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Closet Christians - 6/14/2010 9:28:48 PM
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Johnny_
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My pastor has occasionaly told us during his sermons that we should not be closet Christians. I would categorize myself as a closet Christian because I rarely share my faith with anyone besides my inner circle. In other words, I never go up to a stranger to share my faith or share the Gospel. I'm not really open about my faith at work either. So how often are we supposed to open up about our faith to strangers or even acquaintances? What about at work? Where do you draw the line? I'm just worried that God will say to me "Johnny, why were you a closet Christian?" I need some help with this problem.
< Message edited by Johnny_ -- 6/15/2010 12:13:02 AM >
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/14/2010 9:41:26 PM
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Johnny_
Posts: 601
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From: California
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Anyone want to help me out? It really doesn't matter. You can give me either spiritual or practical advice.
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/14/2010 9:45:53 PM
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RadarHere
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Hi Johnny_,
It's good that you're aware you could be doing better. So many people will pass away without realizing that they didn't step up to the plate and really live for God. I'm trying to do better myself.
I'd say never forget that a.) we do have a responsibility to live lives that are openly Christian and pleasing to the Lord. After all, no other group feels the need to hide their beliefs. We actually have the truth so why should we hide it? And b.) move. It's hard to get started but do it one step at a time. Try being more vocal about what God has done in your life and work into sharing the gospel with others. You can take classes and read books on sharing your faith. Share Jesus Without Fear by William Fay is a great one.
Most importantly pray for God's help. You don't have to do this by yourself. You can't! Because we'll always choose what we want over what God wants. Work on growing and walking in the Spirit. Then it won't be about how often you should share your faith because you'll just do it. It becomes quality over quantity.
Someone encouraged me on another post not to let this opportunity to take my relationship with God to the next level slip by me. I encourage you to do the same. Pray that the Lord will change your heart as he sees fit and give you the fire to live freely in Him. Then just get moving. :)
God bless you in your endeavors.
Radar Here
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/14/2010 9:49:21 PM
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makarizo
Posts: 2588
Joined: 4/13/2005
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I can only speak for myself about this, I share my faith with EVERYONE..... people at the store, on the plane, at work, at the shelter, on the street, telemarketers, on the internet,
I listen to Christian music, wear christian message tee shirts, carry a bible around a lot,
I am not a weirdo radical evangelist, I am just a normal guy who talks about what he loves.
sharing the gospel by talking is good, you put your identity in Christ, it is who you are, BUT we will be judged by our DEEDS...... It is more about what you do than what you say
Mt 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
Mat 5:15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Mat 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
_____________________________
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/14/2010 9:55:49 PM
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Johnny_
Posts: 601
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From: California
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I am naturally a shy person. I don't think being shy, of on its own, is a sin because its part of the personality. However, my friend said "being shy of the Gospel is a sin." And there lies my problem. I'm not sure if I'm shy of the Gospel or I don't have the desire to share the Gospel. Anyways. So how many times are supposed to share? And where do we draw the line?
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/14/2010 10:06:27 PM
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mariamaria
Posts: 325
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Johnny_
My pastor has occasionaly told us during his sermons that we should not be closet Christians. I would categorize myself as a closet Christian because I rarely share my faith with anyone besides my inner circle. In other words, I never go up to a stranger to share my faith or share the Gospel. I'm not really open about my faith at work either. So how often are we supposed to open up about our faith to strangers? What about at work? Where do you draw the line? I'm just worried that God will say to me "Johnny, why were you a closet Christian?" I need some help with this problem.
I'm like you, I don't really share my faith either, only with my family. I don't work and family are the only people I see.
I'm interested in the replies you'll get
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/14/2010 10:11:04 PM
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Johnny_
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From: California
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It's comfortating to know I'm not alone. 
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/14/2010 10:13:47 PM
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makarizo
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You cant turn it into a law that must be obeyed, it has to be from a desire and need and compassion to share.
I suggest setting a goal for yourself : you share at least once a day. ... words or deeds. .... start out small.
_____________________________
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/14/2010 11:06:43 PM
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LiebeGott
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Johnny, I'd say that sharing with your inner circle is the best way to reach someone. It's your strength. Concentrate on what you are best at. Don't compare yourself to another, i. e., an evangelist or someone who has been a
Christian for a longer period.
You can widen your circle. Most people frequent the same places; coffee houses, the supermarket etc. Try to get in line with the same clerk or Barista.
Work on the relationship, be a friend. Develop trust. Sharing with strangers
is not very effective unless you have highly developed people skills which most people don't. People don't care what you say most of the time, they want to
know you care. You get that by talking with the same people over and over.
Make sure you introduce yourself, smile, and ask them their name. The KEY is to immediatley write down their name after you meet so you will know it next time. You'll be amazed at what that will do the next time you encounter them.
just my two bits......chau.
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/14/2010 11:18:42 PM
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Walker311
Posts: 830
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Johnny,
You cannot effectively be a witness or light to others by carrying guilt for not being more outgoing. However your shyness could be interpreted as being ashamed of Christ.
M'r:8:38: Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
I suggest that you speak to your pastor about this and I believe that he would lead you to pray about this matter so that the Holy Spirit would open doors and strengthen you to overcome your shyness at least when there is opportunity to share with others about what Christ means to you.
Btw! Be aware that if you ask the Lord to present opportunities to witness, He will deliver.
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/14/2010 11:57:01 PM
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LCannon
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From: Lebanon, OR
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I find keeping my shirts clean and laundered(no skeletons or hidden 'issues')but prayed up and confessed up and ready for action is a key. Generally I don't have the opportunity to 'preach redemption' but I'm always prepared. My opportunities usually come in small, even the smallest, obediences; a kind word or a smile or some help I can render the shows His Grace in my life or allowing someone else to help me. When you're willing to pray, read and meditate on Him you will become aware of your opportunities He affords. Start small maybe within your circle where you're more comfortable and safe. It's a rare person that naturally take advantage/recognizes one's opportunities. More typically obedience is a learned skill(art?)and practiced/refined throughout one's life.
_____________________________
'No man can do a great and enduring work for God who is not a man of prayer and
no man can be a man of prayer who doesn't give much time to praying.' E.M. Bounds
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/15/2010 1:47:04 AM
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makewa
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Johnny I'm a bit of an introvert but I do realize that we really need to share the Gospel with others. This is the great commission that The Lord Jesus gave to each one of us:
Mark 16:15 And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Just think of where you would be if someone hadn't taken the time to share the Gospel with you. There are so many lost souls out there who will go to a lost eternity if they don't repent and accept the offer of life found in The Lord Jesus.
Why not try giving some tracts out your local shopping centre as a start and remember The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say when you get stuck.
Come on go out there and be a blessing and you will find you will be so blessed yourself, because we always are when we reach out to others.
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/15/2010 9:53:50 AM
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ta_mosquito
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Here's an article, "Evangelism for Introverts"
http://www.onmission.com/site/c.cnKHIPNuEoG/b.2270961/k.7B4F/Evangelism_for_Introverts.htm
Short excerpt:
For years I wanted to be an effective witness. I took classes, listened to sermons and read books about evangelism. I tried every method I could find, but it seemed to get harder instead of easier. I wondered, "If God wanted me to share my faith, why didn't He give me a more outgoing personality? Why should it be so hard?" I finally gave up on evangelism, because I got tired of feeling guilty.
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/15/2010 11:27:23 AM
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OverstuffedChair
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I think one way to 'share the gospel' is by your personal conduct.
By not lying, stealing and whatever, and being compassionate towards those who are hurting, people will note that you seem differant then other people.
'Sharing the gospel' is not all about handing out leaflets, or wearing 'Jesus loves you' teeshirts, but by loving people, and letting them see through you what Jesus looks like. Otherwise it's just 'drive by' evangelism.
That is, you are a friend, as well as sharing the gospel.
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/15/2010 11:49:11 AM
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Johnny_
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I used to always think that way. I'll just let my actions speak for itself. However, I have been convicted that my actions sometimes isn't enough. Especially in light of my pastor's sermons. I think there are times when speaking up for the Gospel of Christ is warranted and necessary. This is easier said than done for a person like me since I have been a introvert all my life.
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/15/2010 1:03:01 PM
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writerchick
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Johnny_
I used to always think that way. I'll just let my actions speak for itself. However, I have been convicted that my actions sometimes isn't enough. Especially in light of my pastor's sermons. I think there are times when speaking up for the Gospel of Christ is warranted and necessary. This is easier said than done for a person like me since I have been a introvert all my life.
This might be the whole problem right here. I understand that you're wanting to fall in line with what your pastor is teaching, however, where's the confirmation that you were out of line to begin with?
It's wonderful that you want to be responsive to the Holy Spirit, but you may need to take a step back and make sure that you actually are feeling conviction and not condemnation.
Like you, I am in introvert. Not that you can tell from my posts on here  I'm also a writer. That's what I do. But talking? Pfft! I can go for days and never even feel the need to utter a word.
But back to you. Try thinking through the issue from this angle: Do you ever find yourself yammering on about anything more than you do about Christ? If not, you might be taking on condemnation instead of conviction.
As others have pointed out, there is more than one way to share Christ. If speaking isn't your gift, there's no reason for you to feel less than because God always provides another way. It may be in a totally random way, too. Oddly enough, I got synchronized swimming. God can truly use anything.
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/15/2010 4:57:27 PM
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jn1010lf
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Hello Johnny_
I think it's beneficial to listen to the Holy Spirit. He will prompt you to share your faith when an opportune time is at hand. Many times, a person will divulge some problem or conflict he or she is going through. That's a good time to encourage such persons that the Lord has a solution.
There is a question that has always bothered me but it's a clue as to witnessing. Why were the multitudes attracted to Jesus? I think it was for two reasons: One, he performed miracle in public places. Two, he was anointed to the point that people saw life in Him. Some reached out to accept it, while others were angry especially the religious ones.
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/15/2010 7:14:12 PM
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donnam3707
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I just want to take a moment and say that this topic of Closet Christians has been something I've been struggling with for quite some time. I read the article posted by the moderator about an introvert evangelizing and it was very helpful for me. I have been feeling that I am constantly letting the Lord down as I am not doing the very thing I must do: share the gospel of Christ. I will start praying immediately - but not for an 'attitude' change. For God to use me as I am to reach the one(s) I am to touch. Thank you and God Bless!
_____________________________
God Bless...
Donna
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/16/2010 7:34:07 AM
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Silas_Barnaby
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quote:
However, my friend said "being shy of the Gospel is a sin." This just sounds like someones' guilt-inducing opinion. (without much grace to boot.) Sharing your faith out of guilt is never a good idea.
quote:
People don't care what you say most of the time, they want to
know you care. quote:
You cannot effectively be a witness or light to others by carrying guilt for not being more outgoing. quote:
a kind word or a smile or some help I can render the shows His Grace in my life or allowing someone else to help me. quote:
'Sharing the gospel' is not all about handing out leaflets, or wearing 'Jesus loves you' teeshirts, but by loving people, and letting them see through you what Jesus looks like. Otherwise it's just 'drive by' evangelism.
Ask yourself: if keeping quiet and living a decent life style is a more effective witness than pigeon-holeing people and "preaching Jesus" which is better? If "sharing my faith" is going to turn someone off to the faith then I'm going to keep quiet. Too many people (including institutions) do too much damage to the cause of Christ under the banner of The Great Commission.
If anyone sincerely wants to know what I believe I'm more than glad to share. Otherwise I keep quiet.
"Share your faith at all times. And when necessary use words"
_____________________________
...it is possible to be perfectly right on a superficial level, and wrong in the things that matter most in life
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/16/2010 1:25:18 PM
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writerchick
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Silas_Barnaby
"Share your faith at all times. And when necessary use words"
Because it bears repeating.
_____________________________
Secret Bodyguard is now available at Amazon.com!
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/16/2010 1:56:53 PM
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rcjames
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I think Jesus and Paul spoke to this here and in about 15 other verses;
(Luk 9:26) For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
and
(Rom 1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Thanks
Rc
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/16/2010 2:34:51 PM
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MysterySolved
Posts: 309
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Johnny_
My pastor has occasionaly told us during his sermons that we should not be closet Christians. I would categorize myself as a closet Christian because I rarely share my faith with anyone besides my inner circle. In other words, I never go up to a stranger to share my faith or share the Gospel. I'm not really open about my faith at work either. So how often are we supposed to open up about our faith to strangers or even acquaintances? What about at work? Where do you draw the line? I'm just worried that God will say to me "Johnny, why were you a closet Christian?" I need some help with this problem.
1 Peter 3:15
"But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical answer to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully."
As you go through life, and as God puts people in your path who are receptive to Him - they will ask questions. Answer their questions courteously and respectfully. Tell them of the One who is in you, the One who is your hope. Which I am sure you are eager to do anyways.
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/16/2010 2:43:53 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 2108
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MysterySolved hit the nail on the head. Thanks, friend.
Notice the verse speaks of those 'who ask'. That is so important. That does not mean that they actually come up to you and say 'what do you believe?' But it means that there is an openness, a readiness, a willingness or some measure of vulnerability within them, the Spirit has done His work in preparing them to hear what you have to say.
I don't think these opportunities come along often in life. Most evangelism I have seen is forced and of the flesh, not Spirit led.
When you love Jesus and are in fellowship with Him, others will notice. There is a difference about you, kind of like the shekinah glory that radiated from Moses. Others will see and know. And a few will ask.
And when they do, tell them about the Jesus you know and love and Who loves them as well. Blessings. LL
_____________________________
Liveloved
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Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
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RE: Closet Christians - 6/16/2010 7:22:15 PM
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davelinde
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From: New Jersey
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Tinkerbell_
quote:
ORIGINAL: writerchick
quote:
ORIGINAL: Silas_Barnaby
"Share your faith at all times. And when necessary use words"
Because it bears repeating.
Multiple times.
How do you derive this from scripture?
Romans 10:14 sure seems to put an emphasis on the words you are dismissing.
I would never advocate Evangelism without a consistent example in your life... but we are instructed to use words.
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