“Eliminate the thoughts of Plato from the mind of the Reformed theologian and his lips will go silent..”
Month: October 2012
What Non-Christians Really Think about Christians by Thom Rainer
One of my greatest joys in research is talking to and listening to those who clearly identify themselves as non-Christians. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not celebrating their absence of faith in Christ. My joy comes from listening to those who don’t believe as I do, so I might be better equipped to witness to them.
Over the past several years, my research teams and I have interviewed thousands of unchurched non-Christians. Among the more interesting insights I gleaned were those where the interviewees shared with me their perspectives of Christians.
In this article, I group the seven most common types of comments in order of frequency. I then follow that representative statement with a direct quote from a non-Christian.
1. Christians are against more things than they are for.Read these comments and see if you learn some of the lessons I learned.
“It just seems to me Christians are mad at the world and mad at each other. They are so negative, they seem unhappy. I have no desire to be like them and stay upset all the time.”
2. I would like to develop a friendship with a Christian.
“I’m really interested in what they believe and how they carry out their beliefs. I wish I could find a Christian who would be willing to spend some time with me.”
3. I would like to learn about the Bible from a Christian.
“The Bible really fascinates me, but I don’t want to go to a stuffy and legalistic church to learn about it. I would be nice if a Christian invited me to study the Bible in his home or at a place like Starbucks.”
4. I don’t see much difference in the way Christians live compared to others.
“I really can’t tell what a Christian believes because he doesn’t seem much different than other people I know. The only exception would be Mormons. They really seem to take their beliefs seriously.”
5. I wish I could learn to be a better husband/wife/dad/mom, etc., from a Christian.
“My wife is threatening to divorce me, and I think she means it this time. My neighbor is a Christian, and he seems to have it together. I am swallowing my pride and asking him to help me.”
6. Some Christians try to act like they have no problems.
“Harriett works in my department. She is one of those Christians who seems to have a mask on. I would respect her more if she didn’t put on such an act. I know better.”
7. I wish a Christian would take me to his or her church.
“I really would like to visit a church, but I’m not particularly comfortable going by myself. What is weird is that I am 32 years old, and I’ve never had a Christian invite me to church in my entire life.”
Do you see the pattern? Non-Christians want to interact with Christians. They want to see Christians’ actions match their beliefs. They want Christians to be real.
In one study we conducted, we found only 5 percent of non-Christians are antagonistic toward Christians. It’s time to stop believing the lies we have been told. Jesus said it clearly: “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest” (Luke10:2, HCSB).
Blessings in Baja
Hey
Thanks 4 message & pics……………….I really rejoiced with pics and will hear message on way to TJ manana. we have to pick up beans and rice,hallelujah.
The pics , amaze Frank. He is convinced EE is meme. Compliment for me so hay I’ll take it! Now this mourning me and Frank struggled and fought to get to Meeting. I mean screamed and fought. Then we got a grip and now know why!!
Great day today. Had oodles of folks , 40 or so al told. It was much fun. Then we went to dinner with some head honchos of Northern Baja Lions Club.. Again my DR set it up………………………….but I felt good and comfortable. FRANK THRIVED, PREACHED AND LED MY doctprs BROTHER AND HIS WIFE TO THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In front of 15 atheists. Doc Norma was flabbergasted.
I want to thank all at HOF who have given so much to us to make moments like today’s possible………….
They always amaze me how so few humble folks come up with finances that enable us to continue. It is CRAZY! But it is like ya’ll too………………..just a few faithful, humble people who hear from the Lord and are obedient. I brag on ya’ll all the time, too. Some of the ministries round here the same size or smaller than us will ask us HOW we make it work?? Where the money comes from?? When I tell them well a little bitty Church in Mississippi supports the Work, they are floored. They do not get it………………..BUT it gives me an opening to teach on faith to folks who do not even know they are being taught!!! Ha.
So thank you all, every one Frank and I pray daily at least once a day, that the Lord will multiply every gift, open the windows of heaven and award ya’ll with every right that is due the giver…………………read Malachi and that is what we ask. That the Lord become your advocate, that He judge those who come against you, that He protect you from witches and adulterers………..well here it is so you mustn’t look it up!
“And I will come near you for judgement, I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers and against perjurers,against those who exploit wage-earners and widows and orphans.
And against those who turn away an alien because they do not fear me , says the Lord of Hosts.
For I am the Lord, I do not change, therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
Malachi 3:5-6
Thank you and blessings We love ya’ll abundantly, Yahweh is doing new things here, thanks for being a part of it!
Love,
chips and salsa!
LOVE YOU MUCHO!!!!
Pastor Frank Sister Detra
Harvest of Faith 