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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/25/2008 5:53:13 PM
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Prairiehiker
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Hey, I'm against watering down the gospel as much as you do, but when we Christians acts so offensive and judgemental when we're presenting the message of love and salvation of Jesus, then I think perhaps, there is something flawed with our presentation.
Jesus didn't say to the woman at the well, or the prostitute about to be stoned that they were worthless sinner. He showed compassion to them. Jesus showed that He wanted a relationship with them. And when you know that the God of this world wants to relate with you, then it has a transforming power that's greater than saying God is going to send you to hell if you don't follow Him. I mean, it's true that Jesus would send them to hell, but it's equally true that Jesus wants to have a relationship with them. If you're a non Christian, which one would make you want to seek God?
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/25/2008 5:55:57 PM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 1733
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SonInMe1
quote:
I am not sure there is a difinitive doctrine. It sounds like, to me, if people do not believe in your doctrine, they are not saved.
A christian will..
have a changed life,
exhibit fruit,
not deny Christ,
seek fellowship,
seek the Lord in thier life,
and want to do good works.
Based on her words, can you say that she self admittedly reflects this?
Seems to me that her words do not line up with her actions in some statements and in other statements she outright denies that she believes this. According to her, the Bible was created by man.......
quote:
ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker
Would judging this lady make her come to Christ? I guess the issue we're discussing is not even about her salvation, but we're discussing how the gospel is being preached in the world today. Perhaps that is where the problem lies.
Wouldn't it be better if we focus on loving people and relating to them in a way that Jesus would relate to them. Maybe hitting them with bible verses isn't going to change the way they think about Jesus, because that becomes just "religion" to them. But if we learn to love people and engage people in real relationship the way Jesus did, perhaps it would make people open up to the reality of Jesus and the His relevance in their lives. Jesus met people where they were and didn't force them to change before he related to them. It's when people are touched by Jesus's love that they allow HIm into their lives and allow their issues to be confronted and transformed.
Jesus wasn't soft on sin. We are instructed to use scripture for rebuking and edifying. If that seems harsh to some, well, the truth hurts, otherwise what is conviction for? The above statements sound more tolerating of sin that Jesus is. people can take those words and hear in it what they want to, especially if they are not led by the Lord. Jesus squarely hit people with the Word of God, are we expected to do any less? And if we do, are we then truly following His example?
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/25/2008 6:04:12 PM
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HisFish
Posts: 540
Joined: 8/3/2005
From: Rocky mountain way
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Concerning the prostitute, Christ also told her "go, and sin no more". He didnt have any relationship with her. You cannot present the gospel and NOT have people think your judging them because the Word WILL convict them, it's unavoidable. I do agree that we should form relationships with all sorts of people but the mere fact that you do so will not make them any more disposed to the gospel.
_____________________________
The theology of the present aims at the deification of man, but the truth of all time
magnifies God . C. H. Spurgeon
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/25/2008 6:10:12 PM
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Prairiehiker
Posts: 1083
Joined: 12/11/2007
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quote:
You cannot present the gospel and NOT have people think your judging them because the Word WILL convict them, it's unavoidable. I do agree that we should form relationships with all sorts of people but the mere fact that you do so will not make them any more disposed to the gospel.
If they can see Jesus through you, perhaps, they might be more inclined to follow. Jesus' agenda is to save them, mine is to relate to them and share how Jesus' love have touched my life and transformed me into a true Christ follower. Perhaps, Jesus is teaching me to love people first, so that I can share to them the gospel of salvation.
With respect to the prostitute (this is going by the assumption that this really happened. There's a debate that this was not in the original manuscript), yes, Jesus told her to sin no more. How do you think He said it? Do you think He towered over her and said, look lady, I just saved your life, you're going to hell if you continue that lifestyle, so stop being a whore or else I'll let them stone you like I should have let them do, or did He lovingly make her feel that she is forgiven by God, and with His power, she can stop her sinful lifestyle. How does a woman condemned by society make a transformation like that, if not by the power of God and His love and acceptance of them. There is a difference in how we perceived His actions.
I think there should be a balance in how we present the Gospel. Leaning too much on the side of condemnation doesn't make Jesus all that loving. Leaning towards loving without talking about sin and hell and salvation isn't right either. But we do have to present Jesus as a loving God first because that is what He is.
< Message edited by Prairiehiker -- 5/25/2008 6:23:28 PM >
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/25/2008 6:41:51 PM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 1733
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This is where we all seem to go sideways. Not tolerating the sin is seen as someone telling them they are a no good rotten sinner. No one here has said anything close to that. Not tolerating sin and certainly not condoning sin, does not make one judgmental. Jesus didn't do that either. He was straight forward and point blank. It drives me nuts for someone to compare what is quoted from the Bible with someone being judgmental. If it comes from the Bible, i believe, I will abide by it, I will preach it. if that makes me judgmental and unloving, well then I guess it does.
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/25/2008 6:53:03 PM
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Prairiehiker
Posts: 1083
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quote:
ORIGINAL: deliveredarling
This is where we all seem to go sideways. Not tolerating the sin is seen as someone telling them they are a no good rotten sinner. No one here has said anything close to that. Not tolerating sin and certainly not condoning sin, does not make one judgmental. Jesus didn't do that either. He was straight forward and point blank. It drives me nuts for someone to compare what is quoted from the Bible with someone being judgmental. If it comes from the Bible, i believe, I will abide by it, I will preach it. if that makes me judgmental and unloving, well then I guess it does.
I haven't lived an hour in this world without sinning, so that makes it easier for me to be loving and accepting other sinners like me. Sure, I don't sleep around, but I gossip, or I belittle people, or I envy, and hate, and etc, etc. I haven't loved God with all of me and I certainly haven't loved my neighbor the way I'm commanded to. Last time I checked, those are are sins too. If everyone is going to condemn sin, then, let's judge everyone for every type of sin that we commit. Or we can live graciously.
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/25/2008 7:54:25 PM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 1733
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker
quote:
I haven't lived an hour in this world without sinning, so that makes it easier for me to be loving and accepting other sinners like me. Sure, I don't sleep around, but I gossip, or I belittle people, or I envy, and hate, and etc, etc. I haven't loved God with all of me and I certainly haven't loved my neighbor the way I'm commanded to. Last time I checked, those are are sins too. If everyone is going to condemn sin, then, let's judge everyone for every type of sin that we commit. Or we can live graciously.
I agree with this completely. I'm certainly not saying that these "standards" don't apply to me as well. I don't want to accept it, not tolerate it in my life either. Those same scriptures hit me between the eyes too. I want people who see sins that I am blinded to to bring them to my attention. I wouldn't want them to be "so loving" as to not to. How could I possibly become aware of them enough to even begin to be rid of it? Now I'm not saying for someone to tell me I am a no good rotten Christian. I don't want that and I sure wouldn't do that to someonelse. For someone to point it out to me, i am grateful and I'm thankful that I have friends who love me enough to do this.
I sure hope you don't feel that I have slighted you in any way, that was not my intention. The context of tone does not always come across very well in these threads.
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/25/2008 9:40:21 PM
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Prairiehiker
Posts: 1083
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quote:
ORIGINAL: HisFish
Prairiehiker, you sound like a very loving and sweet soul and your post's do remind me of the saying that you draw more flies with honey instead of vinager so let me draw back a bit and agree that you are correct that how gospel is presented is indeed important. Yes, i certainly agree that standing stiff and jabbing a finger into the chest of those we want to see made free wont win anybody to anything. It also occurs to me that our Lord made people like you to soften the hard edges of people like me, and all i can say is God bless you for that 
I once heard someone say that the Gospel is offensive enough that we, as Christians, should make the presentation of it as less offensive as possible. And he didn't mean to water down the gospel. He meant that we, as the messengers, should be less offensive, and let the Gospel speak for itself.
I think God is allowing me to experience His love which is softening up my rough edges. If anything, I was harsher and more self righteous than most people. When I was following a condemning God whom didn't accept me when I was making all sorts of mistake, I wasn't at peace. I was always on a performance treadmill of life, and I couldn't show the love of Jesus to others because I, myself, didn't feel all that loved. I just didn't measure up and my relationship with God suffered every time. Now that I feel loved and accepted by God, and He is journeying with me in this thing called life, I feel I want to know and follow Him more and want to share His love more to other people. And He is transforming my heart to be less condemning of people. We're not all on the same page of the journey. Sure He will judge the sinners and He hates sin. I think we all know that. But if I focus on God's judgement without having a deep understanding that He sent His Son because He loves us, and He knew that we would never be able to achieve perfection by keeping the laws, then, I tend to treat others the same.
By the way, I do listen to all of the hard core preachers like John MacArthur and I love His theology. I just chose to live it differently.
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/25/2008 10:01:20 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2531
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
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Which is more loving, to rebuke in love and to restore in love, or to overlook sin and risk eternal damnation?
1 Cor 5:10 - 13 (ESV) 10not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13God judges£ those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
1 Cor 11:27 - 30 (ESV) 27Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. 28Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.£
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/25/2008 10:08:00 PM
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Prairiehiker
Posts: 1083
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quote:
ORIGINAL: colliefan
Which is more loving, to rebuke in love and to restore in love, or to overlook sin and risk eternal damnation?
1 Cor 5:10 - 13 (ESV) 10not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13God judges£ those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
1 Cor 11:27 - 30 (ESV) 27Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. 28Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.£
You tell me. I mean, you can rebuke and restore people without loving them. It's all in the spirit of how it's done. I wasn't in any way saying to condone sin, or not confront brothers and sisters when they are engaged in sin, but how you do it is the issue. Often times, we rebuke because we're feeling smug and self righteous. We don't take the time to know people and build relationship with them.
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/25/2008 10:49:02 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2531
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From: Raleigh, NC
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quote:
but how you do it is the issue
Agreed. Look how grieved was Paul when he told the Corintian church to expell the unrepentant sinner and how he encouraged them to receive him back when he had repented,
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/26/2008 12:11:36 AM
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Godddy
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We were Just talking about this on another board. People don't believe in the Bible anymore its very sad. 
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/26/2008 2:08:31 AM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3574
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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quote:
Based on her words, can you say that she self admittedly reflects this?
As I stated earlier, I believe this woman was manipulated into her confession by leading questions. That doesn't neccesarliy absolve her of her answers but I think it colors the person asking the questions as manipulative.
Her words obviously define her teachings as flawed. I don't know about the perfect christians out there but I can admit to having flawed doctrine before. Might even have some now. That does not mean I am not saved.
It meant I was immature...as we all once were.
Instead of making this woman out to be a fool by leading her into publically proclaiming her flaws, maybe a better witness would be more effective. This video might be "entertaining" to those who love to label poor teachings so they feel better about theirs but it does little to help people.
This, to me is a prostitution of the gospel. Using the truth to publically embarrass someone. Certainly this is NOT how we confront sin in the church.
Matthew 18:15-20 is.
I find this video reprehensible...at best...and defines the makers as even less christian than the subject of this video because...supposedly...the makers KNOW the difference.
Its sensationalism to make some point.
PRIDE
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/26/2008 7:47:13 AM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 1733
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SonInMe1quote:
As I stated earlier, I believe this woman was manipulated into her confession by leading questions. That doesn't neccesarliy absolve her of her answers but I think it colors the person asking the questions as manipulative.
Her words obviously define her teachings as flawed. I don't know about the perfect christians out there but I can admit to having flawed doctrine before. Might even have some now. That does not mean I am not saved.
It meant I was immature...as we all once were.
Instead of making this woman out to be a fool by leading her into publically proclaiming her flaws, maybe a better witness would be more effective. This video might be "entertaining" to those who love to label poor teachings so they feel better about theirs but it does little to help people.
This, to me is a prostitution of the gospel. Using the truth to publically embarrass someone. Certainly this is NOT how we confront sin in the church.
Matthew 18:15-20 is.
I find this video reprehensible...at best...and defines the makers as even less christian than the subject of this video because...supposedly...the makers KNOW the difference.
Its sensationalism to make some point.
PRIDE
I think what stuck out for me in this video was the honesty. She answered in how she truly believes, not a put on for the camera. had she of known prior to the questions, would she have answered them differently, with a more "churchy" response. Yes, I think she would have. I don't see that as manipulative. The Bible tells us to be prepared to preach the gospel in season and out of season. I don't view the camera man as out to get her and I don't sympathize with her for being "gotten". If you live the way you say you believe, there is no gotcha to be had. It was evident to me the she really is a victim of the "modern" gospel. It's incredibly sad. People want to stay in the infancy of Christ rather than ever growing up because it mens they have to let go of their worldly idealisms. I really don't think people know the absolute joy, peace and fulfillment Christ brings in our lives when they follow Him. Surely, if they did, another gospel would no longer make sense.
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/26/2008 10:04:43 AM
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HisFish
Posts: 540
Joined: 8/3/2005
From: Rocky mountain way
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quote:
As I stated earlier, I believe this woman was manipulated into her confession by leading questions. That doesn't neccesarliy absolve her of her answers but I think it colors the person asking the questions as manipulative
She said exactly what she believed and your embarrassed for her, i was embarrassed for her ,that makes the interviewer a bad person?. Have you ever met anyone like this?, i work with people who have the same notion of Christianity she has, and they speak perfect "christianese", but it is only when i ask round-about questions do i discover how flawed their faith is. You can call that manipulative if you like, but a point blank question with those who speak the language rarely tells the whole story.
quote:
Her words obviously define her teachings as flawed. I don't know about the perfect christians out there but I can admit to having flawed doctrine before. Might even have some now. That does not mean I am not saved.
i agree with you, we all do have flaws. But you dont believe she has saving faith do you?. She doubts the word itself, after all she says that since it was written by men she cant trust what is in there, she says with zero shame that she has pre-marital sex. I dont laugh at her, i mourn the fact that she thinks she is heaven bound when she is not. Too many people have their hopes pinned to a bumper sticker they once read, or some one perverts the meaning of that great old hymn "just as i am" by telling a lost soul as i have heard too many times, "jesus love's you just like you are, nothing you need to do" (like repent).
quote:
Certainly this is NOT how we confront sin in the church.
"brood of vipers", "white washed sepulchers full of dead mens bones". "mouth's like open tombs"- these are only some of the words Jesus said in public, to men SO embarrassed they killed him for it.
_____________________________
The theology of the present aims at the deification of man, but the truth of all time
magnifies God . C. H. Spurgeon
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/26/2008 10:23:38 AM
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yustme
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quote:
ORIGINAL: small_creation
quote:
ORIGINAL: HisFish
This young lady is representative of far too many in our "Christian" nation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUr3MH3jBtI
Can we have some context, please? What was this "red carpet" event promoting and where? And did anyone else notice that these were not the usual questions asked to fashionistas?
The reasons I am asking these questions is because this woman actually answered the questions posed to her, where another would have been whisked away with a sneer and giggle.
Sure, she is definitely not a mature Christian, but she looked right into the camera and said that she believed Jesus was her savior.
So I am asking you all, what makes a Christian? Their profession that "Jesus is Lord" or a lifestyle of submission to the Word?
j
Both.You can't have one with out the other.
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/26/2008 10:37:42 AM
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StephK
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From: Southwest Louisiana
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quote:
"brood of vipers", "white washed sepulchers full of dead mens bones". "mouth's like open tombs"- these are only some of the words Jesus said in public, to men SO embarrassed they killed him for it.
People tend to forget Jesus' righteous anger. He also chased out the money changers with a whip.
_____________________________
Stephanie
Religion has accepted the monstrous heresy that noise, size, activity and bluster make a man dear to God. To a people caught in the tempest God says, `Be still, and know that I am God.' ~AW Tozer
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/26/2008 11:31:58 AM
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colliefan
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From: Raleigh, NC
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A good deal of the Church treats salvation as self-improvement or fire insurance. Salvation must inexorably be linked with repentance and death to self which begins the path to sanctification.
In sanctification there is a progressive hatred of sin. Both individually and corprately. But one must to care the sin of pride does not creep in and lead to a holier-than-thou mentality.
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/26/2008 1:27:12 PM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3574
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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quote:
It was evident to me the she really is a victim of the "modern" gospel.
Does any church preach the bible is chavaunistic?
quote:
that makes the interviewer a bad person?.
He used interviewing techniques to guide this person into her admissions.
quote:
But you dont believe she has saving faith do you?.
A bad gospel can save people. There is NO perfect doctrine out there. If doctrine saved us then we are all in very serious trouble. I think her biblical interpretation is a poor one that will lead her into sin. I can't say that disqualifies her from salvation.
Unless you are promoting the idea that one must have this mysterious perfect doctrine to be saved.
quote:
I dont laugh at her, i mourn the fact that she thinks she is heaven bound when she is not.
You don't know that. She admitted that Jesus was her Lord and savior. I am not excusing her rather large doctrinal flaws but like I siad, if we have to have this perfect doctrine to be saved....none would be.
quote:
Too many people have their hopes pinned to a bumper sticker they once read, or some one perverts the meaning of that great old hymn "just as i am" by telling a lost soul as i have heard too many times, "jesus love's you just like you are, nothing you need to do" (like repent).
I am not sure you can draw these conclusions about this woman's faith by her public confession. It could be she is making her own doctrine up and she goes to a bible believing church and just wants to excuse her behavior.
quote:
brood of vipers", "white washed sepulchers full of dead mens bones". "mouth's like open tombs"- these are only some of the words Jesus said in public, to men SO embarrassed they killed him for it.
Jesus said these things to the religious leaders who by their position as teachers and keepers of the Law had a larger responsibility, which they perverted for their own power. I don't think this young woman is in that same position...but I don't know that...and neither does anyone else here.
I truly hope no one is confronted like this as a form of loving correction. Obviously this woman has had poor teaching or has not sought out the Lord in scripture with a seeking heart. It could very well be she is not saved but...we don't know that either.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/26/2008 3:22:42 PM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 1733
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There is a perfect doctrine. Jesus preached it and so did everyone of the apostles. If you follow what the Bible says, then a person can't follow another gospel. Jesus makes it very clear what we are to do. If we do not do all of these things, we are hell bound. He made that perfectly clear as well. This not wanting to offend someone by preaching the gospel is a road destined for hell. it's so simple, yet people want to change it because it sounds better. we feel it necessary to make a gospel appealing to man rather than preach what Jesus did. Any way you want to perceive this woman. she is an example of what so much "Christianity" has become-a feel good free for all.
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/26/2008 3:23:19 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2531
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From: Raleigh, NC
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quote:
She admitted that Jesus was her Lord and savior
Matt 7:22 - 23 (ESV) 22On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
In rergards to doctrine;
1 Tim 4:6 (ESV) 6If you put these things before the brothers,£ you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.
Titus 1:8 - 9 (ESV) 8but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound£ doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Titus 2:1 (ESV) 1But as for you, teach what accords with sound£ doctrine.
Titus 2:9 - 10 (ESV) 9Slaves£ are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Heb 6:1 - 2 (ESV) 1Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2and of instruction about washings,£ the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/26/2008 11:49:33 PM
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duderox4lisa
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Uh-huh-huh-huh, huh-huh-huh-huh.
Come to Butthead. 
Seriously, I don't think this girl is expressing some "modern" gospel, she may just be expressing what she thinks. It's kind of hard to figure a person out in a matter of two minutes with a few soundbytes, if they had a while more, they would gotten to know her a little more. I think the questions were a kind of an ambush, because they didn't give her some idea of what they were really all about up front, they made it look like, "Well, if she listed God and Jesus as being somewhere down the list as to what was most important in her life, she is really false!! See? She mentioned family and fashion more than Jesus!" I think if we were in that situation and were asked the same questions without knowing the interviewers' real angle, what is the likelihood we would say the same thing? "Ooh!! Wrong answer!!" And according to her responses, that's between her and God, we're not in the position to judge. All that happens is that we create a rift between ourselves and the person we're trying to make contact with. It's like the saying, people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. If this person feels like the interviewers are coming across as judging her as a "sinner" in spite of her claims of knowing Christ, you bet she'll turn off. Even if we were sinning, do you think doors will be opened if someone pronounces all this moralism and judgementalism on us? We need to DRAW people to us, and let them make the decision as to what to do with their lifestyle and personal choices.
_____________________________
If there isn't light when no one sees
Then how can I know what you might believe?
A story told that can't be real
Somehow must reflect the truth we feel
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RE: Another victim of the modern gospel - 5/27/2008 12:07:38 AM
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Prairiehiker
Posts: 1083
Joined: 12/11/2007
Status: offline
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quote:
we're not in the position to judge. All that happens is that we create a rift between ourselves and the person we're trying to make contact with. It's like the saying, people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. If this person feels like the interviewers are coming across as judging her as a "sinner" in spite of her claims
I agree with you. This is what's missing in Christianity. Too many people who want to judge but don't want to engage in a dialogue. We don't want to reach out like Jesus did.
And I've also been around many churches, and you can find people like this woman in the traditional churches, and in post modern churches and in emergent churches, in seeker churches, and ultra conservative churches. What you have to understand is that for a lot of people, religion is what their brought up in. They can go to church all their lives and hear the gospel and not be a true Christ follower. They can profess that they are Christians because they go to church, but that doesn't make them Christians. You'll find those people everywhere, and not just the new churches. Our role is to live out our role as authentic Christ followers, and pray that we could serve as light to them. Reach out to them. It's the Holy spirit that will convict them, but it's our actions that will make a bigger barrier to them coming to Christ.
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