Posted by Yong TM (202.172.43.132) on January 30, 2003 at 11:38:29:
In Reply to: Evangelising to terminally ill patients posted by sy on January 28, 2003 at 13:01:30:
When a person is dying already, there is really not much time left, so the purpose really is to bring the salvation message across.
I have always fall back on the 4 spiritual laws for such occasions. The 4 spiritual laws are more 'user-friendly' in a sense, because they talk about reconciliation more than judgement. This is a good approach because the purpose of Christ is to reconcile us back with God, so that we can be with Him eternally and enjoy His presence. This is the GOOD NEWS, the gospel. The bad news of course is that if we reject Him, we suffer the consequences. You can preach the gospel by presenting the good news or the bad news. Presenting the good news to dying people work better.
Telling the good news actually already carries the implication of the bad news. Tactful questions would be 'do you know where you are going from here?' rather than 'if you do not believe in Jesus Christ, you will burn in hell'. I think practically everyone already know that this is the Christian message, so there is no need to drum it in and create fear because it will probably not work. So a gentle presentation of the gospel message would do.
When I preach to dying people, I always seek to assure them that there is nothing to fear if they believe in Jesus Christ. This is because practically all of them are afraid, Christians inclusive.
Remember always that you are a seed sower, and the Holy Spirit makes the seed grow. Sow the seed carefully and gently, and allow God to work. Don't force it to grow, it is not your job. If people feel that you are pressurising them or taking advantage of their dying moments, it will backfire.