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To: joesnuffy
They are doing a Bible study to attract people who would not normally be at a Bible study.This is a lot like the way Jesus did it.He went among sinners and they were attracted to him.He would give a parable or talk in a manner they understood then quote God's word.

They never said they weren't using the Bible.They deal with questions and real life and then look to see what the Bible says.Not every Bible study involves reading a passage from scripture and discussing it.This approach is probably the best for dealing with a lost person.Change the heart then teach them right and wrong.
23 posted on 07/24/2004 10:45:22 AM PDT by Blessed
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To: Blessed; alpha-8-25-02
They are doing a Bible study to attract people who would not normally be at a Bible study.This is a lot like the way Jesus did it.He went among sinners and they were attracted to him.He would give a parable or talk in a manner they understood then quote God's word.

Can you show me where Jesus went and taught in the places of those who did NOT want to follow Him? Yes, He walked among sinners - we are all sinners. The attitude of the hypocritical Pharisees means they were also sinners. But the prostitutes and tax-collectors, etc. who came to Him did so because they no longer wanted to live under the bondage they were living under. If you will note, those people desired to be rid of their old sinful life style and followed Him. Jesus did not go and teach at their tax-collecting booths, or sit in their places of prostitution to attract others. He taught in the Temple and synagogues as well as on the mountain sides, in the boat and so forth. He told them to lay down their life and follow Him. He did not encourage them to keep living a sinful life while pondering who He was, so that they might be "attracted" to Him. He did not chase them, or continue to plead and reason with them when they did not follow.

I think it is very unfortunate that this false idea has become an excuse for believers to encourage those under spiritual bondage to continue in that bondage until they are "comfortable". Jesus did not do this. The gospel is not pleasant to hear except to those who desire to out from under the bondage they are under and who desire to have peace with God. Yes, Jesus very much encouraged all sinners to come and follow Him - but only those who truly desired to repent.

They never said they weren't using the Bible.They deal with questions and real life and then look to see what the Bible says.Not every Bible study involves reading a passage from scripture and discussing it.This approach is probably the best for dealing with a lost person.Change the heart then teach them right and wrong.

A true bible study is about reading the Word as it explains itself and allowing the Holy Spirit to work His way in us. It is the gospel that is the power unto salvation. Reading and teaching scripture will deal with all of life's questions. Otherwise, we risk leading them into a dependence on US, and not the Lord. We are to be discipling others to seek His face and desire and thirst for His Word so that we may have peace and rest with the Lord God. Talking "about" the Word won't necessarily do that, but digging into in and reading it will. Why? Because:

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

The Word of God is much more able to change their hearts and teach them than we are by trying to placate them.

28 posted on 07/24/2004 2:31:43 PM PDT by lupie
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