Offended Friends & Embarrassed Family
©2011 Stan Hallett
I have occasionally considered quitting Facebook (I actually did in 2012). I happened to mention this to a family member recently to which they replied; “Great, I won’t have to read your posts anymore”. When I asked why they had made such a statement they told me that they did not agree with my telling people that they were wrong when it came to what they believed about salvation.
They went on to say that they felt that I would not win anyone that way and that it is better just to be an example to people, and that people would become interested because how they see me live my life. That’s not word for word, but pretty close.
So how should we as Christians live? Should we just be a quiet example so that we don’t offend people and embarrass family? I was asked how that was working for me? Had I won anyone by this method? The answer is, yes I have actually.
We need to speak the truth in love, and we need to preach the Gospel. The Word of God is clear that one may plant, another may water, but it’s God that gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6,7). We may not always see the fruit of our labor, but we still need to do the work that we were called to do. I guess I would like to ask the question back; How many have you won by just being a quiet example? No answer is required, I already know. Satan would love to silence those that would preach the truth.
The world in general, and many of our unsaved friends and family and others would like us to; “Just be a quiet example.” . . . “Don’t profess something contrary to what I believe” . . . “Don’t embarrass me!” Did John the Baptist live a quiet example? Did Jesus just live a quiet example? Did the Apostle Paul just live a quite example? Did the early Church just live a quiet example? No, they didn’t!
I am not mean to people. I do not call people names. I don’t even like debate. We don’t need to defend the gospel, but we are to contend for the gospel.So I will continue to preach the truth and the gospel to anyone that will listen. Charles Spurgeon once said; “Defend the Bible? I would as soon defend a lion!” You don’t need to defend a lion, you just turn it loose and it will defend itself.
If someone believes a false gospel and is not saved, I’m going to tell them, and use Bible to back up every word I say. Listen, it would be easier for me to just go along with the program and itch their ears and tell them how wonderful they are and agree with their false salvation doctrine. Think of the friends I could have! So what on earth would motivate me to do something that many find offensive or embarrassing? Simple. . . souls! I want to see people saved, regardless of what they think of me.
Listen my friends, the Bible does not contradict the Bible. All of the Word of God is in agreement. If you find something in the Word of God that you think contradicts another scripture, then you do not understand that scripture. Jesus said; “Except an man be born or the water and of the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (John 3:3-5). The Bible says that baptism saves us (1 Peter 3:21)! The Bible says that everyone was baptized in Jesus’ name, not in the titles of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. They obeyed the command and didn’t just repeat it. If you think thats just semantics then we need to talk.
If I wrote you a check and signed it father, or son, or brother, or grandson, or husband, do you think that you could cash it? Those are just titles, or roles of relationship that I hold or have held. They are not my name. Matthew 28:19 says to baptize in the NAME (singular) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Look at every account that follows in the book of Acts. The Apostles knew what that name was, and they baptized in Jesus’ name!
The Bible says that the Gospel must be obeyed or face the judgement (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). That would contradict this false gospel that says that our obedience is a work. Obedience is not a work! What is the gospel? Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 1 ¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Thats the gospel, the good news, that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day.
2 Thessalonians 1:8 says that we will face a terrible judgement if we do not obey the gospel. Question: How do we obey what appears to be a historical event? I’m glad I asked that question! Repentance (death to ourselves), Baptized in His Name, which is to be buried with Him (Romans 6:3-11), then God promises to fill us with His Spirit (Acts 2:38). It is this same Spirit that raised up Jesus on the third day and will likewise raise us up when He returns to take up His Church. Death, Burial, Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) = Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). One Salvation, Hallelujah! Come on friends. Check it out! Stop believing the lie! I don’t mean to be offensive, I’m just telling you the truth!
Most of what the world calls Orthodox Christianity is a lie and part of the broad way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14).
Do you have questions? Feel free to write to me via my contact form.
