"What Do you know?...

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GRACE ambassador

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Mar 1, 2021
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...What do you know about the Muslim faith? How about Hinduism?
Are you familiar with the teachings of Buddha or Confucius?

If you have to confess that you know nothing about these faiths, you
might be feeling a little guilty that you haven’t taken the time to become
at least nominally familiar with the teachings of these major world
religions, especially since it is often being taught these days that in order
to witness effectively to a Muslim that it is important to know something
about what he believes.

We personally believe that this is not sound thinking. We can’t think of
anyplace where God Told the people of Israel to familiarize themselves
with the false religions of the nations around them. We believe we see
quite the opposite, as a matter of fact. Consider what Jeremiah
commanded God’s people in his day:

Learn not the way of the heathen...” (Jer. 10:2).​

If you are wondering why he would give this sound advice, we believe
the answer is found in the warning that Moses gave Israel concerning
the heathen nations all about them:

“Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following
them
...and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying,
How did these nations serve their gods
? even so will I do
likewise”
(Deut. 12:30).​

God Knew that studying false religions often leads to converting to
false religions, which is exactly what happened. We read that God’s
favored nation “were mingled among the heathen, and learned their
works
,” and so ended up serving their idols (Psa. 106:35,36), despite
the warning of God to Moses to “make no mention of the name of
other gods” (Ex. 23:13 cf. Josh. 23:7; Psa. 16:4).

In the coming kingdom of heaven on earth, God said of Israel that

“I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth,
and they shall no more be remembered by their name

(Hos. 2:17).​

The complete absence of even the mention of false religions is part
of what will make it heaven on earth!

When this writer first became a pastor 34 years ago, we didn’t know
much about the cults and world religions, and so we studied them and
taught our people all about them. Eventually, however, we began to see
the wisdom of Grace pioneer Pastor Win Johnson, who never taught these
things in his church, saying, “If you know The Truth, you won’t be fooled
by error.”

The Lord never Taught the twelve about false religions, and Paul never
instructs us to follow this path either, so we determined a long time
ago to just teach the Bible.

Paul says that if we know The Scriptures we are “throughly furnished
unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:16,17). That is, with God’s Word we
are thoroughly equipped to serve Him in all good works, and that would
include the good work of sharing The Gospel with those of other faiths.

No wonder Paul cautioned the Romans, “I would have you wise unto that
which is good, and simple concerning evil” (Rom. 16:19). It should not
be overlooked that he said this in the context of men who were teaching
things “contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned” (v. 17), as men
of other religions do.

Studies of cults and other religions are often presented under the premise
of examining these faiths to compare what they teach to what the Bible
teaches so as to equip the believer to be able to show the adherents of
these religions where they are wrong according to The Scriptures.

We personally have found that attacking someone’s beliefs only serves to
make them defensive at best, and at worst has the effect of waving a red
flag in front of a bull!

By comparison, we often counsel Grace believers that the way to
approach a Baptist with the Grace message is not to touch the
“sacred cow” of his faith by attacking water baptism, and the way
to share our message with a charismatic believer is not to begin by
attacking tongues or healing or the other gifts that make up the
apple of his eye.

The best results are achieved by showing them how to rightly divide the
Word of Truth, * a principle which, once learned, will always lead these
brethren to see the errors of their convictions. [Ga concurs: Amen! *]

In the same way, if The Gospel is “The Power of God unto salvation”
(Rom. 1:16), let’s use it to win the lost no matter what background
from which they hail.

These words are not penned as a criticism of those who hold that
we must know something about the religions of unbelievers in order
to be able to win them. We certainly respect their conviction.

These words are rather written to express this pastor’s heart’s desire to
see God’s people take the time that they would otherwise spend studying
false religions and use it to just study

The Book
That God Has "Magnified Above even His Own Name"
(Psa. 138:2), The Eternal Word Of God.
"

upload_2022-10-6_14-26-49.png
Source 'link' (if you wish...)

* Example: God's Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided

Grace, Peace, And JOY!
 
Last edited:

keithr

Well-Known Member
Dec 4, 2020
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These words are rather written to express this pastor’s heart’s desire to
see God’s people take the time that they would otherwise spend studying
false religions and use it to just study The Book That God Has "Magnified
Above even His Own Name
" (Psa. 138:2), The Eternal Word Of God.
I'd agree with that. The verse that you quoted might not be a correct interpretation though. It seems odd that God would put the written Bible above His name, and other translations do translate Psalms 138:2 differently, e.g.:

WEB:
I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.​
ISV:
I will bow down in worship toward your holy Temple and give thanks to your name for your gracious love and truth, for you have done great things to carry out your word consistent with your name.​
NLT:
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.​
RSV:
I bow down toward thy holy temple and give thanks to thy name for thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness; for thou hast exalted above everything thy name and thy word.​

Young's Literal Translations says:

I bow myself toward Thy holy temple, And I confess Thy name, For Thy kindness, and for Thy truth, For Thou hast made great Thy saying above all Thy name.​

so perhaps a more correct tranlsation would be, "you have exalted your word, and exalted your name above everything"?
 

Robert Gwin

Well-Known Member
Mar 19, 2021
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...What do you know about the Muslim faith? How about Hinduism? Are you
familiar with the teachings of Buddha or Confucius?

If you have to confess that you know nothing about these faiths, you might
be feeling a little guilty that you haven’t taken the time to become at least
nominally familiar with the teachings of these major world religions, especially
since it is often being taught these days that in order to witness effectively to
a Muslim that it is important to know something about what he believes.

We personally believe that this is not sound thinking. We can’t think of anyplace
where God Told the people of Israel to familiarize themselves with the false
religions of the nations around them. We believe we see quite the opposite, as
a matter of fact. Consider what Jeremiah commanded God’s people in his day:

Learn not the way of the heathen...” (Jer. 10:2).​

If you are wondering why he would give this sound advice, we believe the
answer is found in the warning that Moses gave Israel concerning the heathen
nations all about them:

“Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following
them
...and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying,
How did these nations serve their gods
? even so will I do
likewise”
(Deut. 12:30).​

God Knew that studying false religions often leads to converting to false
religions, which is exactly what happened. We read that God’s favored
nation “were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works,” and
so ended up serving their idols (Psa. 106:35,36), despite the warning
of God to Moses to “make no mention of the name of other gods”
(Ex. 23:13 cf. Josh. 23:7; Psa. 16:4).

In the coming kingdom of heaven on earth, God said of Israel that

“I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth,
and they shall no more be remembered by their name

(Hos. 2:17).​

The complete absence of even the mention of false religions is part of what
will make it heaven on earth!

When this writer first became a pastor 34 years ago, we didn’t know much
about the cults and world religions, and so we studied them and taught our
people all about them. Eventually, however, we began to see the wisdom of
Grace pioneer Pastor Win Johnson, who never taught these things in his
church, saying, “If you know The Truth, you won’t be fooled by error.”

The Lord never Taught the twelve about false religions, and Paul never
instructs us to follow this path either, so we determined a long time ago
to just teach the Bible.

Paul says that if we know The Scriptures we are “throughly furnished
unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:16,17). That is, with God’s Word we
are thoroughly equipped to serve Him in all good works, and that would
include the good work of sharing The Gospel with those of other faiths.

No wonder Paul cautioned the Romans, “I would have you wise unto that
which is good, and simple concerning evil” (Rom. 16:19). It should not
be overlooked that he said this in the context of men who were teaching
things “contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned” (v. 17), as men
of other religions do.

Studies of cults and other religions are often presented under the premise
of examining these faiths to compare what they teach to what the Bible
teaches so as to equip the believer to be able to show the adherents of
these religions where they are wrong according to The Scriptures.

We personally have found that attacking someone’s beliefs only serves to
make them defensive at best, and at worst has the effect of waving a red
flag in front of a bull!

By comparison, we often counsel Grace believers that the way to approach
a Baptist with the Grace message is not to touch the “sacred cow” of his
faith by attacking water baptism, and the way to share our message with
a charismatic believer is not to begin by attacking tongues or healing or
the other gifts that make up the apple of his eye.

The best results are achieved by showing them how to rightly divide the
Word of Truth, * a principle which, once learned, will always lead these
brethren to see the errors of their convictions. [Ga concurs: Amen! *]

In the same way, if The Gospel is “The Power of God unto salvation”
(Rom. 1:16), let’s use it to win the lost no matter what background
from which they hail.

These words are not penned as a criticism of those who hold that
we must know something about the religions of unbelievers in order
to be able to win them. We certainly respect their conviction.

These words are rather written to express this pastor’s heart’s desire to
see God’s people take the time that they would otherwise spend studying
false religions and use it to just study The Book That God Has "Magnified
Above even His Own Name
" (Psa. 138:2), The Eternal Word Of God.
"

View attachment 26345
Source 'link' (if you wish...)

* Example: God's Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided

Grace, Peace, And JOY!

I understand where you are coming from Grace, I believe Jehovah is God, of course I was raised in what is considered to be a Christian country, and even with all the sects combined we are considered to be a minority. It is simply impossible to have the time to research all gods, since the God I worship reached out to me through those sent Mat 28:19,20, 24:14 I listened. By studying I came to believe Jehovah is God, simple as that. Time alone will tell if there is a God, and who He is. But the fulfilled prophesies in the Bible did it for me sir.
 

Matthias

Well-Known Member
May 3, 2022
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Some good general principles, but I wonder what “Baptists and charismatic believers” think about “Grace believers” approaching them with the “Grace message”.
 

Ronald David Bruno

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Nov 7, 2020
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...What do you know about the Muslim faith? How about Hinduism? Are you
familiar with the teachings of Buddha or Confucius?

If you have to confess that you know nothing about these faiths, you might
be feeling a little guilty that you haven’t taken the time to become at least
nominally familiar with the teachings of these major world religions, especially
since it is often being taught these days that in order to witness effectively to
a Muslim that it is important to know something about what he believes.

We personally believe that this is not sound thinking. We can’t think of anyplace
where God Told the people of Israel to familiarize themselves with the false
religions of the nations around them. We believe we see quite the opposite, as
a matter of fact. Consider what Jeremiah commanded God’s people in his day:

Learn not the way of the heathen...” (Jer. 10:2).​

If you are wondering why he would give this sound advice, we believe the
answer is found in the warning that Moses gave Israel concerning the heathen
nations all about them:

“Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following
them
...and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying,
How did these nations serve their gods
? even so will I do
likewise”
(Deut. 12:30).​

God Knew that studying false religions often leads to converting to false
religions, which is exactly what happened. We read that God’s favored
nation “were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works,” and
so ended up serving their idols (Psa. 106:35,36), despite the warning
of God to Moses to “make no mention of the name of other gods”
(Ex. 23:13 cf. Josh. 23:7; Psa. 16:4).

In the coming kingdom of heaven on earth, God said of Israel that

“I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth,
and they shall no more be remembered by their name

(Hos. 2:17).​

The complete absence of even the mention of false religions is part of what
will make it heaven on earth!

When this writer first became a pastor 34 years ago, we didn’t know much
about the cults and world religions, and so we studied them and taught our
people all about them. Eventually, however, we began to see the wisdom of
Grace pioneer Pastor Win Johnson, who never taught these things in his
church, saying, “If you know The Truth, you won’t be fooled by error.”

The Lord never Taught the twelve about false religions, and Paul never
instructs us to follow this path either, so we determined a long time ago
to just teach the Bible.

Paul says that if we know The Scriptures we are “throughly furnished
unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:16,17). That is, with God’s Word we
are thoroughly equipped to serve Him in all good works, and that would
include the good work of sharing The Gospel with those of other faiths.

No wonder Paul cautioned the Romans, “I would have you wise unto that
which is good, and simple concerning evil” (Rom. 16:19). It should not
be overlooked that he said this in the context of men who were teaching
things “contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned” (v. 17), as men
of other religions do.

Studies of cults and other religions are often presented under the premise
of examining these faiths to compare what they teach to what the Bible
teaches so as to equip the believer to be able to show the adherents of
these religions where they are wrong according to The Scriptures.

We personally have found that attacking someone’s beliefs only serves to
make them defensive at best, and at worst has the effect of waving a red
flag in front of a bull!

By comparison, we often counsel Grace believers that the way to approach
a Baptist with the Grace message is not to touch the “sacred cow” of his
faith by attacking water baptism, and the way to share our message with
a charismatic believer is not to begin by attacking tongues or healing or
the other gifts that make up the apple of his eye.

The best results are achieved by showing them how to rightly divide the
Word of Truth, * a principle which, once learned, will always lead these
brethren to see the errors of their convictions. [Ga concurs: Amen! *]

In the same way, if The Gospel is “The Power of God unto salvation”
(Rom. 1:16), let’s use it to win the lost no matter what background
from which they hail.

These words are not penned as a criticism of those who hold that
we must know something about the religions of unbelievers in order
to be able to win them. We certainly respect their conviction.

These words are rather written to express this pastor’s heart’s desire to
see God’s people take the time that they would otherwise spend studying
false religions and use it to just study The Book That God Has "Magnified
Above even His Own Name
" (Psa. 138:2), The Eternal Word Of God.
"

View attachment 26345
Source 'link' (if you wish...)

* Example: God's Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided

Grace, Peace, And JOY!

I agree fully that the Bible does not teach about false religions because truth is holy and should not be mixed with lies. If it was, then remembering a lie in the Bible might be construed and put forth as the truth. "The Bible teaches reincarnation, bla, bla, bla ..."
Besides that, religions 2000 years ago are different than today. They have evolved. The Muslim religion didn't even begin until hundreds of years after the Bible. Many of the old religions have died and have been rendered inhumane, uncivilized. And this is due to Christianity.
I went to evangelical church that gathered the sheep, equipped them and sent them out. Extra-curricular classes on apologetics reviewed world religions once the person was grounded in the faith. The logic behind this was knowing someone's background and beliefs equipped them to respond to a person's argument by not just using the Word but reason as well. If you didn't understand what they were talking about, then your ministry to them hit a wall. You wouldn't know how to refute and overcome their objections. It's like having amunition. Satan fires arrows and we deflect them with the our shield of faith but it's also good to show them them what these arrows are really made of, dissolving them before they even hit.
In sales, we are taught not only about the product we sold but about all the objections and how to overcome them. The customer's ideas and understanding were usually superficial and so your depth of knowledge helped you to educate them further.
I studied the Theory of Evolution so that I could witness to Atheists, like my Dad and my brother. If I didn't know how to respond to their views which were superficially based on illusions, guesswork and theory that was superficially packaged and force fed in schools and splatterwd all over the Discovery Channel, I would not be able to disect and reveal the flaws. So if they present their view and I have nothing to say about it and I present mine, then it's a push.
My mother and brother believed in reincarnation. She also believed on a smorgasbord of beliefs, bits and pieces of various religions blended to be her own: the Universal energy force, heavy on Astrology, even aliens living in the hollow earth. Wow, for 30 years I dismantled these beliefs aside from giving her the gospel which she rejected _ up until days before her death, when the veil of blindness was miraculously removed and she believed.
I firmly believe that evangelism is a gift and I do not possess it no matter how much I am equipped and Eph. 4:11 claims this fact. The Holy Spirit converts a person and we cooperate with the process. When it is His purpose and the timing is right, He uses us and it works. Handing out tracks in Manhattan Beach ( a super wealthy area in Southern California) seemed like a waste of time. Standing on a box so that you were elevated and rebellious objectors couldn't get in your face, seemed silly too. Threatening them about hell was not a great approach either. I could not fit into that program.
Evangelists make an attempt every which way and each church has their methods that you are supposed to follow. Sometimes it is just planting seeds that lie dormant or making them think more deeply about the flaws in their beliefs that you presented. Waiting for the Holy Spirit to move you is key, but sometimes He doesn't. So we must take a step forward hoping He shows up for the finish.
 
Last edited:

whitemorning

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I learned a lot about religions from this article. But I decided that the main thing is to be a good person. For example, I share the WriteMyessayToday study aid resource with my loved ones. This helps to save good nerves and time. It is easy to do good, which I advise everyone to do.
 
Last edited:

Davy

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Feb 11, 2018
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...What do you know about the Muslim faith? How about Hinduism?
Are you familiar with the teachings of Buddha or Confucius?

If you have to confess that you know nothing about these faiths, you
might be feeling a little guilty that you haven’t taken the time to become
at least nominally familiar with the teachings of these major world
religions, especially since it is often being taught these days that in order
to witness effectively to a Muslim that it is important to know something
about what he believes.

We personally believe that this is not sound thinking. We can’t think of
anyplace where God Told the people of Israel to familiarize themselves
with the false religions of the nations around them. We believe we see
quite the opposite, as a matter of fact.
I've studied many of them in my younger days, before I confessed to Christ Jesus and was baptized.

It all boils down to this, ONLY Christianity has a Savior that died on a cross and was raised from the dead that one only need to believe on, to be saved.

No other religion has a Savior like that. And truly, that actually means Christianity is not really a religion, but the Truth.