Do Local Missionary Work

[Lloyd]

I'd appreciate any ideas on where you think may be the best places to look to find people who may like to help do missionary work with me or others.

I'm thinking of colleges. If that's a good idea, are there guidelines to consider first?

Can we find potential missionaries online anywhere besides here? If so, where and how?

[Tom]

I think the folks in churches need to hear the truth.

[Lloyd]

How would you approach these "people in churches", Tom?

My idea is to approach their kids at religious colleges. What about that?

[Warhawk17]

I go to a public university, but there are a lot of Christian groups that hand things out. I always take them, just hoping one time someone will be spreading the truth. Someone handed me today a brochure that was titled "God's simple plan of salvation." I read it, and I immediately recognized it from this site http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/ which we all know David J Stewart is a false teacher. I talk to my friends about this truth, and some have told me they hope I'm right, and some just don't really seem to care right now. I would really love it if I could meet some like minded people at my school.

[Tom]

How would you approach these "people in churches", Tom?

My idea is to approach their kids at religious colleges. What about that?

It seems most so called Christians are church folks with whom you can communicate anywhere anytime the opportunity is made available to you, but be prepared to receive mostly persecution for your efforts because church doctrine is very much opposed to the truth of scripture that God is the savior of all mankind who will reconcile all on earth and in the heavens to be all in all. I believe folks are mistaken when they assume everybody in the U.S.A. has received the evangel because church doctrine is not the evangel. So I don't think you need to go to some far away place to preach the evangel. You can do it in your own neighborhood and on the Web which reaches much of the world.

[Lloyd]

Tom, that's my plan, to "preach" locally, but I figure young people of high school to college age would be the most open to receiving the gospel.

Warhawk, where are you located? If I come across any universalists in your area, I could try to introduce you.

[Warhawk17]

Southern Wisconsin

[Lloyd]

around Racine, Beloit, Janesville, or Jamestown?

[jbertonbounds]

How 'bout right here! In the good ole USA!

Anywhere the Spirit leads you.

Yesterday, for me, it was in Bremen, Alabama, when the Lord moved me toward someone who seemed open to listen, and who said he would check it out.  He said he was a lay preacher.  I planted seeds, and I pray the Lord water those seeds.

I have spoken to very few people who have ever even heard of the notion of God being the Savior of all people.  Few know of the two resurrections, or the fact that we will be judged by our deeds, not be whether we believed or not.  Few realize that their bible says that "hell" [death] will be done away with in the end when it is thrown into the lake of fire.  Almost no one really understands the catching up of the overcomers at the return of the Christ.  They don't know their bibles teach that the heaven and earth we know now will be done away with, and a new heaven and earth will be created.  So few people really know many of the fundamental truths that the scriptures give us, although many Christians hold it right in their hands every Sunday.

As far as missionary work goes, America is wide open!  Start where you are.  The Spirit will lead you where he wants you.  And why would he lead you elsewhere, if you aren't already doing it where you are now?

[Lloyd]

As far as missionary work goes, America is wide open!  Start where you are.  The Spirit will lead you where he wants you.  And why would he lead you elsewhere, if you aren't already doing it where you are now?

J, I think that's what we've been saying. By the way, how do you distinguish between what the Lord leads you to do and what you lead you to do?

[jbertonbounds]

As far as missionary work goes, America is wide open!  Start where you are.  The Spirit will lead you where he wants you.  And why would he lead you elsewhere, if you aren't already doing it where you are now?

J, I think that's what we've been saying. By the way, how do you distinguish between what the Lord leads you to do and what you lead you to do?

Believe me, if you're not sure, He'll let you know in a way that you are sure.
Stay close to Him and trust.

[Jock]

Lloyd, you are trying to come up with ideas of where you can preach. What about, as scripture says, "if somebody ask about your faith" ?

I go out in a state of readiness to share my faith, sometimes the opportunity arises and sometimes not but I am ready in season and out of season.

I don't know about universities in the US, but here in the UK, they are very secular, very Muslim and resistant to the Gospel, but hey, you can try  :dontknow:

May God lead you

Jock.

[Warhawk17]

Lloyd, you are trying to come up with ideas of where you can preach. What about, as scripture says, "if somebody ask about your faith" ?

I go out in a state of readiness to share my faith, sometimes the opportunity arises and sometimes not but I am ready in season and out of season.

I don't know about universities in the US, but here in the UK, they are very secular, very Muslim and resistant to the Gospel, but hey, you can try  :dontknow:

May God lead you

Jock.

It's true. I'm learning about the British government in one of my classes, and they are a very secular nation. Although I find it strange how they have bishops and archbishops in the House of Lords despite their strong belief in separation of church and state. There are true believers everywhere though. I just pray that God gives me the strength to be a better messenger of the true good news because I know there are people out there in need of it.

[Jock]

Lloyd,

The British government is just as corrupt as their American counterparts. Archbishops and Bishops in the house of Lords are Anglicans and any talk of a division of church and state is just a faint. The Anglican church's head is the Queen, not Christ.

They are already the "State church" and are getting into "inter faith" services and are becoming humanistic. They don't hold much sway in the Lords except the illusion that they lend some morality to the chamber.

Anyways, I'm not very patriotic eh? I suppose I'm more sympathetic to Scottish history, for obvious reasons  :laugh:

Your heart is right though, that you want to see all come to Christ, as long as it's not in your own flesh.

Cheers mate

:dsunny:

Jock

[Tom]

You should try social media, bro. If you want to be a messenger of the evangel to young folks, that's where they are. That would give you a reach beyond "locally" too. You don't have to go anywhere except online, but be prepared to receive persecution. Atheists prefer Charles Darwin, and church folks prefer their god who promises to torture most of mankind in fire forever.

[JulieTang84]

I'd appreciate any ideas on where you think may be the best places to look to find people who may like to help do missionary work with me or others.

I'm thinking of colleges. If that's a good idea, are there guidelines to consider first?

Can we find potential missionaries online anywhere besides here? If so, where and how?

Lloyd, I have given this much thought.

In short, here in America we have huge problem with information. Everyone seems to want to sell me something that improve my life beyond my wildest dreams. The down and out person will listen to anyone if there is a free meal or $ attached. Even then, there are countless billboards that state "God Saves" or something equally true but uncompelling.  :sigh:

You see, I believe ignorance is long lost in this country. No one is ignorant in "their" view of God. They know what they believe and it would take more than a miracle or two to change minds and hearts. This is Fathers territory.

So what are we to do?  :dontknow:

Jesus condemned the Pharisee's and those who preached on Street corners. Rather he blessed those who gave him food and shelter, a place to sleep at night. Money even to tied them on their way. Jesus was very clear about this, saying:

Mat 25
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

I guess I am saying that LOVE and TRUTH can best be seen and understood through actions way more than words. I believe it is very important that we "LIVE" our lives with all the LOVE, HOPE and FAITH that we are. I mean live happily, showing our joy everywhere we go. Likewise our patience and compassion. Gratitude for everything should be near our lips always.

So how to reach the most people. Start with one, sowing the seeds I just mentioned and if its Father's will that these seeds grow, then surely you played your part and Father His. Together, we the children of Love can bring Love for Father back in vogue.

I truly believe this Lloyd, I hope I have not offended you.  :friendstu:

Love Julie :HeartThrob:

[Warhawk17]

I'd appreciate any ideas on where you think may be the best places to look to find people who may like to help do missionary work with me or others.

I'm thinking of colleges. If that's a good idea, are there guidelines to consider first?

Can we find potential missionaries online anywhere besides here? If so, where and how?

Lloyd, I have given this much thought.

In short, here in America we have huge problem with information. Everyone seems to want to sell me something that improve my life beyond my wildest dreams. The down and out person will listen to anyone if there is a free meal or $ attached. Even then, there are countless billboards that state "God Saves" or something equally true but uncompelling.  :sigh:

You see, I believe ignorance is long lost in this country. No one is ignorant in "their" view of God. They know what they believe and it would take more than a miracle or two to change minds and hearts. This is Fathers territory.

So what are we to do?  :dontknow:

Jesus condemned the Pharisee's and those who preached on Street corners. Rather he blessed those who gave him food and shelter, a place to sleep at night. Money even to tied them on their way. Jesus was very clear about this, saying:

Mat 25
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

I guess I am saying that LOVE and TRUTH can best be seen and understood through actions way more than words. I believe it is very important that we "LIVE" our lives with all the LOVE, HOPE and FAITH that we are. I mean live happily, showing our joy everywhere we go. Likewise our patience and compassion. Gratitude for everything should be near our lips always.

So how to reach the most people. Start with one, sowing the seeds I just mentioned and if its Father's will that these seeds grow, then surely you played your part and Father His. Together, we the children of Love can bring Love for Father back in vogue.

I truly believe this Lloyd, I hope I have not offended you.  :friendstu:

Love Julie :HeartThrob:

I know what you mean about people always wanting to sell you something. I've been spent a good deal of time around those "dream big, live big" people. A while back an old acquaintance contacted me saying he would be in my town and wanted to show me something that could change my life. So I listened and eventually got involved and like him became one of those people who went around "selling the dream." After a few months, God started telling me to stop and that this isn't what He had in mind for me. I ignored it for a while, but I couldn't keep living a lie and being someone that I'm not.

I'm all about dreaming big and reaching your full potential in this life that God has given you, but many of these "dreams" didn't extend beyond the scope of owning an unnecessary amount of expensive cars, or a 20 bedroom house, or a private plane and yacht. Many of the rich higher ups preached the prosperity gospel. I could write a book on all the ridiculous, scripture-twisting nonsense I heard. Not all people in that are like that though. In fact, I built relationships with a lot of kind, caring, hard-working people who like me were just young 18-30 year olds looking to make some extra money. I have a feeling they will see the nonsense eventually and leave, but that's not always easy. The system tries to program everyone into its ideal version of a businessman and also to unconditionally defend the organization. That's cult like if you ask me.

Sorry for going a little off topic with my rant, but if someone ever tries to get you to join something like this, be wary of what you get yourself into.

[Tom]

"Now no one can be slaving for two lords, for either he will be hating the one and loving the other, or will be upholding one and despising the other. You can not be slaving for God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)

[Warhawk17]

Exactly, and I began hating Mammon and the attitudes people had about it, which caused me to gravitate back to God. I'm not anti business or anti money, and I certainly wouldn't say the Bible is, but I'm against some of the attitudes big business minded people have. I'd rather support the small businesses in my town that are owned by honest, hardworking, humble people that care about their customers.

[JulieTang84]

Exactly, and I began hating Mammon and the attitudes people had about it, which caused me to gravitate back to God. I'm not anti business or anti money, and I certainly wouldn't say the Bible is, but I'm against some of the attitudes big business minded people have. I'd rather support the small businesses in my town that are honest, hardworking, humble people that care about their customers.

Wonderfully put Warhawk.  :HeartThrob:

By no means am I anti-business either. Business is the backbone of life as we enjoy it. Neither am I against nice things. I would enjoy parking Porsche in my spot at work very much. Possibly to much, because I sure would be proud of it and very grateful. Yet, I don't need a Porsche or anything special to know that Father is looking out for me.


I am right with you on supporting small businesses as well. There are plenty fine folk out there doing their best with limited resources, trying to please a whole host of people everyday. Such as these will bode well with Father I am sure because each in their own way are caring for theit customers just like you said. Leading by example.


Love Julie  :HeartThrob:

[Warhawk17]

Exactly, and I began hating Mammon and the attitudes people had about it, which caused me to gravitate back to God. I'm not anti business or anti money, and I certainly wouldn't say the Bible is, but I'm against some of the attitudes big business minded people have. I'd rather support the small businesses in my town that are honest, hardworking, humble people that care about their customers.

Wonderfully put Warhawk.  :HeartThrob:

By no means am I anti-business either. Business is the backbone of life as we enjoy it. Neither am I against nice things. I would enjoy parking Porsche in my spot at work very much. Possibly to much, because I sure would be proud of it and very grateful. Yet, I don't need a Porsche or anything special to know that Father is looking out for me.


I am right with you on supporting small businesses as well. There are plenty fine folk out there doing their best with limited resources, trying to please a whole host of people everyday. Such as these will bode well with Father I am sure because each in their own way are caring for theit customers just like you said. Leading by example.


Love Julie  :HeartThrob:

One of the things I loved about growing up in my hometown and still love is all the small shops and restaurants on our main street. It's an easy walk from our house, and growing up my family would frequently take weekend walks to get something to eat. Everyone knows everyone there so we'd always come across another family we knew, and when I'm home for the holidays and summers, I always run into old friends/acquaintances from high school and the Catholic grade school I attended when I visit the old joints.

I feel like I should be more open about my faith with my friends and family friends. People probably think I'm weird since I'm going against the grain in a very conservative religious Catholic/Lutheran town. But I was reading a Martin Zender newsletter the other day when he said that it's expected for us to feel like outcasts society because we're ahead of the times with our beliefs. He talked about how DaVinci was drawing helicopters 500 years before they were invented, and everyone thought he was crazy. The same could be said for Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and any other pioneer in their respective industry. Failure and rejection are part of this life though, and we need to do our best to overcome it and keep pushing on.

Sometimes I wish I could just go back to when I was young and everything was so simple and black and white like when I was being brainwas...ahem...taught Catholicism in my school. Life was so simple and carefree, but I am more excited about the future and what God is going to do in the coming ages!! The amazing thing though was that for a long time, I just assumed that since God was so great and loving that everyone would go to Heaven. I lost this belief as I got older and we started learning the deeper "truths" of God, but I have gained it back thankfully!

[Lloyd]

The Matthew 25 passages have been helping to motivate me for a couple of months or so. Right now I'm visiting a Catholic Workers group and that's what provides major inspiration for them too. The group is only 3 people, being a new group, and none of them are "Catholic". I was discussing universalism with them a while ago, before coming here to the library, and one of them asked if I'd heard of the book, If Grace is True. I hadn't, but he then showed me a copy he has and there are lots of markings in the book where someone highlighted passages. The subtitle is Why God Will Save Every Person. He said the authors are a couple of evangelical Quakers. Two members of their group are also Quakers. And I've affiliated quite a bit with Quakers myself. Anyway, it looks like a good book. I've only read a few pages so far.

The Bible says Jesus is our example. And I believe everyone who follows Jesus' example is our example as well. The Apostles followed Jesus' example and instructions and they went in pairs to preach the gospel to the world. The Apostle's flocks then formed Christian communities, following their instructions and the Bible. I believe those communities followed the advice from Matthew 25.

That kind of sums up what kinds of efforts I feel led to get involved in, but including the universalist message too. Actually, I think it should also include Christian and ultimately universal unity, since unity was an important part of Jesus' message that the Apostles' example as well.

I'm fine with social media as a way to reach people, but I think we need to be forming local communities at the same time. I don't know what kinds of preaching the Pharisees did, but Jesus and the Apostles did preaching too, so it seems that their style of preaching is likely meant to help serve as our example too. Isn't it? While they preached, they also healed the sick, which partially fulfilled Matthew 25. One of the members of the local Catholic Workers group is practicing shiatsu, or acupressure, which he wants to make available free to those in need as a form of healing. The group is also building rooms in a building they bought where they want to shelter people in need temporarily. They're growing food too, as well as dumpster diving for good food. At least one of them is a Christian anarchist.

[Lloyd]

My main question is, are not the apostles (and Jesus) our examples? If they are our examples, are we not to do what they did, preaching to the world, healing the sick, and starting communities of the faithful?

[JulieTang84]

My main question is, are not the apostles (and Jesus) our examples? If they are our examples, are we not to do what they did, preaching to the world, healing the sick, and starting communities of the faithful?

Lloyd for sure you must look on us a an ungrateful bunch of folk. To be honest, we likely are. I mean what better news could there be knowing all of this that we call life is just temporary and we near fear nothing.  Yet, not all of us are healers, teachers, fortune tellers, etc. However, would you believe that I am a member of a UR church that is all of what you speak of and more besides.


I belong to the Unity Church of Practical Christianity. I, myself am learning Reiki (healing hands) and have had two wonderful teachers. I know several people who can see energy as color and actually pull the negative energy out of a person. I'm not there yet but have seen some amazing results of the healing touch of Love.


Our church welcomes people of ANY background or any religion. We believe that all people have a portion of the Divinity of Christ. There is nothing but Love and Encouragement. If you have never heard of this Church you might be interested in this: [size=78%]http://www.truthunity.net[/size]


This is a site that one of the member's runs and is full of very interesting studies, etc.


Please let me know what you think.


Love Julie  :HeartThrob:

[Lloyd]

Julie, I don't have much time now, but I'll try to get time later today or tomorrow to look more into the website.

Where are you located approximately? There's a Unity church in Indy that I'm planning to attend soon. Do Unity members try to encourage Christians to unify? I believe that's an important work for Christians to do too.