As you may have noticed, this site is different than other sites. My vastly over-priced webmaster suggested I visit other sites for ideas and standards. So I have been visiting many sites dealing with doctrine, orthodoxy, and Bible study. Almost all of the sites are very insightful, soft-spoken, certainly interesting, and overall, very polite. My favorite site is www.johnecoleman.org. But a close second is www.cyrene.org. I even made it a favorite on my browser thingy. They are polite and gentle. And I find no fault whatsoever with this approach. Someone has to do it in order to help the saints continue to grow in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
But therein lies the difference between them and me. They are Andy Taylor, Mayberry’s sheriff - fair, very competent, and nice. If you remember, he never even carried a weapon.
I, on the other hand, am Vic Mackey, the gorilla of a cop from the Fox show “The Shield.” Whereas the other guys at least try to make nice with the pimps, my general approach tends to be more “hands on.” I see making nice as giving the pimps more time to shake down the saints.
The other guys are the equivalent of the parables, miracles, and graciousness Jesus dispensed to those around him. I’m the pieces of rope He used on the men who were making His Father’s house a house of business. (John 2:16)
I generally favor “smash mouth” apologetics when dealing with the pimps. I reserve the kinder, gentler approach for folks like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and other unregenerate folks stuck in a lie or who show a sincere interest in Jesus Christ. And believe it or not, I can be kinder and gentler. I’ve discoursed with JWs for hours on end, helping them to understand, from their own New World Translation of the Bible, the need for Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I can be a harmless little fuzz ball if I really put my mind to it. But I have to think about it real hard.
Again, I certainly don’t believe the kinder, gentler approach is wrong. God, in His sovereignty, uses both approaches and uses them very effectively. That’s why He’s God. A kind word is good. But sometimes you just have to put a whoopin’ on the crooks. And that’s what I’m here for.
Yo,
Melvin, I definitely feel you on what your saying (I understand, basically). I am a gentle guy myself towards Agnostics, JW’s, Muslims, Mormons, Ingorant Oneness Penecostals, and 7th Day Adventist (Usually). However when it comes to greedy cats like WOF and extreme legalist (Hebrew Israelites, Extreme 7th Day Adventist, Davidians, etc) I definitely take rebuking them sternly to make them sound in the Faith seriously. I’ve been really isolated from my old friends when I first came to Christ because of the Hostility between our Gods. I worship Yahweh the God of the Bible and they worship Baal, the God of their money. I’ve found it rather interesting that the Legalistic friends I have (7th Day Adventist) have no problem with the Word of Faith Doctrine and often endoarse it. I was like well, wouldn’t you know. Two Evils can walk together and agree.
Melvin, I’m glad that you are as blunt as you are, because I know that Christ would have been the same way (John 8:42-47). I like it when people call a spade a spade. A heretic is what it is, so if the shoe fits, wear it.
Grace and Peace
seal
Can I be Jack Bauer? (24)
No, seriously….Melvin, you say what needs to be said, remember in the O.T. when God frequently uses the analogy of Judah and Israel as prostitute sisters? Some of that is pretty graphic. Sometimes the truth is ugly, just like the essay about divorce, there are a lot of things that are left unsaid by millions on Sunday mornings.
Everyone wants to go to church to feel good (enter the opportunistic pimps) and many of our real problems are left undealt with every week. Pimps don’t have a problem with “smash-mouth revalations” when God gives them a “new” revalation, like nine in the trinity, or Jesus had to suffer in hell, or like “Living your best life now” or send $84.11 to get yuor blessing, or buy a communion set for $40.00 to get your healing….So it takes a smash-mouth response!
It gets the (”ho’s”) and pimps’ public defenders fired up when they read something that offends them. If a small percentage of them change their ways, then the whole site is worth it. (attn: David W, that is the purpose of this site)
Melvin,
Its all about sheep and wolves. Since the church is a gathering of “sheep” the wolves are always going to look for a way in to get a tasty meal. Many saints tend to forget that wolves routinely infiltrate the ranks. Real pastors and churches have a responsibilty to deal with the sheep and the wolves.
For those sheep who are really seeking God we should gently and politely care for or correct. The wolves that come in with the desire to steal, kill and destoy, should be shown no mercy. And since wolves usually eat sheep, it is not too hard to figure out who the wolves are. I am usually polite, but sometimes God challenges me to be a little more bad cop than good cop.
Three cheers for smash mouth apologetics!
I understand what you mean about the different approaches. I think it takes wisdom to know when to use them. When dealing with “weaker brothers” as Paul would say in Romans 15 we do need to be gentle and kind. Yet, the same apostle tells the Galatians, concerning the false teachers, that he wishes they would not only circumcise themselves, but go the whole way (ewww…). When dealing with leaders who are so capable of leading many astray I think we do need to be more stern. Just how stern? God has not, as of yet, given me such discernment.