And if someone says they are a believer in the Lord Jesus, I accept that, and do not immediately issue my “litmus” test of 100 questions about faith and doctrine to determine if their faith is real (see true story following this paragraph). God knows. Only with time would I be able to get a better idea of the reality of someone’s faith by observing their life - something one usually does not get the chance to do, and learning what they really believe about the Lord Jesus and His finished work on the cross. God knows. I don’t have to. If I find true fellowship with one who loves the Lord Jesus, our heavenly Father, I will rejoice in that.
When I first entered the ministry in ‘67, I was reading my Bible one morning at a restaurant, and by the conversations of about 6 believers at the table next to me, perceived that they were Christians.
When they broke up to leave, one came to me seeing my Bible. He immediately began a very serious questioning of me and my beliefs. He must have asked me 20 questions or more, in a very stern, challenging manner.
When I at last answered his last question satisfactorily, only then did his face light up with a big smile, “Praise God, brother! It’s great to meet another Christian!” and he heartily embraced me with a hug.
What’s wrong with this picture? It troubled me greatly for a long time. He could not/would not have fellowship with me until I passed his rigorous test for “the faith”......”the faith” as determined by him and his group. Could have he been more sectarian?
What if you were having a conversation with one who presented themselves as a Roman Catholic....would you inquire if they were a follower of Jesus or a church?
Wouldn't you want to know if they were relying upon the intervention of Mary for their salvation or Jesus?
Little questions, but very revealing ones.
I've always wondered by catholics identify as roman catholic vs Christianity.
I wouldn't have a problem with people asking me what I believed. It's an opportunity to witness.
Have no problem with a few questions asked in love. Especially if you are not likely to see the person again.
But if you know you are likely to have time with the person in the future, there will be plenty of opportunities to find out where a person is in reality - and can share accordingly.
What I have a problem with is an inquisition-type interrogating of every person you meet who says they are a Christian. That was my point.
And it doesn’t matter if they are Catholic or Baptist. Either can simply be a church-goer who doesn’t personally know the Lord.
I’ve learned that pre-judging others is harmful - and how often we are wrong in our pre-judgments.....
One of the scariest things in scripture and the very words of Jesus is that we will be judged with the judgment with which we have judged others.............