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NASB | 1 Corinthians 1:18 ¶ For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 1:18 ¶ For the message of the cross is foolishness [absurd and illogical] to those who are perishing and spiritually dead [because they reject it], but to us who are being saved [by God's grace] it is [the manifestation of] the power of God. |
Subject: sharing our faith to unbelievers so hard |
Bible Note: With out the overwhelming historical, scientific, and archeological evidence to support the Bible's claims, we might as well tell the unbelieving to believe in Santa Claus, Roudolph, and the Easter Bunny. On top of that, I point you to the Great Commission and ask you a similar question that you asked me. Who are we to speak for God? Why does God need our help in revealing himself? Apparently there is something we contribute when witnessing to an unbeliever because we are commanded to "Go" and "Teach". Now, in the sources your mentioned, it is a communication between Christians. But look at Paul's message on Mar's hill. Where does he begin? He begins with using a altar attributed to "An unknown god" as his starting point. He used a secular religious Icon to witness. In every instance of the Bible where a believer is witnessing, the Believer begins and often uses terms and phrases the person being witnessed to will understand. I am not saying we should shelve the Bible, and ignore God. I'm saying that those we witness to will need proof. Turning to history, science, archeology helps provide that proof. Look at many of the experiences in the Bible and what do you see? Proof being given. Pentacost? Everyone of different languages heard the message in their native language. The Jailor? An earthquake that freed the Apostles but they remained. Who are the ones speaking in those instances? Eyewitesses to the events of Jesus's life. They were proof in and of themselves. We don't have that luxury. 2000 years have passed, long enough for such things to be counted as myth. In the secular world, the Bible is little more than myth. What do you suggest that we do? Tell the unbelievers to have faith in what they think is a myth, and give them a book they might think of as no more credible than an edition of Snow White? How about we tell them that Jesus was a real person? That people other than the Biblical Writers told his story? How about we even go so far as point them in the direction where they can look at the proof for themselves? I have never said and will never say that we should take God out of the equasion. I am saying that we reinforce our claims with the proof and evidence that God has provided. We have this evidence. What is the huge sin in using it? Jesusman |