U1A9A@WVNVM (Bernice Tennant) (02/28/90)
Comments-of: "Bernice Tennant" <U1A9A@WVNVM>
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"Bernice Tennant" <U1A9A@WVNVM>
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Earlier on the list I sent a post containing scripture on 1 Cor. 9:19-23. I
somehow forgot to say why. A good brother has reminded me. What I was trying
to say was this. Paul was speaking of being a servant to the non-Christian so
that they might be willing to listen to him and turn to Christ. 19-For though
I am FREE from all men,I have made myself a servant to all,that I might win the
more; 20-and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who
are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the
law; 20(The Living Bible) When I am with the Jews I seem as one of them so that
they will listen to the Gospel and I can win them to Christ. When I am with
Gentiles who follow Jewish customs and ceremonies, I don't argue, even though I
don't agree,because I want to help them. 21-(B.G.C.E.) to those who are without
law, as without law (not being without law to God, but under law to Christ),
that I might win those who are without law; 21(Liv. Bib.) When with the heathen
I agree with them as much as I can, except of course that I must always do what
is right as a Christian. And so, by agreeing, I can win their confidence and
help them too.
Now in II Cor. it would seem that he's telling another story. I think
there is good reason though. My reasoning might not be yours. Sooooooooooo I
wanted to discuss it. But there is alot going on now on the list and I thought
it too busy to get into too many issues at once. But here goes. II Cor. 14 Do
not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has
righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?
15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has he who believes
with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?
For you are the temple of the living God.
Notice in I Cor. Paul made an exception to how far he would go to be
agreeable with the heathen. "I must always do what is right as a Christian."
I think that if we are sincere Christians, we can be called to witness in an
agreeable manner with the non-Christian. I think we can associate with them
and show them love and listen to them and not blow up even when we disagree
just as Paul told to the Corinthians. Not everyone is called to do this though
( my opinion) for it hurts them too much to see others do injustice to Christ.
This is not a bad thing. It is good that these people love Christ that much.
They are a good testimony for Christ. They should not try to do as Paul did
though. If they can't become weak to win the weak then they should not harm
their grace by trying to do so. This is only what experience tells me. I'm
putting on my flame retardant in case this offends someone. I welcome your
opinions or flames. I await my fate.
Love,Bernice