Sharing Christ with a World That Couldnt Care Less
Jul 9, 2015 09:32:00 #
no propaganda please
Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun
/ Church / Evangelism / Sharing Christ with a World That Couldnt Care Less
c
Brian G. Hedges
Sharing Christ with a World That Couldnt Care Less
8
Someone once quipped that an ambassador is a politician who was not elected to office but was given an office on the condition that he leaves the country![i] When we hear the word ambassador today, we naturally think of an American ambassador to another country. In ancient Rome, an ambassador was a representative of Rome to imperial provinces, sent with a message that declared the terms of peace with the Empire.
While modern people may recoil at the imperialistic imagery, the metaphor of ambassador is a helpful picture of the Christians role in evangelism. Pauls description of himself as Christs ambassador in 2 Corinthians 5:20 and its surrounding context, teaches us at least three things about evangelism.
Our Assignment
The basic assignment of an ambassador is to represent the one who sent him, faithfully delivering the message with which he is entrusted.
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:18-20)
When we share the gospel, we represent the Lord, delivering his message to a world in need of reconciliation. In fact, we work in partnership with God, as he himself appeals to sinners through us (5:20).
Our Message
This passage also teaches us something about the gospel we share: the message of reconciliation (5:19). The message includes both the historical events of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the theological explanation of those events.
The historical events are implicit in the text, for example in verse 15b: him who for their sake died and was raised. Paul explicitly defines the gospel in terms of these events in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. But he also explains these events theologically, showing us how God has accomplished reconciliation through the death and resurrection of Christ.
The author and initiator of reconciliation is God himself: All this is from God (5:18a). In fact, as John Stott notes, God is the subject of seven verbs in verses 18-21. God is the great actor in salvation. All is of God, said William Temple. The only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed.[ii]
If God is the author, Christ is the agent, the one through whom God works to accomplish reconciliation.
· Christ has died for us: For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (5:14-15)
c
Brian G. Hedges
Sharing Christ with a World That Couldnt Care Less
8
Someone once quipped that an ambassador is a politician who was not elected to office but was given an office on the condition that he leaves the country![i] When we hear the word ambassador today, we naturally think of an American ambassador to another country. In ancient Rome, an ambassador was a representative of Rome to imperial provinces, sent with a message that declared the terms of peace with the Empire.
While modern people may recoil at the imperialistic imagery, the metaphor of ambassador is a helpful picture of the Christians role in evangelism. Pauls description of himself as Christs ambassador in 2 Corinthians 5:20 and its surrounding context, teaches us at least three things about evangelism.
Our Assignment
The basic assignment of an ambassador is to represent the one who sent him, faithfully delivering the message with which he is entrusted.
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:18-20)
When we share the gospel, we represent the Lord, delivering his message to a world in need of reconciliation. In fact, we work in partnership with God, as he himself appeals to sinners through us (5:20).
Our Message
This passage also teaches us something about the gospel we share: the message of reconciliation (5:19). The message includes both the historical events of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the theological explanation of those events.
The historical events are implicit in the text, for example in verse 15b: him who for their sake died and was raised. Paul explicitly defines the gospel in terms of these events in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. But he also explains these events theologically, showing us how God has accomplished reconciliation through the death and resurrection of Christ.
The author and initiator of reconciliation is God himself: All this is from God (5:18a). In fact, as John Stott notes, God is the subject of seven verbs in verses 18-21. God is the great actor in salvation. All is of God, said William Temple. The only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed.[ii]
If God is the author, Christ is the agent, the one through whom God works to accomplish reconciliation.
· Christ has died for us: For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (5:14-15)
Jul 9, 2015 10:04:52 #
no propaganda please wrote:
/ Church / Evangelism / Sharing Christ with a Worl... (show quote)
...so your responsibility ends.
You cannot judge someone's heart or even their life. To act as if you can supersedes God. And yet most Christians act as if they are a representative of God's judgement.
This and this alone is the problem with Christians today. Christians were told by Jesus that it will not be an easy path to follow him. It has never been easy for Jews and yet those who remain faithful to God seem to do all right. They function within the cultures that they inhabit and are not "judgey" except among themselves.
We are a nation of Christians, not a Christian Nation. Immediately, I receive painful threats from people on this site every time I say it. I'm accused of being a communist, a liberal and any number of things. It doesn't change the facts, I have been to court many times and I have never been accused of the following:
(1) Apostasy
(2) Heresy
(3) Non-conformity related to offenses against the religion as practiced by the established church.
(4) Blasphemy could include profane scoffing of the Holy Scriptures and the blasphemous use of the name of God. Such was punishable by fines, imprisonment, and corporal punishment.
(5) Swearing and cursing were considered a lesser offense than blasphemy but, nevertheless, they came under the punishment of the common law.
(6) Witchcraft, conjuration, enchantment, and / or sorcery.
(7) Religious impostors. Those falsely claiming extraordinary commission from heaven were punished by the temporal courts with fines, imprisonment and corporal punishment.
(8) Simony is the practice of using religion for personal profit. This too was severely punished.
(9) Profaning the "Lords Day" (Sunday). This included the practice of conducting secular business and such transactions on the first day of the week. Work was also prohibited on Sunday and offenders were fined.
(10) Drunkenness
(11) Lewdness
Under the umbrella of a Christian Nation, one could be charged for many of these sins.
Here are the laws that don't exist in any state, therefore proving that we are not a Christian Nation.
Oh and by telling people that can't buy alcohol on a Sunday, doesn't make you Christian anymore than not drinking on Sunday. These are myths created by loony tunes in the good ole' USA.
Jul 9, 2015 10:16:59 #
Dummy Boy wrote:
...so your responsibility ends. br br You cannot ... (show quote)
Obviously you don't know " most Christians ".
Jul 9, 2015 10:26:00 #
Rufus wrote:
Obviously you don't know " most Christians ".
You definitely don't, well...you know a lot of fellow hypocrites and notional Christians.
"....For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged....."
Jul 9, 2015 10:28:06 #
Dummy Boy wrote:
You definitely don't, well...you know a lot of fellow hypocrites and notional Christians.
"....For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged....."
"....For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged....."
Ya think ?
Jul 9, 2015 23:02:36 #
[quote=no propaganda please]/ Church / Evangelism / Sharing Christ with a World That Couldnt Care Less
c
Brian G. Hedges
Sharing Christ with a World That Couldnt Care Less
8
Someone once quipped that an ambassador is a politician who was not elected to office but was given an office on the condition that he leaves the country![i] When we hear the word ambassador today, we naturally think of an American ambassador to another country. In ancient Rome, an ambassador was a representative of Rome to imperial provinces, sent with a message that declared the terms of peace with the Empire.
While modern people may recoil at the imperialistic imagery, the metaphor of ambassador is a helpful picture of the Christians role in evangelism. Pauls description of himself as Christs ambassador in 2 Corinthians 5:20 and its surrounding context, teaches us at least three things about evangelism.
Our Assignment
The basic assignment of an ambassador is to represent the one who sent him, faithfully delivering the message with which he is entrusted.
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:18-20)
When we share the gospel, we represent the Lord, delivering his message to a world in need of reconciliation. In fact, we work in partnership with God, as he himself appeals to sinners through us (5:20).
Our Message
This passage also teaches us something about the gospel we share: the message of reconciliation (5:19). The message includes both the historical events of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the theological explanation of those events.
The historical events are implicit in the text, for example in verse 15b: him who for their sake died and was raised. Paul explicitly defines the gospel in terms of these events in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. But he also explains these events theologically, showing us how God has accomplished reconciliation through the death and resurrection of Christ.
The author and initiator of reconciliation is God himself: All this is from God (5:18a). In fact, as John Stott notes, God is the subject of seven verbs in verses 18-21. God is the great actor in salvation. All is of God, said William Temple. The only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed.[ii]
If God is the author, Christ is the agent, the one through whom God works to accomplish reconciliation.
· Christ has died for us: For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (5:14-15)[/quote]
The best way to share Christ is to show Christ in us. As Francis said, "We have to preach the Gospel always, and sometimes we need to use words." Loving kindness to all--TO ALL!-- is a decent start.
Christians have to act in such a way that they represent a clear choice between this world and his kingdom. No confusion. No sermon or stern warnings can achieve that end. The radical nature of this proposal--excuse me, the extremely and highly dangerous radical nature of this proposal--is very difficult to grasp, so difficult only the Little Child can get a handle on it.
c
Brian G. Hedges
Sharing Christ with a World That Couldnt Care Less
8
Someone once quipped that an ambassador is a politician who was not elected to office but was given an office on the condition that he leaves the country![i] When we hear the word ambassador today, we naturally think of an American ambassador to another country. In ancient Rome, an ambassador was a representative of Rome to imperial provinces, sent with a message that declared the terms of peace with the Empire.
While modern people may recoil at the imperialistic imagery, the metaphor of ambassador is a helpful picture of the Christians role in evangelism. Pauls description of himself as Christs ambassador in 2 Corinthians 5:20 and its surrounding context, teaches us at least three things about evangelism.
Our Assignment
The basic assignment of an ambassador is to represent the one who sent him, faithfully delivering the message with which he is entrusted.
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:18-20)
When we share the gospel, we represent the Lord, delivering his message to a world in need of reconciliation. In fact, we work in partnership with God, as he himself appeals to sinners through us (5:20).
Our Message
This passage also teaches us something about the gospel we share: the message of reconciliation (5:19). The message includes both the historical events of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the theological explanation of those events.
The historical events are implicit in the text, for example in verse 15b: him who for their sake died and was raised. Paul explicitly defines the gospel in terms of these events in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. But he also explains these events theologically, showing us how God has accomplished reconciliation through the death and resurrection of Christ.
The author and initiator of reconciliation is God himself: All this is from God (5:18a). In fact, as John Stott notes, God is the subject of seven verbs in verses 18-21. God is the great actor in salvation. All is of God, said William Temple. The only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed.[ii]
If God is the author, Christ is the agent, the one through whom God works to accomplish reconciliation.
· Christ has died for us: For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (5:14-15)[/quote]
The best way to share Christ is to show Christ in us. As Francis said, "We have to preach the Gospel always, and sometimes we need to use words." Loving kindness to all--TO ALL!-- is a decent start.
Christians have to act in such a way that they represent a clear choice between this world and his kingdom. No confusion. No sermon or stern warnings can achieve that end. The radical nature of this proposal--excuse me, the extremely and highly dangerous radical nature of this proposal--is very difficult to grasp, so difficult only the Little Child can get a handle on it.
Jul 10, 2015 02:11:56 #
Rufus wrote:
There is a difference between being a Christian and being a Disciple of Christ.Obviously you don't know " most Christians ".
Jul 10, 2015 14:13:53 #
Blade_Runner wrote:
There is a difference between being a Christian and being a Disciple of Christ.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Jul 10, 2015 14:25:45 #
Blade_Runner wrote:
There is a difference between being a Christian and being a Disciple of Christ.
Amen. And then of course their are soldiers in the Army of the Lord.
Jul 10, 2015 14:26:52 #
Rufus wrote:
Amen. And then of course their are soldiers in the Army of the Lord.
..you're part of the Army of Clowns.....
Jul 10, 2015 15:49:44 #
Jul 10, 2015 15:52:41 #
Blade_Runner wrote:
:mrgreen:
Dummy Boy must be dealt with. There is a meeting tonight. Usual time and place. :mrgreen:
Jul 10, 2015 16:16:38 #
no propaganda please
Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun
Rufus wrote:
You must be killed.
Rufus,
Dummy has a right to his own (foolish) opinions. Saying he must be killed is not necessary. God will deal with him in His own way, and at His own time. In the mean time, just ignore him, and let him mutter quietly to himself. works out well, keeps you from getting upset, and me from getting ulcers.
Jul 10, 2015 16:29:44 #
no propaganda please wrote:
Rufus,
Dummy has a right to his own (foolish) opinions. Saying he must be killed is not necessary. God will deal with him in His own way, and at His own time. In the mean time, just ignore him, and let him mutter quietly to himself. works out well, keeps you from getting upset, and me from getting ulcers.
Dummy has a right to his own (foolish) opinions. Saying he must be killed is not necessary. God will deal with him in His own way, and at His own time. In the mean time, just ignore him, and let him mutter quietly to himself. works out well, keeps you from getting upset, and me from getting ulcers.
Thanks NPP. I am not upset. He is so far out there I really just let what he says dissolve. But you definitely don't need ulcers. You have too much work to do. I am not going to kill him or leave any evidence whatsoever to any involvement of his demise. No phone records, fingerprints, gunpowder residue, DNA, paper trail, car rental records, flight plans, recorded radio chatter, witnesses, video recording, drone surveillance, nothing that can be retrieved from hard drives, and no satellite images. I will also have an iron clad alibi. Please relax. Just go about with your business as usual with no worries, regardless of what you hear about DB, or even if you realize DB seems to have vanished. It's all good. I assure you.
Jul 10, 2015 16:32:22 #
no propaganda please
Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun
Rufus wrote:
Thanks NPP. I am not upset. He is so far out there... (show quote)
That works for me, Rufus. Just stay cool, my friend.
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