Posted on 03/22/2019 4:36:29 PM PDT by OddLane
What do you say to a person who has walked away from the faith? Is there an answer for those who see Christianity as a failed hope?
I’d ask them what they were hoping for? And take it from there.
I am a Southern Baptist. It is the church I was raised in but I also think it makes the most sense.
There are several other denominations that I could live with such as Assembly of God, Mennonites, even Presbyterians if they still believed what they used to.
Others I would probably get into too many arguments with.
I’m sure your pastor is a good preacher, but if I may, see if you can get your hands on Spurgon’s “Christ in the Old Testament.”
Amazing collection of sermons!
How can there be no hope in the creator of heaven and earth, who sent his only son to die on the cross so we could have eternal life?
“I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.”
Charles Spurgeon
The Pilgrims dedicated what is now the United States to Christ. I am sure that the Lord won’t forsake us, even though we are, no doubt, going to suffer for our transgressions like Judah did.
There are actually still some very traditional, Calvinistic Presbyterians in Scotland. My church has a mission field there-over in Glasgow.
Give them a copy of “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis.
When the first English settlers landed at Virginia Beach, they erected a cross. They later went on to Jamestown.
You make an important point. If you don’t mind, I’ll add that Jesus Christ the person is the only real hope.
I love Lewis. I’m reading The Four Loves at the moment.
AMF; YOYO
Such things are always personal, and I have struggled with my faith a million and one times.
I was probably in my late forties before I understood that the Gospel according to John was written nearly 2000 years ago for me...personally.
One of the most important themes of the Good News is hope never has to completely fail i.e. there is always hope as long as we are still breathing. I have suggested to people that when he or she is ready to take another run at it, It will be here waiting with open arms.
bump for later reading
Tell them it’s on them to keep trying.
Hebrews 6:4-8
4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.
... as foretold in scripture. We are in a period of rotation, as God once again puts the focus on the Jews and the nation Israel. (PS, we are nearing the end of the book.)
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
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