FAITH, WHAT IS IT AND WHATS THE BEST WAYS TO GO ABOUT SHARING IT?

[AJ 'AJ ROK' WOODSON]

This discussion question was inspired by the topics my pastor gave us as a final paper for the Faith Sharing Class I just finish taking. I immediately thought it would be a great discussion to start on here but wanted to wait until after I completed and handed in my assignment!!!

I would like to hear from everyone on this
WHAT IS FAITH?
and since the great commission tells us we should share our faith and the good word with everyone we come in contact. I wanted to hear from you on what some of you think are the best ways to do that. maybe hear from a few of you on some expereriences you have had, some pros & cons, how you handled it, etc...

In taking the class I never realize there was so much to consider
and before the class while I thought I was ready I may have done more harm then good not full being prepared in a few cases. How do you reach those who may not want to be reached. Im not even talking about strangers you meet I mean those in your inner circle, family and friends...

So it got me to thinking this would be a perfect discussion to start here with you the SPIRITUAL MINDED FAM!
There are no wrong answers
but maybe just maybe in dialog with one another
we might strengthen each other.
And all be better street disciples...
So holla back, let's get this discussion started!!!

[SPIRITUAL MINDED RADIO]

ok let me kick this off..

What is faith? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines faith first as an 'allegiance to duty or a person: Loyalty' and secondly as a 'belief and trust in the loyalty to God.' 'A belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion.' The defination H. Eddie Fox and George E. Morris, the authors of Faith Sharing give is, "Christian faith is a centered, personal, relational response involving trust and obedience," which they credit John R. Henrick's Opening The Door Of Faith as their source. I write all that to point out that the danger with the Marriam-Webster definition while both grammical and biblical correct is that the Satan has a belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion, and while he also believes Jesus is the Christ, and all the scriputure having been given by inspiration of God is true as God is true, so does Satan have faith?
Christian faith is not faith in general. To say that the object of Christian faith is Jesus who is the Christ is to take the adjective "Christian" seriously. I show the difference because we do not use the word faith in its generic form when we are sharing our faith. That is because Faith Sharing is the ultimate act of Christian love, compassion and concern. It doesn't get much more serious than that!
Anslem of Canterbury, one of the leading voices in theology in the middle ages defines Christian Theology as, 'faith seeking understanding.' I point that out to further expound on faith, that we are saved by faith, that's whay a child can respond in faith. Faith has nothing to do with know smart you are, how theological you are or your age. Dr. Henry Denman tell us once we are saved, once we develop faith, 'we must spend the rest of our lives seeking to understand that faith. That's why a person never graduates from the School of Christ.'

ok more later, just wanted to kick things off
I would like to hear from everyone else on, holla back!!!

[SistahKenya]

Faith is believing in what you do not see and are not able to control.. Truly my faith in God has grown over the past years..I am thankful that there are many levels of Faith.. It is important to share our faith in the most opportive moments. My bible tells me that faith is the evidence of things not seen and the substance of things hoped for.

This is a great topic of discussion.. I pray more will join in..
Shalom

[SPIRITUAL MINDED RADIO]

Thank you very much Sistah Kenya for sharing
I would love to hear whatever one else thinks

come on don't be shy! LOL!
What you write hear may help someone else be able to share there faith from the inspiration they recieved from what your shared, from your testimony


holla back
-AJ

[Michelle Reed]

This is a big topic!!

I share my faith through friendship evangelism. You see, I have springs of living water rising up inside of me. Sometimes we have friends who don't know Jesus and we forget that what we have is better than what they have. Well, I walk like I'm full of the Lord, because I am. When they come to me for advice, I give them what they need without being preachy, but if the Holy Spirit tells me what to say I'll say it. I'll share a scripture at that time because I know the Holy Spirit will do the convicting. I then pray over that person HARD once I've left their presence that the word will stay in their spirit. They come to me for help but ultimately, I ask God to show me the opportunity where I can lead them to CHRIST. The SOURCE.

As for getting ready to tell people about Christ, your personal testimony is the strongest. My pastor gives these pointers to a good testimony (as you'll see Paul shares his three times this way in Acts).

1. Who I was before I met Christ
2. How I came to meet Christ
3. How I knew it was Christ I was having a encounter with
4. How I've been since I gave my life to Christ
5. Ask them if they've ever had an experience like this.

My pastor says he told his students in seminary to do this assignment while he taught the evangelism class. He told them they had to find 3 people to do this with and that they could simply say it is an assignment their teacher gave them to do. The outcome? Many came back with testimonies of those who had been saved.

AJ, love you for going to the class and evangelizing!

Much respect!
M

[SPIRITUAL MINDED RADIO]

Thank you very much Sistah Michelle
First let me say welcome back its been far too long since last we heard from you...
I know you are busy makin power moves and getting that book finished, (I can't wait to read it) I'm so greatful you were able to come back thru and share this.

I took the Faith Sharing Class and The Journey Through Christian Theology Class (Sistah kenya and I took that one together)
both were very eye opening, informative and inspirational. I plan to take atleast one more class in the fall maybe the one covering the old testiment, I'll get back to you and let you know once I have signed up

Thank you again Michelle for sharing your testimony and what you Pastor teaches on the subject! may God cntinue to bless you abundantly my friend!
Come on whose next, holla at ya boy!
-AJ ROK
da street apostle