Friends think I am a Zealot
The great witness of the miracle of conversion is that when someone us saved they're radically transformed by God. We no longer walk in the ways of the world and those still in it.
But, with that said, this may help with some concerns you have, and help ensure you can do your best.
1. Do not love the World - A message reminding us about what is in the world and how we are not.
2. Relationships as a Christian - Reminders and great tips that many Christians dont realize.
3. Get a firm grasp on your conversion testimony. Write it out(1). And, understand how to share the gospel. Once you do, you will be able to have spiritual discussions with anyone, even those close who might think you are a zealot.(2)
After you write your testimony, you can turn it into a short tract, or have a 3 minute version for when you have an opportunity for a Christian conversation, include in the conversation that those you know noticed your radical conversion because your life is totally different now, it is clear you were born again by God. If you make it a 4-5 min version you can include the gospel in it which then let's you swing to the gospel at the end of your testimony, when you ask them if they ever saw their need for the Savior.
Do not hold up convos long, esp with strangers, bcuz people have places to go. But if someone you know you have a bit more leeway for time. But still, dont go on and on.
You could even purposely plan a coffee outing or dessert outing with everyone you know whom you think might be feeling like you are a zealot or just invite everyone you know, "individually', over for or out for a coffee or dessert to discuss once theyre there that "I feel like you might have thoughts that i became a zealot since I started following Jesus, and to let you know I am going to do better at that so you dont feel that way, and I just wanted to have a short visit to clear the air on that." and simply share your testimony, & swing to the gospel. This is the intention of the get together.
If they ask questions you do not know the answer to off hand and shortly, to swing back to and stay on the gospel topic, tell them you will send them some short answers later(3) today on that. So you can stay on track with discussing the gospel with them. Watch a few living waters witnessing videos to see how to swing back to the gospel (4), so you dont go on rabbit trails, and so you can ensure you speak to them about the gospel. You can then ask "what would stop you from receiving salvation, today?" And if they still have no interest you can say that you understand their current position, but if they have other questions, would like clarity on anything, or want to receive the free gift God offers through Jesus, just give you a call anytime. Note that God has changed you and theyll see a difference in you but that doesnt mean you cant still be friends. You are still there for your friend and you will pray for them to turn to Jesus.
If you are an introvert or nervous, you can also create a testimony video that covers all of that, and send the link by text or email or dm on social media and with the link say something like "I noticed lately you might be thinking I am a bit zealous about Jesus and just wanted to clear the air a bit. (link) 😊"
Be selective in who you invite over or out in priority. You want to reach all friends and family, but you might want to leave the gossipy type ones for last, so they dont ruin your opportunities to reach everyone in your circle.
Or you can just make write up the testimony and send it to everyone by email.
5. And at least you made efforts to reach everyone you know with the gospel, and they can know you are open to conversations and questions, and that you are praying for them. Just remember to live a godly life before them, and keep them in prayer.
Make sure you stay true to your faith if you occasionally hang out with your unsaved friends still, and when you talk and in giving alternate ideas for what to do together (vs clubbing, drugs, or similar things you did before), so you do more wholesome activities, and theyll get to see you live out your faith, and it could draw them to Christ or even just plant seeds of faith.
Related:
Other believers resources you will be blessed to bookmark this and go through it.
Footnotes:
(1) How to write your testimony.
(2) While the unsaved think any biblical Christian is a zealot, they do not think that way about false Christians and people of other religions. The world knows Christianity is the truth, but they suppress it, and when they encounter it they think negatively. However, it is possible the ones who might have called you or you perceive they think you are a zealot... there might be a wee bit of a point there if you approach them and conversations in a way that is over the top or excessive. In no way do i mean we shouldnt be living out our faith or talking about God, but we need to be "cautiously loving" if i can use that phrase, to kind of reel us back a notch to ensure we are being a blessing to them and not a hinderance to the gospel.
That is why I suggested you to do a bit of research with the links listed here, understand the difference between the World and the Redeemed, make sure we go to the great lengths in all situations, as Jesus and the Apostles would, as far as link #2 above tries to explain & encourage, and prep yourself for a solid conversation with those you know.
If you step back and go through all of this stuff this week and next week and put a plan together, and step out in faith to implement it, and then live it out well in your interactions with them & everyone, then you will be doing well and be a blessing to others whether they realize it or not.
(3) Faq helps. These are links to helpful answers on the topics and faq or objections people have about Christianity.
FAQ Atheist FAQ for Religionists
FAQ Christians here here and here and here
The gospel message link
As with all witnessing encounters just do your best in live, and know God is in control. Even if you continue to plant seeds and water what people came to know thru your efforts and others efforts, God's Word wont return void.
Those also contain the links you can use send to those you chat with, after the convo, if they try to pull you down rabbit trails, as if demons are trying to prevent that gospel presentation from completion; start-finish. Just put those aside and return to them after the convo, perhaps by email or instant message on social app.
Simply say " Hey Jody, I am glad we were able to meet up. I remembered you wondered about these questions in our chat; I hope they are helpful to you. Feel free to ask about anything else you are curious about, but know that... the most important thing is receiving Christ as Savior. If you decided to do that, let me know, I would love to hear about it. Have a great day" and include the links at the end, like this:
Link here
I prayed a prayer as a child, doesnt that mean I am good to go?
Link here
Why do various religions talk about Jesus
https://snsanswers.blogspot.com/2022/08/world-religions-wrong-jesus.html
Is there truth in all religions?
Link here
Sincerely,
My Name
(4) LW videos one two three four five six seven.
Here you will notice some listen, some don't, some will end up thinking about it later. Even the ones who say they won't think about it later, likely will. And if you mention them thinking about it before bed, lol they likely will remember the conversation and think about it. Which hopefully leads them to pray to God and be saved.
Some hear a basic Gospel message, others have questions and and instead of going down rabbit trails the Christian swings back to the gospel to ensure it is the main focus of the discussion.
*just a small note...many who share the Gospel point to the 10 Commandments as the only law or sins, and that is not accurate. Believers simply use 10C as a way to point out examples of what sin is.
God's Moral Law includes more than the 10, meaning sin is anything that violates God's perfection. That has to do with character and nature, so it is about morality...and clearly "fallen" humans fall short, or you could say miss the mark by a thousand miles. Overall in the discussion the point is about the moral laws or moral commands or morality. So if you talk about the law you can say "God's law, which would include a commonly known moral sins revealed in the 10 commandments" or you could say "God will judge people [the unsaved] against His Holy Law," [referring to His moral laws; perfection]... instead of saying it how Ray does. However what he says seems easier and shorter to say to bring about an understanding of "sin". So the point is to point out examples of what sin is, so the person can understand what crimes they have committed against God, and therefore see the serious trouble they're in.
There is more on this "small note" in a greater discussion in the Believers Resources evangelism section if you are interested in that. If you use that resource then you will eventually run into it. But the rest of the above material should be good enough to help you for now 😊.
Bonus gospel video
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