What Do Non-Christians Really Think of Us? - Article

[Angelina]

What Do Non-Christians Really Think of Us?
By Thom S. Rainer , Christian Post Contributor June 15, 2013|1:06 pm
When my son was just 6, the boys down the street told him he was not allowed to play with them because he wasn't a Christian. I went down to see what was going on (because my 4-yr-old daughter was going to go down there and teach those boys a lesson!) and I confirmed that what my son had reported was indeed what they'd said. And the mother of one was right out in the front yard, 25 feet from me, pretending to be very focused on trimming some plants. She never said a word.
Finally, the 6-yr-old girl across the street told my kids, ages 7 and 9, that if they weren't Christians, they would be going to hell. She certainly learned the "Good News". And you Christians wonder why we non-Christians avoid you?? HINT: It's not because we're intimidated by your awesomeness and are just sitting here, pining for you, wishing you would like us. We already know you don't.
http://global.christianpost.com/news/what-do-non-christians-really-think-of-us-98064/

There's some very good observations in this article....and well worth the read!

 

[JB_Reformed Baptist]

What Do Non-Christians Really Think of Us?
By Thom S. Rainer , Christian Post Contributor June 15, 2013|1:06 pm
When my son was just 6, the boys down the street told him he was not allowed to play with them because he wasn't a Christian. I went down to see what was going on (because my 4-yr-old daughter was going to go down there and teach those boys a lesson!) and I confirmed that what my son had reported was indeed what they'd said. And the mother of one was right out in the front yard, 25 feet from me, pretending to be very focused on trimming some plants. She never said a word.
Finally, the 6-yr-old girl across the street told my kids, ages 7 and 9, that if they weren't Christians, they would be going to hell. She certainly learned the "Good News". And you Christians wonder why we non-Christians avoid you?? HINT: It's not because we're intimidated by your awesomeness and are just sitting here, pining for you, wishing you would like us. We already know you don't.
http://global.christianpost.com/news/what-do-non-christians-really-think-of-us-98064/

There's some very good observations in this article....and well worth the read!

A Call to Separation​

Arthur W. Pink​

​

​

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Cor. 6:14-18) This passage gives utterance to a Divine exhortation for those belonging to Christ to hold aloof from all intimate associations with the ungodly. It expressly forbids them entering into alliances with the unconverted. It definitely prohibits the children of God walking arm-in-arm with worldlings. It is an admonition applying to every phase and department of our lives—religious, domestic, social, commercial. And never, perhaps, was there a time when it more needed pressing on Christians than now. The days in which we are living are marked by the spirit of compromise. On every side we behold unholy mixtures, ungodly alliances, unequal yokes. Many professing Christians appear to be trying how near to the world they may walk and yet go to Heaven.

"Be ye not unequally yoked together." This is a call to godly separation. In each dispensation this Divine demand has been made. To Abraham Jehovah's peremptory word was, "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house." To Israel He said, "After the doings of the land of Egypt wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do; neither shall ye walk in their ordinances." (Lev. 18:3) And again, "Ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation which I cast out before you." (Lev. 20:23) It was for their disregard of these very prohibitions that Israel brought down upon themselves such severe chastisements.
At the beginning of the New Testament we are shown the forerunner of Christ standing outside the organized Judaism of his day, calling on men to flee from the wrath to come. The Savior announced that, "He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out." (John 10:3) On the day of Pentecost the word to believers was, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." (Acts 2:40) Later, to the Christian Hebrews Paul wrote, "Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp." (13:13) God's call to His people in Babylon is, "Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." (Rev. 18:4)

"Be ye not unequally yoked together." This is God's word unto His people today. Nor does it stand alone. In Rom. 16:17 it is said, "Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them." In 2 Tim 2:20 we read, "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he sball be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use." 2 Tim. 3:5 speaks of those "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof," then it is added, "from such turn away." What a word is that in 2 Thess. 3:14, "If any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him." How radical is the admonition of 1 Cor. 5:11, "Now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner: with such an one no, not to eat."

"Be ye not unequally yoked together." We are fully persuaded that it is disregard of this commandment, for command it is, which is largely responsible for the low state which now obtains so generally among Christians, both individually and corporately. No wonder the spiritual pulse of many churches beats so feebly. No wonder their prayer-meetings are so thinly attended; Christians who are unequally yoked have no heart for prayer. Disobedience at this point is a certain preventative to real and whole-hearted devotion to Christ. No one can be an unshackled follower of the Lord Jesus who is, in any way, "yoked" to His enemies. He may be a truly saved person, but the testimony of his life, the witness his walk, will not honor and glorify Christ.

"Be ye not unequally yoked together." This applies first to our religious or ecclesiastical connections. How many Christians are members of so-called "churches," where much is going on which they know is at direct variance with the Word of God—either the teaching from the pulpit, the worldly attractions used to draw the ungodly, and the worldly methods employed to finance it or the constant receiving into its membership of those who give no evidence of having been born again. Believers in Christ who remain in such "churches" (?) are dishonoring their Lord. Should they answer: "Practically all the churches are the same, and were we to resign, what could we do? We must go somewhere on Sundays," such language would show they are putting their own interests before the glory of Christ. Better stay at home and read God's Word, than fellowship that which His Word condemns.

"Be ye not unequally yoked together." This applies to membership in Secret Orders. A "yoke" is that which unites. Those who belong to a "lodge" are united in solemn oath and covenant with their "brother" members. Many of their fellow-members give no evidence of being born again. They may believe in a "Supreme Being,"but what love have they for God's Word? what is their relation to God's Son? "Can two walk together except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3) Can those who owe their all to Christ, both for time and eternity, have fellowship with those who "despise and reject" Him? Let any Christian reader who is thus unequally yoked get from under it without delay.

"Be ye not unequally yoked together." This applies to marriage. There are but two families in this world: the children of God, and the children of the devil. (1 John 3:10) If, then, a daughter of God marries a son of the evil one, she becomes a daughter-in-law to Satan! If a son of God marries a daughter of Satan, he becomes a son-in-law to the devil! By such an infamous step an affinity is formed between one belonging to the Most High and one belonging to His archenemy. "Strong language!" Yes, but not too strong. And oh the bitter reaping from such a Sowing. In every case it is the poor Christian who suffers. Read the inspired histories of Samson, Solomon, and Ahab, and see what followed their unholy alliances in wedlock. As well might an athlete, who attached to himself a heavy weight, expect to win a race, as a Christian to progress spiritually by marrying a worldling. Oh what watchfulness in prayer is needed in the regulation of our affections!

"Be ye not unequally yoked together." This applies to business partnerships. Disobedience at this point has wrecked many a Christian's testimony and pierced him through with many sorrows. Whatever may be gained of this world by seeking its avenues to wealth and social prestige, will but poorly compensate for the loss of fellowhip with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Read Prov. 1:10-14. The path which the disciple of Christ is called to tread is a narrow one, and if he leaves it for a wider road, it will mean severe chastenings, heartbreaking losses, and perhaps the forfeiting the the Savior's "Well done" at the end of the journey.

We are to hate even the "garment"—figure of our habits and ways—spotted by the flesh (Jude 23), and are to keep ourselves "unspotted from the world." (James 1:27) What a searching and sweeping word is that in 2 Cor. 7:1, "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, prefecting holiness in the fear of God." If any occupation or association is found to hinder our communion with God or our enjoyment of spiritual things, then it must be abandoned. Beware of "leprosy" in the garment. (Lev. 13:47) Anything in my habits or ways which mars happy fellowship with the brethren or robs me of power in service, is to be unsparingly judged and made an end of—"burned." (Lev. 13:52) Whatever I cannot do for God's glory must be avoided.

"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?" How explicit and emphatic are the terms used there! No excuse whatever is there for failing to understand the terms of this exhortation, and the reason with which it is supported.

"Fellowship, communion, concord, part, agreement" are so plain they require no interpreter. All unions, alliances, partnerships, entanglements, with unbelievers are expressly forbidden to the Christian. It is impossible to find within the whole range of Holy Scripture plainer language on any subject than we have here. "Righteousness, unrighteousness; light, darkness; Christ, Belial—what have they in common? What bond is there between them?

The contrasts presented are very pointed and searching. "Righteousness" is right doing; "unrighteousness" is wrong doing. The unerring and only standard of right doing is "the Word of Righteousness." (Heb. 5:13) By this alone is the Christian's life and walk to be regulated.

But the worldling disregards and defies it. Then what "fellowship" can there be between one who is in subjection to God's Word with one who is not? "Light" and "darkness." God is light (1 John 1:5) and His saints are "the children of light." (Luke 16:8) But the children of the Wicked One are "darkness." (Eph. 5:8) What communion, then, can there be between members of families so dissimilar? "Christ" and "Belial"—what concord can there be between one to whom Christ is everything, and one who despises and rejects Him?

"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." How blessed is this! First, we have the exhortation given, "Be ye not unequally yoked together"; second, the reason adduced, "for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?"; third, the inducement proffered. This is a divine promise, and it is striking to note it is a sevenfold one: 1) "I will dwell in them," 2) "and walk in them," 3) "And I will be their God," 4) "And they shall be My people," 5) "And I will receive you," 6) "And will be a Father unto you," 7) "And ye shall be My sons and daughters."

"I will dwell in them," is fellowship; "and walk in them," is companionship; "and I will be their God," is relationship. First, in them, then for them; and "if God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31) "And they shall be My people," is ownership, acknowledged as His. "And I will receive you," means being brought to the place of experimental and conscious nearness to God. "And will be a Father unto you" means "I will manifest Myself to you in this character, impart to your hearts all the joys of such." "And ye shall be My sons and daughters" means, that such godly separation from the world will afford demonstration that we are His "sons and daughters." Compare Matt. 5:44.

"Saith the Lord Almighty." This is the only time the divine title "Almighty" is found in all the twenty-one Epistles of the New Testament! It seems to be brought in here for the purpose of emphasizing the sufficiency of our Resource. As another has said, "Let any Christian act on the Command of separation given in 2 Cor. 6:14-17, and he will find his path so beset with difficulties and so tending to arouse the hostility of all, that if his eyes are not kept fixed on the Almighty God who has thus called him out, he will surely have a breakdown."

But let it be noted that these promises are conditional, conditional on obeying the preceding exhortations. Yet if the heart lays hold of this blessed inducement, then obedience to the command will be easy and pleasant.

 

[aspen]

Great article Angelina!

Jesus did not consider associating with sinners as being 'unequally yoked'. This attitude is just an excuse to be exclusive and is viewed by nonchristians as snobbery.

 

[Angelina]

Amen aspen!
Great observation! I think so too...

Jesus prays to the Father

John 17
13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

1 Corinthians 5
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.
12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

 

[JB_Reformed Baptist]

Great article Angelina!

Jesus did not consider associating with sinners as being 'unequally yoked'. This attitude is just an excuse to be exclusive and is viewed by nonchristians as snobbery.

Rubbish. In the above posted that isn't what is being advocated.

1Co 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

pantōs
pan'-toce
From G3956; entirely; specifically at all events, (with negative following) in no event: - by all means, altogether, at all, needs, no doubt, in [no] wise, surely.

The question is when & how is it acceptable to associate with the unbelieving world?

... the apostle's sense is, that his former prohibition of keeping company with fornicators was not to be understood as referring to such persons as were, out of the church, as if no sort of civil conversation and commerce were to be had... . John Gill

But I did not mean that you should altogether refrain from conversing with heathens, though they are guilty in some of these respects. Covetous, rapacious, idolaters - Sinners against themselves, their neighbour, God. For then ye must go out of the world - Then all civil commerce must cease. So that going out of the world, which some account a perfection, St. Paul accounts an utter absurdity. Wesley

 

[Angelina]

I think the article is a good example of how we come across to non believers...If we desire to lead people to Christ, we need to first care about the people that are the focus of our ministry and not just view them as another notch in the belt as some evangelists and ministries do...this goes for all believers who have an opportunity to share the gospel that leads to Christ's saving grace... JMHO

 

[aspen]

Rubbish. In the above posted that isn't what is being advocated.

1Co 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

pantōs
pan'-toce
From G3956; entirely; specifically at all events, (with negative following) in no event: - by all means, altogether, at all, needs, no doubt, in [no] wise, surely.

The question is when & how is it acceptable to associate with the unbelieving world?

... the apostle's sense is, that his former prohibition of keeping company with fornicators was not to be understood as referring to such persons as were, out of the church, as if no sort of civil conversation and commerce were to be had... . John Gill

But I did not mean that you should altogether refrain from conversing with heathens, though they are guilty in some of these respects. Covetous, rapacious, idolaters - Sinners against themselves, their neighbour, God. For then ye must go out of the world - Then all civil commerce must cease. So that going out of the world, which some account a perfection, St. Paul accounts an utter absurdity. Wesley

Poppycock!

Jesus didn't give us instruction on how to associate with sinners - We are supposed to follow His example, which included some pretty shocking associations like eating with tax collectors and allow prostitutes to anoint His body with oil. He went against the religious norms of the day and was called out by the leaders for His scandalous associations - sometimes it takes radical and unconditional love to build relationships with the lost. Only a real and deep relationship with people witnesses our real and deep saving relationship with Christ.

 

[JB_Reformed Baptist]

Poppycock!

Jesus didn't give us instruction on how to associate with sinners - We are supposed to follow His example, which included some pretty shocking associations like eating with tax collectors and allow prostitutes to anoint His body with oil. He went against the religious norms of the day and was called out by the leaders for His scandalous associations - sometimes it takes radical and unconditional love to build relationships with the lost. Only a real and deep relationship with people witnesses our real and deep saving relationship with Christ.

As Ang alluded too. For the purpose of ministry, reaching out to the lost with the light of Jesus. This is the ONLY context Jesus did this. It's wasn't making friends with the world at all. That's a social/humanistic gospel, devoid of any Godly wisdom.

Not befriending so-called unsaved and building bridges. LOL The ONLY one who's going to be reached is the ignorant person(christian) who thinks light has something in common with darkness.

 

[aspen]

When are we not witnessing God? Witnessing is not a day job we come home from - why are you compartmentalizing it? Jesus was witnessing His Father all the time, even with His closest friends, the disciples.

 

[Rex]

Yep there's quite a large number of false sheep calling themselves christian in the USA today.
It's because of them controversial laws are enacted to keep the nut jobs from starting a religious war in the US.
They have already managed to start a war on religion.
Such is the case in point with the OP

 

[Niki]

I think the article is a good example of how we come across to non believers...If we desire to lead people to Christ, we need to first care about the people that are the focus of our ministry and not just view them as another notch in the belt as some evangelists and ministries do...this goes for all believers who have an opportunity to share the gospel that leads to Christ's saving grace... JMHO

Jesus did not consider associating with sinners as being 'unequally yoked'. This attitude is just an excuse to be exclusive and is viewed by nonchristians as snobbery

.

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Cor. 6:14-18) This passage gives utterance to a Divine exhortation for those belonging to Christ to hold aloof from all intimate associations with the ungodly. It expressly forbids them entering into alliances with the unconverted. It definitely prohibits the children of God walking arm-in-arm with worldlings. It is an admonition applying to every phase and department of our lives—religious, domestic, social, commercial. And never, perhaps, was there a time when it more needed pressing on Christians than now. The days in which we are living are marked by the spirit of compromise. On every side we behold unholy mixtures, ungodly alliances, unequal yokes. Many professing Christians appear to be trying how near to the world they may walk and yet go to Heaven.

and then we have rubbish and poppycock.

and yet the Psalms say that if we make our bed in hell, God is there...among the heroin users, with needle tracks up their arms, among the whores who don't even feel human anymore,
among the homeless who smell of the streets they sleep on, among the children who see their mother sleep with men who are not their father, and yet not among the religious
hypocrites who judge everyone else and use scripture like a weapon and think it's ok to hit others over the head with the truth

Love covers a mutlitude of sins and God, while the Only One who is good, is merciful and longsuffering and not willing that any should perish.

But oh my goodness...for some reason, after reading some parts of this thread, I am reminded of long robes with bells and pomegranites and segregation
even though the veil was torn from top to bottom.

I guess if the only way a person can keep themself from sin is by locking themself in the cupboard, burying their treasure so to speak, then well, blow out the candle and pray
the bogeyman doesn't find you.

 

[JB_Reformed Baptist]

.


and then we have rubbish and poppycock.

and yet the Psalms say that if we make our bed in hell, God is there...among the heroin users, with needle tracks up their arms, among the whores who don't even feel human anymore,
among the homeless who smell of the streets they sleep on, among the children who see their mother sleep with men who are not their father, and yet not among the religious
hypocrites who judge everyone else and use scripture like a weapon and think it's ok to hit others over the head with the truth

Love covers a mutlitude of sins and God, while the Only One who is good, is merciful and longsuffering and not willing that any should perish.

But oh my goodness...for some reason, after reading some parts of this thread, I am reminded of long robes with bells and pomegranites and segregation
even though the veil was torn from top to bottom.

I guess if the only way a person can keep themself from sin is by locking themself in the cupboard, burying their treasure so to speak, then well, blow out the candle and pray
the bogeyman doesn't find you.

LOL :lol: Why don't you really share what you think.

When are we not witnessing God? Witnessing is not a day job we come home from - why are you compartmentalizing it? Jesus was witnessing His Father all the time, even with His closest friends, the disciples.

The Christians(elect) are always a light and the salt of the earth. That's called a testimony to the sovereignty and holiness of God and accompanies good deeds.. It sometimes enlightens as to lead to salvation but most will judge them. Witnessing/evangelizing, you really have to wag that tongue a little bit, or else you fall into the other category. B)

 

[Angelina]

The Christians(elect) are always a light and the salt of the earth.

Well they certainly were not light and salt in this article...in fact they come across like little self-righteous, over-bearing, prudes...JMHO

 

[JB_Reformed Baptist]

Well they certainly were not light and salt in this article...in fact they come across like little self-righteous, over-bearing, prudes...JMHO

Funny how the so-called christian runs to the side of the children of darkness. Maybe because their more holy than GOD. B) JMHO

 

[aspen]

.



and then we have rubbish and poppycock.

and yet the Psalms say that if we make our bed in hell, God is there...among the heroin users, with needle tracks up their arms, among the whores who don't even feel human anymore,
among the homeless who smell of the streets they sleep on, among the children who see their mother sleep with men who are not their father, and yet not among the religious
hypocrites who judge everyone else and use scripture like a weapon and think it's ok to hit others over the head with the truth

Love covers a mutlitude of sins and God, while the Only One who is good, is merciful and longsuffering and not willing that any should perish.

But oh my goodness...for some reason, after reading some parts of this thread, I am reminded of long robes with bells and pomegranites and segregation
even though the veil was torn from top to bottom.

I guess if the only way a person can keep themself from sin is by locking themself in the cupboard, burying their treasure so to speak, then well, blow out the candle and pray
the bogeyman doesn't find you.

Poppycock!!!!

Um actually, I agree with everything you said.

LOL :lol: Why don't you really share what you think.


The Christians(elect) are always a light and the salt of the earth. That's called a testimony to the sovereignty and holiness of God and accompanies good deeds.. It sometimes enlightens as to lead to salvation but most will judge them. Witnessing/evangelizing, you really have to wag that tongue a little bit, or else you fall into the other category. B)

Well, believing that some are created for heaven and the majority created for Hell would put a damper on witnessing - why bother?

 

[Angelina]

Funny how the so-called christian runs to the side of the children of darkness. Maybe because their more holy than GOD.

..or perhaps it is because many non-believing parents have been saved through the relationships their children have with other christian kids. It begins with friendships and then they want to go to Sunday School too - and it grows from there...The Church I have been going to, now has a minivan to pick all the non-christian kids up

 

[JB_Reformed Baptist]

Well, believing that some are created for heaven and the majority created for Hell would put a damper on witnessing - why bother?

Rhetorical question, but I will answer. Why? Because we don't know who is who until they respond to the socializing; I mean the gospel call. B)

 

[aspen]

Rhetorical question, but I will answer. Why? Because we don't know who is who until they respond to the socializing; I mean the gospel call. B)

Who cares? Everyone is sorted already.

 

[JB_Reformed Baptist]

Who cares? Everyone is sorted already.

TRUE! I'm glad you can see it. A little scripture to make your day. B)


For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Rom 10:13-16

 

[aspen]

TRUE! I'm glad you can see it. A little scripture to make your day. B)


For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Rom 10:13-16

And so......

Who cares? Witnessing is a waste of your time and an annoyance to the goats.