I think I can tell you who is a Wannabee and who is Saved by the end of the first Worship song. The first Altar Call really separates one from the other. The Saved move confidently to the altar for some one-on-one with God. Some Wannabees will move hesitantly to the altar praying for the touch. Many of the Wannabees don't answer the Altar Call.
On Saturday I attended one of three breakout sessions at the convention. Each was lead by a different senior pastor. I attended a session on the "do's and don'ts" of witnessing (evangelism). The young pastor (30+) gave many examples of what to do and what not to do when witnessing. Two of his examples shocked me and increased my doubts that I'm attending the right church.
The pastor gave us the following warning:
- Don't tell a Catholic that he is going to Hell.
- Don't tell a Catholic that the Pope is the Antichrist.
This evening I wrote the following e-mail to the pastor.
Pastor Mark,
I attended your second breakout session at the Men’s convention this weekend.
You related several Do’s and Don’ts of witnessing. Two don’ts were:
· Don’t tell a Catholic that he is going to hell
· Don’t tell a Catholic that the Pope is the Anti-Christ
I haven’t stopped thinking about your statements. Since, generally, your “Don’ts” were examples of poor negotiation rather than untruths; I’d like to know whether you think either of these statements is true without exception. If not, how could you consider them appropriate? Your second statement lacks as much fact as Nostradamus’ predictions.
I was never a Catholic. I’m reacting as a Christian, albeit a very new one. Had your examples referred to Calvinists my reaction would be the same.
Blessings,
Joe Lowery
I'll let you know when I hear from him.
3 comments:
You really have a way of putting it, Dad! Interesting perspective you have. Tell me though, if you would, what are you afraid God might say to you?
About the convention, that's really unfortunate that that happened. I think saying something like that has a great chance of offending a lot of people, especially since the Pope just died! I think it was poor judgement, but not necessarily a reflection of what the Pastor himself believes.
So am I!!!
I like your blog. I think people need to hear the truth, not a lie. I appreciated your comment on my blog. I love it here. It is so, so beautiful here. We get the best of the seasons. We have a lot of tourists too, lately. It is so green...and so lovely. I have lived here all my life - 42 1/2 years. I can't imagine living anywhere else but in heaven. Thanks!
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