Disciples of the Apostles on freewill

All of the early Church fathers (the direct disciples of the Apostles) agreed with and even taught the freedom of the will to except God or deny Him. Fighting against the Gnostic teaching that all is preordained, predetermined, predestined, by nessecity, fated. Along with the Apostle John, and the Apostle Paul, their disciples followed suit in defending the faith against the same Gnostics.

Here are quotes from the original Church fathers, the direct disciples of the Apostles. They all often use the very same texts Provisionists, Arminians, Molinist and everybody else all agree with the massive testimony in Scripture of the freedom of the will

The first is Irenauis of lyons who wrote the famous book "Against heresy"

120-202 AD

The Apostle John  had a disciple named Polycarp, and Polycarp had a disciple named Irenaeus.

”But although we shall be understood, from our argument, to be only so affirming man’s unshackled power over his will, that what happens to him should be laid to his own charge, and not to God’s, yet that you may not object, even now, that he ought not to have been so constituted, since his liberty and power of will might turn out to be injurious…Therefore it was proper that (he who is) the image and likeness of God should be formed with a free will and a mastery of him self;… At present, let God’s goodness alone occupy our attention, that which gave so large a gift to man, even the liberty of his will.” /Chapter 6

And again, who are they that have been saved, and received the inheritance? Those doubtless who do believe in God and who have continued in His love… and innocent children, who have had no sense of evil.

But man, being endowed with reason, and in this respect similar to God HAVING BEEN MADE FREE IN HIS WILL, and with power over himself, is himself his own cause that sometimes he becomes wheat, and sometimes chaff. (c. 180, E/W), 1:466

This expression, ‘How often would I have gathered thy children together, and thou wouldst not,’ set forth the ancient law of human liberty, because God made man a free (agent) from the beginning, possessing his own soul to obey the behests of God voluntarily, and not by compulsion of God. For there is no coercion with God, but a good will (toward us) is present with Him continually. And therefore does He give good counsel to all. And in man as well as in angels, He has placed the power of choice (for angels are rational beings), so that those who had yielded obedience might justly possess what is good, given indeed by God, but preserved by themselves…  (c. 180, Against Heresies 37; God’s Strategy In Human History, p. 246)

”Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds”…And ”Why call me, Lord, Lord, and do not do the things that I say?’…All such passages demonstrate the independent will of man…For it is in man’s power to disobey God and to forfeit what is good.” (c.180, Vol. 1, p. 519)

Nor, again, does God exercise compulsion upon anyone unwilling to accept the exercise of His skill…. They have been created free agents and possessed of power over themselves. (c. 180, Vol. 1, p. 523)

But as the sun, that creature of God, is one and the same throughout the whole world, so also the preaching of the truth shineth everywhere, and enlightens all men that are willing to come to a knowledge of the truth. Nor will any one of the rulers in the Churches, however highly gifted he may be in point of eloquence, teach doctrines different from these (for no one is greater than the Master); nor, on the other hand, will he who is deficient in power of expression inflict injury on the tradition. For the faith being ever one and the same, neither does one who is able at great length to discourse regarding it, make any addition to it, nor does one, who can say but little diminish it. Chapter 10

Christ will not die again on behalf of those who now commit sin because death shall no more have dominion over Him…. Therefore we should not be puffed up…. But we should beware lest somehow, after [we have come to] the knowledge of Christ, if we do things displeasing to God, we obtain no further forgiveness of sins but rather be shut out from His kingdom (Heb. 6:4-6) [p. 65].

And to as many as continue in their love towards God, does He grant communion with Him. But communion with God is life and light, and the enjoyment of all the benefits which He has in store. But on as many as, according to their own choice, depart from God. He inflicts that separation from Himself which they have chosen of their own accord. But separation from God is death, and separation from light is darkness; and separation from God consists in the loss of all the benefits which He has in store. Those, therefore, who cast away by apostasy these forementioned things, being in fact destitute of all good, do experience every kind of punishment. God, however, does not punish them immediately of Himself, but that punishment falls upon them because they are destitute of all that is good. (Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book V, XXVII, 2)

Those who do not obey Him, being disinherited by Him, have ceased to be His sons. c.180

[Irenaeus quotes 1 Cor. 6:9-10 about inheriting the kingdom of God.] It was not to those who are outside that he said these things, but to us, lest we should be cast out of the kingdom of God by doing any such thing. He proceeds to say, ”And truly such were you, but you are washed, but you are sanctified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” [1 Cor. 6:11]. And just as [under the old covenant], those who led vicious lives and led other people astray were condemned and cast out, so also even now the offending eye is plucked out, and the foot and the hand, lest the rest of the body perish in the same way. (Against Heresies, IV:27:4)

Ignatius 35-107 AD Bishop of Antioch in Syria. Ignatius was a disciple of the Apostle John and appointed as Bishop of Antioch by the Apostle Peter.

And pray ye also without ceasing for the rest of mankind (for there is in them a hope of repentance), that they may find God. Therefore permit them to take lessons at least from your works. (Letter to the Ephesians 10:1)

Do not err, my brothers. Those that corrupt families shall not inherit the kingdom of God. If, then, those who do this in regard to the flesh have suffered death, how much more shall this be the case with anyone who corrupts the faith of God, for which Jesus Christ was crucified, by wicked doctrine? Such a person, becoming defiled, shall go away into everlasting fire and so shall everyone that listens to him. (Letter to the Ephesians 16)

I do not mean to say that there are two different human natures, but all humanity is made the same, sometimes belonging to God and sometimes to the devil. If anyone is truly spiritual they are a person of God; but if they are irreligious and not spiritual then they are a person of the devil, made such not by nature, but by their own choice. Pg.61 vol. 1.

There is set before us life upon our observance [of God’s precepts], but death as the result of disobedience, and every one, according to the choice he makes, shall go to his own place, let us flee from death, and make choice of life.

Clement of Alexandria (Titus Flavius Clemens) 150–215 AD

A theologian who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria. Among his pupils were Origen and Alexander of Jerusalem.

We…have believed and are saved by voluntary choice (c. 195, Vol. 2, p. 217)

To obey or not is in our own power, provided we do not have the excuse of ignorance (c. 195, Vol. 2, p. 353)

Each one of us who sins with his own free will, chooses punishment. So the blame lies with him who chooses. God is without blame. (c.195, Vol. 2, p. 226)

Neither promises nor apprehensions, rewards, no punishments are just if the soul has not the power of choosing and abstaining; if evil is involuntary. (c. 195, Vol. 2, p.319)

We have heard from the Scriptures that self-determining choice and refusal have been given by the Lord to men. Therefore, we rest in the infallible criterion of faith, manifesting a willing spirit, since we have chosen life. (c. 195, Vol. 2, p. 349)

The Lord clearly shows sins and transgressions to be in our own power, by prescribing modes of cure corresponding to the maladies. (c. 195, Vol. 2, p. 363)

Their estrangement is the result of free choice. (c. 195, Vol. 2, p. 426)

Believing and obeying are in our own power. (c. 195, Vol. 2, p. 527)

Nor will he who is saved be saved against his will, for he is not inanimate. But above all, he will speed to salvation voluntarily and of free choice. (c. 195, Vol. 2, p. 534)

Choice depends on the man as being free. But the gift depended on God as the Lord. And He gives to those who are willing, are exceedingly earnest, and who ask. In this manner, their salvation can become their own. For God does not compel. (c. 195, Vol. 2, p. 593)

Clement, 80-140 AD 

The first Apostolic Father of the Church.  According to Tertullian, Clement was consecrated by Saint Peter. Early church lists place him as the second or third bishop of Rome after Saint Peter. In Philippians 4:3 Clement is mentioned whose name was written “in the book of life”. Although known as 2 Clement, this document is in actuality an anonymous homily of the mid-second century.

Thus although we are born neither good nor bad, we become on or the other and having formed habits, we are with difficulty drawn from them. Pg 273 vol.8

But inasmuch as inborn affection towards God the creator is sufficient for salvation to those who love Him, the enemy tries to pervert this affection in men, and to render them hostile and ungrateful to their Creator…But if mankind would turn their affection towards God, all would doubtless be saved, even if when they have some faults they would be open to correction for righteousness, but now most of mankind have been made enemies of God, their hearts the wicked one has entered, and has turned aside towards himself the affection which God the Creator had implanted in them, which He, God, desires that they might have towards Him. Pg.101 Vol.8

1 Clement 7:4 Let us fix our eyes on the blood of Christ and understand how precious it is unto His Father, because being shed for our salvation it won for the whole world the grace of repentance.

1 Clement 7:5 Let us review all the generations in turn, and learn how from generation to generation the Master hath given a place for repentance unto them that desire to turn to Him.

For, if we do the will of Christ, we shall find rest; but if otherwise, then nothing shall deliver us from eternal punishment, if we should disobey His commandments. 2 Clement 6:7

…with what confidence shall we, if we keep not our baptism pure and undefiled, enter into the kingdom of God? Or who shall be our advocate, unless we be found having holy and righteous works? 2 Clement 6:9

For as concerning them that have not kept the seal, He saith, `Their worm shall not die, and their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be for a spectacle unto all flesh’. 2 Clement 7:6

So, brothers and sisters, if we have done the will of the Father and have kept the flesh pure and have observed the commandments of the Lord, we will receive eternal life (2 Clement 8:4)

So then He meaneth this, Keep the flesh pure and the seal unstained, to the end that we may receive life. 2 Clement 8:6  

Let us, then, not only call him Lord, for that will not save us. For he says, ”Not every one that says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall be saved, but he that does righteousness.” Therefore, brothers, let us confess him by our works, by loving one another, by not committing adultery, speaking evil of one another, or cherishing envy; but being continent, compassionate, and good. … By such works let us confess him, and not by those that are of an opposite kind. It is not fitting that we should fear men, but rather God. For this reason, if we should do such wicked things, the Lord has said, “Even if you were gathered together to me, into my very bosom, yet if you were not to keep my commandments, I would cast you off and say to you, ‘Depart from me … you workers of iniquity.‘” (2 Clement 4) Hermas, c. A.D. 160

It is therefore in the power of every one, since man has been made possessed of free-will, whether he shall hear us to life, or the demons to destruction. 

He who is good by his own choice is really good; but he who is made good by another under necessity is not really good, because he is not what he is by his own choice… 

For no other reason does God punish the sinner either in the present or in the future world, except because He knows that the sinner was able to conquer but neglected to gain the victory.

Justin Martyr 110-165 AD

For He fore-knows that some are to be saved by repentance, some even that are perhaps not yet born. In the beginning He made the human race with the power of thought and of choosing the truth and doing right, so that all men are without excuse before God; for they have been born rational and contemplative Chapter 28

Let some suppose, from what has been said by us, that we say that whatever occurs happens by a fatal necessity, because it is foretold as known beforehand, this too we explain. We have learned from the prophets, and we hold it to be true, that punishments, chastisements, and good rewards, are rendered according to THE MERIT OF EACH MAN’S ACTIONS. Now, if this is not so, but all things happen by fate, then neither is anything at all in our own power. For if it is predetermined that this man will be good, and this other man will be evil, neither is the first one meritorious nor the latter man to be blamed. And again, unless the human race has the power of avoiding evil and CHOOSING GOOD BY FREE CHOICE, they are not accountable for their actions.  (c. 160, E), 1:177

But neither do we affirm that it is by fate that men do what they do, or suffer what they suffer, but that each man by free choice acts rightly or wrongly…The stoics, not observing this, maintained that all things take place according to the necessity of fate. But since God, in the beginning made the race of men and angels with free will they will justly suffer in eternal fire the punishment of whatever sins they have committed, and this is the nature of all that is made, to be capable of vice and virtue. For neither would any of them be praiseworthy unless there were power to turn to both. (vice and virtue) 2 Apology ch.7  (+ The Anti-Nicene Fathers, Vol. I, p.354)

In the beginning, He made the human race with the power of thought AND OF CHOOSING the truth and doing right, so that all men are without excuse before God.  (c. 160, E), 1:172

I have proved in what has been said that those who were foreknown to be unrighteous, whether men or angels, are not made wicked by God’s fault. Rather, each man is what he will appear to be through his own fault. (c.160, Vol. 1, p. 269)

Neither do we maintain that it is by fate that men do what they do, or suffer what they suffer. Rather, we maintain that each man acts rightly or sins BY HIS FREE CHOICE….Since God in the beginning MADE THE RACE OF ANGELS AND MEN WITH FREE WILL, they will justly suffer in eternal fire the punishment of whatever sins they have committed.  (c. 160, E), 1:190

He created both angels and men free to do that which is righteous. And He appointed periods of time during which He knew it would be good for them to have the exercise of free will. (c. 160, Vol. 1, p. 250)

I hold further, that those of you who have confessed and known this man to be Christ, yet who have gone back for some reason to the legal dispensation, an have denied that this man is Christ, and have not repented before death – you will by no means be saved . c.160

Methodius 260-312 AD Bishop of Olympus.

I say that God – purposing to honor man in this manner and to grant him an understanding of better things – has given man the power of being able to do what he wishes. He commends the use of his power for better things. However, it is not that God deprives man again of free will. Rather, He wishes to point out the better way. For the power is present with man, and he receives the commandment. But God exhorts him to turn his power of choice to better things. (c. 290, Vol. 6, p. 362)

I do not think that God urges man to obey His commandments, but then deprives him of the power to obey or disobey…. He does not give a command in order to take way the power that he has given. Rather, He gives it in order to bestow a better gift…in return for his rendered obedience to God. For man had power to withhold it. I say that man was made with free will. (c. 290, Vol. 6, p. 362)

God is good and wise. He does what is best. Therefore, there is no fixed destiny.” (c. 190, Vol. 6, p.343)

Now those [pagans] who decide that man is not possessed of free will, and affirm that he is governed by the unavoidable necessities of fate…are guilty of impiety toward God Himself, making Him out to be the cause or author of human evils. (c. 190, The Banquet of the Ten Virgins 16; God’s Strategy In Human History, p. 252)

Because there is nothing evil by nature, but it is by use that evil things become such…man was made with free-will, not as if there were already evil in existence, which he had the power of choosing if he so wished, but on account of his capacity of obeying or disobeying God. For this was the meaning of the gift of free will.

If then, any are evil, they are evil in accordance with the wants and desires of their minds, and not by necessity. They perish self-destroyed, by their own fault.’For a man is not spoken of as ‘murderer’ but by committing it he receives the derived name of murderer. Evil is not a substance, but by practicing any evil it can be called evil…for a man is evil only in consequences of his actions. For he is said to be evil because he is a doer of evil. It is a persons actions that gives them the title of evil. Men produce the evil and are the authors of them. It is through actions that evil exists. Each man is evil in consequences of what they practice. It all has a beginning.

For man received power, and enslaved himself, not because he was overpowered by irresistible tendencies of his nature, nor because the capacity with which he was gifted deprived him of what was better for him…I say therefore, that God purposing thus to honor man…has given him the power of being able to do what he wishes, and commends the employment of his power for better things; not that he deprives him again of free will, but wishes to point out the better way. For the power is present with him and he receives the commandment; but God exhorts him to turn his power of choice to better things.

Arnobius 297-303 AD

Does He not free all alike who invites all alike? Or does He thrust back or repel any one from the kindness of the supreme, who gives to all alike the power of coming to Him. To all, He says, the fountain of like is open, and no one is kept back or hindered from drinking. If you are so fastidious as to spurn the kindly offered gift… why should he keep on inviting you, while His only duty is to make the enjoyment of His bounty depend on your own free choice. Book 2 ,64

What are people doing when they speak in tongues?

1 Corinthians 2:14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.



     Many popular teachers today condemn the use of tongues, say its foolish, and not biblical. But they wont go through the Bible and show you why its not biblical, and why its supposedly foolish. 

As a Bible teacher at heart and a "Charismatic" I would like to make a defense of the gift of tongues, and show what is happening when these Christians are speaking in tongues.

    I remember in Bible college seeing all these people speak in tongues. I eagerly desired to speak in tongues too. It was just a normal thing among Christians educated about the gifts. I remember it so well, I fasted for 2 days, then on the third day my church had this thing called "Super Sunday" everybody who wanted to get some kind of gift from he Holy Spirit, would go to the side and the elders would lay hands on them and pray. That is a biblical practice, and a historical practice within the first century for passing on "anointing" it was called "Leaning"

1 Timothy 4:13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. 14Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the *laying on of hands of the elders.

Many people would speak in tongues and prophesy for the first time. Not everybody would speak in tongues but everybody would recognize the Spirit of God had done something in them.

Acts 19:6 
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they *spoke in tongues and prophesied.

     For me it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, outside of the moment I first believed. It felt as though a well spring of life poured out of the depths of my belly, through my chest, and out my mouth. It was a wonderful thing. After a few months I saw alot of popular teachers condemning the practice and saying it was a unbiblical gift. These preachers were condemning it so harshly and saying people who did such things were demon possessed and blaspheming the Holy Spirit. This was something I had to make sure was true, so like a Burean I went into my study  (acts 17:11) I needed to see if these tongues that nobody understands was a Biblical practice and gift, because as a Christian I want all of my spirituality to have a foundation in Scripture.

    I opened my Bible to 1st Corinthians and started to study. It didn't take long at all to see that tongues are a Biblical gift, that it is simply the spirit of a man praying to God. But there is a structure and way that the gift is supposed to be done. The way it is practiced in many Churches is wrong and needs to be corrected as Paul corrected the Corinthians who were doing the same thing. But Paul never said "God did not gift you" or "stop Speaking in tongues" he only gave them a outline of the way its supposed to be practiced.

Here I am going to give you a Biblical data of the *unintelligible tongues that so many people see Christians doing. This is what people are doing when they speak in tongues

1st Corinthians 14;2 
For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for *no one understands him*, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

Now I will show you it is simply the spirit of a man praying, as Paul said.

1st Corinthians 14:14For if I pray in a tongue,my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.


what does speaking in tongues do?

1 corinthiasn14:4The one who speaks in a tongue edifies/buildsup himself but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

      One thing I do not understand about the pastors and teachers that condemn the gifts of the Spirit of God is; Teaching, wisdom, evangelism, knowledge all those things are also gifts from the Holy Spirit. Is it because its weird? well Jonah as swallowed by a whale, an ax head floated, Jesus was born of a virgin, we believe in One God eternally existing in 3 persons. Tell me what part of our faith is normal?

Here are some biblical encouragements that should encourage you to speak in tongues. But especially that you may prophesy

1 Corinthians 14:5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified

1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

1 Corithians 14:37If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. 38But if anyone ignores this,he himself will be ignored. 39So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy and do not forbid speaking in tongues

1 Corinthians 14:1  Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.


By Kevin Henderson.

God only works through the preaching of the Bible?

I am a Scripture alone Christian this article in no way is encouraging people to go away from the Scripture, I am actually encouraging us to bring more emphasis on practicing the Scripture in our modern day with a more deliberate and practical way. I'm not advising anybody to go outside of the Bible to learn about God you should be able to find what a person teaches about God clearly in the Bible in no way should anybody disregard any truth found in Scripture every truth should only stem from the Bible itself. You may disagree with this article but everytime you pray or teach something that isn't word for word a verse in the Bible your actions are agreeing with it.

Read the full thing before you think I'm dissing the very thing (the Bible) I spend my whole life trying to abide by, and have spent years learning it's original languages in order to have a fuller understanding of God. If you know me personally or see me on fb you know how highly I regard and love the Bible considering it the very Word of God.

Interesting convo today. Had a guy tell me in the same breath God only works through the preaching of the Bible then say God used to heal now He works through medical science. I didn't want to point out the fallacy, which I feel would make him think I search for words from God outside of the Bible or signs and wonders in order for God to guide me, I do no such practice but I am open to the Lords wonders and to biblical truths shared with me on a personal level that aren't word for word found in the Bible, but the essence and truth of it can be. That would kind of ruin the office of preacher or pastor if that wasn't the case right? And you would have to get rid of all those commentaries and extra biblical books and never quote a good preacher as if he had a true and fruitful insight that God could use in your life.

The Bible is completely sufficient for all life and godliness from the time it was written until the end of the age, it is the full council of God and I love it, it fills my heart and soul. I personally stick to only teaching from the Bible alone, God only uses truths that are found in the Bible, all we need to know about who God is and what He does is in the Bible but, I would not say the only time God does anything is when your quoting a verse from the Bible. That would kind of ruin are worship songs since most our songs aren't strictly Bible verses, and prayer lives since I pray for things like my car to start, or my moms head aches to go away, or that I do well at work and there's no cars, none of my moms head aches are in the Bible or department of defense meat cutters.

God has sworn by His Word the Bible and it's truths are all we will ever need, I would die brutally to get a Bible into the hands of a nation without the Word of God but whether or not I leave my Bible at home or take it with me the Lord stays with me and His biblical truths remain my foundation and the Lord will never do anything that contradicts His Word the Bible.

We should be focused completely on preaching and teaching from the Bible alone tell Christ comes back, but we should be open to God using the essence of Biblical truths in our modern day lives since so much of our reality is not word for word written in the Bible. Most of us practice our faith this way already but i think it should be more deliberate, If we aren't open to that then really God can't do anything in our life that isn't word for word in the Bible. God wouldn't help my car start, or keep my wife safe, or do any number of things that were foreign to the biblical writers.

OVERCOMING FEAR OF EVANGELISM

 

This is for those people who live the ministry, you are ministers that are not on the payroll at Church. For those who desire to be more evangelical with their faith. Just a few tips from my own experience of things that have worked for me. I've been a Christian for 12 years and since day one I've been trying to get people to believe in Jesus. -Kevin Henderson

I know some people are embarrassed talking about their faith and it feels so awkward to bring it up. It is easier to speak on the things of God if you freely acknowledge Him with your mouth often. Not preaching, just being free and unashamed to acknowledge the Lord in the big and small things throughout the day vocally. It's the little things like "thank God," "God is good," and "God really helped me with that."

If Christ is truly your friend and you are walking with Him, people will know soon enough. "From the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks"-Christ. I'm talking about really walking with God - on the bus, in a restaurant, walking down the street, or even at work which most of the advice in this article will apply to. You don't have to yell "I'm walking with God!" but just be conscious of your anointing from the Holy One. You are a light set on a hill, you are the salt of the earth, and you carry the fragrance and presence of God. That is very important in evangelism and ministry, not in a Pharisaical way, but with a genuine love and acknowledgment of the grace and Holy Spirit of God giving you light, joy and peace (i.e., walk in the Spirit).

There is a HUGE difference between being obnoxious, prideful and judgmental and just being free and open about your faith and walk with God. My co-workers know I'm a Christian and they started to call me "Rev". I asked these guys if they feel judged by me or if I seem like I somehow act like I am better then them. I asked them that because I would hate, hate, hate for anybody to think that about me, let alone any other Christian. The way I have let them know from day one is, I don't brag or boast about being a Christian. 

Yes, I am unashamed of the Gospel, but that does not mean I am unashamed of my sin and things I have done. I will never point out their sins. I will say, "We are all sinners, and all of us sin." I never tell them they need to stop sinning - these people aren't Christians. Do you think telling a guy to stop sinning is going to save him and make him right with God? No. Instead you're going to look arrogant and prideful. It's like telling a rock to be water - it doesn't make sense. 

Those who aren't Christians aren't supposed to be shown how to live the Christian life. No, the message of Christ to the world is not to start living like Christians. It's that Christ was crucified for your sins, He was buried and rose, so now repent of your sins and trust in Him. UNTIL they have done that you shouldn't try to tell them they need to adopt Christian morality - it's arrogant and prideful. If they repent and believe in Christ, THEN they are to be rebuked, exhorted and encouraged to live the Christian morality. 

Another misguided case is trying to get someone to believe the Bible is true and is the divine Word of God (although it is). That in itself is not the message of salvation. The book is not what saves a man, however, a saved man does believe in a supernatural way the fullness of the Bible. You will never find a verse that says "believe this book and you will be saved." I'm sorry, but you won't. That may be offensive to some of my Christian brethren, but its actually a Biblical view. I try to be more Biblical than traditional. The Bible is the authority for the Church and Christians, but even the Devil and the demons believe the Bible. Remember we serve the God who inspired the Bible, we love the Bible in all its glory and seek to abide by it, but the Bible will never replace God.

One way to break the ice without making someone defensive, is to simply ask "have you ever heard of the Gospel?" If you approach this in a kind, gentle manner most people are open and will be interested. That has been the main way I have started the conversation with my coworkers. All of my coworkers now know exactly what the Biblical Gospel is (1 Corinthians 15;1-12). The saddest part was that even those who attend Church did not know what the Gospel was. When asking this question normally they said "No, what is it?" or "I think so but I'm not sure." I asked every single one of them, 24 total, within a 3 month period. Boom. Right there I had an open door, with trusting in the Holy Spirit I basically said.... 

"Christ was crucified for your sins. He was buried and 3 days later He rose from the grave. If you recognize your sins just repent of them and believe Christ died for your sins and rose again and you will be forgiven".

   

Now there you go. You proclaimed the Gospel. You have removed some confusion about Christianity and have shown the simplicity of Christ. And have opened doors for more conversations and deeper waters in their spiritual life. 

One of my favorite ice breaker questions that gets people to open up and even better think about God and spiritual matters. I ask:

"How did you come to believe about God or denial of God? What was your journey like? What led you there?"

These are pointed questions, but in all honesty you want to know if they are ready to listen. Just understand this goes a long way, I can testify to this. I have asked this to many, many people and have had great fruitful conversations around proclaiming the Gospel. 

The problem many Christians run into is this: as soon as the person says something strange or even offensive, Christians are ready to shoot them down with their own knowledge. We don't listen to their points. We listen for all the things that are wrong in their beliefs and are ready to shut them down immediately. Most Christians who are willing to do this are very smart and usually have solid arguments. However, in this type of ministry, we aren't debating or arguing we are simply having a conversation to get to know the other person. People like to talk about themselves. People like it when a person is interested in listening to them speak.

So listen to them, understand them, and be kind. Most people don't like to argue, but they will if before you start by pointing out how wrong and illogical their beliefs. Unfortunately a lot of Christians do this. They want to prove a point, but really what does that do? Is there any love and sincerity in proving a point? Or is it out of pride?

Now indeed you do have to confront their beliefs, and the cross can be offensive, but in order to be effective in this you have to have built trust. Sometimes just explaining why you believe what you believe confronts them without you having to interrupt them and shut them down. 99% of the time if you make someone defensive before you gain their respect as a listener, the whole thing becomes moot. When it turns into an argument, walls begin to build quickly. There's no edification and growth among people quarreling with each other. You must respect them before they respect you. If you expect them to listen and take you seriously, you need to listen to them and take them seriously. You reap what you sow.

***Proverbs 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.****

    

This is the most important part - if your purpose in life (no matter what your day job is) is to be a minister and an ambassador of Christ, and your heart's call is for people to be reconciled to God, then each morning, before you start your day, pray for a opportunity to preach the Gospel. Ask that the Lord will open a door for the Gospel. Stir up the gift that is within you. Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Read psalms. Immerse yourself in the Scripture acknowledging the providence of God, as well as the presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit while you read and pray. Now when you open your mouth to minister it is important that you open your mind and heart to the presence and power of God while you are speaking. Some call this "practicing the presence of God." Believe and notice the Lord and His power and not your own eloquence or even the prayer and preparation you have done. Put your full trust in the Lord and the power of His Word and the Gospel. Put no confidence in yourself, but completely trust the Lord and in turn minister to others. May the grace and peace of the Lord bless your sincere efforts and use you to bring many to faith

In Christ

Kevin 

5 things about Jesus Christ considered historical fact from critical scholarship

 

    Atheists, theists (of all faiths), liberals, conservatives, Christians, Jews, and 99% of all professional scholars have concluded these are the facts we can know about historical Jesus of Nazareth.

The purpose for this article is to give Christians sound information and facts that they can use and prove to defend their faith and to evangelize to others.

There are a lot of assertions by people about Jesus that no learned person - be it atheist, agnostic or theist - would say are true, or have any basis in reality. but these things you can use. 
-Kevin Henderson

    There are a lot of things in the Bible I take on faith, a lot of things I do not claim I can prove historically. Things like the virgin birth of Jesus, YHWH splitting the sea for Israel, Christ walking on water. Those are things I would not try to prove. Even if I did prove those things what would that do? Would that make people repent and believe in the life, death, burial and Resurrection of Christ? I don't think so.

  But even with the things I can prove textually and historically I believe those things by faith. Without faith nobody can please God, so I urge people to lean on their faith, rather then the facts about their faith I am about to present to you.

 These are things that Jesus said for people who want to see God or have some sort of sign - these are the only facts they will have. He said these things 2000 years ago, and these are the main facts of the Christian faith. We can prove these events actually happened in history, unlike the virgin birth, the sea splitting or Christ walking on water. I love what Jesus said here, and how it has lasted through the generations:

Matthew 12:39-41 

Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here...

Fact #1 

                      FACT JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED BY PONTIUS PILATE                                           

   

                     It is a historical fact by universally all scholarship 

     Jesus of Nazareth was crucified between 30 and 33 AD

Reason for the fact:
This is historically attested by canonical (biblical) and non-canonical (not in the bible or extra biblical) sources. 

We all know what the Bible says, that Christ was crucified, but since its the Bible nobody wants to believe it. (even tho to the vast majority of scholars its considered a ancient biography of Jesus, It is Christians who consider it God breathed Scripture) but here is a early credible source you or anybody can site confidently, you can site this when people say "only the Bible talks about Jesus" There is many other sources that speak much of the historical Jesus like ""Thallus (52AD Tacitus (56-120AD) Mara Bar-Serapion (70AD)"" 

but I want this article to be somewhat short with simple facts. You can google these things, if your serious about having credible arguments. 

In the Antiquities of the Jews (written about 93 AD) Jewish historian Josephus, stated (Ant 18.3) that Jesus was crucified by Pilate, writing that:

Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, ... He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles ... And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross ...

Fact #2
                          FACT JESUS WAS BURIED IN A TOMB                                                                
    
                 It's a historical fact agreed on universally by all historians;
After Jesus crucifixion Jesus was buried in a tomb by Joseph of Aramathia.

Reason for the fact:
1: Jesus burial is multiply attested in early independent sources IE; Mathew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul and Peter.

   But you say but that is the Bible, and I don't believe the Bible, well all of professional scholarship atheist, agnostic and theist all believe the Gospels and Epistles have historical truth within them because of critical research.
   These are men who know the languages and spend there lives trying to disprove Christianity even so these men/women ALL agree on the fact Jesus was buried in a tomb by Joseph of Aramathia.

                           Late New Testament Scholar Dr. Raymond Brown say's;
"It is very probable (the tomb burial), since it's almost inexplicable why Christians would make up a story that a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin that had Jesus judicially murdered would do right by Jesus by burying Him"

                                    Critical Historian Scholar Rudolph Pesh;
Has dated the testimony of the burial of Christ within 7 years of the events. ((That is incredible in                                   comparison to any and all ancient history certainty ))

             The late Historian teacher John Robinson from Cambridge University says;
         "The burial of Jesus is one of the earliest and best attested FACTS about Jesus"

         http://www.equip.org/article/the-f-e-a-t-that-demonstrates-the-fact-of-resurrection/

      http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godlessindixie/2014/09/04/an-atheists-defense-of-the-historicity-of-jesus/

                  http://infidels.org/library/modern/matthew_green/resurrection.html




Fact #3
           FACT JESUS TOMB WAS FOUND EMPTY BY HIS WOMEN FOLLOWERS
 
                      It's a historical fact agreed on universally by all historians;
    The 3rd day after the crucifixion Jesus tomb was found empty by a group of His women followers.

Reason for the fact:
1. The empty tomb is multiply attested by independent sources. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and the book of Acts. ( Scholars approach the Gospels as biographical sources not Scripture as Christians do)

2. The tomb was found empty by "women" followers. The reason that is significant is because in that patriarchal Jewish society the testimony of women was not highly regarded.

Evidence: The Jewish Historian Josephus says, Quote:
 "Women were not even permitted to serve as witnesses in the Court of Law"
 
   In Historical studies there are many criteria to establish fact. One of the criteria is the "Criteria of Embarrassment"
The fact that it was recorded that women were the first people to testify to the empty tomb is a extremely embarrassing instance, making critical historians believe and assert the story of the empty tomb is a fact of history.

William Lane Craig; Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology says;
"Any later legendary embellishment would have certainly made males be the discoverers of the empty tomb"

Yakov Kramor a Austrian Specialist on the Resurrection states:
"by far most exegiets (critical explanation or interpretation of a text) hold firmly to the reliability of the Biblical statements concerning the empty tomb"

(I know these are weird facts but these are simple the attested facts of scholars and historians)

Fact #4
    THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS SAW HIM ALIVE 3 DAYS AFTER HIS CRUCIFIXION 


                     It's a historical fact agreed on universally by all historians;
Jesus was seen ALIVE 3 days after He was crucified.

Reason for the fact:
His appearance to His 12 disciples is certain, tho many scholars agree He was seen by at-least 500 at one time. A good amount of His disciples came to believe that Jesus had risen because they believed to have seen Him alive, so much so that quite a few of them were martyred brutally, for believing they had seen Jesus raise from the dead and were proclaiming it.

In reference to 1st Corinthians 15:3-8 Jewish Scholar Pinchahs Lapide has said, this creed "may be considered the statement of eyewitnesses." which states:

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; 7 then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.


William Lane Craig; Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology says about this portion of Scripture:

"The evidence that Paul is not writing in his own hand in I Cor. 15.3-5 is so powerful that all New Testament scholars recognize that Paul is here passing on a prior tradition"

Read more: http://www.reasonablefaith.org/the-witness-of-the-pre-pauline-tradition-to-the-empty-tomb#ixzz4D1bqYDeT

I know you say "ah but thats the Bible" well professional scholars who know the language and the history conclude this portion is trustworthy historical account.

source: http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/historical-evidence-for-the-resurrection

fact #5

     HIS DISCIPLES WENT TO THEIR DEATH PROCLAIMING HIS RESURRECTION
                     It's a historical fact agreed on universally by all historians;


Reason for the fact: (From biblical and many non-biblical sources)
The first martyr was the disciple Stephen. Most scholars are beginning to agree more and more that the Book of Acts is highly accurate to history. We have this portion of Scripture that shows the martyr of Stephen. (I see the love of Christ upon Stephen here.)

Acts 7:54-60New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Stephen Put to Death

54 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. 55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. 58 When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he [a]fell asleep.

source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+7%3A54-60&version=NASB

here is a ancient historical source outside of the Bible and outside of any believing group.

Josepheus a Jewish historian wrote in "The Antiquities of the Jews" book 20 (or book XX) chapter 9:

"Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the sanhedrim of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned ... " 

Another non-biblical historical document called the "Martyrdom of Bartholomew" states:

"And when he had thus spoken, the king was informed that this god Baldad and all the other idols had fallen down, and were broken in pieces. Then the king rent the purple in which he was clothed, and ordered the holy apostle Bartholomew to be beaten with rods; and after having been thus scourged, to be beheaded." - Martyrdom of Bartholomew.
Source: http://www.about-jesus.org/martyrs.htm

There are at least 10 more documents including non-biblical and credible biblical testimony of the disciples that went to their death proclaiming the resurrection of Christ,

These are just considered historical facts for the Christian faith. If you deny these facts, or say the foolish thing that "Jesus never existed" you will not be taken seriously.

In Christ
-Kevin Henderson