jt:I take it you are all for "friendship evangelism" but I don't see that in the life of Jesus or his disciples, that's not what the 70 were sent out for. I don't see Jesus or the apostles taking questions and answering in publicly. Paul may have done that while he was reasoning with people daily from the scriptures. People these days are so distracted with entertainment they may need to be jolted out of the mental fog they are in and God's anointing does rest upon His Word. Only He can shut down the voice of the enemy long enough for them to make a rational choice. <snip>
On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 09:09:16 EST [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
In a message dated 1/20/2005 2:43:08 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I can understand why you would not see any value in "friendship evangelism." As far as missing that point in the life of Christ -- "friendship evangelism" probably consituted the vast majority of His day.
jt: I see this in his relationship with the disciples but not in his every day interaction with the people around him, in fact scripture says the opposite "When he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men and needed not that any should testify of man for he knew what was in man (Jn 2:23-25) So I'm reading that he didn't commit himself to these people because he knew what was in them .. Hebrews says that he kept himself separate from sinners. So how do you figure he was involved in Friendship Evangelism?
I see Christ giving and doing good as he conducted His ministry -- daily and in nearly every venue. It your bible reads different, so be it. Your belief that he "didn't commit himself to these people because He knew what was in them .." is a difficult teaching in view of the fact that He died for us while we were sinners. You may limit His beneficence to death on the cross, I don't.
Isa 58:9-11 is what I am talking about -- but since your paradigm rises out of the ashes of rage against the enemy -- you probably missed that point as well.
jt: John where do you get the idea that I am angry with people? Isa 58:9-11 is primarly for Israel, the prophet is to cry out, spare not, and lift up his voice to the house of Jacob Vs.1 - what point were you making with it?
I am tired of talking about Judy and defending John. Let's talk shop or nothing.
Where you got "friendship evangelism" from what I posted is also, revealing. You seem to enjoy making up stuff and then treating such "opinions" as bastard theology while pretending that you have some corner on grace and peace.
jt: Why such accusation John and why do you always assume the worst. I use that term because it is a current fad in Christendom and it appeared to me that this is what you were talking about. If I misunderstood then please forgive me.
Answer requires personal defense. Let's talk shop or nothing at all.
