- Feb 2, 2013
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Tetra,
What do you mean by building a relationship?
What do you mean by building a relationship?
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I'm against pushing people away from Christ... I believe street preaching is doing that... so yes, I'm against it.
You're arguing it's in the Bible... I'm saying I think it's dependent on cultural variables and time. Hence why it was effective in Biblical times, and not now.
So I'm going to maintain my original position. I will not advocate pushing people away from the Gospel.
I feel like we're going in circles. lol
Have to head out for a moment, but I'll gladly answer your first question.First, where do you live? You don't have to be specific. But it obviously leads you in your thought pattern as to street ministry.
Have to head out for a moment, but I'll gladly answer your first question.
I live in a university town in Canada. It's extremely liberal as a town. I'm trying to think of a US equivalent, imagine a really liberal San Francisco. Something like that.
Again, I've only seen a few street preachers in my town. Of the few I have seen, no ones approaches or ever cares. Most laugh, shake their head, and keep walking as if they didn't exist. So I tend to question how effective it is. I mean, if people want to do that all day long, that's up to them... just can't see how it's effective is all.
Didn't Paul once say "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." Doesn't this imply there are more ways of approaching preaching the Gospel?
If it's effective where you are, of course keep rockin' it."Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine"
"So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. '
while I agree screaming at people isn't usually effective, handing out tracts and engaging people in respectful conversation on the street can be very effective.
If it's effective where you are, of course keep rockin' it.
I truly don't see it's effectiveness where I am though, and think maybe there are more effective options.
We are called to love our enemies. How can you do that if you speak poorly of the brethren?Can you please elaborate for me?
So Christians can't be critical of other Christians??We are called to love our enemies. How can you do that if you speak poorly of the brethren?
We are called to love our enemies. How can you do that if you speak poorly of the brethren?
Exactly.I agree, people who spout hateful slogans and seem too inept to discuss real issues, don't really help the rest of the team who deal with real people and have real two-way conversations.
You made a blanket statement:So Christians can't be critical of other Christians??
Reproof, using the scriptures isn't not loving someone. It is loving.
We are told through the scriptures when we pull a brother back to the arms of the Lord, we have saved there life.
Jude 1:17-23
17But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 18when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” 19These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.
20But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.
22And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt; 23save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others, show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.
You are stepping into the middle of a conversation that you don't know what the conversation is about. Tetra said:
"To answer your question, in my experience it's been Christians who ruin Christianity."
This is not a reproof of an individual but a blanket condemnation of the entire body of Christ. Know what the conversation is before you butt in.
I'm fairly careful when I write... and I stand by my comment. We can blame no one but ourselves for the problems with in Christendom.You made a blanket statement:
"To answer your question, in my experience it's been Christians who ruin Christianity."
This is not criticizing individual Christians but a condemnation of the entire Church of Jesus Christ.
Yes, but you were reproving me. You were in error.Love you to Brother.
Those who claim to be Christian and ruin Christianity, wouldn't you say that reproof is the way to correct them?
That's what the bible is for. For correction and for reproof.
And that is done in a loving, caring and Godly manner. Not being snarky.
Which is why I doubt you have a mature love of Christ. To blame the body of Christ is also to blame Jesus since Jesus is the head of his body. Is our Savior so inept that he lets his body be cancerous? That is your implication. Or do you judge God by your mortal standards not believing that He is in control and has a higher purpose he is accomplishing? I don't think you have thought through enough.I'm fairly careful when I write... and I stand by my comment. We can blame no one but ourselves for the problems with in Christendom.
If I remember correctly, the late Greg Bahnsen went so far as to blame even the problems of the world on Christians. He said concerning abortion... "If Christians were doing their job we wouldn't even have the option for abortion."
So yeah, I'm far more critical of those in the church then those who are not.
Respectfully, I don't think you know what you're talking about.Which is why I doubt you have a mature love of Christ. To blame the body of Christ is also to blame Jesus since Jesus is the head of his body. Is our Savior so inept that he lets his body be cancerous? That is your implication. Or do you judge God by your mortal standards not believing that He is in control and has a higher purpose he is accomplishing? I don't think you have thought through enough.