How much knowledge required, if any?

[JimfromOhio]

Doctrines I have been thinking about the latest doctrinal debates. I have been dealing with Word of Faith doctrines as well as other false teachings including cults. I read all kinds doctrines from various theologians, perhaps, I closer to an agreement with Reformed for one reason, it is close to traditional as well as close to truth. From the "surface", Christians are looking for any denominations or non-denominational churches who teaches the way people WANT to hear so they could give their time to pursuits more to their liking, such as enjoying the pleasures of the world. My main problem with Churches today are teaching doctrines that are not biblical just to attract people with itching ears so they will be motivated to do something for themselves rather than sound spiritual docrine which is why my thoughts about Reformed theology is more realiable than any other. I believe that Reformed doctrines are closer to truth than any other doctrines. I am Spirit-filled Christian FIRST. Secondary is the doctrines I rely on which is Reformed Theology.

I followed various theologians from different background. Some are Reformed theologians (i.e. Calvinism) and some are not reformed (i.e. Arminianism). One of my favorite Theologians is Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones who was brought up in Welsh Calvinistic Methodism. (If you have never heard of the Calvinistic Methodists the very term may seem contradictory-John Piper). Dr. Jones pastored Westminster Chapel in London with Dr. Campbell Morgan who was a famous Arminian theologian. Morgan and Lloyd-Jones' association was a fitting example of how Christians can work together even when they differ on secondary issues (salvation). I also have Lutheran theologian books written by german Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of my favorite "Cost of Discipleship". Other Theologians I read are: John Bunyan (The Pilgrim's Progress) John MacArthur (Gospel According to Jesus) Chuck Swindoll (Amazing Grace) R. C. Sproul (Now that is a Good Question) J.I. Packard (Knowing God) Francis Schaeffer (The Church before the Watching World) David Jeremiah (Invasion of Other Gods) Jerry Bridges (Pursuit of Holiness) James Montgomery Boice (Whatever Happened to the Gospel of Grace?) Ray C. Stedman ("What Faith Is" and "True Worship") Many Others There is often a disagreement between Dispensationalism and Covenantism as well salvation (Armenianism and Calvinism).

Hebrews 6:1-2 NIV Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

False teachers who teaches "ichy ears" sermons and invite those who listen to join their concept of Christianity.

2 Timothy 4:4 (NKJV) "and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.

Proverbs 19:2 Titus 1:1-2 The knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God.

Proverbs 2:10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.

Proverbs 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.

Engaging in a personal relationship with God is the first and most important step in initiating spiritual intimacy. Two-way relationship with God requires our submission, obedience and love to Him. When I read my Bible, I understand that Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross provides the basis for my salvation and the foundation for me to pursue a life that reflects Christ. The Bible gives me principles and guidelines to live a life of godliness.

The Holy Spirit is MY TEACHER.

 

[McWilliams]

While I am definitely not conceding my total position I can see the needs mentioned here for knowledge at times of such other false religions in order to function in their culture, hoping to draw them to Christ's truth.
The sermon I heard tonight on 1 John 1:8,9 described some who have erroneous beliefs of original sin and such. Also addressed in scripture is Gnosticism, libertinism, legalism and such; errors that veer off the truth!
What I'd been referring to actually was an indepth study of false religions, spending a great deal of time on them that would be better spent studying the truth of the Word of God, becoming more knowledgable of what to share.
'We need to give ourselves to the truth and then confront the error when it presents itself', teaching the truth, recognizing error, exposing error and naming error!'(says my pastor)
I usually see black/white and the pendulum swings from side to side, having some difficulty at times with centering/balance!
Soli deo gloria!

 

[JimfromOhio]

One of the MAIN REASONS I like Reformed Theology "Discernment". I have seen in the last 30 years, lack of accountability within a local church and people's gullibility. It is very important for a Christian to be identified with a local church, to come under the authority of the elders, for accountability, and, to come into the ministry for the sake of serving Jesus Christ in that local church. When there is no accountability, there is no testing of your faith when you can float and a Christian should never be alone that ALL Christians should fellowship as a family under the shepard of a local church's pastor. It is ALL of our responsibilities as Christians to discern and we don't want to be gullible. We either be gullible or discerner. We are to be watching for RED FLAGS. I have been into churches where elders are NOT afraid to "confront" a sinning believer including elders & pastors (in private) and go through the Church's discipline process. I have been in church that elders actually dismissed pastors before "outsiders" catch the leader's faults. 1 Timothy 3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. Elders/Bishops have oversight of the church (Acts 20:28; I Pet. 5:2-3) and are thus responsible to rule the congregation (I Tim. 3:5; 5:17; I Thes. 5:12; Heb. 13:7, 17, 24). They judge among the brothers (cf. I Cor. 6:5) and, in contrast to all the members, they do the rebuking (I Tim. 5:20). Christ calls them to use the “keys of the kingdom” to bind and loose (Matt.16: 19; 18: 18; John 20: 23)—these keys being the preaching of the gospel (I John I :3), administering of the sacraments (Matt. 28:19-20; I Cor. 11: 23ff.), and the exercise of discipline (Matt. 18:17; I Cor. 5:1-5). I have learned to join a local church that have a STRONG eldership that will make sure the Church will stay pure. They are there to be watching for RED FLAGS in leadership without looking away. There is "lack of gift of discernment" in local churches today. This is really sad.

 

[Hackett]

Of course, we need to know what we believe and why before delving into other belief systems so that we are not led astray or fall into confusion.

One of the things I find it troubling is the numbers of people who find time to search the scripture to back up an argument rather than searching the scripture for the purpose of sanctification. Debating and arguing about who is right in their interpretation is defeating in that it takes the focus off of the Lord and and His Word and onto the human being who wants so desperately to be correct in order to prove a point.

 

[heymikey80]

I think I must have muddled my post.

Here's my concern. I see much discussion in various places regarding the study of Islam, to better know how to witness to them. This approach also involves other religions, but this is just an example.

My question is: must we be well acquainted with their beliefs in order to witness? My thoughts were, 'NO' but I wanted to know what others think. I prefer my time being spent in reading scripture, knowing more about the bible, not becoming more familiar with other religions in hopes of knowing how to confront their error.

In the past I spent a huge amount of time on this issue for some very internal and specific reasons, many of which were very humbling about my own life. I think this is the direction I'm to go in, and maybe it'll help you with the issue, too.

We're instructed to go about "redeeming the times, for the days are evil." We see Paul "becoming all things to all people", and if he were a convert from Judaism (by all accounts) he wouldn't have learned -- or shouldn't have -- the pagan polygamy and philosophy of Rome and Greece from Gamaliel. But in Athens it was clear that Paul knew some popular pagan figures in philosophy.

Justin Martyr seems to be a reverse example, here. A Gentile, his "Trypho" shows him to be acquainted with the existing positions of Judaism.

"Must we be well-acquainted with their beliefs to witness to Muslims?" I'd say "Not technically", but keep in mind that you can do more harm than good. Muslims are well-acquainted with the behavior of Crusaders a millenium ago. They're taught it like we're taught about arch-enemies in our own history. And Muslims are acquainted with Christian thinking of a sort, even when it's shallow or narrowly understood. Islam is aware of Christianity. So it is not a religion to "hit cold".

At the same time, it is a religion to redeem. Not knowing Islam, you can deal with those who do know it or practice it. But you have to deal with them as superiors in the area of knowing about Islam (cf LC 125-133). At that point they end up being teachers to you about Islam. Anything they say, you have to trust to be the case with Islam. You have nothing to compare it with, little to counter-propose.

You can at least respond to Islam's view of Christianity. But there, the reverse is not the case. Not all Muslims are likely to trust you about what Christianity says -- especially if they consider you a polytheist.

So there's a need to be considered thoughtful, trustworthy, and someone of some integrity in dealing with Islam. Me, I don't know that much. But just asking a Muslim about "what does being Muslim mean?" and having a ready answer of "That meaning would say I'm a Muslim, while this meaning would not," those are things that build your credibility with many kinds of people. Being involved with people, reaching down to "where they're at", applying what you learn from them, and knowing what you don't believe (everyone knows what they do believe) -- those I've found significant points of credibility in the cultures I'm aware of.

To answer, "Is it good to understand the problems non-Christians will have, accepting Christ Jesus?" My answer to myself -- my marching orders are, By all means, yes. If I'm a Christian who has seen through the error of another view, share that information. Don't use it to assert my superiority, no. (Superiority is grown from the esteem of others, anyway. It can't be forced.) Use the information for building a credible relationship, a credible way of serving my brother in Adam. Be involved, reach down to people, apply what I learn from them, and know what I don't believe. If I have information that's appealing to Muslims about Christ Jesus our Lord, then by all means, find the opportunities and share that information with my brothers. Learn about other faiths -- but learn of my own real faith to measure up to it, because it does measure up. Work from strength in my own faith and knowledge, yes. Use my knowledge about other religions as well.

There will be points of debate. There will also be points where the truth can't span presuppositions. You are not responsible to answer every question, but to be redemptive -- as an inferior (in knowledge about the religion), an equal (in the marketplace of ideas), and as a superior (in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and hopefully in the things of the Spirit).

Ultimately, in any capacity, I can't make dead things live. I have to let the Spirit deal with the life-or-death reality in the heart of the other person. But I'm compelled to give that heart spiritual water; give that heart spiritual food. See if the spirit grows. If it does, the Spirit is making that spirit alive.