In a spiritual world of quick fixes and vague emotion, is it crazy to believe there is still a place for insights based on simple, basic, theological understanding. I believe it is worth exploring.
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Monday, January 16, 2012
A Touch of Humor - Their Evangelists
What should we do when those of another faith come knocking on our door? Should we slam the door in their faces? How should we respond?
I would have a few more things I would be interested in discussing. But I am convinced it must be done with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Slamming a door in their face is no way to make friends and influence people.
Salvation is a matter of the heart. I have argued with many who have shown up on my doorstep but have never been able to convince any of their error. Yet I have usually been able to give an answer for the hope that is in me. And many times these are in need of a hope that surpasses a theological point of view.
I would agree confrontational argumentation is not helpful. You can see a mind close across the room. But I have found taking a more measured conversational approach you can often get them to think which I believe is a good thing. But I would also agree that salvation is a matter of the heart, and you cannot force it on anyone,no matter how good your logic looks to you.
One baptist preacher, with a long-time ministry to Mormons, told Christians not to let them in their houses. A verse was cited to this affect, though out of context.
I believe his reason was more the honest fear that most Christian were too ignorant and ill-equipped to meet the challenge.
I alway invited in both JW and Mormons. But when asked to pray, never allowed them but I prayed. After many meetings, neither group shows up anymore. I am disappointed.
Ask them if they love the Lord and rejoice if they answer in the affirmative.
ReplyDeleteI would have a few more things I would be interested in discussing. But I am convinced it must be done with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Slamming a door in their face is no way to make friends and influence people.
ReplyDeleteSalvation is a matter of the heart. I have argued with many who have shown up on my doorstep but have never been able to convince any of their error. Yet I have usually been able to give an answer for the hope that is in me. And many times these are in need of a hope that surpasses a theological point of view.
ReplyDeleteI would agree confrontational argumentation is not helpful. You can see a mind close across the room. But I have found taking a more measured conversational approach you can often get them to think which I believe is a good thing. But I would also agree that salvation is a matter of the heart, and you cannot force it on anyone,no matter how good your logic looks to you.
ReplyDeleteOne baptist preacher, with a long-time ministry to Mormons, told Christians not to let them in their houses. A verse was cited to this affect, though out of context.
ReplyDeleteI believe his reason was more the honest fear that most Christian were too ignorant and ill-equipped to meet the challenge.
I alway invited in both JW and Mormons. But when asked to pray, never allowed them but I prayed. After many meetings, neither group shows up anymore. I am disappointed.