When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere. (Lk 9:1-6, NIV)
First time i ever did door to door visits was at WABC (West Asheville Baptist Church), we had gone out a week or two after Christmas play following up on people who visited, knocked on a door with Dr. Gray Little (Adminstrative Pastor) and a man who was obviously intoxicated answered the door. He had no idea his wife and family had even visited us, and consequently was quite angry. Gray taught me a quick lesson on one of the ideas behind these verses of scripture. We did manage to give them a visitor packet (which included a New Testament). Gray could tell i was a little rattled by the whole experience, so when we returned to the car, we talked about it. Bright spot was that we got a Bible into the home; he also taught me (and experience has proved this to be true) that you will have far more good experiences than bad when doing visits, and that they are rejecting Christ and not us.
A forgone lost art found in churches today: visitation. There are relevant reasons why some dont visit anymore. Society really doesn't (for the most part) like it anymore. I had a former church member once tell me that if someone knocks on his door at night, he finds it an "inconvenience" to him because he is trying to spend time with his family. Quite honestly, when visiting we get a lot more no answers than anything else anymore. However, it is a lost art. I have had some very good visits sometimes; you never know what is going on behind the door your knocking on. Some are very receptive, most are friendly, and periodically you will find the mean and rude.
My lesson learned was as Jesus had told His disciples, "shake it off". Earliest lesson i remember is to "shake off the bad visits", and remember they are rejecting Christ and not Chris. It's not personal agains you or I; it's personal against Christ.
When you invite people to church, or talk to them about your faith and they respond in negative way, remember that they are not rejecting you, they are rejecting Him. Also, remember the good visits and talks because they far outweigh the negative.
Have a blessed day, Chris.
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