Tracts, witnessing and winning the lost

Livingwaters.com is good. You have probably already heard of it though.

-Rebecca,-The hardest people to win to the Lord are those who are convinced that they don't need Him. Rich or poor, makes no difference. Those folks are the hardest to convince. But there is one sermon that no one can refute: an individual testimony. People may or may not agree with you, but they cannot take away your testimony. As Dr. Ben Haden used to say, they cannot take away "the testimony of a changed life." -If you're nervous about witnessing to people, start slowly. Remember your testimony, how Jesus changed your life. Go over this in your mind. Ask the pastor if you can give your testimony to your church family (some churches still have "testimony time" during services). As Dr. David Jeremiah once said, "Anyone can try to start something new; why not become a part of a ministry that needs help?" (That statement actually had a monumental impact on me accepting the pastorate of my church). Maybe some folks in your home church have a street ministry that needs people. As Solomon once wrote, "Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (NKJV)..-By the way, God - not man - does the best job of "disrupt[ing] others." And, as I'm sure you know, being born again is a disruptive process. Thank God that it is.. :-)-Blessings!...

My grandfather is a pastor and at his house he receives tracts from The Tract League and he gives them to me, maybe they have a website or if anything i will post some info if there is any...God Bless

Rebecca5 wrote: Could someone tell me where is the best place to buy tracts? Has anyone here ever attempted to print them on the computer? Their really expensive in the christian bookstores.Well, first of all - PRAISE GOD for people like you who want to reach the lost with the Gospel with whatever means there are available.As mentioned above, LivingWaters.com has some of the easiest-to-hand-out tracts (like a realistic looking million dollar bill with a Gospel message on the back) plus they don't present an "easy" Gospel. They are sold almost at cost to Living Waters, too, so they are not expensive. For instance, you can get 100 of those million dollar bill tracts for only $5.To view a short video clip on how to use the tracts, go HERE It would be nice if someone would make some tract software.They have software for greeting cards. I actually developed many of my own Gospel tracts to be printed out of folded 4X6 index cards (blank) as well as business cards. You can download them here: http://wrightstuffmin.bravehost.com/But it ends up being more expensive (and much more time-consuming) printing your own than buying from Living Waters. I never talked with a local printer, but if you really have a way that you want to present the Gospel and are unsatisfied with other Gospel tracts, try talking with a local print shop. What kinds of people do you think are the most receptive to the gosple?Those who have a broken spirit (poor in spirit) and a broken and contrite heart.Both Old and New Testaments tell us that "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble."The proud will never see their need for a Savior until they get a glimpse of their doomed state. That's why the use of the Law is so important when presenting the Gospel. Wesley did it - Spurgeon did it - even Jesus (see Mark 10:17-27.) For more on using the Law in evangelism, listen to this stirring mp3: HELL'S BEST KEPT SECRET (you can also watch it as a video.)Do you think the rich are the hardest to win to the Lord?Evidently so according to what Jesus said about the rich.The apostle Paul talked about the rich man oppressing us and blaspheming that worthy name by the which we are called.Not just the rich but the proud - and both start to feel the heat of hell when presented with the Law of God and the standards of His righteousness. Isn't Jesus an example of how we should reach people.Jesus would always let the crowds follow Him and he would take them to a quiet place on a mountain side and preach to them.The only hecklers I ever remember were the pharasees.Shouldn't we use wisdom instead of exausting all of our energy on those who don't want to hear?You've touched on a very interesting point, and I while I don't really disagree with you, my own personal conversion was a result of God seeking me out, not me seeking God.As far as debating - Paul tried it in Athens, and that's probably why there is no letter to the Athenians. Paul advised Timothy to avoid vain arguements. Now, there is a balance between bold preaching that stands down vain attempts to discredit Christ and the Gospel and dramatic public arguments. We should stand for the truth, but sometimes Christians seem more bent on winning the argument and not the sinner.Maybe Im all wrong but it just seems to me that if you go right in the middle of a shopping area your just asking for trouble.Maybe its best to go to a public park where there are just people.Ive seen preachers go to parks where their are art galleries and the vendors get angry with them.Well, parks are usually public property and shopping areas usually aren't, which means they can ask you to leave if someone complains. I have personally witnessed in both kinds of areas, and people in public areas are more willing to talk than busy shoppers. I still think both can prove to be valid "fishing holes", though. Doesn't the bible say that we should try to live peaceably with all men as much as lies in us?I believe this brings glory to the Lord when we try to not disrupt others even though I know that that is not always possible which is understandable.I just think that it would be better for the preacher and the listener to try to find the most productive and less exhausting way. "Whosoever will let him come..." -JesusWell, let your own conscience guide you, but the Bible also is clear that the church is the sole possessor of the light of the Gospel, and some people would have never came to Christ if someone hadn't been "rude" enough to witness to them, even if it seemed an inconvenience at the time.I really don't think most Christians witness in a way that is intrusive. I mean, only 2% actively witness anyway. People are more offended at the message than its presentation most of the time.Jude tells us:"And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh." (vs. 22-23)So, sometimes we are to be bold, other times gentle, but the point most Christians are missing isn't the issue of how to witness but whether or not it's their "calling" to witness. If even half the church would start to witness actively, the world would start to once again accuse us of turning the world upside down (see Acts 17:6.)Very thought-provoking post! Let's keep reaching out to the lost, and pray for power from on high!-Chris

I have been street preaching and giving out tracts since May 2005, I write my own tracts, as God inspires me, I have written and distributed 3 different ones and I am praying for an easter one. I type them up in 'WORD' to fit two on an A4 sheet (double sided). My church has graciously agreed to print 500 sheets (1000 tracts) per month FREE! though this is not enough! I also buy them from a company though I can't remember the name. As for your other points, I preach on the street twice a week at an open market near my home. I am mostly ignored but over the months I have had some good one to ones.We should be prepared to go into the highways and compel people to come to Him. (see Mat 22:9)Most people are afraid of being rejected or laughed at but we must not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.Step out in faith as soon as you can, in boldness, trusting God, and He will give you the words to speak. I have found over the last few months that God has revealed more of Himself to me as I have been obedient to His call. (I wish I had done it sooner!)What Chris wrote above is very true.God BlessSteve

There are many ways to show the love of Chirst.There's a saying: "People dont care what you know, until they know that you care."Our outreach team does many different things.We go to laundromats and give out "care packages". These have detergent, softener, some stain wipes and usually some candy or something.No tracts....but a card that says something like:"This is just simple way of showing that God loves you...no strings attached."People have broken down and cried. It opens doors for ministry. We do street ministry also, but more than that, we just love people.I think the world needs compassion. Rich or poor.The bank teller needs Jesus just as much as the beggar living on the street.There are literally hundreds of ideas of reaching out to your community.Check out this site:http://www.servantevangelism.com/index.htmMany of our ideas came from here.God bless your endeavors.Mark

Sentry wrote:There are many ways to show the love of Chirst.There's a saying: "People dont care what you know, until they know that you care."Our outreach team does many different things.We go to laundromats and give out "care packages". These have detergent, softener, some stain wipes and usually some candy or something.No tracts....but a card that says something like:"This is just simple way of showing that God loves you...no strings attached."People have broken down and cried. It opens doors for ministry. We do street ministry also, but more than that, we just love people.Mark,Your compassion for others is commendable, and I have to agree that many of those sharing their faith have grown so cautious of those only looking for a hand-out, that such offerings of love are rarely given.On the other hand, I think your approach is equally unbalanced. Giving them perishable things can open doors to share God's love, but most people's concept of God is still very pagan and in darkness. Without giving them the spiritual light of the Gospel, you might make them feel better for a season, but they are still in darkness and hell still has its grip on them.The problem with evangelism is the same problem with almost every facet of church life today: there is no balance. You've got your people seem to only care about saving people's souls and seem to forget the bodily needs and woes of the person. At the same time, you've got people who are so consumed with wanting to preach the Gospel with their kind acts that they seem to forget the eternal soul within those people, and are so consumed with giving "life" that eternal life somehow is left out.There should be a balance: sharing the Truth with love. Jesus wants us as believers to be so detached from earthly possessions that if someone asks for the coat off our back, we give it to them, trusting that God will supply our needs. We are called to give freely, but most people think that only means material things, when in fact Jesus was referring to spiritual things when He said so. The point is to glorify God - and not just people's concept of whatever god they have - but the One True Living God.If we give them bread but neglect to share with them the Bread of Life, we have failed in our mission. We can also be disobedient by neglecting the poor, the sick, and those who are in need. Read James 1:27 - that's pure religion. But we called to not just serve in religion but in Spirit - and to seek the lost, intercessing for them in prayer, and loving their souls enough to share the Gospel with them.The simple truth: Christians should love God and their neighbors as themselves. If you like people blessing you with gifts of kindness, bless people with gifts of kindness. If you are thankful that God ransomed you from hell and that you now walk with Him, tell others how they can as well. I don't think anyone can argue with that.-Chris

tacklebox wrote:The problem with evangelism is the same problem with almost every facet of church life today: there is no balance. You've got your people seem to only care about saving people's souls and seem to forget the bodily needs and woes of the person. At the same time, you've got people who are so consumed with wanting to preach the Gospel with their kind acts that they seem to forget the eternal soul within those people, and are so consumed with giving "life" that eternal life somehow is left out.There should be a balance: sharing the Truth with love. Chris,I agree completely with what you said.We do share the gospel, and it is the main focus...but I also feel that showing people that we really do care about them makes them more receptive to the gospel.The world's perception of the Church is not good, and very distorted. We try to correct that view, and give them a new perspective.Anyway, thanks for the comments...I agree Brother.In Christ,Mark

Hi Rebecca5...!While I do not agree with alot of the doctrine from Chick Tracts, I do believe that some of their tracts are quite effective. In fact, I have met several individuals that came to the Lord as a result of reading the tract This is Your Life. One of these individuals is actually a preacher, and he found the tract in a laundry mat the evening that he thought about committing suicide. He didn't kill himself because the tract made Hell very real to him. He read the Scriptures, looked them up in a modern-language Bible, and then gave his heart to the Lord. On a side note, I have found an interesting way to evangelize. I opened a CafePress store, where I am able to "sell" t-shirts, journals, handbags, etc... While I do not actually "sell" anything -- the website allows me to "buy" shirts from myself at a discount (or directly from the website) using very good quality at a very inexpensive cost. I actually create simple shirts with Scripture passages or famous Christian quotes. T-shirts with funny quotes are quite popular right now. Most of the time, people read the shirt expecting a funny saying. However, these shirts have often "opened the door" to explain the verse or quote. An example of these shirt scriptures/quotes:"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Matthew 16:26"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Eliot, killed for his Christian faith in Ecuador in 1956"Is what you're living for worth Christ dying for?" - Leonard Ravenhill"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." - God (found in Jeremiah 29:13)"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:23"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this; it connected, in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity." - John Quincy Adams"The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: 'that God governs in the affairs of men.' And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, the labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel." - Benjamin Franklin "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior (Jesus) of the world is communicated to us through this book." - Abraham Lincoln"The God who gave us life also gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure if we have removed their only firm basis: a conviction in the minds of men that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever." - Thomas Jefferson "Come unto me...and I will give you rest." - Jesus (found in Matthew 11:28-30)"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6 :-)

Chris,How about providing a link to your cafepress store. Maybe some of us would like to get some of those t-shirts...-Chris

Rebecca5 wrote: I would like to get some of those T-shirts too. I haven't been able to find much of anything in the christian bookstores lately.Most of the books are on prophecy,the tracts are too expensive and Im not too impressed with the T-shirts.I also wanted to get a gold necklace with the name Jesus but I haven't been able to find those either.I would like one for work because I work as a cashier at Target. One of the Berean Family bookstores closed down and now we only have one in the county.I hope this isn't a sign.It used to be that the bookstores were run by private christian owners and now I see people who aren't even saved working there.I know alot of christians who say they can't find anything they want in the christian bookstores anymore.There are tons of books on prosperity.They used to have these really great worship CDs called the Vineyard Collection; can't find those anymore either.All the mom-n-pop stores are struggling, and everything seems to be going corporate. Again, Living Waters has some of the best, most affordable tracts out there. Ray Comfort, the man behind Living Waters, either runs or rides his bike to work every day, and he and he wife live in a modest home and own a used mini-van. Despite co-hosting an award-winning TV show with Kirk Cameron (Way of the Master), and having authored several successful books, Ray hasn't let wealth and success detract from his character. He doesn't dress fancy nor does he assume God is rewarding his faithfulness with abundant wealth to horde for himself. He is one of the most humble and approachable Christians I have ever met.-Chris

Hi Chris...

How about providing a link to your cafepress store. Maybe some of us would like to get some of those t-shirts...

Sorry that it took some time to answer your request (I suppose I overlooked it). I purchased a domain name to make it easier to find the shirts. The website is www.emesh.net . I haven't really added any designs for a while, but I have alot more available.

It is not really meant to make money (or to "peddle" the Gospel), so I will create the shirts at zero profit for anyone that is interested in purchasing one. Right now, CafePress only allows the free (or "basic") stores to feature one of each product. A "professional" store would permit multiple designs of each seperate product. So I added the designs to the eMesh website in order to display the designs.

If you have a desired Scripture verse, quote or idea for a shirt, let me know. I can create the design for you and provide a link for the shirt at no profit. I sincerely hope that these shirts can spread the Word of the Lord.

Thanks!

:-)

Hi everyone and ccchhhrrriiisss. Maybe you all can help me by letting me know what you think of this idea for a shirt,

on the front it would read

it's time to rebel...

and on the back

...against rebellion

Serve the Lord with fear and.... trembling. Psalm 2:11

edit: hit submit instead of preview!

What do you all think? This idea has come to me a few times recently and when I saw this thread I thought it would be good to ask you all.

I was thinking of getting a Tshirt

I have also thought of putting some pretty serious scripture such as thesallonians in the last days the lord wiil come down with a trumpet shout and those that do not know there god

and may be repent

http://www.fellowshiptractleague.org/ has a large variety of tracts for free (including shipping). Calvary Chapel has free ones as well at http://www3.calvarychapel.com/acts/other.htm

An old thread this is, but i found it Googling for printing tracts. We use Fellowship mostly, and as they print by faith then their cost is much lower, and offer them free, though we try to always send in a donation.

Here is one of the tracts on my site by the grace of God. http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/Where-Eternity-NEW.pdf

I print them by the dozens using inkjet printers, using re-manufactured cartridges of which i refill myself with bulk in which cost about 1.50 per ounce

It can be a messy job, and the color carts in particular do not last long, but if my figures for 7,000 tracts are correct, it cost around .04 cents a sheet, .02 a tract, with one side being color, praise God.