Subject: Guidelines on rebuking |
Bible Note: Mar 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Theo offers some good advice! I'd add just a couple more items: 1. Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray. 2. Try to become a good listener. We don't have to agree to listen sympathetically. Most believers hardly listen to one another, let alone listen to the lost. 3. Remember that people are not rejecting us, they are rejecting God. God can do a far better job of defending Himself than we can. In the long run, that is exactly what He will do! 4. Remember that their salvation is not a matter of being convinced intellectually. God does the work of salvation, and it is far more awsome than just a matter of people seeing things our way. If God chooses to save someone, He can do it even if all we say is "Jesus loves you." If God chooses not to save someone, He won't do it even if we can speak more eloquently than anyone else. So relax. God is in charge. It is a blessing to speak of Him to others... a wonderful gift. No matter what happens, God will use our willingness to talk of our love for Him! 5. Try to imagine a person coming up and saying, "I know I'm a sinner, how can I be saved?" If we don't know what to say in that circumstance, then all the apologetics in the world are of little benefit. So know the basics. 6. Did I mention to pray? 7. The Gospel is God's redemptive plan. The Law is man's instructor. If they can't see their need, they are not ready for the Gospel. On the other hand, a person who is desperately seeking forgiveness doesn't need the ministration of the Law. Keep these points in mind, they can help steer your comments and your prayers. 8. We don't have to argue every philosophical, ethical, and metaphysical point with the world. The whole Bible is about Christ's life, death, resurection, and exaltation. This is the redemptive power of God. It is the good news! 9. See #1. Sorry for getting so long winded. Again... Good answers, Theo! |