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I had mentioned to another poster that this confusion often happens for those who cannot tell the difference of where one puts their faith. As I see it if their faith rests too heavily in their church over that of Christ then the response will generally be defensive and sometimes more than that. But if Christ is center in their life their response is generally more balanced and we all learn. Although they cannot tell themselves this is where they are you can generally see it as they post.

That's very perceptive.

Ok so say this is so...then is it not up to us to discern that, and would that not change our approach in how we respond when we recognize they cannot see it themselves? In a sense it's like getting a blind man to see something in writing ....or conversing with someone who loves their country but cannot grasp that it is the people who make the country.

Regardless of the deaf ears of the audience, we are commanded to preach the word in season and out. You never know if and when God will chose to give new ears to someone who will hear the words for the first time and finally understand them.

Many of us didn't get it the first time. Our hearts are stubborn, and only God can grant a man a rebirth by the Holy Spirit.

Our hearts are stubborn

I can name that tune in one note! Ha! Better than I know the Lord is He knows me...were it not so I would not have the freedom to even argue with him as I do...you know those stubborn moments that come even after we are committed to Him. I must say that He usually wins the arguments but not always...sometimes He does eventually agree...I think He enjoys the dialogue so He keeps it moving by raising the bar.

Regardless of the deaf ears of the audience, we are commanded to preach the word in season and out.

Yes, of course, but I have learned there are different approaches to different people, pending on where they are in their walk, the church they are or were raised in or not. Even Jesus spoke to people at differing levels...He spoke things to the crowds...and generally there was an individual encounter from the crowd where He focused and addressed on the level they were at....and as the disciples generally were in ear shot of both it was when He took them aside that he explained to them the meaning of what He said. Then there were the religious leaders...who amazingly He didn't spend much time with in setting them straight. They were the blind leading the blind and he told them that. He moved on to those who were ready and willing to hear Him.

Not sure I am making my point just right but it matters we recognize who He has appointed our words go to and how they are spoken...just as He did so. Humm...still am not saying what I want but perhaps the Lord will fill in the blanks while I ponder this more.