Favorite Verses of the Lost

When dealing with the lost, in any circumstance, whether just in an apologetic sense, and/or in witnessing the Gospel, what do you find is the favorite verse of said lost? And what do you do about it or say to them?

To me, it has unequivocally been Matthew 7:1..."Judge not..."

Also, for more instances you may have come across, some of the lost love to quote OT references concerning God and His dealings, how do you deal with this, apologetically?

Anyone who has experienced this and has further thoughts to share, it would be much appreciated.

:jesus: :thumbs:

 

Iconoclast,

Good points. I have used the correct contextual explanations for judgment, but it remains a fact they use the verses, typically, to get the heat off of themselves, and to, in my personal belief, to disarm us.

Now of course we know it is God who they are ultimately trying to disarm. We always ask and want God to be the one convicting them. I pray that the result would be like the sower and seed, in that we ask God to protect that Word we have sown, that is in their hearts, that the Wicked one will be made incapable of taking it from them.

Also, could you explain more on "thrice Holy God" and what you mean by that and how you word or explain that, and why you insert that in your wording with them?

Thanks for your input.

Ann, also thank you for the distinguishing between OT and NT theology and application. How has this helped anyone you have used this on?

Thanks again to you both.

 

The arguments of the lost seemingly are all the same. Pointing the finger at God and His law, or at things they disagree with, and/or their disagreement with issues due to being culturally affected, whether by political correctness or other means. The infamous "stoning and OT war" excuses are really becoming prevalent of late, at least in what I have read and seen. Do you know any good apologetic writings on addressing this argument?

Also, Paul Tillich is well known for his Ultimate Concern theory. Basically, according to his theory, no one makes an important life changing move until the move to the new thing becomes one of "Ultimate Concern" to the individual. I can see his point definitely. I think the believers at Pentecost who heard the message were at that point, and wanted to know what they had to do to in order to be saved. Do you feel this is the case for those who come into the Kingdom by Christ, and/or that those who argue as we have discussed need to be brought into this, Ultimate Concern, over their own lost condition?

I believe the Holy Spirit brings people to this place. He brought me to this before believing the Gospel, and receiving and believing in His sacrifice for my sins.

:jesus:

 

When they oppose you,they actually oppose Christ in you,by His word and Spirit ...so they oppose themselves.


All three persons of the Godhead are Holy and everything they do is Holy .


The Father is Holy in planning redemption, sending the Son,and Spirit,,,,and the prophets 2 chr 36;

and again in mt21


The Son humbles himself to make atonement for those given to Him by the Father;
so all judgement is given to the Son.

Jn17 is the blueprint of the covenant death Jesus accomplished.When men despise it like those in 2chr. or mt 21,they are in rebellion against all three persons of the Holy trinity/
The Spirit is given by the Father and The Son.....
[QUOTENevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

][/QUOTE]

So when the warnings are given....just like in the day of Noah...those not in the place of safety..[the ark].....or [In Christ] will perish under the thrice Holy wrath of the three persons they despise.




ps...we got off to a rough start on the other thread. I think it was a mis-understanding. It is better when we see each other on the same side..

We have enough enemies on the outside,we should edify each other in here.:wavey:[/QUOTE]

Iconoclast,

Thanks for your Scriptural response. Reading all of that is a great refresher course. I enjoyed it.

As to the rough start, I think we are all good. We're on the same side, as you say, and there is no problem here and I appreciate and enjoy the good dialogue.

Have you read anything on Paul Tillichs theory?

Also, I believe you are correct on the fact about judgment coming on those who do not respond, however, to them, not receiving an immediate perceived and felt judgment is a further excuse to them to continue in their old ways, although the wrath of God does still abide upon them.

Also, what about God leading to witness, and have you ever been to where you knew God led you to a certain person, to witness to them, only to have them react this way?

I want to ask, are you reformed in your theology? Having been in IFB churches all of my life, and unfortunately along with that comes a stigma of anti-intellectualism, rightfully so, I had never been exposed to this theology, but after reading the works of those, have found that their view of God is on a much higher plain than what I had ever experienced.

There was always something amiss there, to me, in these IFB churches, something about the view of God being held by them, a too simplistic view, a view that since the preacher said it, don't you dare question that. A controlled atmosphere. As a disclaimer, I know that not all of the IFB churches are of this temperment.

I've really enjoyed being free from that, and I get the "liberal" label now, but hey, I got it when I was there too, because I didn't support the legalistic issues they supported, although they enjoyed very much my preaching, that never centered on their issues, but on Biblical exposition at fellowships.

:tonofbricks:

Thanks for your input Iconoclast, and your desire for unity between us.

:thumbs:

 

That's a great testimony brother.

I hope God will continue to use you as He has.

I also lean toward Reformed theology. God also, has lead me this way, by showing to me things that others have avoided and hidden themselves from.

It is amazing how God does these things, and shows us His glory. The view of the Godhead I got from my past involvement in churches was very inadequate, and painted God as this very simplistic, almost manipulative being. I am finding out what it means for our God to be the Sovereign God He is, and He is an awesome God.

Thanks.