real christians don't act like it…
Home > Blog, Church, evangelism, Influences > real christians don't act like it…A friend sent me an interesting question via email today:
Glenn, if Christians really believed that the non-Christian was going to hell, and that God loved them enough to send his Son to die for them on the cross, then how would they behave? How many true believers are in the churches today?
I think this is an excellent question. Sadly – it comes from an atheist – but still speaks volumes to how the church is viewed today.
he continued on to say:
I believe the Christian standards are simply impossible for anyone to measure up to. Do you pass the muster? According to Jesus I should feel guilty for not just what I do, but for what I think about, lusting, hating, coveting, loving, etc… I have a freedom that people in the “church” don’t have…
How would you answer these questions?
how to say it wrong...
First Requirement: Relationship.
Second Requirement: Humility enough to know we don’t have most of the answers, let alone all of the answers.
Relationship Rule #1: Listen.
Relationship Rule #2: Model.
Relationship Rule #3: Listen more.
Arguing is never productive. No one is argued into the kingdom.
Discussions are rarely productive. Few are convinced into the kingdom.
Conversations, over time, that answer honest questions (and embraces mystery when there are no for-sure answers), when coupled with faithful modeling by a real-deal Christ follower who, when they fail, takes responsibility immediately, practices Matthew 5:23-24, repents, makes restitution, and attempts reconciliation, has the best chance of ultimately accompanying the unconnected into the presence of Jesus Christ.
And in today’s culture, the process from first spiritual conversation to “conversion,” is typically a three-year journey.
bill tb
I’d start by saying…”Let’s get the whole picture of Jesus” and then I’d ask if he was prepared to read through Mark, Luke and John’s gospels together. It sounds like this guy has never tasted grace – sure Jesus says not to even lust after another but he also said “I have not come to condemn but to save” I’d talk to this guy about grace, grace, grace and the cross of grace PLUS I’d store up all of his “What about’s” and keep working through the gospels with him – one chapter at a time. And then I’d talk about the tough high call to follow Jesus to be a peace maker – reconciler – healer and hope-giver – not to earn salvation but to live salvation!
Regards
Peter
Bill
Well said. Relationships are so key and what I am finding here in this community that is so needed. I use to believe that a year of conversations (or less) would bring results. Three years or longer is proving to be more the norm. Conversations and relationships started 3 or 4 years ago are starting to bring people into community and relationship with Christ. I have been in this position for 17 years and the last 3 years has seen deeper relationships develop.
Thanks for the posts.
Jeffrey
Jeffrey S. Dick
Pastor
First Congregational Church UCC
South Haven, MI
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And on the web at: UCCSouthHaven.com