Do Not Be Yoke Together With unbelievers, you have nothing in common, you may think you do, It is sad, but you don't.

[B-A-C]

My wife has been a Christian since long before I ever met her.
But she had children before I met her. (Her first husband died of MS)

Her oldest daughter is married to a man. They have children. Although I am not biological their grandfather, they call me "poppa Ray".
I have asked her husband about God/Jesus and eternity. He describes himself as "semi-Roman Catholic". Neither have been to church (of any kind) in several years.
I was wondering what "semi-Roman Catholic" meant, but one day they had a birthday party for the kids (their birthdays are just a few weeks apart). It was a backyard BBQ
type thing with about a dozen people or so there. It seems one of the gifts was too large and heavy to be brought to their house. We were invited to the "in-laws" house.
They were nice people, very friendly..

The gift was a pony, they had to keep in their pasture, but it now belonged to their grandkids. They could come over and ride it whenever they wanted to.
(Because of this, the grandkids seem to sway towards the other grandparents more often than they visit us, yes there might be a little jealousy)

All of this is fine... but... (it seems there is always a "but")

When we entered their house, their was a very large wooden statue of Mary holding baby Jesus. This was somewhat expected as their Son professed to be Roman Catholic.
This statue was 4 or 5 feet tall, in a prominent place in the living room. There was also a large wooden Buddha statue. (I was told they paid over $1,000.00(US) for it.
There was also a smaller (copper or bronze?) statue of Vishnu. Inevitably the discussion comes around to religious beliefs.

They say they were raised Roman Catholic. But now-a-days they are more "diversified" in their religious views. They still believe in Jesus and Mary (to an extent)
but they also believe that Hinduism, and Buddhism "may" be the answer as well. They don't believe these religions conflict with one another. "Besides, if one of them
is wrong, I'm still covered by the others".

They want us to be friends with them. The up-side is we would probably see the grand-kids more.

Do not be yoked.. "bound together"... Hmmm... although in their minds, they would say they are believers. Where do we draw the line?

Situation #2.
I attend a men's Bible study breakfast every Saturday morning for a few years now. Most of the men who come are from our church, but a few are not.
It isn't a hard and fast rule that you have to belong to our church in order to come. I usually have between 30 and 40 show up every week. I will likely have
to break it up into smaller groups very soon. One of the men who almost always shows up is an Episcopalian Priest, that's all I knew about him for along
time (although he is OK with homosexual relationships, and is willing to marry them). Come to find out a year later or so, he is also a native American indian
shaman. (Witch doctor, medicine man, spiritual leader) of one of the local Indian tribes.

Again, he doesn't believe these two religious conflict with each other. He wants me to be friends with him. He has invited me to his house, so far I have politely resisted.
But I am running out of excuses.

Do not be yoked... All of the people mentioned in the two situation above would say they are Christians. They would all say they believe in Jesus.

If this was you, where would you draw the line?

 

[Sue D.]

I would ask what they believe About Jesus. And on what basis do they believe they Are Christian. I'd wonder what is attracting him to your men's Bible study breakfast? Does he want to engage in conversation? This world -- our neighborhood Is a mission field of sorts. If he asks you to do something that you don't believe in -- share with him Why you don't. You're not really 'yoking' -- you're being presented with opportunities to Share.

In that first scenario -- a lady I'd known a long time ago -- she and her husband are believers. They have several grown children With children. But the one daughter is a lesbian and is married and she has been the 'mother' of their children. The 'wife' knows that her wife's mother does Not approve of their relationship and she Also knows she wants to be able to have relationship with her grandkids. So when my friend is over to the house to see the grandkids, she leaves. So -- when she is with those grandkids, she reads them Bible stories - plays games - does the grandmotherly things with them. She also tries to keep a good relationship with her lesbian daughter. Over time -- years - her daughter has been observing / asking questions and is more open to sharing. The lady that I know Also said that if the kids were by the lesbian partner, she would Not have any interest in them. But because her daughter gave birth to them, they are her grandkids.

So -- drawing a line?! Sometimes ya Don't. As things are brought up that you don't agree with -- share in a friendly manner what you Do believe. Not stating why they are Wrong but what God's Word Does teach.

In that first scenario with the pony -- if you have the opportunity -- offer to take them over to see the pony yourself.

And learn more about ponies and learn more about those particular religious belief systems. Be able to have a conversation with them. Be praying for opportunities To share Christ with them. But also be willing to Listen to what they Do believe.

 

[Brad Huber]

My wife has been a Christian since long before I ever met her.
But she had children before I met her. (Her first husband died of MS)

Her oldest daughter is married to a man. They have children. Although I am not biological their grandfather, they call me "poppa Ray".
I have asked her husband about God/Jesus and eternity. He describes himself as "semi-Roman Catholic". Neither have been to church (of any kind) in several years.
I was wondering what "semi-Roman Catholic" meant, but one day they had a birthday party for the kids (their birthdays are just a few weeks apart). It was a backyard BBQ
type thing with about a dozen people or so there. It seems one of the gifts was too large and heavy to be brought to their house. We were invited to the "in-laws" house.
They were nice people, very friendly..

The gift was a pony, they had to keep in their pasture, but it now belonged to their grandkids. They could come over and ride it whenever they wanted to.
(Because of this, the grandkids seem to sway towards the other grandparents more often than they visit us, yes there might be a little jealousy)

All of this is fine... but... (it seems there is always a "but")

When we entered their house, their was a very large wooden statue of Mary holding baby Jesus. This was somewhat expected as their Son professed to be Roman Catholic.
This statue was 4 or 5 feet tall, in a prominent place in the living room. There was also a large wooden Buddha statue. (I was told they paid over $1,000.00(US) for it.
There was also a smaller (copper or bronze?) statue of Vishnu. Inevitably the discussion comes around to religious beliefs.

They say they were raised Roman Catholic. But now-a-days they are more "diversified" in their religious views. They still believe in Jesus and Mary (to an extent)
but they also believe that Hinduism, and Buddhism "may" be the answer as well. They don't believe these religions conflict with one another. "Besides, if one of them
is wrong, I'm still covered by the others".

They want us to be friends with them. The up-side is we would probably see the grand-kids more.

Do not be yoked.. "bound together"... Hmmm... although in their minds, they would say they are believers. Where do we draw the line?

Situation #2.
I attend a men's Bible study breakfast every Saturday morning for a few years now. Most of the men who come are from our church, but a few are not.
It isn't a hard and fast rule that you have to belong to our church in order to come. I usually have between 30 and 40 show up every week. I will likely have
to break it up into smaller groups very soon. One of the men who almost always shows up is an Episcopalian Priest, that's all I knew about him for along
time (although he is OK with homosexual relationships, and is willing to marry them). Come to find out a year later or so, he is also a native American indian
shaman. (Witch doctor, medicine man, spiritual leader) of one of the local Indian tribes.

Again, he doesn't believe these two religious conflict with each other. He wants me to be friends with him. He has invited me to his house, so far I have politely resisted.
But I am running out of excuses.

Do not be yoked... All of the people mentioned in the two situation above would say they are Christians. They would all say they believe in Jesus.

If this was you, where would you draw the line?

Perhaps you can visit praying that God would guide you in your words with the hope to bring the words to mind at the time. If something comes up thats a specific morality choice, stand your ground then, but in a non-confrontational way if at all possible.

 

[B-A-C]

I would ask what they believe About Jesus. And on what basis do they believe they Are Christian. I'd wonder what is attracting him to your men's Bible study breakfast? Does he want to engage in conversation? This world -- our neighborhood Is a mission field of sorts. If he asks you to do something that you don't believe in -- share with him Why you don't. You're not really 'yoking' -- you're being presented with opportunities to Share.

I don't think attending a Bible study breakfast is "yoking". But if we do male-bonding, become fishing buddies, and start visting each others houses... there is a fine line.

We have already had all those discussions. He knows the Bible fairly well. He just likes fellowship with Christian men. But he "already knows Jesus", he says he "doesn't need to get saved again".
The same with the in-laws. They "already know Jesus" (so they say)... and don't need to know Him any better.

 

[B-A-C]

Perhaps you can visit praying that God would guide you in your words with the hope to bring the words to mind at the time. If something comes up thats a specific morality choice, stand your ground then, but in a non-confrontational way if at all possible.

That's pretty much were it's been for the last 6 or 7 years. We respect each other, we are cordial to each other, say hello when we meet. They know where I stand, they don't argue the Bible with me,
they just believe God (whichever god is the "real god") is OK with it all. They say I am a little too legalistic in my "No man comes to the Father except by...." theology.

It's been my experience, they don't want to be "converted" to the truth. They would rather convert me. They are of course pretty liberal.
They support abortion, homosexual relationships (they have a gay son), and say they would even be willing to support Muslim Sharia law. (Another god to cover my bases, I guess)

 

[B-A-C]

One commonality we have. God is love. God is good. I believe both those statements, however they take this to mean God won't send anyone who claims to be a Christian to hell.
Because "He loves us".

 

[Hekuran]

Here's an indirect response.

The situation that Paul was addressing with the Corinthians was probably the issue of attending pagan temples. These temples were at the heart of business and social life in cosmopolitan places like Corinth. By excluding themselves from temple life, men would be cut off from making important social connections and would be severely restricted in their trades. Not attending pagan temples would be a considerable sacrifice.

Some men had evidently concluded that their freedom in Christ permitted them to attend these temples and eat food sacrificed to idols, as long as they kept their true allegience to the Lord Jesus Christ. You can pick up that these kinds of things were going on by reading 1 Corinthians 8 to 10.

Into this situation Paul writes

Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness? What agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,

“I will live in them and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
Therefore come out from them,
and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch nothing unclean;
then I will welcome you,
and I will be your father,
and you shall be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”


If this reading is right, then Paul was not telling the Corinthian believers to cut themselves off from others completely (in 1 Corinthians for example, he gives advice about how to behave when invited to a pagan's household for a meal). It's an instruction not to compromise the witness of faith by trying to keep in step with temple worship and with the Christian fellowship.

We need discernment how to apply that wisdom in our own situations.

 

[PloughBoy]

The passage being talked about is 2 Corinthians 6:14 -- to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness . And what communion has light with darkness."

It's Usually used in context with marriage partners. Believers getting together with non-believers. But it can be applied to any close relationship that a believer would have. And close relationships Usually relate To marriage. And marriage doesn't necessarily apply only to 'between the sheets' activity. People who are making decisions with another person Should be on the same page -- would Need to be on the 'same page' in order to move ahead Together.

@PloughBoy -- at times you seem to like to hear your self in print. And you like to make 'digs' at church-going people. And seem to think that you're the only person who reads a text correctly.

Well -- there Are those who Do practice not even having that cup of coffee or a nice walk in a park with anyone But another born again believer. But - in reality - no one wears a sign on them 'I'm a born again believer, I'm 'safe'". Sometimes ya really Do need to take time to get to know someone -- have conversation with them -- share some life with them to find out what they Do believe.

You're sounding like someone who's putting themself in a catagory Other than every one else in this world. Believe it or not -- You're on the Same level as everyone else. You're another human being with faults and strong points like all of us.

On another thread you were LOL at a couple of us who feel you're arrogant. Maybe you Should be taking a step back and realize that That is Not a compliment. Maybe you Need to re-evaluate how you 'sound' in print. You Might be running people Off. As fellow believers -- I trust you are one -- we Should be lifting up each other -- encouraging. You Seem to like to editorialize.

Sorry, but
I have no idea what you are talking about! It seems to me the title thread, fits this conversation. Would you not agree? For your very words has betrayed you. You have have testified plainly by your words, I speak the truth!

Yes, I have also usually heard this in the context of marriage. Admittedly being married would be a context of being "bound together".
But I wonder if this being "mostly" about marriage is an assumption on our part? I'm not 100% sure to be honest.

2Cor 6:14; Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2Cor 6:15; Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?
2Cor 6:16; Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
“I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
2Cor 6:17; “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord.
“And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you.
2Cor 6:18; “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.

Hmmm.. "come out from their midst and be separate". Matt 19:6; and Mark 10:9; say "What God has joined, let no man put asunder". (let no man separate).

Malachi 2:16; For I hate divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says the Lord of hosts. “So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.”

It seems odd to me that God would say not to separate, and that He hates divorce. But then tell people to separate (get a divorce).

"do not touch what is unclean". Is an unbelieving spouse unclean?

1Cor 7:13; And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away.
1Cor 7:14; For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy.

Paul says not to send the "unbelieving" spouse away. He says the unbelieving spouse is "sanctified" through the believing spouse. So they might still be un-saved, but are they "un-clean"?
(If they are still un-clean, does that mean your children are un-clean?)

"And I will be a father to you" ... (Says the Lord). If we stay married to an unbeliever, will God not accept us as children?

I could be wrong here, but it is food for thought.

i like your style, Yes!

 

[Hekuran]

@B-A-C I think there are two things to consider from the scenarios you've given. These come from my understanding of the way Paul advises the Corinthians.

1. will your faith be compromised -- might you be led off the narrow path by either your wife's daughters or the episcopalian shaman
2. the reputation of your faith. Are others likely to be confused or compromised in their faith by your example?

On the direct interpretation of 2 Corinthians 6, the place to draw the line is when you are invited to use the Buddhist prayer wheel or to participate in Shamanic ceremony.

 

[PloughBoy]

My wife has been a Christian since long before I ever met her.
But she had children before I met her. (Her first husband died of MS)

Her oldest daughter is married to a man. They have children. Although I am not biological their grandfather, they call me "poppa Ray".
I have asked her husband about God/Jesus and eternity. He describes himself as "semi-Roman Catholic". Neither have been to church (of any kind) in several years.
I was wondering what "semi-Roman Catholic" meant, but one day they had a birthday party for the kids (their birthdays are just a few weeks apart). It was a backyard BBQ
type thing with about a dozen people or so there. It seems one of the gifts was too large and heavy to be brought to their house. We were invited to the "in-laws" house.
They were nice people, very friendly..

The gift was a pony, they had to keep in their pasture, but it now belonged to their grandkids. They could come over and ride it whenever they wanted to.
(Because of this, the grandkids seem to sway towards the other grandparents more often than they visit us, yes there might be a little jealousy)

All of this is fine... but... (it seems there is always a "but")

When we entered their house, their was a very large wooden statue of Mary holding baby Jesus. This was somewhat expected as their Son professed to be Roman Catholic.
This statue was 4 or 5 feet tall, in a prominent place in the living room. There was also a large wooden Buddha statue. (I was told they paid over $1,000.00(US) for it.
There was also a smaller (copper or bronze?) statue of Vishnu. Inevitably the discussion comes around to religious beliefs.

They say they were raised Roman Catholic. But now-a-days they are more "diversified" in their religious views. They still believe in Jesus and Mary (to an extent)
but they also believe that Hinduism, and Buddhism "may" be the answer as well. They don't believe these religions conflict with one another. "Besides, if one of them
is wrong, I'm still covered by the others".

They want us to be friends with them. The up-side is we would probably see the grand-kids more.

Do not be yoked.. "bound together"... Hmmm... although in their minds, they would say they are believers. Where do we draw the line?

Situation #2.
I attend a men's Bible study breakfast every Saturday morning for a few years now. Most of the men who come are from our church, but a few are not.
It isn't a hard and fast rule that you have to belong to our church in order to come. I usually have between 30 and 40 show up every week. I will likely have
to break it up into smaller groups very soon. One of the men who almost always shows up is an Episcopalian Priest, that's all I knew about him for along
time (although he is OK with homosexual relationships, and is willing to marry them). Come to find out a year later or so, he is also a native American indian
shaman. (Witch doctor, medicine man, spiritual leader) of one of the local Indian tribes.

Again, he doesn't believe these two religious conflict with each other. He wants me to be friends with him. He has invited me to his house, so far I have politely resisted.
But I am running out of excuses.

Do not be yoked... All of the people mentioned in the two situation above would say they are Christians. They would all say they believe in Jesus.

If this was you, where would you draw the line?

You know the answer, if you are bold Enough to stand up to me, for the word of God sake! Hello

 

[B-A-C]

1. will your faith be compromised -- might you be led off the narrow path by either your wife's daughters or the episcopalian shaman
2. the reputation of your faith. Are others likely to be confused or compromised in their faith by your example?

In respect to #1.
Anyone who has debated me here on TalkJesus over the last 12 years or so, knows I am a stubborn old dog, set in my ways... Its not impossible to change my opinion, it has happened a few times.
But it's pretty difficult.

In respect to #2. I do believe it would affect how other perceive me and Christianity.
This comes close to 1 Thes 5:22 for me. Probably Rom 14:15-16; as well.

On the direct interpretation of 2 Corinthians 6, the place to draw the line is when you are invited to use the Buddhist prayer wheel or to participate in Shamanic ceremony.

Ya think?

 

[B-A-C]

You know the answer, if you are bold Enough to stand up to me, for the word of God sake! Hello

Yes, old and stubborn.

I have mostly decided what I will do about all this, but I threw the situations out there to see what others had to say. Often they have some good ideas.

 

[PloughBoy]

I would ask what they believe About Jesus. And on what basis do they believe they Are Christian. I'd wonder what is attracting him to your men's Bible study breakfast? Does he want to engage in conversation? This world -- our neighborhood Is a mission field of sorts. If he asks you to do something that you don't believe in -- share with him Why you don't. You're not really 'yoking' -- you're being presented with opportunities to Share.

In that first scenario -- a lady I'd known a long time ago -- she and her husband are believers. They have several grown children With children. But the one daughter is a lesbian and is married and she has been the 'mother' of their children. The 'wife' knows that her wife's mother does Not approve of their relationship and she Also knows she wants to be able to have relationship with her grandkids. So when my friend is over to the house to see the grandkids, she leaves. So -- when she is with those grandkids, she reads them Bible stories - plays games - does the grandmotherly things with them. She also tries to keep a good relationship with her lesbian daughter. Over time -- years - her daughter has been observing / asking questions and is more open to sharing. The lady that I know Also said that if the kids were by the lesbian partner, she would Not have any interest in them. But because her daughter gave birth to them, they are her grandkids.

So -- drawing a line?! Sometimes ya Don't. As things are brought up that you don't agree with -- share in a friendly manner what you Do believe. Not stating why they are Wrong but what God's Word Does teach.

In that first scenario with the pony -- if you have the opportunity -- offer to take them over to see the pony yourself.

And learn more about ponies and learn more about those particular religious belief systems. Be able to have a conversation with them. Be praying for opportunities To share Christ with them. But also be willing to Listen to what they Do believe.

You said:
I'd wonder what is attracting him to your men's Bible study breakfast? Does he want to engage in conversation.

Hello, he is seeking out “converts”. “He is “Leaven”! Wake up “Sons of God”!

He’s a weed! “Don’t even let him come into your house”!

you do not offer him “Tea cakes and coffee”! Before you know it you will be drinking “Kool-Aid”. Chase that “hood rat” away! And bid him not God Speed! Unless you be partakers of his sins!

 

[B-A-C]

Hello, he is seeking out “converts”. “He is “Leaven”! Wake up “Sons of Gods”!

He’s a weed! “Don’t even let him come into your house”!

I know you addressed this to Sue, and I won't presume to speak for her.

In this case you may be right, I suspect he is looking for converts.
But should we do this in every case? The knife cuts both ways.

A long time ago.. (in a galaxy far away)...
Some Mormons came to my house. Obviously to share their faith with me. They had their "elder" badges on, and the Book of Mormon with them.
They made no pretense about why they were here. They offered to "mow my grass" or do some small chores to help me out. I give them credit for the way they evangelize.
So I invited them in, we talked about Jesus for a little while. Eventually we got around to some of the differences between "the Mormon Jesus" and "the Jesus of the Bible".
They had never heard this before. They were there less than 30 minutes, but when it was time to leave they asked if they could pray for me.

Sometimes I feel a little prickling behind my ears... a still small voice as it were. I was about to say no.
But I told them, they could with one small stipulation. That they specifically say "the Jesus of the Bible". It may sound like an odd request, but they were willing to do it.
Once or twice during the prayer, they mentioned Jesus. I corrected them, and they added the words I asked them to.

They kept coming back, over the next few months. We continued to talk about Jesus from a Bible perspective. Eventually they agreed with me. They left the Mormon church.
They got saved and got pretty involved as leaders in the church I was going to at the time. We became good friends.

Now maybe it was the Holy Spirit here. But something told me, that even though they wanted to witness to me, they were still looking for answers themselves.
They were young guys, in their 20's at the time.

With the Episcopalian Witch Doctor, I've been around him long enough to know... he isn't looking for any answers. He thinks he has them all.
He is older than me, and I'm old as dirt.

For some reason, the Mormons quit knocking on my door after that. (at least until I moved).

We are called to share the gospel, I suppose sometimes even to those who think they already have it. Like someone above said, sometimes it's difficult to know which is which.

 

[Sue D.]

It can get very old when you're in the midst of it.

Possibly just trying to see how you react to getting your buttons' pushed. Like the sharia law for instance. So -- like -- at what point do you simply turn and walk away. Drawing the line as you called it. Probably their body language - tone of voice -- they are maybe testing you to see how 'strong' you really Are in your beliefs. And, yes, they are more interested in converting You than in listening to anything you say. But -- as long as you use God's Word -- the Holy Spirit Can use that.

 

[Brad Huber]

That's pretty much were it's been for the last 6 or 7 years. We respect each other, we are cordial to each other, say hello when we meet. They know where I stand, they don't argue the Bible with me,
they just believe God (whichever god is the "real god") is OK with it all. They say I am a little too legalistic in my "No man comes to the Father except by...." theology.

It's been my experience, they don't want to be "converted" to the truth. They would rather convert me. They are of course pretty liberal.
They support abortion, homosexual relationships (they have a gay son), and say they would even be willing to support Muslim Sharia law. (Another god to cover my bases, I guess)

Sounds a lot like the jews under the many kings following Solomon. They tried to please all the Gods, both the real one and the false ones. I would go when the chance allows you to spend time with the kids, otherwise, I would not.

 

[Sue D.]

I know you addressed this to Sue, and I won't presume to speak for her.

In this case you may be right, I suspect he is looking for converts.
But should we do this in every case? The knife cuts both ways.

A long time ago.. (in a galaxy far away)...
Some Mormons came to my house. Obviously to share their faith with me. They had their "elder" badges on, and the Book of Mormon with them.
They made no pretense about why they were here. They offered to "mow my grass" or do some small chores to help me out. I give them credit for the way they evangelize.
So I invited them in, we talked about Jesus for a little while. Eventually we got around to some of the differences between "the Mormon Jesus" and "the Jesus of the Bible".
They had never heard this before. They were there less than 30 minutes, but when it was time to leave they asked if they could pray for me.

Sometimes I feel a little prickling behind my ears... a still small voice as it were. I was about to say no.
But I told them, they could with one small stipulation. That they specifically say "the Jesus of the Bible". It may sound like an odd request, but they were willing to do it.
Once or twice during the prayer, they mentioned Jesus. I corrected them, and they added the words I asked them to.

They kept coming back, over the next few months. We continued to talk about Jesus from a Bible perspective. Eventually they agreed with me. They left the Mormon church.
They got saved and got pretty involved as leaders in the church I was going to at the time. We became good friends.

Now maybe it was the Holy Spirit here. But something told me, that even though they wanted to witness to me, they were still looking for answers themselves.
They were young guys, in their 20's at the time.

With the Episcopalian Witch Doctor, I've been around him long enough to know... he isn't looking for any answers. He thinks he has them all.
He is older than me, and I'm old as dirt.

For some reason, the Mormons quit knocking on my door after that. (at least until I moved).

We are called to share the gospel, I suppose sometimes even to those who think they already have it. Like someone above said, sometimes it's difficult to know which is which.

Actually -- Everyone is looking for converts to their belief system because everyone believes that Their belief is the Correct one. But we Still need to take time to share when the opportunity presents itself. Like the two Mormon men -- they didn't come to your house with the intentions of learning about 'your Jesus'. But they Did. And so ya never know about the Shaman priest guy. Ya never know what's going to reach him. And, yes , it Is the Holy Spirit at work. He always Is.

We share as long as they are willing to listen. Ya never know who's listening 'around the corner'.

 

[Brother-Paul]

My wife has been a Christian since long before I ever met her.
But she had children before I met her. (Her first husband died of MS)

Her oldest daughter is married to a man. They have children. Although I am not biological their grandfather, they call me "poppa Ray".
I have asked her husband about God/Jesus and eternity. He describes himself as "semi-Roman Catholic". Neither have been to church (of any kind) in several years.
I was wondering what "semi-Roman Catholic" meant, but one day they had a birthday party for the kids (their birthdays are just a few weeks apart). It was a backyard BBQ
type thing with about a dozen people or so there. It seems one of the gifts was too large and heavy to be brought to their house. We were invited to the "in-laws" house.
They were nice people, very friendly..

The gift was a pony, they had to keep in their pasture, but it now belonged to their grandkids. They could come over and ride it whenever they wanted to.
(Because of this, the grandkids seem to sway towards the other grandparents more often than they visit us, yes there might be a little jealousy)

All of this is fine... but... (it seems there is always a "but")

When we entered their house, their was a very large wooden statue of Mary holding baby Jesus. This was somewhat expected as their Son professed to be Roman Catholic.
This statue was 4 or 5 feet tall, in a prominent place in the living room. There was also a large wooden Buddha statue. (I was told they paid over $1,000.00(US) for it.
There was also a smaller (copper or bronze?) statue of Vishnu. Inevitably the discussion comes around to religious beliefs.

They say they were raised Roman Catholic. But now-a-days they are more "diversified" in their religious views. They still believe in Jesus and Mary (to an extent)
but they also believe that Hinduism, and Buddhism "may" be the answer as well. They don't believe these religions conflict with one another. "Besides, if one of them
is wrong, I'm still covered by the others".

They want us to be friends with them. The up-side is we would probably see the grand-kids more.

Do not be yoked.. "bound together"... Hmmm... although in their minds, they would say they are believers. Where do we draw the line?

Situation #2.
I attend a men's Bible study breakfast every Saturday morning for a few years now. Most of the men who come are from our church, but a few are not.
It isn't a hard and fast rule that you have to belong to our church in order to come. I usually have between 30 and 40 show up every week. I will likely have
to break it up into smaller groups very soon. One of the men who almost always shows up is an Episcopalian Priest, that's all I knew about him for along
time (although he is OK with homosexual relationships, and is willing to marry them). Come to find out a year later or so, he is also a native American indian
shaman. (Witch doctor, medicine man, spiritual leader) of one of the local Indian tribes.

Again, he doesn't believe these two religious conflict with each other. He wants me to be friends with him. He has invited me to his house, so far I have politely resisted.
But I am running out of excuses.

Do not be yoked... All of the people mentioned in the two situation above would say they are Christians. They would all say they believe in Jesus.

If this was you, where would you draw the line?

Do not be yoked brother, and the line is in The Word my friend, not in sand.

 

[Brother-Paul]

In respect to #1.
Anyone who has debated me here on TalkJesus over the last 12 years or so, knows I am a stubborn old dog, set in my ways... Its not impossible to change my opinion, it has happened a few times.
But it's pretty difficult.

In respect to #2. I do believe it would affect how other perceive me and Christianity.
This comes close to 1 Thes 5:22 for me. Probably Rom 14:15-16; as well.

Ya think?

It is difficult brother, did Jesus say it wouldn't be? Nope.

I have two sons and a daughter I never see, due to my faith in Christ Jesus, one son when leaving school, in my earth faith, called me a Hebrew buddha fuddy duddy, I wonder what they are taught at school.

I never see them, it is sad, it does hurt but, they will never stop me praying for their salvation brother.

Bless you

 

[PloughBoy]

I know you addressed this to Sue, and I won't presume to speak for her.

In this case you may be right, I suspect he is looking for converts.
But should we do this in every case? The knife cuts both ways.

A long time ago.. (in a galaxy far away)...
Some Mormons came to my house. Obviously to share their faith with me. They had their "elder" badges on, and the Book of Mormon with them.
They made no pretense about why they were here. They offered to "mow my grass" or do some small chores to help me out. I give them credit for the way they evangelize.
So I invited them in, we talked about Jesus for a little while. Eventually we got around to some of the differences between "the Mormon Jesus" and "the Jesus of the Bible".
They had never heard this before. They were there less than 30 minutes, but when it was time to leave they asked if they could pray for me.

Sometimes I feel a little prickling behind my ears... a still small voice as it were. I was about to say no.
But I told them, they could with one small stipulation. That they specifically say "the Jesus of the Bible". It may sound like an odd request, but they were willing to do it.
Once or twice during the prayer, they mentioned Jesus. I corrected them, and they added the words I asked them to.

They kept coming back, over the next few months. We continued to talk about Jesus from a Bible perspective. Eventually they agreed with me. They left the Mormon church.
They got saved and got pretty involved as leaders in the church I was going to at the time. We became good friends.

Now maybe it was the Holy Spirit here. But something told me, that even though they wanted to witness to me, they were still looking for answers themselves.
They were young guys, in their 20's at the time.

With the Episcopalian Witch Doctor, I've been around him long enough to know... he isn't looking for any answers. He thinks he has them all.
He is older than me, and I'm old as dirt.

For some reason, the Mormons quit knocking on my door after that. (at least until I moved).

We are called to share the gospel, I suppose sometimes even to those who think they already have it. Like someone above said, sometimes it's difficult to know which is which.

I will leave this one alone into the hands of maturity. But to all else "to obey is better than sacrifice". "Trust in the Word of God and lean not unto thy own understanding". And be "wise as a serpent and harmless as a Dove". Serpents are cunning. You play around with "Serpents" especially "Vipers" you might get hurt! Stay away if you do not know the difference!