Scott, superbly said! It made me cry. I will read it again and again, as it strengthens my resolve. In my church 99% have never heard the term watchman. This week was especially difficult and your article is a cool drink of water for my soul. God has placed you ever so strategically,… praying for you. MANY will hear and know because you brought the Word.
This series is so interesting. I am grateful to be an elder in a church whose pastors teach on end times and have discipleship classes on it. I have studied eschatology for years and discuss it with my wife, parents, believing friends. My question is to whom do we witness—do we seek out non-believers or focus on those groups in the church who are uninformed or indifferent to prophetic reality? I ask because I have been attacked for publicly presenting a biblical worldview. Jesus says in his high priestly prayer “I do not pray for the world.” So do we focus in the short time remaining on those in the church? Thanks.
Hi Tim, wow, if you’re in a Church that takes such great missional responsibility to instruct as you say, regarding the End Times, that is quite rare. I hope I can do your next question justice. If we are to “witness” that is always about reaching the lost leading to making disciples as they put their faith, hope, and trust in Jesus. This is still our primary mission.
If you will permit me to rephrase in order to nuance, I might suggest we don’t witness to the saved. I think of it more like we “testify”…there is a difference. Those that are believers who do not understand the nearness of the Hour have a different emphasis. In my thinking, what we communicate is a sequence of maturing steps: (1) read the Word of God regularly, and systematically, because that fixes a lot of problems, (2) the pulpit is helping with eschatology, but small groups are the next steps, (3) help people understand they will stand before Jesus at the Bema, and help them process what that means, (4) help people prepare by working on holiness and sanctification, bringing in the parable of the wise virgins—ready to meet the bridegroom, (5) give hope, encouragement and support as people struggle with the implications of their sin, bad habits, and lack of fruit—it is never too late to finish well, and (6) cheer for people as they model correct thinking and responsibility as they begin to sprint! Encourage testimonies when you can, or a brief feature in the bulletin.
My thinking, Tim, is that it is not a either/or decision. Both must be done in parallel. Last night, I was at a concession stand paying cash for a hot dog and pretzel—I was told they don’t accept cash. To which I made the comment that the Bible predicts a cashless society soon. Seed planted.
I really appreciate your question…thanks for all you do!
Thanks. Yes I think witness needs to happen for the lost and if it is rejected don’t be surprised or offended but press on and leave to the Spirit. Keep planting seeds. By the way I’m at our vacation place and the pastor of the church here is preaching on Revelation and actually mentioned our call to be watchmen! I thought you would be encouraged to know that.
Church “weirdo” here. What you wrote is exactly why I am building a community for women like me. Been burned by the church many times, and left for a time. Now I attend church but it’s just show up on Sunday and not get involved. It’s too painful. Thank you for writing this, your grammar is just fine! :)
Cori, first a confession about my grammar. I was never a good student (think C/C+ range). But I got really messed up when we moved to The Netherworld, then to Spain, as I was learning French in school. LOL. My wife helps a lot :)
But to your pain…let me commend you before our Lord and King, because you describe what most of us feel like. I’m afraid it’s all too common. But I can’t let go of what I know. The Holy Spirit is nudging me along to make the impact He desires for His purpose, glory, and timing. What I have to do is tell the Holy Spirit that I am ready, when I hear those prompts, I will obey (act of the will, feeling are secondary). Pray with intention: “Lord, speak to me…” then “Lord, use me…” and of course you must listen carefully. He has never failed to move me into position. Hold the course, Cori, be available. He will use you. Blessings
I admit it, own it, could not have said it any better - I am plagiarizing Mary Beth Grayson - I cried as well ❤
Scott, superbly said! It made me cry. I will read it again and again, as it strengthens my resolve. In my church 99% have never heard the term watchman. This week was especially difficult and your article is a cool drink of water for my soul. God has placed you ever so strategically,… praying for you. MANY will hear and know because you brought the Word.
Scott, superbly said! It made me cry. I will read it again and again, as it strengthens my resolve. In my church 99% have never heard the term watchman. This week was especially difficult and your article is a cool drink of water for my soul. God has placed you ever so strategically,… praying for you. MANY will hear and know because you brought the Word.
Thank you, Mary Beth…next week’s will be quite interesting!
Can’t wait!
This series is so interesting. I am grateful to be an elder in a church whose pastors teach on end times and have discipleship classes on it. I have studied eschatology for years and discuss it with my wife, parents, believing friends. My question is to whom do we witness—do we seek out non-believers or focus on those groups in the church who are uninformed or indifferent to prophetic reality? I ask because I have been attacked for publicly presenting a biblical worldview. Jesus says in his high priestly prayer “I do not pray for the world.” So do we focus in the short time remaining on those in the church? Thanks.
Hi Tim, wow, if you’re in a Church that takes such great missional responsibility to instruct as you say, regarding the End Times, that is quite rare. I hope I can do your next question justice. If we are to “witness” that is always about reaching the lost leading to making disciples as they put their faith, hope, and trust in Jesus. This is still our primary mission.
If you will permit me to rephrase in order to nuance, I might suggest we don’t witness to the saved. I think of it more like we “testify”…there is a difference. Those that are believers who do not understand the nearness of the Hour have a different emphasis. In my thinking, what we communicate is a sequence of maturing steps: (1) read the Word of God regularly, and systematically, because that fixes a lot of problems, (2) the pulpit is helping with eschatology, but small groups are the next steps, (3) help people understand they will stand before Jesus at the Bema, and help them process what that means, (4) help people prepare by working on holiness and sanctification, bringing in the parable of the wise virgins—ready to meet the bridegroom, (5) give hope, encouragement and support as people struggle with the implications of their sin, bad habits, and lack of fruit—it is never too late to finish well, and (6) cheer for people as they model correct thinking and responsibility as they begin to sprint! Encourage testimonies when you can, or a brief feature in the bulletin.
My thinking, Tim, is that it is not a either/or decision. Both must be done in parallel. Last night, I was at a concession stand paying cash for a hot dog and pretzel—I was told they don’t accept cash. To which I made the comment that the Bible predicts a cashless society soon. Seed planted.
I really appreciate your question…thanks for all you do!
Thanks. Yes I think witness needs to happen for the lost and if it is rejected don’t be surprised or offended but press on and leave to the Spirit. Keep planting seeds. By the way I’m at our vacation place and the pastor of the church here is preaching on Revelation and actually mentioned our call to be watchmen! I thought you would be encouraged to know that.
Yes, very encouraging!!
Good insights Scott! I am fortunate to attend a church with a group of watchmen.
Yay! Spur one another on…read my response above to Tim. Thank you, Brother!
As always, beautifully written
Thank you, Gary!
Church “weirdo” here. What you wrote is exactly why I am building a community for women like me. Been burned by the church many times, and left for a time. Now I attend church but it’s just show up on Sunday and not get involved. It’s too painful. Thank you for writing this, your grammar is just fine! :)
Cori, first a confession about my grammar. I was never a good student (think C/C+ range). But I got really messed up when we moved to The Netherworld, then to Spain, as I was learning French in school. LOL. My wife helps a lot :)
But to your pain…let me commend you before our Lord and King, because you describe what most of us feel like. I’m afraid it’s all too common. But I can’t let go of what I know. The Holy Spirit is nudging me along to make the impact He desires for His purpose, glory, and timing. What I have to do is tell the Holy Spirit that I am ready, when I hear those prompts, I will obey (act of the will, feeling are secondary). Pray with intention: “Lord, speak to me…” then “Lord, use me…” and of course you must listen carefully. He has never failed to move me into position. Hold the course, Cori, be available. He will use you. Blessings
Amen & Amen!
I admit it, own it, could not have said it any better - I am plagiarizing Mary Beth Grayson - I cried as well ❤
Scott, superbly said! It made me cry. I will read it again and again, as it strengthens my resolve. In my church 99% have never heard the term watchman. This week was especially difficult and your article is a cool drink of water for my soul. God has placed you ever so strategically,… praying for you. MANY will hear and know because you brought the Word.