And this is why it doesn't bother me that my parents are so concerned about me. It drives my husband nuts. I think I'm going to have to show this to him. They just can't stand the thought of me in hell.
Sheri, You seem to do a good job of maintaining balance. I'm sure respect is the key. Glad you can manage. I agree with the guy in the video. Many Christians aren't sincere, but I don't think a Christian needs to be an in your face, scripture quoting, bible thumper to do God's work.
I think you are right, respect is the key. But, this man has a very good point too. It's a fine line.I see it as choosing comfort/respect for humanity or doing as God says. But, I am willing to hear other opinions. :)
I'm just saying I think Christians can be obedient in this area in a less obvious way - and some are. Don't you think it is a turn off when someone throws scripture in your face? I hope you don't mind me using you as an example... You said you are agnostic and your husband is a Christian. Your husband can "preach" to you, or he could pray for God to use him in a more subtle way to reach you. Christians can try to make an impact without making people uncomfortable. I don't think it has to be one or the other. Sometimes setting an example is the best way. And then you have Christians who are still trying to find their way. They don't feel stong enough or even yet know how to lead someone else, but it doesn't mean they aren't "true Christians"
I agree with much of what you are saying and it's certainly the way I prefer things. IOW- No, I don't dig on the scripture being quoted to me a lot. But, that's about *my* feelings.
What about God's command? Did he instruct Christians to bring people to him via good example? Aren't there specific instructions on how to lead people to Christ?
I don’t know for sure. I’m not as familiar with the Bible as I would like to be. Yes, as far as I know we’ve been commanded to share God’s Word. For some that might be a simple “I believe...”. I don’t think we are supposed to argue or debate with every non-Christian we meet. Christians are (should be) continually learning and some people aren’t in a position to do more than make a statement of their own faith. Does that mean it is less effective or less of a Christian than a missionary in Africa? I don’t think God intended for us all to be ministers or missionaries in a literal sense. Not every Christian is an eloquent speaker or even as knowledgeable as we should /could be. I don’t think we all have to or are meant to witness in the same way or on the same level. Sometimes sharing is short and easy - other times it takes years.
Sometimes it has nothing to do with the knowledge or ability of the witness, but the non-Christian’s readiness. I don’t think the Bible says we have to come on strong all the time.
This is mostly what I’m basing my views on…
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NIV)
Look at me quoting scripture :)
I’m sure different people or religions would disagree with me. (The semantics of religion drive me crazy.) And I easily could be wrong. I’m not a perfect Christian, but “true Christians” do have flaws.
I agree that too many Christians are passive. I even mentioned that in a post on my blog a little while ago. But I don't think being respectful and non offensive means we aren't doing what we should.
It is funny that (probably) most atheists would claim that Christians are offensive and this guys thinks they aren't offensive enough - LOL!
One last thing and I will quit my rambling - I promise - I agree 100% with what he said about Christianity being who we are - not just a part of us.
I curse. This blog will likely contain a sprinkling of colorful words from time to time. Still with me? Alright then, grab a cup of your favorite vice and join me in my ramblings.....
"It is not possible for one to teach others who cannot teach his own family." ~Confucius
And this is why it doesn't bother me that my parents are so concerned about me. It drives my husband nuts. I think I'm going to have to show this to him. They just can't stand the thought of me in hell.
ReplyDeleteSheri, You seem to do a good job of maintaining balance. I'm sure respect is the key. Glad you can manage.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the guy in the video. Many Christians aren't sincere, but I don't think a Christian needs to be an in your face, scripture quoting, bible thumper to do God's work.
I think you are right, respect is the key. But, this man has a very good point too.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fine line.I see it as choosing comfort/respect for humanity or doing as God says.
But, I am willing to hear other opinions. :)
I'm just saying I think Christians can be obedient in this area in a less obvious way - and some are. Don't you think it is a turn off when someone throws scripture in your face? I hope you don't mind me using you as an example... You said you are agnostic and your husband is a Christian. Your husband can "preach" to you, or he could pray for God to use him in a more subtle way to reach you.
ReplyDeleteChristians can try to make an impact without making people uncomfortable. I don't think it has to be one or the other. Sometimes setting an example is the best way. And then you have Christians who are still trying to find their way. They don't feel stong enough or even yet know how to lead someone else, but it doesn't mean they aren't "true Christians"
I agree with much of what you are saying and it's certainly the way I prefer things. IOW- No, I don't dig on the scripture being quoted to me a lot. But, that's about *my* feelings.
ReplyDeleteWhat about God's command? Did he instruct Christians to bring people to him via good example? Aren't there specific instructions on how to lead people to Christ?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don’t know for sure. I’m not as familiar with the Bible as I would like to be. Yes, as far as I know we’ve been commanded to share God’s Word. For some that might be a simple “I believe...”. I don’t think we are supposed to argue or debate with every non-Christian we meet. Christians are (should be) continually learning and some people aren’t in a position to do more than make a statement of their own faith. Does that mean it is less effective or less of a Christian than a missionary in Africa? I don’t think God intended for us all to be ministers or missionaries in a literal sense. Not every Christian is an eloquent speaker or even as knowledgeable as we should /could be. I don’t think we all have to or are meant to witness in the same way or on the same level. Sometimes sharing is short and easy - other times it takes years.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it has nothing to do with the knowledge or ability of the witness, but the non-Christian’s readiness.
I don’t think the Bible says we have to come on strong all the time.
This is mostly what I’m basing my views on…
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
(1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NIV)
Look at me quoting scripture :)
I’m sure different people or religions would disagree with me. (The semantics of religion drive me crazy.) And I easily could be wrong. I’m not a perfect Christian, but “true Christians” do have flaws.
I agree that too many Christians are passive. I even mentioned that in a post on my blog a little while ago. But I don't think being respectful and non offensive means we aren't doing what we should.
It is funny that (probably) most atheists would claim that Christians are offensive and this guys thinks they aren't offensive enough - LOL!
One last thing and I will quit my rambling - I promise - I agree 100% with what he said about Christianity being who we are - not just a part of us.
Those are good points.
ReplyDelete