog you can link that there too. Or if you have a witnessing IG acct you might do a video short clip in a Q&A format, maybe at scenic places, giving short answer, but always include a super short gospel presentation, and note a longer answer can be found at GotQuestions.org search "The name of the question". End. And number the video in title "#432 Why is there Suffering?"

Then when you witness online on social platforms that dont let you post a link, you can include: (> see my video #432).

That way they can go look for it, and also might look at other questions too. 😊

You can also share a direct link to the video, on other platforms. Utilize many options to get people to offsite info.

Note. Save your pre written replies or comments into notepad app or evernotes app. Keep them there. Not only can you go there to copy and reshare again... but if there is something wrong with your internet connection or your post is deleted by some odd reason or reply gets stuck in pending 🤦‍♀️ by moderator... you can delete it and resubmit the comment putting a space before ".com". I have even seen some groups have a filter on that if any ".com" wording is in it that it auto deletes the comment. And this was on facebook. So odd! So save yourself some pain and time... keep your reply in the notes. And to avoid facebook from throwing you out of that post (been doing a urksome refresh since 2021) even while you are writing! So hit LIKE on the comment you are replying to OR the post....and then go type comment in notes. Then go to FB app in your account area go to the settings, activity, across fb, and then find the like. Click view. And post the comment or find the comment you wanted to reply to and paste it there. It is pretty fast to do all of this so dont get discouraged thinking it is a lot of work. It isnt.

If you are wanting to share in a comments convo to 1 resource link from answer sites, investigating Christianity sites, or evidence Bible, etc you can comment /say "I sent an answer by dm, you can check out". Know that it seems on FB if you send via messenger from my experience you are not able to send more than 1 dm to a stranger, unless they reply back. So give your best shot in that message. And no one sees your dm unless you nite you sent one. I've seen some messages sent to me in dm weeks after they sent it since its from a nin friend they out it in a diff place. So get to know the app or site you use.

You can even save that msg to reuse in your phone memo pad notes app. Say something like:

Hi Jay this is the link noted in our convo earlier on xyz topic. I hope it helps you as you investigate Christianity further. (If you have any further curiosities or questions I would be happy to help via dm anytime.)

To investigate Christianity (link)
To understand the Gospel (needGod .com)

Have a great day.
John

*****

Bonus: IRL

Also note that if you are sharing irl with people, you can have a QR code on your phone they can scan with their phone to get a answer, so you dont go on rabbit trails. But also if you go in 2's to witness, the other person tag teams with you, not just praying, but helping with a difficulty. They could say "oh that's a good question, while you guys talk I'll get that info for you". That keeps you on the gospel convo, avoiding distractions. They can pull up the answer from a website you all use for answers (various sites and video links) and put them in one phone notes app, or into a pdf with hyperlinks. And you can share by airdrop or email after the convo. Make sure to include NeedGod.com at the end, to remind them of the Gospel.

Hope this helps as you look for daily opportunities to share the gospel.

(1) I also noticed on some more moderated groups, where all posts are monitored... if you dont write something religious [they might have word filters on], if you write something like: "Thats Interesting" and that post goes through without moderation. Wait 30 seconds, edit, and paste in what you want to say, with a link, and it should go through. If a link is stopping it and putting it in moderation, just edit and put a space before .com and you should be able to bypass moderators pending hold area. They tend to delete Christian posts but have no problem allowing a post if it is to attack Christianity in a sublte or outright way.

(2) On posting and interacting online 🛑

Also if you do not know the errors of religions like Catholicism do not enter groups or pages online for evangelizing. If you cannot spot errors of works vs faith and things like that, do not enter. Because there are many religious people of diff groups who follow and join those pages and sites and might post something you might gullibly believe. Don't get involved more than dropping a needGod.com link in some appropriate places until you have a grasp on false beliefs of catholics and cults. 🙏🙏🙏

Sharing Gospel by video

2023-02-06T14:01:00.003-08:00

Q: I want to share the gospel with family and did see the video examples of how to do that in real life here & here. But it feels a bit scary. I want to help them, and also dont want to alienate my family, make them mad or turn from me...is there other ways to ease into the gospel so they arent argumentative and i also might not have answers to objections they have, so we can have good chats about the gospel and Christianity now and future?

One of the best ways we can reach our family today, is through social media. It doesnt have to be hoping they see something on the platform, you can actually create a video and send them a link to it.

Even if you are introvert or shy, you can do this. 💪🙂

"I just posted this, and am sharing this with [the family/my good friends/etc]. Let me know if you have questions. Link here."

How to go about making this.

1. Make sure you include the gospel in the testimony.

2. Tips/suggestions below

3. Pray. Pray over the video after you finalize it. Pray it reaches everyone posdible from family, to friends, (friends of friends) coworkers to people you witness with in life, and others who find it by God's gudance online.

Pick a place to record your testimony:

a nice zoom background type thing

a nice looking spot in your home or garden

a nice scenery outside? >bring a shade someone can hold to keep sun out your face if outdoors

The video planning

Try not to go over 5 or 7 minutes. But 10 min is ok. But do a summary version (dont go into long story or sin details etc). Best way is to audio record yourself as a draft, then type it up, then edit it, and finalize the wording. Sit on it overnight and ensure it is the final.

Then go record it.

Add photos to video where you can, and ideas to make it look nice overall. Get help of a person in church or among friends who can help you create this overall video. make changes & finalize.

Decide what to name the video.

Decide to upload on several places, youtube, Godtube, etc. And back up your original video on googledrive or a cloud service, (cuz computers and sdcards crash).

Research for video

Sample testimonies here and here

& maybe make another one a bit more like this this one, you could ask your pastor to record some of the bits, and cut them into the video.

To start you could say " Have you wondered why someone becomes a Christian? And how importantbit is that each person knows Jesus as Savior? I want to share my testimony with you today." And go into it.

and in each video, at the end, ask the viewers "have you ever saw need for Jesus, or actually understood the gospel? Pop over to needGod.com, look at and take the good person test. If you have questions i would be glad to discuss over lunch, after work, or after church. We can meet up, or you call or text me anytime."

And put the video on youtube, on public, post on fb and text the link to the ones you really want to see this today.

You could link it in the video description the needGod.com link too, and a link to GotQuestions.com

And "if we know each other or meet irl in normal circles, and you have a question, dont hesitate to chat with me. I am also available for confidential prayers."

You can def use the video to share gospel in a personal way online, with those you know, Christians and others.

I also suggest you take short ticktok style clips from the video, or make a few short ones at the time of video shooting (plan the clips out), so you could use them as teasers online on platforms, or to post on facebook around Easter, Christmas and New Years, to get them to go to the link to full video.

Here is a diff kind of teaser example for ticktok style

Https://youtube.com/shorts/riD2pjNMNu4?feature=share

You could make stuff like that too, and link to a book from a reputable place like his, or gracebooks.com.

Not everyone is online and those who are dont see every posts on/from your social media page. So you can use other ways to get them to go look at it, as well....

For coworkers/or anyone you could say, "I was thinking of you the other day and wasnt sure if you saw it, but did you see the video i posted?" [You dont need to talk about how long ago you posted it. If they say no i didnt see it 🤔. You could say, "i know people are busy and occasionally online. I'll shoot it over to you later. Let me know what you think." Then put it in a text, and send it over about the time you think they get home + 10 minutes, and hopefully theyll look at it.

Dont bring it up unless they do. And if anyone who views the videos, asks you questions, answer if you do but if you dont, you can say "good Q thats something I will be happy to help with", and drop them a gotquestions.org link or SNSAnswers answer link by email or text.

Hope this helps 😊

Related

Additional ways to share the gospel online with those I know:

My family are atheist or not Christian, is there an additional way i could reach them, throughout the year?

Besides the above video? Yes, you could post

FAQ on your social media pages 2 or 3x a week like this: [each is its own post]

FAQ of the day:

"Why did God have Jesus killed?"

Link

Have another question? 👉GotQuestions.org 😊🌟

FAQ of the day:

"Why does Jesus matter?"

Link

Have another question? 👉GotQuestions.org 😊🌟

FAQ of the day:

"Why Christianity?"

Link

Have another question? 👉GotQuestions.org 😊🌟

FAQ of the day:

"Why as an atheist I became Christian"

[Link to a testimony] https://youtu.be/M8nOWb6-1Eo

Have another question? 👉GotQuestions.org 😊🌟

FAQ of the day:

"Why as an atheist I became Christian"

[Link to a testimony] https://youtu.be/NEE7CzhRvtM

Have another question? 👉GotQuestions.org 😊🌟

FAQ of the day:

💁‍♂️"How do we forgive others, even the ones who dont apologize?" @31:24

https://youtu.be/SqpuSembK5k

Eph 4

https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/49-27/the-walk-of-the-true-christian-part-4

Eph 5

https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/49-28/the-love-that-forgives

Forgiveness in the age of rage

https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/82-2

Book: The freedom & power of forgiveness

Have another question? 👉GotQuestions.org 😊🌟

FAQ of the day:

👧"Couldnt there be another way to pay for our sins?"

https://youtu.be/SqpuSembK5k @ 35:07mark

Have another question? 👉GotQuestions.org 😊🌟

And these reshareables

Dont focus on argumentative kinds of Qs, but ones that actually remove obstacles to the gospel & Christianity.

And like that/those. Try to focus on frequent objection ones, and gospel focused ones, but theres atheist answers there too. Just post them as faq answers.

And use Answers from these places on Youtube:

*RedPenLogic

*ColdCaseChristianity

*StandtoReason

*LivingWaters.com

*Grace to you Q&A segments

Heres other testimonies you can post on social media, after you post yours. Cuz others are interested in you, whom they know.

Baptism Event

2023-01-29T20:37:00.001-08:00

Baptism event evangelism idea

Luncheon, afternoon Tea or Dinner event

I happened onto something today that I thought might be a cool idea. Idk if any of you are not baptized yet, but this could be a idea we pass around to our circle in the church, born again Christians and to the pastor to pass on to upcoming baptizmees.

I have a feeling this is done elsewhere for babies, but we know it is biblically for believers who can testify. (Typically adults and teens.)

I saw a baptism dinner event image online, (see below) and thought why can't we Christians do that too! I've never heard of such a thing, but why not, it can be evangelistic focused! Use the baptism to both show what has already happened to you at salvation, and to share the gospel with the lost you know.

And you could even help a baptisee plan this kind of thing for them, if you already were baptized. (*Help reach the lost, bless and serve believers).

Given the chances most never get around or find an "in" to get "everyone you know" to hear the gospel, this does sound like a great opportunity idea.

Who

There were questions about who attends.
The event is for the unsaved in the baptismees life (circle). It is not for the church congregation. It is a personal & evangelistic focused event.

When: Theyd be in worship service, Wed or Sun, or a planned mini service if a Sat afternoon event, so theyd lightly meet church members there, and see what goes on in a service. Most of these people never been to church, so smothering the guests at church nor putting a financial burden on the baptismee by inviting the whole church to the luncheon is not a good idea.

The congregation would greet them during normal greeting time in the service.

The baptismees congregation selected-volunteers can participate in the after meal event, and get fed there too. The attendees will get to see the church members and lightly mingle.

There would need to be a notice reminder to congregation that the "after meal" is not for the church congregation, but only the unsaved invitees of the baptismees circle of influence who were invited by rsvp, and the selected volunteers and speakers. *all this noted prior to baptism service, likely in the 411 bulletin flier(*)

Also, some churches have multiple baptisms in a day, which would mean the church building hall will not hold everyone, and would mix up the purpose. But the hall could be used for the poorest member if that works out (see why below). But def a blessing that a place is avail.

Children of attendees
Attending Parents can
*prior arrange for children and teens to go to friends house for the day or with local family.
*church could offer child care for young ones, or on very needed basis
>At the church, by volunteer church members [background checked & who already work with kids at church. Decide on babies and toddlers for those who have no family or godparent locally.]
> If church has video feed to kids or baby classrooms then the parents can temp get access to the feed for concerns.
>Parents can pack a meal if child has allergies or dietary needs. Otherwise church can provide a small meal potluck or sandwich made by volunteers.
>And volunteers over kids eats as well. Provided.

*all needs deciding in advance w church, but def need answer for needs on rsvp, b4 invites are sent out.

Can send physical and digital invite if time is short.

Guest plus 1
We certainly would like to, if possible, invite a SO so they also can hear the gospel too.

Gifts.
No gifts necessary.
Def want this to be a gospel focused event.
But the "church" could pitch in and buy the baptismee a nice Bible and present it at the event.

Plan a tea event, luncheon or dinner event

It would be budget based, some have more $$ and options than others.
>Some would be able to have lovely windows and views like the photo sample. And have food catered etc. Others at a less expensive venue like a hotel banquet hall (some are $50-100 for 2 hrs), others with no funds would have to do at the church, but if you can get donations, it would be good to do.

Many churches have less than 75 members, are in old old churches that are dark and not a good place for this kind of event. However if theres a flat yard they could do a overhead tented set up with tables and safe chairs. Otherwise offsite is best. Perhaps at a Christians nice home, or a semi decent hotel banquet hall. Lovely window scenic views would add to the atmosphere.

>if on a low budget, you could ask congregation to provide potluck style food, and ensure theres certian dietary/allergy needs for attendees, who rsvp'd. So decent option or meal made can accommodate and feed all.

If you are in a church with 200-500+, or 2,000 members and in a nice or really nice building, then perhaps a church located event would work, but most are turned off by church, so it is good to move the meal to offsite. Same location ideas as prev listed.

You could alternately decide to invite the church to the lunch/dinner if it is held at a restauraunt and if the members are willing to pay their meal expenses in advance, and tip well. And if they/the baptismee can find a restauraunt willing to take on the large number of people (with appropriate+ number of waiters), and baptismee pays for his guests, or all the church members pitch in/donate and pay the cost of all the attendees meal , (*this means all members can donate even if only some go). But find a place where you can basically take over the place cuz youll need an mc and stuff like that where it has privacy.

Plan of event

*Meet with pastor, let him know what you are planning.

Request his help (*see minimal things below).

>Def pay the pastor & mc (& musicians) [if they do not offer to do it for free, as a serving volunteer situation to bless baptismee and reach the lost, for the Lord].

*Ask if he could add some requests to the bulletin, perhaps a loose sheet *you* pay to print, and have inserted into it. And post it on church fb social media page/members group
Insert includes
>notice of event, evangelistic in nature.
*Event details & restrictions.

Those with low budget:
*Potluck food assistance needed, contact 411
*Volunteer servers needed
*Funding donations, if needed
*Plan of event schedule
*Only those with invites by mail & select volunteers can attend the after event.

Day of Service& event:
Beginning of service, announce so&so baptism today, and thank honored guests for attending and visiting the church.

After sermon, volunteers head to join event location set up volunteers / hired service folk and prepare the food on serving tables. And set up any set up needed if they (church volunteers) are doing it all (venue tables & all set up, and food prep).

Baptism at end of service, with testimony
All sing some songs while baptismee gets cleaned up and ready to exit to venue.
When baptismee returns to pews, then service ends.
Gather everyone and suggest bathroom stop first, while at church.
Guests & volunteers move to venue.

At venue,
*Group chat dropped to attendees and volunteers
*Sugar free lemonade on tables & gluten free bread & sugar free jam
*Everyone is seated & time for bathroom stop.
*When all are seated, event starts.
>MC or pastor introduces the baptismee to the room entrance.
>Baptismee gives short thank you for coming speech, hands mic over to pastor
>Pastor does a short like speech explaining the believers baptism symbolizes, and tells of the radical change that happens in the life of someone God converts. Not at baptism, but when they originally were born again the day they got saved. And notes a few things baptismee likely noted to the pastor, or was in the testimony, noting a few things that were immediate radical changes.
And finally notes the menu has the gospel on the backside, and resources. Please give it a read.

Mc: Thank you for celebrating "name" baptism with us today. Clinks glass, "And now, lunch/dinner is served".

This gives them time to look at the gospel, chat, meet the table guests etc. While food is served to each table.
>might want plates placed on 2 tier carts so it stays warm. Might want plate lids added if food is hot.

Could have harp and violin player at the event playing baptismees fav hymns. (Ive seen 2 for hire on IG so far, perhaps your church has them, or you could find inexpensive sonewhere).

Music break:

(*feed musicians)

At music break: - Could have a few of Christians & family or friends who volunteered in advance to share (after viewed and approved) a brief couple things theyve noticed of changes in baptismees life.

Music plays

Music break for gifting

(Or connect testimonies with gift segment for longer music break)

Gift moment
Pastor presents a Bible gift to the baptismee
And "maybe" a simple cross necklace; noted as gifted by the congregation, (that MC puts on them). Along with baptism certificate. *those who see baptismee wearing the necklace, will be reminded of the baptism event.

Baptizee gives gift to Pastor

Mc announcement of dessert
Clink glass, "and now dessert is served", enjoy
Upbeat lively music plays as
Dessert served

Last song plays.

Baptismee ends: thanks everyone for coming.

MC notes
1. Asks for a round of applause to thank the volunteers today, notes they are members of the church who selflessly served God and us today.
2. We ask that if you have any lovely photos from the event, please drop them in the event group chat/email
3. if they have any questions about the gospel, salvation, questions about Christianity that the baptismee, the pastor or decon can help, as well as the resources on the menu keepsake.

Pastor: Hope you had an enjoyable time. The venue will close in 10 minutes. Let's do a short prayer before we leave. Pray.

Baptismee: "Thanks again everyone. Grab your kids and yall Go home safely. Good night and God bless".

Music encore song ends night.

Menu
Outside- nice design and info
Inner lt side- lists all the food for the day
Inner rt side- hymns/music played & the folks doing the music instruments (business?)
Back - gospel, baptismees text#, church email, gotquestions.org, and church weblink

Church volunteers

Get situated with how many needed, for what, who will volunteer, and a few alt fill in's.

Musicians

If church has harpist and violinist ask if they would like to participate and ask if they would volunteer, ask payment, give discount (based on financial needs)

I have seen these online but do not know their cost. I have seen for weddings the groom paid for their flights, but perhaps you can find a local (pro, students near graduation, christian music group at Christian college to find a couple, or from nearby church, etc

The bonus...

Follow up evangelism:
🌟You could also do a 1, and every 5 year social media post "memory" of the event and thank everyone again for coming, and for those who couldn't come or didnt know me then, you can watch the highlights at www. And hope that everyone slides in to go look 😊. It is a def reminder to attendees.

> the highlight reel, which has pastor baptism announcement video showing congregation and him, the baptism & testimony, luncheon speech, a few moments of clip & photos, and someone from church giving the full gospel (as a bonus for the video highlight reel) wrapping it up.

😊😊😊

Save this link "Baptism dinner" if you would like to share it with others.

If you do this event, please help other believers with planning advice and help, so it goes smoothly for them.

It would also be great if this was always done free as a service to the Lord, to bless unsaved humans, & serve the brethren in the church, but for events that might be a higher budget by the baptismee it may not be a bad idea if someone/some in the county start a local "believers baptism events" event business on the side, that also assists the lower end budget folks at the churches (so this isnt only viewed as a business, but a service to God). Perhaps a free check list based on location and budget range, and link to budget friendly vendors/musicians [link on website] and 1-2 free consults to iron out anything theyre having difficulty with, or last minute vendor need (due to loss).

It would be good if you also pt hire older church members & older widows who need the income of a side job, and any able yet disabled folk too. Even if you use a virtual admin for some assisting.

Christian Sharing sns

2022-12-04T21:47:00.001-08:00

Quick one

Currently under construction

Resources for Christians who want to share about Christianity on social media or facebook home page

Many believers are excited today that the internet provides a great way to share about our faith on social media.

I have been a believer over 35 yrs (and feel quite young at heart still). I created websites and informational things online since 1998 and have seen the intermet appear to finally be used by everyone since 2015.

I struggled during my youth with how to share the gospel because there was nothing avail really until early 2000s. Books were even rarer and good luck finding a Christian book store or even knowing they existed before then.

I was able to take a church evangelism course because we had a evangelism pastor added to our small church in 2000 and even though we were now in a cityish area... i still never knew about Christian bookstores either.

I had struggled even after that course because while he sure put a lot of time and attention in the paper material and taught it... it was still lacking a lot. I mean you cant just walk up to random people (or even those you know 🤔) and say "Hey, what do you think happens after you die?"... as if you are a crazy murderer or something. So the suggestions on the list were so out there that it didnt seem that much useful. We can know all the Scriptures, memorize verses, etc and still not be able to feel equipped.

Then God brought me to a publuc tv station channel and it happened to be halfway thru the broadcast and i was 😱 😀. So i went to the website, learned all i could, and never looked back.

So i want to share that with you as well as various helpful resources you can use online both to post on your page and as answer help for things you run across where you can comment. And even text or email to those you know as answers, from convos or messaging.

Today the internet is widely used, and reputable trustworthy sites can help us.

These are not just great "drop the link and move on" answers. It is beneficial for you to go thru the material and understand it for your own benefit as well.

The gospel message (video and text)

Playlist of great answers for

Answers for Skeptics, Atheists and Agnostics

Answers for Muslims

Answers for Mormons

Answers for Jehovah Witnesses

Answers for Catholics

Answers for 7th Day Adventists

Answers for "former" church goers/"believers"

Examples of using these resources:

Training in evangelism

All of these are beneficial to go through. It is worth it.

The school of biblical evangelism (online) low fee

Wotm video training series s1-4

Bonus:

Use a delivery service like instacart?

Easy way to share the gospel:

* grab a baggie

*grab a printed tract

*grab a couple wrapped candies

*maybe a mininirange

*and a cold water

>put treats in, tract at the back...

* tape baggie to water

*write thanks! On it

Contactless: Put it outside door

Note in a text you "left a lil thankU treat"

Then pray for them (whether they take it or not).

In person at door: pray before they arrive, and...

simply thank them and hand the "packaged water"

If they ever deliver again, and it is face to face...

if you feel safe: you can ask if they read it, and if they have any questions. You can use a burner app to text them answers you dont know well enough to explain fully. But know they will recognize and remember you, so if you are young, single woman, be very cautious, or "just pray for them and dont engage". Also leave some ratty men sneaker shoes inside the door or on the porch, so they dont see you as a target, (2 pairs are good as well) regardless if you dont engage.

Hope this helps you!

🌟Bookmark this page so you can regularly use 'em.🌟

And if you would like additional Christian resources

May God use you to bring Him glory, reach souls for Christ, and stregthen and grow your faith.

Master Home Page

2022-05-01T18:07:00.003-07:00

Home Page

Welcome to our site!

Here is a list of all the useful pages here

Topic section

Topic

Testimony Samples

2022-05-01T17:48:00.038-07:00

Here are some sample Testimonies.

Remember to keep it to 3 to 5 minutes, because you do not want someone to have to read something long. But you also want to be able to share your conversion testimony in person with people in a conversation whenever Christianity comes up. And if you include the gospel in the testimony, it helps point to Christ and their need for the Savior too. It allows you a opportunity to swing it over at the end, to have them examine themselves and see their need for salvation right away.

This page is a work in progress.

There is a playlist below where many Testimonies are at, but check out the rest here too.

Samples

Childs Testimony

A testimony where a child under age 12 has come to salvation. It presents a testimony from the child's view, which they can share with their friends. They can revise the testimony once they are a teenager in order to share an updated version with their current friends, and update it again when they are an adult.

Church Kid (Sample 2)

It might be hard for a child or someone reflecting on their childhood conversion story to have a good solid testimony that clearly presents their sinful life before conversion. This is an example of that. There are better testimonies with clearer emphasis on the 3 or 4 areas of a testimony.

Church Kid

A testimony of someone who was saved as a child, where the testimony flows well in the main sections, and a presents a solid case for their sinful life before they were saved. It also incudes an area where the gospel is presented in the testimony.

Church Teen

If I can find a good conversion testimony of a teen coming out of a clear sinful life and coming to salvation, I will link it here. But every single salvation is a miracle and testimonybto God's saving & transfirming power. and He saved us from sin to righteousness. From death to spiritual life, from being an enemy of God to a child if God, from one who didn't know God to one who loves to learn more about Him and looks forward to growing more in knowing and seeing and understanding who God is by Scripture and how He works in our life. So if you grew up in church and don't have a horror evil life conversion testimony - it's still a radical miracle salvation.

Teens and Adults Testimonies

Testimony playlist

More here (good to go through)

Adult

A good conversion testimony of an adult coming out of a clear sinful life and coming to salvation.

*This is a plain testimony.

Adult

A good conversion testimony of an adult coming out of a clear sinful life and coming to salvation.

*This is a radical testimony of someone who came out of a vile wicked life.

False Convert

Here here and here

*This is a testimony of someone who thought they were a Christian in their youth, but realized they were living in a sinful lifestyle and that they were not actually saved.

False Convert - Pastor

Here and here

A good conversion testimony of an pastor coming out of false conversion and into true salvation.

*This is a radical testimony of someone who came out of a vile wicked life.

Saved from reading a Tract

Testimony here here here here here here

Saved from online Gospel Presentation

Coming soon

Saved from a Sermon online

Coming soon

Here are some varied Testimonies from different people here here here here and here

You can see from the 1st example where you could "add the gospel" message in your testimony as well, when God brought the Gospel to you and converted you.

These are samples for you to go through and get a bit of an idea of how you can write your testimony in each section but based on your story.

<< Return to previous page

Testimony - usage

2022-05-01T17:48:00.036-07:00

How to use my Testimony

Once you have your testimony written out, and finalized, you are ready to use it.

A testimony is a way to share the gospel with others and tell them how Jesus has transformed you into a new person. It can be done verbally and in written form.

Useful Usage Ideas:

1. Verbally share it at your baptism, before being baptized

2. When someone says "you look like you are in a good mood today"... you can say "I recently became a Christian. If you have a couple of minutes I'd be happy to share my testimony with you,... do you have time for a cup of coffee today? I'm buying. :)" *If they ask you questions that are rabbit hole convos or are negative to the things of God, say "that's a good question, let me get back to you about that." And email or instant messenger them links to the answers later.

If you were saved long ago and you were thinking of your testimony or had just written it out recently, you could instead say "I recently thought about my Christian testimony. If you have a couple minutes for some coffee or tea, I'd be happy to share it with you briefly. Do you have time today? I'm buying."

3. Similar kind of convo, but also hand them a copy of your testimony tract mini pamphlet

4. Turn your testimony into a gospel tract (ideas here) and include a qr code that redirects to needGod.com or to Believer Resources here

5. Leave your testimony tract (with your tip $ inside it) at a place you eat out at, or leave a copy of the tract in a public bathroom on the sink.

6. Use QR code stickers. You can create a QRcode here with tutorial here

7. When you mail off your bills, include a copy of your testimony tract.

8. Go to a bus stop, subway (underground train) area, nearby busy sidewalk, wear a shirt with a big happy face on it (why not), and just offer them to people walking by, simply say "did you get one of these?" with a smile on your face.

*If anyone stops to ask you about it, you can share a shorter version of the testimony and if you want to be a little bit more bold for Jesus - you can take them through a simple good person test. You can learn how to do that here under the evangelism section (via Living Waters/Way of the Master).

*If they ask you questions that are rabbit hole convos or are negative to the things of God, say "that's a good question, let me get back to you about that." and ask for their email address. Then create a free email address for answering peoples questions and make sure to set a calendar notification to check that email once a week.

9. Share by video and use in various ways from baptism to sharing online with those you know, on your social media page, and in conversations.

A few more details on some of these ideas

10 helpful tips

<< Return to previous page

Testimony - Write

2022-05-01T17:48:00.030-07:00

Not every Testimony is a wiz bang exciting story. But every conversion is a amazing miracle by God; God gave us a righteous nature and we are covered by Jesus righteousness. God converted and transformed a person from a lover of sin to a lover of righteousness. To a person who loves God, loves the Bible, loves Jesus, loves others, and praises, thanks, worships and glorifies God. Salvation in and of itself is a miracle.

Your testimony does not need to include a bunch of the bad things you did in life, if you came to Christ in your adult years; you can find a way to summarize it, and place the focus on being a sinner, and the gospel in the message, so people see why we all need salvation.

How to write your Christian Testimony.

You will basically give 4 points.

In the area where you understood sin and how serious your crimes against the Holy God were, you can include a short gospel as part of the testimony when you got saved.

See the testimony samples page for examples.

Let’s take a look at how to put your story together, piece by piece. There are four basic parts to telling your story: your life before Christ, how you came to Christ, your life after Christ and the closing.

Your Life Before Christ. Paint a picture of what your life was like before you came to Christ. Don’t dwell too much on or brag about past sins or struggles. Share only the details that relate to your theme — just enough to show your need for Christ.

How You Came to Christ. Give the details about why and how you became a Christian. Communicate in such a way that the person you are talking with, and anyone who overhears you, can understand how they can become a Christian too. Even if your listeners are not ready for that, God could use your story and explanation of the gospel to draw them to Himself in the future.

Your Life After Coming to Christ. Share some of the changes that Christ has made in your life as they relate to your theme. Emphasize the changes in your character, attitude or perspective, not just the changes in behavior. Be realistic. We still struggle as Christians. Life is far from perfect. But what’s different about your life now?

The Closing. You can include a closing or call others to the gospel.

HELPFUL HINTS

Pray before you write out and share your story.
Write the way you speak.
Don’t be overly negative or positive. Be honest.
Don’t criticize or name any church, denomination, organization, etc.
Think about your listeners. Avoid overly religious terms.
Keep it short. Aim to tell your story in three to five minutes.
Don't go on and on about your sins and sinful life; people do not need all the details.
Revise, revise, revise.
Ask a believer who shares "the Law & the Gospel" when witnessing, to review the testimony for any suggested changes.
Memorize and Practice telling your story until it becomes natural.

<< Return to previous page

Testimony ✝️ Baptism

2022-05-01T17:47:00.014-07:00

Testimony

Testimony Helps

Did you know every believer has a testimony.

This resource is to help you not only write your own testimony, see samples, but also to give ideas on how you can use it in real life situations.

About Testimonies (offsite)

How to write your Testimony

Sample Testimonies

Ideas on Using Testimony

Not baptized yet? Event ideas

Be blessed!

Just in case you were sent here directly vs via a link inside this site, this explains the Gospel message and this is an example of sharing the gospel. Focus on the things the Christian says.