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I'm stumbling...

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aqrinc:

Hi Mark,

I just found this thread from Moises, one of our younger brothers. He seems to have a grasp of and ability, to understand some of the meaning of this parable. There is more that needs to be developed here, but look at what can come out of the mouth (mind) of babes. ;D

http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,6362.msg51260.html#msg51260

george. ;D

jerreye:
I'm kinda confused...where does it say to "ONLY give an answer to those that ask"? Surely we are to BE PREPARED to GIVE an answer to those that ask, but I don't see the word "ONLY" in that passage...

Are we to do or say nothing unless someone asks us a question?

Ninny:
It says give an answer to EVERYONE who asks.. and it does say "everyone who asks" not just to anyone or everyone everywhere, but to everyone who asks...It says that in the KJV and in the CLV So I guess it doesn't say ONLY to them, but it does say to every one who asks...don't know if that means anything, but it seem kind of like literally just the ones who ask... ???
Kathy ;)

lilitalienboi16:
You answered you're own question dear Mark!

We are to sow the seed of God's Word THROUGH or BY giving an answer to those who ASK and so this is according to the will of God.

It is according to the will of God because we know that when someone comes to us, asking us for the reason of our hope, we know that God has brought them to us and that He has done so because He has given us the perfect thing in which to sow the Word.

We are not to go shoving it down everyones throats, and making their hearts bitter. I see this all the time down at mainstreet, huntington beach, california. Alot of evangelicals are out here preaching, and shoving the word down everyones throat and it turns off alot of people to the Word of God and what is worse is that they do this by attempting to scare those who pass by, by asking them, "If you die today, would you go to heaven or hell?" And alas, they open up the can of worms that is hell. A most sickening doctrine is shoved down the throats of what otherwise could be fertile soil for the seed that is the Word of God.

So we must have patience and trust in God. He will bring those whom He wants to hear the truth and accept to us when the time is right.

Otherwise, sit tight, relax and enjoy the ride through the fiery trials that is our life! Endure to the end :) God willing of course!

God bless,

Alex

mharrell08:

--- Quote from: Marky Mark on August 18, 2009, 09:17:20 AM ---Hello everyone.

 The scripture that is posted below has been weighing on my mind as of late. ???

 On the one hand we as followers of Christ are given the orders to sow the seed as specified in Matt.25,according to the will of God. But in 1Peter3 we are told to give answers only to those that ask! Where do these two scripture cross the line so to speak,if on the one hand we are to do as in Matt25 but on the other hand we are told to give an answer only to those that ask. 1Peter3.
--- End quote ---


Mark,

I started to reply to this thread 3-4 times and kept starting over. Some people will reference 1 Peter 3 when suggesting that a person wait until asked before jumping in with their beliefs. Others will say 'sow a seed, you never know' and will witness at any chance that presents itself. I think the truth lies within the intentions of the heart of the person.

It takes much spiritual maturity to witness when needed, provide answers when asked, and knowing when to keep quiet. The only perfect example that we can look to is Christ.

Jesus was full of the grace of God (Lk 2:10) and His only desire was to do the Will of God (John 4:34) and give Him all glory (John 7:18). I believe that should be the example & standard in all we do, including spreading the gospel. Let all be done to the glory of God...we should judge ourselves in our thoughts even before we speak: 'How does this give glory to God?', 'Am I trying to convince this person or am I seeking to make known the goodness of God', 'What do the scriptures say & mean, not attempt to boast of my commentary of the scriptures', etc.

But all this is by the grace of God and His timing...we should never worry of 'losing an opportunity' as God's plan for humanity is not a matter of chance.

To sum it up: When it's time, you'll know...and when it's not time, you'll also know. It's truly a matter of spiritual maturity that is only gleaned through the spirit of God...don't wrestle with it, He will direct your steps.



Hope this helps,

Marques

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