Capability

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Dante

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

I have an aversion to converting those who claim to already being Christian.

[Aquila]

I used to fear witnessing because I didn't want people to come to my church and be disappointed.

[shazeep]

I fear witnessing for how it is used, not why. I am all for being a living witness-but the 'spoken' witness, at least in its current usage, seems counterproductive to me. Which doesn't mean that it isn't more or less appropriate at times; but that I allow the uninitiated to broach the subject, after having become interested due to, hopefully, some aspect of my walk.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

I have an aversion to converting those who claim to already being Christian.

I do too.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

I have an aversion to converting those who claim to already being Christian.

So if someone claims to be a :Christian" it is more desirable to be silent and encourage them in damnable heresy than to find out what their faith is and correct error?

I have recently become convinced that the reason we (myself included) do not witness is because we are cowards, pure and simple. We rationalise and theologise our cowardice and call it "wisdom" and "prudence" and whatnot, but the bottom line is cowardice.

Which is certainly a good prima facie evidence of not being filled with the Spirit. The Spirit gives boldness and POWER to witness. If we don't have boldness and power to witness then we have good evidence we aren't empowered and filled, and we have a definite LACK and ABSENCE of biblical evidence we have been baptised with the Holy Ghost.

It is the flesh that fears man. The fear of man brings a snare (trap). We fear people's reactions. The fear of man is a SIN because Jesus told us we are NOT to fear man but to fear God.

I am repenting of my cowardice. I am repenting of my lying self delusion that "being pentecostal means I make noise in church service" while being afraid to openly proclaim Jesus to lost and dying sinners.

I am a Christian and I was given a chance to be pardoned by God because someone wasn't ashamed or afraid to speak the truth in love to people who DID NOT WANT TO HEAR IT like myself.

When I got the Holy Ghost I had boldness. I allowed fear of man to creep in and I rationalised it. I pretended I was wise instead of realising I was backslidden.

Wow ... this thread is a confirmation of a message heard last sabbath in our little home church meeting... thank you Lord!