Hot Topics: Religions, Little To None

To the Jews, I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law, I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

1 Corinthians 9:20-22 (NIV)

Paul was a skilled ambassador for Christ among people with little to no faith, like philosophers and idolaters, or those who thought faith was superstition.

But God-deniers and God-questioners normally fit into one of two groups:

  1. Aggressive scoffers who love to argue, or

  2. Honest skeptics who’re willing to listen.

As opposed to religious hypocrites (which are obviously loathsome to God), honest skeptics share one virtue with God: authenticity in presentation.

For some who encounter honesty's Source, curious hearts find love they’ve been seeking.

More than a few notable atheists became ever more notable Christians, like C.S. Lewis, Derek Prince, Kirk Cameron, Lee Strobel, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

Suggested responses to outsiders who show little to no apparent faith. (First, decide what group they’re in: 1 or 2.)

  1. Regarding scoffers, resist engaging. God clearly says not to argue with fools. They may be book-smart, but not in wisdom.

  2. Regarding skeptics, first listen to them. Give them respect, and they’ll give it to you. Speak of your own Jesus transformation.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

The gracious fruit of the Holy Spirit is an always-welcome appetizer. Of course, offer it to those in Group 2, but since we’re told to “love our enemies”, offer it (also) to those in Group 1.

We can’t know whose hearts Jesus will open, so let’s be ambassadors to them all.

Hot Topics: Religions, Little To None (Part 55)

* Previous Devotion, Christian Scribes & Pharisees:https://careylewisdevotions.com/christian-scribes-pharisees-part-2

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban