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Date:         Mon, 14 Dec 1992 13:15:23 EST
From:         Dan Harling <harling@ROADRUNNER.PICTEL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Christians presenting a front to the world.

> Date:         Mon, 14 Dec 1992 12:13:00 EST
> From: "DRCV06::GRAHAM" <GRAHAM%DRCV06.decnet@DRCVAX.AF.MIL>
> Subject:      Christians presenting a front to the world.
> To: Multiple recipients of list CHRISTIA <CHRISTIA@ASUVM.INRE.ASU.EDU>
>
> I wasn't really serious about churches breaking up every 15 years, just
> seemed to be a way to keep cultism from happening.  I do have a problem
> with the concept that Christians need to present a united front to the
> world.  We don't need to present any front at all.  Our "front" if you
> will, should be nothing more than our following the great commission to
> make disciples of Jesus.  How the world views us is, to me, highly
> irrelevant.  I admit that United States right wing politics often makes me
> wish there were another name for a follower of Jesus than Christian, but I
> am too sensitive, I admit.

It is important that we follow the Great Commission, but how we go
about pursuing that goal is just as important.  Paul made a great
effort not only to tell people about Jesus, but to tell them in the
most effective way possible:

"To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.  To those under the
 law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the
 law), so as to win those under the law.  To those not having the law I
 became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's
 law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the
 law.  To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.  I have become all
 things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.  I
 do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its
 blessings."  (I Cor 9:20-23, NIV)

This indicates to me that Paul thought it was *very* important how we
appear to people in the "world", as far as our effectiveness in
communicating the Gospel is concerned.  Unless we can gain a measure of
credibility in someone's eyes, what we have to say will be given little
consideration.


> Our existance as Christians needs no justification to the world.  Their
> opinion of us won't make or break any Christians.  Since God selects and
> opens hearts to the gospel we preach and teach, we needn't be concerned how
> worldlings view us, only how we relate to our Father.

Nevertheless, if our actions as Christians are permitted to "really"
participate in the process of salvation, shouldn't we be concerned with
at least making the effort to present the Gospel as clearly as
possible?  One way to do this is to avoid phrases like "either God
allows you to understand it, or He doesn't", but rather try again to
explain things.  Another is by example in one's own life.

Otherwise, if we are inert bystanders in the process of salvation, do
we share the gospel simply because Jesus told us to, all the while
believing it makes not one bit of difference?  True, it is the Holy
Spirit who will convict someone, but if we make that extra effort that
Paul did to share with others, might that not at least give them an
earlier opportunity to hear and believe, and change their lives
sooner?  If one is indeed predestined to be saved (oh no, that thread
again!), that does not necessarily dictate whether the circumstances
surrounding one's initial repentance are likewise predetermined.

Any thoughts?

                                                -->Dan Harling
                                                   harling@pictel.com