Fallen and Flawed

Demian,
Receiving such vehement comments like you did always makes one take stock. But you said nothing that needed to be blunted. I’d say what you dropped was more like a firecracker rather than a bomb. The issue isn’t yours it’s his. From my experience, reactions that strong mean you struck a nerve, or I should say the Spirit did. Praying for him and for whatever is really going on with him is our only recourse, particularly if he’s not interested in an actual dialogue but only a diatribe.

I’ve struggled with this for some time as well. I suppose I’m a little confused because of the instances in the New Testament where the open air preaching of the Gospel doesn’t have any kind of ease in. Maybe I’m going to far, but if God works in men’s hearts by means of the Gospel, do we need much else? I think we should be friendly and compassionate for sure to all, but how important is it to get “street cred” before you preach the Gospel?

I’m not sure anyone needs “street cred” to share the gospel. I remember a conversation I was having with a not-so-Christian friend of mine, and his reply – though crass – was frightenly insightful…I still think back to it and the theological implications. Someday I’ll even decide if it was valid.
My point is this – he had zero “street cred”, but his comment enhanced my understanding of the gospel; or at least caused me to think deeper about it. Do what the Spirit leads you to do – it’s all the cred you/we need.

Richard: Striking nerves is what I like best. Especially when it’s issues on our depravity and need for Christ. If were not doing that–and I think you’ll agree with me–then were not doing something right. I loved what you said: We should pray for him. I hope he sticks around.

Andrew: Great points. You don’t find much cultural balancing going on in the NT, do you? I think of Paul in front of Felix who lays on a sermon of self-control and judgment…and Felix, torn at the heart, orders Paul away. He didn’t have time to reach street cred. He was compassionate, though.

Hey, when you’re wielding a double-edged sword, if no gets cut you’re doing it wrong.

I didn’t get to read the comments on this post, but from what you put at the beginning of this article, he had no right to go there. That was a cut throat statement said out of insecurity. I think he tried to make you feel insecure like he does. I may have said a few bold or crass statements on here before, but I’ve never meant disrespect, and I would never put down anyone’s God. That’s as low as you can go right there. This article does make me think a little bit more about the way I word my posts and how it comes across. I like this article, it makes you think. Good job.

After reading the posts, I have to say that everyone else handled themselves in the most respectable manner. That’s why I like this site. You can disagree but still discuss. I think you may want change a couple letters or something though, if his post stays up. It’s like foul language written on the bathroom wall. I don’t think everyone wants to keep looking at it. And P.S., something tells me this wouldn’t be a good time to travel to Mexico looking for a new job, lol.

If you do though, I have a couple wrestling masks I could ship you.