I have to be careful not to step on anyone’s feelings when I explore theology with them over lunch. I like to take scripture and couple or triple them together and just see how far I can go with out violating the sum of scripture. Basically I ignore axioms and plow ahead with what the scripture says in spite of any preconceived ideas. After absorbing the obvious basic precept, I then like to chase the waves of logic as far as I can go! I simply assume that my lunch buddy is there on the imagination train with me following the spirit of truth.
However, not everyone does this and I have to take that into account during the discussion. Not everyone is as crazy as Conrad! LOL
My podcast music for Conrad’s Concerns aptly chants ‘precepts’, because that is what the bible is all about.
Isa 28:10
(10) For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
Seems pretty simple doesn’t it? But the sad part is that the world has been brainwashed into believing lies as their fundamental precepts. And these false precepts are so ingrained in each individual that when the truth is first presented to them, it is offensive. Much less tantalizing.
It’s no wonder really. Television, radio, and basically all the media is constantly brainwashing the masses. People are more familiar with the names of the characters of the Simpson’s than they are the bill of rights. Much less the ten commandments!
Those of you that follow my podcast and blog are familiar with my fascination for shattering false doctrine. Some people I love and I don’t want to alienate. Other people I perceive that they are happy taking refuge in their lies. They have to be handled differently.
This reminds me of how Jesus attacked the Pharisees verbally directly calling them on their hypocrisy over and over. Yet with His disciples, he had mercy and saw that they were seeking the truth.
We need to follow Jesus’ example of discipling. Hitting people we love over the head with truth may offend them and alienate them from walking further with Christ. It reminds me of how some well meaning preachers beat up their congregation over and over by confronting them with their sin, when they should be focusing on building their relationship with Jesus. You don’t move closer to God simply by moving away from hell.
I am not declaring to have a monopoly on truth by any means. I cherish being wrong because when I am corrected I have learned the truth more accurately. We never stop learning. And learning something new each day, in a way means we were wrong about it before we learned it! Truth is a humbling walk. I have walked this earth many years believing the wrong things. It is humbling to believe a lie so tenaciously only to have it shattered. It is also very exciting!
It takes diligence to learn the truth. So be diligent in your prayerful studies. But also be very humble in presenting the truth to your friends. Maybe follow Peter’s advice and let them ask you a few questions. Don’t beat them over the head. Speak the truth in love.
1Pe 3:15
(15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
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