The goal to getting a spouse, loved one, family member or friend saved (Rom. 10:9) is not to force them to church, but to get them introduced to Jesus Christ personally. The goal is to:
"sanctify her (him), having cleansed her (him) by the washing of water with the Word" (Ephesians 5:26).
This does not mean to force the unbeliever to read the Bible; this does not mean to force anyone to go to church or nag the person to become a Christian; and this does not mean to point out faults and sins to force repentance (1 Cor 13:4–8). It does mean to let the Word of God flow through you like water; to let your faith and works be one or as James reminds us...
"For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead" (James 2:26).
"For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband [by leading him to Christ]? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife [by leading her to Christ]? Only, let each one live the life which the Lord has assigned him, and to which God has called him [for each person is unique and is accountable for his choices and conduct, let him walk in this way]. This is the rule I make in all the churches" (1 Corinthians 7:16, 17). AMP
What Paul is saying here is that it is not by accident that the believer was the first one in the family to because a Christian. It was by God's plan. He knew which one needed to be saved first to be used to save the husband or wife. Isn't that incredible?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
So don't give up on your loved ones, spouse, brother, sister, in-laws, friends, neighbours, etc. too easily. Some times we have to earn the right to share the gospel with the ones who are closest to us. Don't try to protect them from hearing what God is doing in your life, in your church or with your Christian friends. If they react badly, don't stop; if they react well, don't stop! Be faithful and God will not let you down, no matter what direction life takes.
If your loved one becomes a believer, Jesus will tell him or her what He want them to do. Once they have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit will reveal what God wants them to do. We often forget that Jesus, the Holy Spirit of God, our Heavenly Father, can talk for themselves.
"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you" (John 14:26).
No one is beyond the reach of Jesus Christ, especially our loved ones that are unbelievers. Leading them to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour in the comforts of peaceful surroundings (ie. home), is the best place to practice witnessing and getting practical experience.
Excerpts from Rev. Gordon Williams', "THE FORGOTTEN KEY TO CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE."
THE FORGOTTEN KEY TO CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
Divorce-proof your marriage and grow your relationship with Jesus and your spouse!
Discover the keys to successful marriage, why the divorce rate in the church is the same as in secular society and what to do about it. Learn about God's three-way communication system and discover effective tools for building a happy marriage.
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