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Must we always give to do evangelism?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by evangelist6589, Dec 31, 2014.

  1. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Was reading two evangelism books today (got today and tomorrow off holiday pay) and both were saying that evangelism is more effective when we financially give to others, or give food and so forth as it softens hearts. I agree that if one can give one must and giving does backup the testimony, however according to Romans 12 giving is a spiritual gift, and must be done in secret according to Matthews gospel. When the beggar asked for money from Peter and John they did not have any, but gave what they did have. Paul when he preached the gospel had nothing to offer but the gospel.

    1 Cor 2:2-5 (NKJV) For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

    This is why we must know the scripture when reading evangelism books. For many reasons I recommend evangelism books from a Calvinist/Reformed author for they tend to be more biblically balanced and not a singe one in my library say that giving is what softens hearts and evangelism must always be done in accordance with giving. Giving is important and should be done if possible, but its an option not a requirement for evangelism.
     
    #1 evangelist6589, Dec 31, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 31, 2014
  2. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    I could not get to the rest of this post because you failed to understand scripture here. You are conflating two issues which do not belong together. I would suggest you do a study on the spiritual gift of giving. You need to learn its purpose and its abuses.
     
  3. Marooncat79

    Marooncat79 Well-Known Member
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    Paul in Acts chapter 17 went in with both guns blazing!!
     
  4. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Some are natural born givers and give to everyone. These have the spiritual gift. Others just give when they can. A person whom writes a book and includes a chapter on giving and talks about all his giving experiences (as both the authors did in both books I read today) those have the gift of giving.

    However the Calvinist author whom also wrote an evangelism book and had no chapters on giving I would say lacked the gift of giving.
     
  5. matt wade

    matt wade Well-Known Member

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    "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

    Giving is not part of evangelism. Can it provide an inroad? Yes. Is it necessary? No.

    Unfortunately we see many churches that start of with this technique and then giving becomes all they do. I use as an example the United Methodist churches in my area. They are a very giving church. They do many good things for the community. Unfortunately, they've stopped evangelizing after "softening the hearts".
     
  6. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Explain. I don't have my bible on me at this time.

    Last week a movie employee gave me 2 FREE movie tickets of my choice and in return I gave him a million dollar bill tract. I would argue that I gave to this person far more than those that donate or give and dodge the gospel.
     
  7. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    This is why questioned both books that I read today. Good and helpful insight but unbiblical!

    Other than the Bible I would endorse the book

    Tell the Truth by Will Metzger as a more biblical evangelism book.
     
  8. Marooncat79

    Marooncat79 Well-Known Member
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    In Acts 17, Paul did not "give" them anything, he just went in and preached the Gospel.

    He did not give them a gift card nor do an act of service in order to "earn the right to preach to them" as some suggest that we do

    He just went in and preached to them
     
  9. gigabyte71

    gigabyte71 Member

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    You apparently don't understand Matthew 6 if you are using that as your reason for giving in secret. This deals with those people who make an open show of giving, for the intent of being seen by men and receiving their praise.

    You spend a lot of time reading books, have you ever read any on Biblical interpretation?
     
  10. matt wade

    matt wade Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG]

    Go chase a rabbit!
     
  11. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    If you are on the computer, you have the Bible on you.

    www.biblegateway.com

    But in answer to your question, no, we don't have to always give to do evangelism. But I believe giving at times shows that we care and that we are obedient to Christ in caring for others. We need to be careful that we are giving out of a pure heart and that we are not giving for a reward and that we are also not trying to do what a person should do themselves but let me just say, when someone is in need of help AND the Savior, they will be much more open to listening to you if they know that you truly care about them.
     
  12. quantumfaith

    quantumfaith Active Member

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    :applause: :applause::applause:
     
  13. TCassidy

    TCassidy Late-Administator Emeritus
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    If you want to send the light, you have to pay the light bill! :)
     
  14. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Some commentaries but most are theology, prophecy, apologetics, or evangelism type books.
     
    #14 evangelist6589, Dec 31, 2014
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  15. padredurand

    padredurand Well-Known Member
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    Why do one at the exclusion of the other? The Christian life is not a series of compartmentalized acts.

    He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
    Micah 6:8 NAS77

    I cannot chose to do justice today, love kindness on tomorrow, and walk humbly on odd numbered days except in a Leap Year. Our efforts in evangelism, benevolence and the pursuit of holiness are wholly integrated in the discipline of discipleship.

    Must we always give? Yes; our gifts, graces, resources.

    Must we always evangelize? Yes, in season and without.

    Must we always give in order to evangelize? If we are doing what the Lord requires of us it would be hard to avoid.
     
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