Passive Friendship Evangelism Committee
Words from Dr. William Willimon: "We, as the church, need to mock the world, instead of being so accepting and encouraging of it. We celebrate sin, by honoring sinners."
This is very true. Lately I am seeing more and more honor given to the lost as if this is a way of showing them Christ. Remember Christ told them to go and sin no more, sell all that you have and give it to the poor, come and follow me.
Sure, he had parties with sinners, but he didn't give them a big hug and say, "It's okay, you just keep trying and you'll get better while I love you." He said, "Go and sin NO MORE!"
It's time for the church to start mocking the world and stop treating sin and sinners as if they are a project for the "Passive Friendship Evangelism Committee."
Sin is real
Hell is hot
Christ saves
Friendships do not
Forever learning,
Johnny
4 comments:
Johnny,
I’m not sure about the “mocking the world” comment. It would probably make more sense if I were to read that statement in its complete context.
It’s true that Christ said “stop sinning.” However, he said that after he extended his loving hand in ministry. Christ’s actions teach us that he loved and served first then he instructed and corrected those he ministered to. I think we sometimes practice the opposite. (The Pharisees and teachers were probably exceptions to this because they didn’t need to be ministered to, so they thought, and they were always challenging him.)
I don’t recall (please correct me if I’m wrong) Jesus instructing anyone on how to live before he ministered to them. However, I do recall him doing the opposite. A few examples are the man by the pool of Bethesda (John 5:12-15), the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11), and Zacchaeus, who, changed his life after Jesus demonstrated love for him.
I agree that we should not “celebrate” sin. But mocking the world?
Jesus loved and served sinners, ate with them, befriended them and never compromised his “biblical” position. Can we not do the same?
Your statement “Friendships don’t save.” I disagree. Somewhere around 78% of the people who accept Christ do so because they were influenced by a friend or someone close to them. Christians building relationships with the lost has been, and probably still is, one of the most effective evangelistic strategies around. You’ve heard the quote, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” The whole “friendship” thing could fall into that arena.
Anyway. . . these are just my thoughts.
Blessings,
Bret
It is wise to be careful when using friendship as an eveangelism tool. Although friendship is the vehicle for bringing people to a place where they are willing to listen to the message, I am hearing more and more that people see making friends as the end rather than the means.
I have even heard people use words like "manipulation" or "agenda" or "strategy" when using firnedship building as an evangelism tool.
Friendships are great, but they don't save people; Jesus does. And all the friends in the world will not bring someone to the saving power of Christ, unless those friendships are a means of bringing people to an understanding of why they exist and for whom they exist.
I also know a lot of people who have completely separated their Christian purpose from their earthly lives. They view reaching people for Jesus as their job, and making friends as their rite.
Christians are not part-time earthlings; they are always children of God who share the gospel, not make buddies, although making buddies is part of the Christian life, I believe many have found sharing the gospel as a necessary evil of being a Christian, not a priveledge of knowing God.
Forever learning,
Johnny
So, are you saying those who are struggling should be cast aside to deal with it on their own?
I'm not sure where I am or how long it will take me to move from this place and become the strong Christian I am meant to be. I do know that I struggle with sin, both past and present, and while dealing with my struggles, I am told that God loves me and will help me through this.
I'm probably way off on your thoughts...just thought I'd let you know how it sounded to me.
When Dr. Willimon speaks of mocking the world, he is putting into perspective what we can live without and showing others the same.
When God says, "I will not be mocked." he is pointing out those who are looking for a way to live without Him, as if He and His will are of no use to them.
As people of God, we need to mock the world by showing it that we can live without its temptations and evil ways. We are also called to show others that they can "Go and sin no more." They can "Mock the World" too.
Forever learning,
Johnny
Post a Comment