If the person that you are attempting to witness to has already expressed their opinion (i.e. they do not wish to hear your message), then I think that there is no point in continuing with your "teaching". If someone is open to the ideas that you have, or at least open to the thought of listening to you, then it should be ok. It was stated earlier that you have to know your audience, and that is crucial.

 

I know that my beliefs are very different from apparently everyone else on this site, and I do not try to push them on anyone else. But, if I meet someone who is curious about my beliefs, I will do my best to explain them in a way that will answer their questions without making myself sound like a "religious zealot" and negating the chance of them accepting my beliefs with an open mind.

 

Remember, there are people who will look at Christians, or any other religion, who are "pushy" with their beliefs, the same as they look at radical Muslims or some of the cults (Branch Davidians) that have been in the news. They will view them as mentally unstable individuals who will stop at nothing to convert others to their individual religions. This will create mistrust and cause more harm than good, IMO.

Remember, there are people who will look at Christians, or any other religion, who are "pushy" with their beliefs, the same as they look at radical Muslims or some of the cults (Branch Davidians) that have been in the news. They will view them as mentally unstable individuals who will stop at nothing to convert others to their individual religions. This will create mistrust and cause more harm than good, IMO.

 

 

That is how I feel.

 

Also I honestly have issue sometimes when something seems, too good or too genuine. I am not talking about the message itself, I am talking about the individual sharing it. I have recounted ad nauseum my irritating experiences with SBTS students, were I not already a Christian on account of my Catholic upbringing and further studies in my faith I could easily get annoyed and turned off by them.

 

I am quite happy that I was not dependent on those individuals to discover my faith. People who are absurdly zealous almost feel like insurance salesmen and TV attorneys.

There can never be a wrong time to share the message of Christ with someone.

 

However, there can be a wrong delivery. If we share His message with love, then all of the pieces will fall into place.

 

We need to sew the seed of salvation into the lives of the ones around us, and let God give the increase!

What is the good news that Jesus taught? The Gospel??

What is the good news that Jesus taught? The Gospel??

 

He loved them and wants them to know that and have a personal relationship with him.

Question for those who say there is a wrong time.

 

I am a teacher.

 

Let's say that I have a student that says education is stupid and he is not going to do any of his work and doesn't care if he learns anything.

 

Do I quit teaching him?

 

If you say yes, are you saying me teaching him worldly things is more important than me teaching him heavenly things?

Question for those who say there is a wrong time.

 

I am a teacher.

 

Let's say that I have a student that says education is stupid and he is not going to do any of his work and doesn't care if he learns anything.

 

Do I quit teaching him?

 

If you say yes, are you saying me teaching him worldly things is more important than me teaching him heavenly things?

 

As a public school teacher you obviously have no business teaching him anything other than "worldly" things.

I think what we all can agree on in this thread, is that there may not be a wrong time, but there is certainly is a wrong way to share the Good News. And when that wrong delivery is implemented in certain times, the result is the opposite of the intention (converting non-believers)- instead it pushes them farther away.

There is never a wrong time or place to "live" the Gospel and Love of Jesus.

 

IMO, if more Christians would focus on actually living and doing the things we're taught in the Gospel, (instead of what others are or aren't doing) they would find that the sharing often takes care of itself. :thumb:

That is how I feel.

 

Also I honestly have issue sometimes when something seems, too good or too genuine. I am not talking about the message itself, I am talking about the individual sharing it. I have recounted ad nauseum my irritating experiences with SBTS students, were I not already a Christian on account of my Catholic upbringing and further studies in my faith I could easily get annoyed and turned off by them.

 

I am quite happy that I was not dependent on those individuals to discover my faith. People who are absurdly zealous almost feel like insurance salesmen and TV attorneys.

 

 

I agree, but to furhter that, I get really upset because many people assume because I'm Catholic, I must need some "extra" saving or something. Do you ever tell someone you're Catholic, and then all of a sudden it's like you're a Defender of the Faith or something? Trying to juggle multiple inflammatory questions and misconceptions?

 

I do.

 

Would it be considered "witnessing", if I went up to a non-Catholic and started to tell them the errors of their ways because they aren't Catholic? I doubt anyone would be receptive to that approach.

There is never a wrong time or place to "live" the Gospel and Love of Jesus.

 

IMO, if more Christians would focus on actually living and doing the things we're taught in the Gospel, (instead of what others are or aren't doing) they would find that the sharing often takes care of itself. :thumb:

 

We are in complete agreement on this one.

Question for those who say there is a wrong time.

 

I am a teacher.

 

Let's say that I have a student that says education is stupid and he is not going to do any of his work and doesn't care if he learns anything.

 

Do I quit teaching him?

 

If you say yes, are you saying me teaching him worldly things is more important than me teaching him heavenly things?

 

I believe that there is a difference. You are required to teach the student because that is your job that you were hired and paid to do. Also, just because the student still sits in your class, it doesn't mean that he/she is learning anything. If the student doesn't want to learn, then leave them alone and work with the ones who do. The student will have to face the consequences of his/her actions when the time comes (i.e. failing the class and having to repeat it.)

 

I feel the same way about religion. If someone doesn't want to hear what you have to say, then leave them alone. Talk to those who want to learn from you. Let those that don't want to learn face their own consequences, whatever they may be.

What does scripture say?

 

Go tell others.

 

Paul was bold.

 

We are not promised another minute, so we need to do it.

 

Ezekiel 3:16 says we will be blessed to share the word, even if we are rejected.

 

Now to be fair. Some people are not equipped or have the right gifts to do this, but they can pray.

 

Lets pray for the storm/train wreck folks when we read this. Amen.

 

Is there a time that sharing the love of Jesus Christ with someone is the wrong time?????

 

NO!

As a public school teacher you obviously have no business teaching him anything other than "worldly" things.

 

That is a worldly stance.

I care more about a heavenly stance.

So, I will talk about my faith when the appropriate opportunities arise.