Believers Must Share Their Faith

I am a Calvinist who believes that it is absolutely necessary for believers to share their faith with non-believers (see my post at this link http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=20507953&postID=113777761446079956 ).

I believe that salvation is 100% the work of God and 100% the response of man (and yes, I’ll debate that with you).

While most Christ-followers understand their responsibility in The Great Commission, I’m troubled by how casually we are able to excuse ourselves from this duty.

On Thursday mornings I lead an exegetical Bible study (is their any other way to do it?) on Mark’s gospel. Listen to what Jesus had to say about witnessing in the midst of tribulation, “But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit (Mark 13:11, NKJV).”

The response I hear the most as to why believers don’t share their faith more faithfully goes something like this….”It’s so important to give a good witness and I’m afraid that I’m going to mess it up. What if I’m the only opportunity that someone has to hear the Gospel and I don’t do it adequately?”

For those of you in this boat (or for you pastors who have heard some form of this excuse), look at the Mark passage I’ve quoted above. Notice how the NKJV uses the word “premeditate”. We usually associate that word with murder! Interestingly enough, if I’m reading the text properly, to totally script our delivery is what it means to “premeditate” what we’re going to say. And we are discouraged from doing so. Don’t “murder” your opportunity by trying to figure it all out ahead of time! We decided last Thursday morning that we are guilty too often of not only premeditating the conversation, but also the result of it (“He / She will NEVER repent of their sin”)!

This passage teaches us that when (the passage doesn’t say “if”) we share our faith, we should depend upon the Holy Spirit to lead us to the divine appointment (the person, the place, directing the conversation). And we should trust Him to bring the result that is pleasing to Him. We are resonsible for the sharing, He is responsible for the results. Remember, you’ve been successful at the point at which you said, “Yes, Lord, I’ll go”. Believers must share their faith.

Does the Same Logic Apply to Gambling?

Last week on my blog we discussed the use of alcohol. Let’s switch to gambling. I have a very consistent opinion about these two vices. Clearly, losing your house, your job or your family due to addictive gambling is the incorrect length to take this behavior on anyone’s measurement of “right and wrong”. But I’m very curious as to how those who defend the occasional use of alcohol view the occasional purchase of a lottery ticket. Your turn.

You want it….You got it!

As an aside to much of the conversation on my blog and Tim’s this week in regard to alcohol use by Christians, many referred to the sin of gluttony.

Okay, let’s discuss it. How does it relate to alcohol use / abuse? How wide spread is this issue? How are food tendencies related to drug tendencies? Should the SBC address this “epidemic” as well?

Is it profitable for a Christian to consume alcohol?

The Southern Baptist Convention concluded its national annual meeting yesterday in Greensboro, NC. One of the highlights of the day was the adoption of a resolution concerning alcohol and how Southern Baptist Christians should or should not relate to it.

I participated in a lengthy blog discussion on this topic (which you can view in total by clicking on the following

www.timellsworth.com/?p=1041

I came off as “illogical” and “Pharisaical” to some, a man of conviction to others. No problem. I’m good with where I’ve landed on the issue.

What I noticed in the give and take yesterday is this: while many Christians believe that it’s permissable for a believer to drink, not one person shared a convincing opinion of how the consumption of alcohol is profitable for a child of God. This is the test for Christians (1 Corinthians 6:12).

I’d like to hear from you: tea-totalers and imbibers alike!

SBC Annual Meeting…Quote of the day

“It is not healthy to have a person who will drive across the state to debate Calvinism but won’t even drive across the street to share the Gospel.”

Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

You may read an article about his dialogue with Dr. Paige Patterson (President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) at this year’s SBC Pastor’s Conference in Greensboro, NC by clicking on the following link.

http://www.sbcannualmeeting.net/sbc06/newsroom/newspage.asp?offset=10&ID=21

Redick arrested for suspected DWI

Character matters. Period. Star athletes may think that they are above the rules but they aren’t. I am a big Redick fan, but I hope that this news affects his draft status. He needs to get the message while he’s young that illegal behavior nets negative circumstances no matter who you are. Alcohol is a drug (like HGH or sterioids) and athletes won’t become more proficient athletes by using drugs. Adam Morrison’s stock just sky-rocketed!

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/5690100

Chiefs sign Turley

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Kyle Turley (pending a 6/12 physical) to a contract over the weekend. He will most likely play right tackle. Though reports are that he’s dropped 50 pounds and will line up at tight end occasionally.

I just can’t get that scene out of my head of a game he played while with the Saints. Near the end of the contest, with Turley’s team on the short end of the score, he literally ripped an opposing team member’s helmet right off of his head. It was such a violent action, I wondered whether or not the poor guy’s noggin was still in it!

Turley is truly the Jekyll and Hyde of the NFL. There is no shortage of stories about his acts of charity off the field. Then there’s the “head-in-the-helmet” fiasco. Sigh.

I knew that my beloved Chiefs had an aging O-line and that replacements were in the offing. Just seems like this most recent signing is a bit desperate. Your thoughts?

Cardinals on Down-Hill Skid

Everyone in Cardinal Nation knew that Phat Albert’s absence would have an impact on the team’s performance. I wonder how many predicted that the Redbirds would drop 5 of their last 6 to division foes and fall into a tie atop the NL Central. It’s not Pujols’ absence that’s giving up 7 runs a game, however. The bottom line for me is this: Championship caliber teams find a way to win in adversity. Period. LaRussa et al have to figure this out if they want a date to dance in October. Don’t get me wrong. I’m still a fan. But let’s make a trade, call someone up, send someone down, shuffle the line-up….something! Because whatever they’ve been doing in the last week ain’t workin’!

While I Should Be Gleeful….

On two occasions in the history our marriage my wife has been mistaken for my daughter. Really. It happened again yesterday. A gentlman came to our door while I was away. Cheryl answered and was greeted thusly, “Is your mom or dad home?”. Wow.

Now I know very well that I married WAY above my potential. And I’m ecstatic that my wife is so beautiful. But I’ve got to confess that my posture is just a bit more slumped after yesterday’s visitor.

It’s not easy gettin’ old (especially when your spouse refuses to).

Reader Survey…Bigger Sports Blunder of June 5th

Who made the bigger sports blunder late in their game Monday?

Was it the Edmonton Oilers giving up the game-winner on a “dinker” goal with just over 30 seconds to go in game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals series?

Or was it the Cardinals bullpen (#1 in the NL) giving up a two-run lead with one out and the bases empty in the 9th inning against the Reds?

Lemme hear ya holla!