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Do tracts work? - 9/29/2008 12:26:19 AM
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diz71266
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From: NJ
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Ive posted a poll on this site designed to shed some light on ways God is using to reach people in this day and age,its buried about 4 pages deep right now but I think the results are interesting and should be relevant to every christian,evangelism is extremely important and I would think that focusing on ways that actually work would be wise. I commented on the results in my last post but rather than make you search for the poll Ill rewrite them here.
Ive included the post in the poll thread that I replied to:
quote:
ORIGINAL: RJR_fan
It's interesting to note how little value mass evangelism has. Only 6% of those responding to this poll credit a mass evangelist with catalyzing their conversions.
Billy Graham's own statistics concluded that only 4% of those who "go forward" at his crusades actually demonstrated the normal results of true conversion. Apparently, this form of "evangelism" is a form of stage hypnosis, that induces temporary alterations of consciousness in susceptible audience members.
Those who encounter the presence and power of God up close and personal, in the lives, and character, of people they actually know, appear to be most likely to experience true, genuine, and lasting conversions.
my reply:
You have hit on the exact point I was trying to "research" when creating this poll.
I really believe that for some reason in recent Church history God has been using relationships to bring people to Christ. I mean Im sure there have to be some people who pick up a tract and get saved or have a conversation with a total stranger that leads to salvation,I really do believe that God does not work in a box,but the statistics seem to show that in this particular era of the Church Age The Lord is using a caring ,loving, relationship to bring people to him.This brings up 2 questions..1, Why in the first century did God say "If the people will not recieve you, wipe off the dust on your feet and move on"?
and 2, Why dont Christians today focus on relationship building to win people to Christ instead of tracts and books and door to door methods?
I think the answers are as follows (just my opinions,Id love to hear others)...1, In the first century we didnt have the internet or telephones or television to spread the word when something of historical signifigance had occurred.Their method of spreading news was on foot mostly (probably a horse or camel here and there) and the focus was to get this news out as quickly as possible and start setting up churches,writing down scripture,and getting people saved. Nowadays, in this country anyway,I believe most adults have at least heard of Jesus Christ,but its what they think of Him that counts.Some say prophet, some say teacher, some say a good guy,and some say God in the flesh, born of a virgin, died on the cross for the sins of all those who believe in Him,and ascended back to heaven to sit at the right hand of God untill He returns again to judge the world.
Our job today is to try and change the faulty opinions of non believers, and to reflect the Love of Christ to a lost world,that they might be saved, and the first descriptor of Love according to Corinthians 13:4 is patience. If we are not patient with people, are we really loving them? By all means tell people the good news as soon as you can, but let your life and love be a testimony to others that Christ is who He says He is!
This is probably a lot more complicated than just handing someone a tract,and it requires more dedication.
And I believe that is the answer to the 2nd question.Tracts and bumper stickers and the like dont have the personal element that someone sharing their life with you will, or someone who you know is a Christian helps you when you are needy, without judging you or shoving rules an regulations down your throat.Love is hard sometimes,but its the narrow path,(to borrow a phrase from our Lord), few are doing it.
Im sorry I didnt intend on writing a sermon but to those of you who read this far I thank you for your ear (actually eyes)
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RE: Do tracts work? - 9/29/2008 10:14:14 AM
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stellaluna
Posts: 4409
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I have found that in general, no they don't work. In the rare occasions that they seem to, I think they are simply the final straw. IOW, they are coming along at the right time after someone else did the relational work in that person.
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RE: Do tracts work? - 9/29/2008 11:23:29 AM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1966
Joined: 6/4/2008
From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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In my opinion, bumper stickers just make someone look very preachy. And you can't read them, that often, anyway.
As for tracts, if you're talking about Jack Chick's, I think they're more of a turn-off than anything. They're insulting to the intellegence and sometimes full of utter bolony. Anything else as far as tracts go, its too easy for some to simply dump them in the trash and I think the efforts to hand them out are pretty half-hearted. Without some incentive for people to want to read them or some initial interest in what they say, they're just a waste of paper and time.
If you're going to evangelize for Christ, its more effective to do it in person (or at least in your own words and Christ's) rather than just handing someone a pamphlet and saying "Here! Learn about God!"
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RE: Do tracts work? - 9/29/2008 12:22:00 PM
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iamjc-s
Posts: 335
Joined: 8/1/2007
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They may be a seed, a beginning.
OR
They may be root a seed privously planted.
-
Either way more is needed prior conversion.
WARNING: read before you hand out.
I've read some that contridict the Bible at some major point.
Actions speak louder. Showing yourself to be Christ-like yet still able to have fun & make it in this chaotic world, can do wonders for unbelievers.
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RE: Do tracts work? - 9/29/2008 2:08:52 PM
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terryjohn
Posts: 469
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If left to personal testimony then many of us would not be christians for even as a young christian I saw the faillings of the church and those who claimed to know better. But I could not fault what I read. I remember being part of a Chrisitan group and one of the older girls was going on about how tracts couldn't help lead people to Christ. My initial reaction was how would she know? For I had come to know the greatness of God through them. In reality many tracts preach the truth of God and scripture in an irresistable form and I love them. I secretely used to go into a christian book shop and buy them as an unbeliever for in each one I found a truth about God that I could not deny and as they quoted scripture I was lead more and more the read it for myself. So on what basis people say tracks are of little value they must also say all christian preaching and writings are also futile. I also saw that despite the very poor witness of those who claimed to have faith I through their bad example was duty bond to do better.
The problem then with relationship is you don't get that much time to make a difference with many. In the end it is the truth that sets us free and the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation for everyone that believes. For although men may say my example is less tha perfect the cannot deny the righteousness of God in the gospel. As I saw in those tracts, it was not about christians but about God and truth.
WARNING: examine yourself before you step out.
I've seen some christians that contridict the Bible at some major point.
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RE: Do tracts work? - 9/29/2008 2:58:23 PM
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PopsiLufsJesus
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Personally I think many of the resources that Christians come up with are UN-USEFUL! Most of the tracts I've seen, and I've seen many different types, are as corny as all get out!
I personally think Christians could do a much better job then they do getting the gospel out there. If the world can have amazing ways of sharing what the world believes, then we as Christians shouldn't settle to be the "trailer trash" of America!
Sorry.
_____________________________
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
~ Romans 12:12
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RE: Do tracts work? - 9/29/2008 3:02:42 PM
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rcjames
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I have seen instances where tracts change lives and folks accepted Christ because of them; but the important (The Biblical way) is to live our lives as Christ lived His.
Thsnks
RC
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Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Do tracts work? - 9/30/2008 12:38:13 AM
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diz71266
Posts: 26
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From: NJ
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Like I said,
We cant put God in a box,and maybe they are a seed for some, but mostly I see them ending up in the trash,and the subtle counter effect of them is people dont want to even take the chance to get to know a Christian for fear that they will be bombarded by some goofy religious propaganda,much like when the moonies used to solicit the airports,people would just try to avoid them at all costs.
I think the real issue is that people dont want to open thier hearts to other people.. its just to scary,so they think they get points with God by just handing out tracts,Ive even heard the argument "Dont worry if they dont read them, you did your part and God sees that"
Seems like a far cry from the personal relationships that Christ had.
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RE: Do tracts work? - 10/5/2008 2:32:34 AM
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humbleinspirit
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Personally I met 2 people in my lifetime who said that tracts were directly related to their salvation. So to answer the question, yes they do work, at least sometimes anyway.
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RE: Do tracts work? - 10/6/2008 2:37:00 AM
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KnowJesus
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I think tracts get a bad rap. There is always someone who says "I don't like tracts." But a tract is what helped me understand God's saving grace.
A pastor came to visit me. He gave his testimony and then left a tract "Eternal Life." The Lord had been drawing me for some time, and wouldn't let up on me...When I picked up the tract and read it, it confirmed to me all that I'd heard was true. I believed, and accepted Christ at home.
I carry tracts with me today that carry the book of John. They have an invitation in front...with illustration.
The tract is a tool to help give a visual to the Gospel. Leaving it with someone after you've shared with them, is a valuable tool to confirm the truth that Jesus is Lord after you've gone.
The pastor that left me a tract had put his phone# on the back cover. After I came to Christ...He was the first person I called to say "Thank you for telling me about Jesus..."
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RE: Do tracts work? - 10/6/2008 5:21:50 PM
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JimboFletch
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quote:
ORIGINAL: KnowJesus
A pastor came to visit me. He gave his testimony and then left a tract "Eternal Life." The Lord had been drawing me for some time, and wouldn't let up on me...When I picked up the tract and read it, it confirmed to me all that I'd heard was true. I believed, and accepted Christ at home.
I carry tracts with me today that carry the book of John. They have an invitation in front...with illustration.
The tract is a tool...
In that case, I agree, it was used as a tool and after a personal contact was made.
Some people drop them in bathrooms or hand them out to strangers without any sort of connection. That was is easy but does not cost much in the way of real ministry of the person doing it.
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RE: Do tracts work? - 10/12/2008 8:55:13 PM
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GodsSoGood
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From: A lil state (NH) anyone ever hear of it???
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Wow.. nice topic. I'll add that I have seen people saved by tracks and believe that it's a way of spreading Gods word. Some may come to church and some may not, but at least they know there going to heaven.. I think building relationships with people is nice and everything, but don't wait to build a relationship.. God's not going to wait when he comes back. He could come back at this very moment. It's God speaking when we share his word. I think it's just so important to share Gods word to everyone and in any way we can !!!
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Are you 100% sure that if you were to die today, at this very moment, that you would go to heaven. If you said no, then please send me a message and I can show you from the bible how you can know for sure :) Your loving sister in Christ!!!
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RE: Do tracts work? - 10/23/2008 12:37:47 PM
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gr8tful1
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I think tracts can be a useful tool. Especially in combination with relationship, as previous posts have mentioned. I do agree, some may be corny.
I decided to create my own and gave it to some other mature Christian church members to critique, including the pastor. I sometimes leave them in public places (with a prayer) where the curious can pick them up since I used to pick up tracts as an unbeliever out of curiosity to read them.
It's probably true that when people hand out tracts to people in public places, the people they approach may take one to be polite and then dump it in the nearest trash can. (kind of like when the sample ladies at the grocery store pass you coupons.  ), but maybe not. Maybe they'd pocket it and read it later and a soul could be won to Christ, or at least a seed planted. I guess my feeling is tracts can work so what's the harm is using them? They might just reach someone and bring them to Christ.
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RE: Do tracts work? - 10/23/2008 12:41:18 PM
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catlady11
Posts: 56
Joined: 4/18/2005
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It worked for me! I was in the waitng room while my mom was getting radiation treatment and saw a tract that was about John 3:16. My first thought was too bad this doesn't apply to me - I'm Jewish. I told a friend at work about it and he explained Jesus died for ALL of us. Soon after that I accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I grew up in a non-religious Jewish home and was always told we don't believe in Jesus - we are Jewish.
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RE: Do tracts work? - 10/23/2008 12:45:41 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 910
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quote:
ORIGINAL: catlady11
It worked for me! I was in the waitng room while my mom was getting radiation treatment and saw a tract that was about John 3:16. My first thought was too bad this doesn't apply to me - I'm Jewish. I told a friend at work about it and he explained Jesus died for ALL of us. Soon after that I accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I grew up in a non-religious Jewish home and was always told we don't believe in Jesus - we are Jewish.
Well, the proof is in the pudding then huh.
I am glad something as simple as a tract could have this impact on your life catlady11.
I believe He will work in any way He can to reach us.
_____________________________
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not for I am with you,
Do not be dismayed for I am your God,
I will strengthen you and help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"
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RE: Do tracts work? - 10/23/2008 12:51:58 PM
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1love1God1way
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I agree with the notion that tracts should be accompanied with personal connection. Otherwise, it tends to be a glorified way of saying, "Here, you throw this away for me."
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RE: Do tracts work? - 10/23/2008 12:57:42 PM
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bravjim
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I think that the only way to draw others to Christ is allowing others to see Christ in us as individuals, and as the body. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to draw others to God. The strength we show when we radiate the peace and the joy of the Lord when we are going through trials is what draws others to Him. It is one of the reasons that we go through trials, one 1) to perfect us, and 2) to draw others to Christ. When they see the love of Christ within us, even as we go through trials, they see Him.
When we do good works, it will draw some to Christ. Tools like these may bring a few people as well. Especially if they can see Him living in us. It makes them want what we have. But I do think that they are seeds that get some to think about it. They may reject it, but if they give it some thought, then that is one step. Then they might meet a genuine believer or a group of genuine believers, through whom they see Christ, and it might help.
I know that it wasn't a track, even though I would pick them up and read them, that drew me to Christ. It was because of depression, and needing something more, that drew me to Christ. I grew up in church, but I rejected Him because I wanted to live out my life, thinking that life would not be as much fun. What I learned is the fun only lasts for a season, but the pain of not living with Christ or for Christ was more painful than I could bear.
< Message edited by bravjim -- 10/23/2008 1:11:37 PM >
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I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfilll the lust of the flesh.
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