|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/26/2008 12:20:51 PM
|
|
|
iamjc-s
Posts: 358
Joined: 8/1/2007
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Robert_G
I have nothing against being friends with 'certain' non Christians.
For example...
A person who does nothing but mock Jesus and go out of their way to put down Christianity....I won't have ANYTHING to do with a person like that. I believe THESE are the ones that scripture says to ignore.
ie..."Shake off the dust when you leave"
I find that most Unbelievers that I fish with or work with, are quite curious and always asking me spiritual things, or you could say they seem to be in a constant 'searching' mode. They have genuine questions and are NOT in a Jesus-mocking or Christianity-bashing state of mind.
THESE people should NEVER be ignored by Christians.
However...that all being said, most of my friends are Christians. I find it hard to find things in common with unbelievers, unless again...they are searching for God, and then I'm right there to do God's work whatever it may be.
True:
John Newton, a slave trader was led to Christ
& led others to Christ who led still others to Christ,
one of which led Billy Graham to Christ
who himself has led millions to Christ,
not to mention his wife & children
who have led still more to Christ.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/26/2008 1:52:00 PM
|
|
|
raivyne
Posts: 862
Joined: 8/28/2008
Status: offline
|
I don't really spend much time with non-Christians (outside of work/school). Not because I avoid them, just because I go to work, school, church and home. Gee, aren't I an exciting person??!
_____________________________
God grades on the cross – not on a curve
Good – God = 0
In the dark? Follow the Son!
The Power of a Simple Gift! samaritanspurse.org
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/26/2008 2:23:59 PM
|
|
|
Consecrated2God
Posts: 4923
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
Status: online
|
quote:
To everything there is a time and a season .....
Amen! (And Solomon said it before John Lennon did.)
In this season of my life, I don't spend much time with non-Christians. God has blessed me with times when I did, and I did enjoy being able to share my faith with others. At this place where God has put me I am much more limited in that aspect. I'm home with my kids and I live out in the country and socialize with the homeschool group ladies and the people at church. During this season in my life, I'm focusing on my children. When they are grown, I'll move onto another season, and who knows what God might have for me.
I have recently started taking some kids to church and I'm pretty sure their parents are unsaved, so I have started having a little more opportunity to spend some time with unbelievers.
_____________________________
<--Plantation house in Louisiana
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/26/2008 8:43:24 PM
|
|
|
KaseyTom
Posts: 163
Joined: 9/12/2008
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Consecrated2God
quote:
To everything there is a time and a season .....
Amen! (And Solomon said it before John Lennon did.)
Not John Lennon, Pete Seeger wrote it and the Byrds covered it in "Turn Turn Turn"
Some of my evangelical friends used to try to witness to me but for some reason stopped.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/26/2008 10:21:03 PM
|
|
|
stellaluna
Posts: 4226
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
I'm wondering if there are any here who avoid non-Christians or effort to spend time only with Christians and if so, why?
_____________________________
Who should be allowed to attend church?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/26/2008 10:30:00 PM
|
|
|
thedivabrat
Posts: 536
Joined: 6/15/2008
From: North and South
Status: offline
|
I don't deliberately avoid non-Christians but I do not have a lot in common with most to socialize with them. I came to the Lord in my thirties so have a "history" and I am very careful with how I spend my time. It is so easy to stray. I do have a couple of good friends who are not Christians and they understand there are some places I will not go so we are somewhat limited in our time together.
_____________________________
This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. Ps 118:24
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/27/2008 7:58:48 AM
|
|
|
Consecrated2God
Posts: 4923
Joined: 4/4/2005
From: Formerly Jesus Land
Status: online
|
quote:
Not John Lennon, Pete Seeger wrote it and the Byrds covered it in "Turn Turn Turn"
I woudn't know--I just responded to the other poster who said Lennon. The only group I've ever heard sing "Turn Turn Turn" is Hoi Polloi.
quote:
I'm wondering if there are any here who avoid non-Christians or effort to spend time only with Christians and if so, why?
I don't, but it would be an interesting thing to find out. Some of us might find ourselves in a Christian bubble for a season, but I don't think I've met anyone who intentionally doesn't want to be around non-Christians. I think most people recognize that it's hard to witness if you don't know any non-Christians.
_____________________________
<--Plantation house in Louisiana
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/28/2008 11:03:32 AM
|
|
|
stellaluna
Posts: 4226
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
Yeah, I think some people have very strict ideas of "unequally yoked" and I'd like to know why. I haven't read anything lately, but I have seen people here at CW advocate not having relationships with unbelievers and I just don't get it.
But then I wonder if some people are called to befriend unbelievers and others aren't? Maybe they aren't strong enough or something?
Thoughts?
_____________________________
Who should be allowed to attend church?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/28/2008 11:42:08 AM
|
|
|
butterfly616
Posts: 146
Joined: 7/6/2008
From: California
Status: offline
|
I agree with Thedivabrat that it can be easy to stray from Jesus when we are socializing with nonbelievers. However, that shouldn't keep us from spending time with non-Christians. Way back in the 70's, when I first accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I had friends and family who weren't Born-Again. Because of Jesus working through me as His vessel, some accepted the Lord and have been believers for years.
I do believe that we need to seek the Lord on a daily basis. Surrendering our lives to Him and allowing Him to use us according to His will and purpose. People watch Christians. Let's hope they see through our example, with or without words, that being a Christian is a good thing.
On the other hand, take care! If you know that you will be spending time with non-Christians, pray, asking the Holy Spirit to give you all that you need to be a good witness and to remain strong in the faith.
_____________________________
The Lord's faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 12:54:49 AM
|
|
|
diz71266
Posts: 26
Joined: 6/20/2007
From: NJ
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Robert_G
quote:
ORIGINAL: KuKu
But, sadly, the non believers are more genuine and honest (in the say and act as they REALLY are sense) than the believers in either place I've been.
I'm getting tired of hearing people say this.
Have you ever stopped to think that maybe they might just NOT be believers...maybe?.....possibly?
As per the entire New Testament......The light of Christ will SHINE through true believers.
Thats what I get tired of hearing
I know some believers that arent the most friendly, outgoing people,or that dont realize yet that they are supposed to love even sinners (to me thats the light of Christ shining through)
But I wouldnt venture to judge them as "true believers" or not
because we all have our faults currently,and The Lord works them out in our life...Its called sanctification.
Actually,I have to remind myself of this daily,because I am more inclined to be critical of how a christian behaves than a non christian,because the christian is supposed to know better,but thats why we have to pray for each other.
Remember,we cant expect those living in the darkness to behave as if there living in the light.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 1:27:38 AM
|
|
|
diz71266
Posts: 26
Joined: 6/20/2007
From: NJ
Status: offline
|
Excellent topic,
Well, I think we all know that our goal should be to be more like Christ...Yes?
And who did Christ hang out with?...Sinners!
Why? to get them saved obviously,but also to demonstrate to the "religious" of that time that their self righteousness was as "dirty rags" to The Father.
A humble heart in someone with a broken spirit is where the seeds of salvation will grow.
Jesus knew he would not find that in most of the Pharisees.
So obviously fellowship with Christians is important, but you have to ask yourself if your reaching out to a broken world or not...Are the Christians in your life being like the pharisees?...Ill guarantee that everyone who visits this site knows some non believer whos going through tough times or at least could use a helping hand with something or maybe just someone to talk to...If we genuinely try to reach out in love, His light will shine through.Not just handing them some literature or something but really opening up your heart to listen and be concerned for and help them.Its not easy for everyone,I myself am rather shy and I dont often know what to say but sometimes just listening is fine.Maybe you could just ask them if its OK to pray for them. Maybe youll have a chance to give the gospel right there and then, or maybe it will be something that just sticks with that person for a while and softens their heart for sometime down the road, but whatever it is, if your doing it because you love Christ,and your trying to love others,God will use it to His glory.
AMEN?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 8:25:06 AM
|
|
|
thedivabrat
Posts: 536
Joined: 6/15/2008
From: North and South
Status: offline
|
I am not sure Christ was hanging out with sinners. Yes He was with them and available to them and spoke with them and demonstrated His power to them and taught them--but did He hang out with them? I think when He was with those He called friends--the believers--they were the ones He was hanging out with.
_____________________________
This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. Ps 118:24
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 12:08:48 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 2034
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: doinkdom
I tried to find a biblical reference for Christians to coccoon themselves or sequester their families into a bubble like existance and couldn't.
"For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things Comte the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them..." - Eph. 5:5-7
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. " - Eph. 5:11
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." - 2 Tim. 3:1-5
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." - Gal. 1:6-9
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. " - 2 Cor. 6:14-18
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." - Rom. 16:17,18
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There's a huge difference between being friendly or friends with people. A friend, to me, is someone I'd go to for advice and prayer. I would not seek out advice from a non Christian because their values and heart are not like minded with mine.
I don't work outside my home and I grew up in a Christian home, attending church every week. I've always found my friends within our church family. Many in our subdivision go to my church.
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 12:17:14 PM
|
|
|
TorchHeart
Posts: 1497
Joined: 6/4/2008
From: One of the coldest places on Earth
Status: online
|
quote:
There's a huge difference between being friendly or friends with people. A friend, to me, is someone I'd go to for advice and prayer. I would not seek out advice from a non Christian because their values and heart are not like minded with mine.
I don't work outside my home and I grew up in a Christian home, attending church every week. I've always found my friends within our church family. Many in our subdivision go to my church.
So what's your point?
I think its more the level at which you're going to let non-believers influence/affect your faith. None of them are going to influence mine, thus I don't worry about it. The level of the relationship that you have with these people is the key.
< Message edited by TorchHeart -- 9/29/2008 12:26:58 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 12:25:34 PM
|
|
|
Focusing
Posts: 5989
Status: offline
|
I have found that there are times when I get better advice (even Bible-based) from non-believers, whereas with certain believers it's very narrow-minded and opinionated - even to the point I would consider it hateful. I don't understand that at all, it makes no sense to me.
While my closest friends are solid believers, I cherish my friendships with non-believing friends, even if we don't share the same faith ... yet.
_____________________________
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 12:28:16 PM
|
|
|
stellaluna
Posts: 4226
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
I think it depends on the advice you need.
And yes, I also think if you are friends with someone that could influence your faith, red flag. I haven't come across an unbeliever yet that caused me to question my faith. Back in the day when I did question, it was usually because I heard something from a Christian (parents, probably) that didn't jive with what felt good to me.
_____________________________
Who should be allowed to attend church?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 2:23:27 PM
|
|
|
Hislittleone
Posts: 625
Joined: 7/13/2007
Status: offline
|
Our pastor preached a sermon on this subject not long ago. He basically said that we can be aquaintances with non-Christians but should only have close friendships with other believers. Like some others have said I think it's important to use wisdom in choosing our friends. If you feel you might be led astray (i.e. be tempted to pick up old habits you had before coming to Christ etc.) then it's definitely not a good idea.
Diane, aren't some of those passages referring to how we should treat ones who call themselves believers but act like non-believers?
Jesus did hang out with sinners but like thedivabrat said those closest to Him were His disciples and followers (i.e. believers).
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 2:29:51 PM
|
|
|
TorchHeart
Posts: 1497
Joined: 6/4/2008
From: One of the coldest places on Earth
Status: online
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Hislittleone
Our pastor preached a sermon on this subject not long ago. He basically said that we can be aquaintances with non-Christians but should only have close friendships with other believers. Like some others have said I think it's important to use wisdom in choosing our friends. If you feel you might be led astray (i.e. be tempted to pick up old habits you had before coming to Christ etc.) then it's definitely not a good idea.
Diane, aren't some of those passages referring to how we should treat ones who call themselves believers but act like non-believers?
Jesus did hang out with sinners but like thedivabrat said those closest to Him were His disciples and followers (i.e. believers).
Not to contradict the extremely-good points in this post, but remember that it was one of Jesus's own disciples who betrayed Him, too.
I don't know if that says anything about our relationships with non-believers, but it might say something about being careful regarding our relationships with other believers, too.
I don't know. That kind of popped into my head when I read this, and I threw this out there.
< Message edited by TorchHeart -- 9/29/2008 2:39:59 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 2:45:30 PM
|
|
|
TorchHeart
Posts: 1497
Joined: 6/4/2008
From: One of the coldest places on Earth
Status: online
|
quote:
That's an interesting point. One that I've never really considered. Just off the top of my head I'd say that Jesus knew Judas was predestined as the one who would betray Him so it was a one time special circumstance kind of thing, not something we should follow as an example in how to treat non-believers. I don't know....just rambling here. I'll have to give that some thought.
Good idea. But look at the way that (in many churches) people are betrayed by fellow Christians for personal gains (want a good example? Look at the Papacy during the first 1,000 years of the church. Other examples of this can be seen in many churches and denominations, today... though not necessarily to those extremes). When I think about it, it seems to fit with life in the church. That even believers can be influenced by material things and thus betray those around you.
(My head is going to hurt after using it this much. Should I pre-take an aspirin?)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 3:22:18 PM
|
|
|
doinkdom
Posts: 4259
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The higher lowcountry
Status: offline
|
If you only associate with Christians, then how do you walk out the great commission? How do you love your enemy? How do you have mercy on those far from God? How do you possibly connect with anyone outside your bubble, or lack of a better word. I'm not talking about becoming a non-Christian, I'm talking about talking to a non-Christian.
And, I agree about those mentioned verses...they're not all about Christians ONLY being around other Christians. Of course, if I wanted them to read that way...still not sure how that will play out when I stand before God to give an account. I just don't think God is about come and stay, but more about come and go to serve.
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: How much time do you spend with non-Christians... - 9/29/2008 3:30:27 PM
|
|
|
GroupW
Posts: 2911
Joined: 11/16/2007
From: Up in the hills of Colorado (very BIG hills...)
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Hislittleone
Our pastor preached a sermon on this subject not long ago. He basically said that we can be aquaintances with non-Christians but should only have close friendships with other believers. Like some others have said I think it's important to use wisdom in choosing our friends. If you feel you might be led astray (i.e. be tempted to pick up old habits you had before coming to Christ etc.) then it's definitely not a good idea.
....
Jesus did hang out with sinners but like thedivabrat said those closest to Him were His disciples and followers (i.e. believers).
There's an aspect to your pastor's sermon that needs some exploration - I think he comes to a conclusion too quickly and maybe as a result makes an inaccurate description of Jesus' followers.
Sure, Jesus followers were believers, but were they believers when he met them and they first followed him? Or did they become believers over the course of the few years of their discipleship? The bible doesn't directly say, but looking over his parables, Jesus often appears somewhat frustrated with their inability to understand some things.
It seems at least possible to me that Jesus picked people whose hearts were ready for belief but weren't necessarily quite there yet.
_____________________________
“For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant and wrong.” -H.L. Mencken
"Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so." -Bertrand Russell
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
