Most, if not all Christians struggle with the duty of witnessing to others of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some may seek to absolve themselves from the responsibility, but this is seen to be contrary to the tenor of the most illustrious Christian example, and to the spirit which the Lord Jesus inculcated upon his followers, including the command to love our neighbour as ourselves. Depending upon our temperament we either find we say too little and are too slow to speak, or we are inclined to say too much and in a manner which may appear threatening and obtrusive. Both extremes tend to bring dishonour upon the cause of Christ, and much compassion, care, discretion and godly wisdom is required if we are to excel in faithfulness to our Lord and Saviour.
This address gives some very helpful suggestions to bear in mind, such as confining our witness bearing within the limits of conversational speech, guarding against the tendency to preach at others and rather seeking to express our Christian faith and values in our everyday speech and behaviour. The question of when not to speak is also addressed. Although no blueprint exists as our guide the key is surely a close walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, grace being poured into his lips, that our tongues may be as the pen of a ready writer in declaring what we have made concerning our King.
The term is a negative one and must refer to a wrong view of the Law of God or an abuse of its proper place in our lives.1. Sinful Misuses of the Term "Legalism". a) As an undefined condemnation of someone else's views or practice which we do not...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
