Reaching out the decieved

[jelaine]

Something I had to pray about A LOT after my incident with the IHOP friend, was my willingness to reach out to the 'deceived'

Forgive me if this is a hard hearted attitude but didn't

Jesus say "My sheep hear my voice and follow me. They will by no means follow a stranger but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of a stranger." John 10:5

I felt like such a fool reaching out to this kid and in the end, he was just messing with me, no nice way to say it, he was just messing with me.

What do you think?

[BlessedinHim]

All we are required to do is share the gospel. That means not arguing it. I kinda feel like he was about to have you arguing the gospel with him. You will tell me if I am wrong about that feeling.

We are also told not to cast our pearls before swine. Let me get that in context here.

Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

That is in a bunch other things to do and not to do.

It sounds like he really didnt want to know the truth from what you are saying. You should pray about it and ask the Lord what you should do about this. Whether you talk to him anymore or not. Could be that what you are saying to him now, he doesnt want to believe, but in the end, he could come around. Only our Lord knows the outcome. In the end, he will not be able to say he never heard the gospel.

I am dealing with a kid about this kind of thing myself. I am on another forum. It is not a Christian forum, but there are other Christians there, too. I pointed him to Grace Thru Faith. He hasnt argued with me, but I think he was just trying to use me to get information he was not to have about the forum we were on. But, I know he has access to the full gospel and now it is up to him. I have left it open if he wishes to talk to me about what he has questions about concerning the gospel. He hasnt contacted me since so far.

[goinghome]

There are examples throughout history of authors, scientists, movie makers, etc. who set out to prove Christianity is a joke. In the process they proved themselves to be the joke, and God to be who He says He is. A person arguing against Christianity is usually a person who, deep down, desperately wants somebody to prove them wrong. It's kind of like dating, if you date enough horrible people you eventually begin to hate the opposite sex. But if you're honest with yourself, you don't really hate them, you just want somebody out there to love you enough to change your mind about your previous experiences. I say keep trying but don't get into arguing mode.

[Emily Ruth]

John MacArthur has a wonderful series he is doing right now on discernment of apostates. You can listen to today's teaching and then, by clicking on the individual daily link, you can listen to the whole series which started last week.

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Grace_to_You/archives.asp

The series is helpful in understanding who they are so we can help the deceived to discern better.

[Sing4Him]

Emily Ruth!:thumbup Yes, MacArthur's audio is excellent!!

Here's another audio that is superb!

Dr Adrian Rogers "Portrait of an Apostate"
http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/Love_Worth_Finding/?bcd=2/15/2007

[Emily Ruth]

Emily Ruth!:thumbup Yes, MacArthur's audio is excellent!!

Here's another audio that is superb!

Dr Adrian Rogers "Portrait of an Apostate"
http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/Love_Worth_Finding/?bcd=2/15/2007


Thank you Sis!
I love Adrian too! I have not had time to listen to him recently so thank you for bringing this to my attention.

[Sing4Him]

Thank you Sis!:hug

Adrian Roger's one is excellent! I sure love that man.. can't wait to meet him in the clouds!:yeah

[SeaDreamer]

I felt like such a fool reaching out to this kid and in the end, he was just messing with me, no nice way to say it, he was just messing with me.

What do you think?

I think you may have planted some seeds with him. Just because you don't see any outward change doesn't mean deep down he's thinking and wondering. :dance2 You may never know this side of eternity though.

[lisa]

I think you may have planted some seeds with him. Just because you don't see any outward change doesn't mean deep down he's thinking and wondering. :dance2 You may never know this side of eternity though.

That's right, SeaDreamer.

You planted seeds. Someone else may water them along the line... the Lord may yet be working on him. :) Good job in spreading the Good News jelaine! :thumbup

[RefinedbyFire]

In Matthew, we are commanded to go make disciples of all nations. So, yes, we need to reach out (in the love and strength of Christ), to the deceived! All unbelievers are "the deceived", but at times, it can even include people who claim they are believers, but aren't abiding in Christ and His Holy Word.

Even in Jude, it instructs how to carefully reach out to any deceived "false teacher" in the church, by showing mercy to them mixed with fear, and hating even the garments polluted by their corrupt flesh (on the same note, look at the unfathomable mercy Jesus was willing to offer even false prophetess 'Jezebel' in the beginning chapters of Revelation). Pretty strong stuff. But, this is life and death we are talking about.

When we come to see that unbelievers (or even misled, faulty believers) are "prisoners of war" (flesh & blood deceived by the enemy), then we can ultimately look beyond what offends, and have the same mercy & love that Christ has given us for others. As true Christians, with Christ truly abiding in us, we are on a "rescue mission" for souls He wants to save (outside the Church, and even in the Church). His Word shows that although our sins carry consequences, ultimately His mercy triumphs over judgement. His love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace is so great, even for the "worst of sinners" that cry out to Him. That kind of love, found only in Christ, must be shared with others.

As far as myself, I know full well: I'm a true wretch destined for the flames, without my Savior. Therefore, to know Him, and make Him Lord of my life, and to go out and make Him known to others, while walking before Him clothed in His righteousness, holiness, and truth, is my life's greatest priviledge. There is no higher calling. I love Him much, because I've been forgiven much.