The Unexpected Adventure- "Ready to Make a Difference"- 1 Corinthians 1:17 (In this verse, "wisdom" refers to eloquent and flowery speech. Not the guidance of the Holy Spirit-type wisdom.)
Strobel and Mittleberg were once again taking part in an outreach event. After the event a Jewish comedian approached Lee and began a strenuous debate with him about the resurrection. Things got a bit loud; however, after about 30 minutes, the Jewish gentleman offered Lee a handshake, a smile and a heartfelt “thank you”. The gentleman explained to Lee that he had not met anyone previously that would take on the serious questions and doubts he raised. The man appreciated the passion and knowledge that Lee had about Christianity.
Strobel writes, “Christians who lack conviction have little to communicate with others.” p. 224 If we are not excited about our Lord and Savior, why should anyone else bother to become interested?
For me the take away from this day is the excerpt from Bill Hybels book, Becoming a Contagious Christian. “Deep down they’re (seekers) looking for somebody—anybody—to step up and proclaim the truth and then to live it boldly. And I just have to ask: why can’t that be you or me?”
I find it curious that Morman youth go door to door armed with a vast knowledge of their faith. Streets in NYC and Paris are blocked by Muslims during noon prayers. Yet, so many Christians are afraid to even lift their hands in worship to the risen Savior. What has happened to our zeal? Our passion for Jesus?
It is almost as if because of all the media and social criticism we have received about being hypocritical, close-minded, homophobes, etc, we have become apologetic for our faith. If you look at Jesus and the disciples, they were anything but mealy-mouthed milktoasts. If, as Christians, we are living our lives with Christ as our example and operating out of love and compassion for others, we needn't be ashamed to clearly and emphatically state the Gospel truths.
Where is that line between shrinking violets and off-putting zealots?
Thoughts on your "where is the passion" comments:
ReplyDelete1. We have allowed the church and organized Christianity to replace Jesus (or perhaps many of us have never known a "to-the-depths-of-my-being" dedication to Him.)
2. We have never fully appreciated the total price Jesus paid on the cross. Thus our level of gratitude and loyalty is shallow.
3. We are so eaten up with selfishness that we do not share what we have with others, except for some money and time that was probably spare to begin with. (And we are not willing to admit to such and repent of it.)