(July 14, 2015 at 5:25 am)Kaninchen Wrote:(July 14, 2015 at 2:57 am)Randy Carson Wrote: ZING! Perfectly played, Kaninchen. See, folks? What did I tell you? She is the master of the drive-by posting. Don't forget to call me a used car salesman. That's always been one of your favorites.
I realise that it's a bit much to ask people here to read a bit of a Papal Exhortation but this is what the leader of Randy's Church recommends as evangelical methodology:
Quote:128. In this preaching, which is always respectful and gentle, the first step is personal dialogue, when the other person speaks and shares his or her joys, hopes and concerns for loved ones, or so many other heartfelt needs. Only afterwards is it possible to bring up God’s word, perhaps by reading a Bible verse or relating a story, but always keeping in mind the fundamental message: the personal love of God who became man, who gave himself up for us, who is living and who offers us his salvation and his friendship. This message has to be shared humbly as a testimony on the part of one who is always willing to learn, in the awareness that the message is so rich and so deep that it always exceeds our grasp. At times the message can be presented directly, at times by way of a personal witness or gesture, or in a way which the Holy Spirit may suggest in that particular situation. If it seems prudent and if the circumstances are right, this fraternal and missionary encounter could end with a brief prayer related to the concerns which the person may have expressed. In this way they will have an experience of being listened to and understood; they will know that their particular situation has been placed before God, and that God’s word really speaks to their lives.
Evangelii Gaudium
Indeed. Scripture itself says:
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
I'm almost always prepared to give an answer (that's an exhortation for apologetics, btw), but I struggle mightily with the gentleness and respect. I'm sure I'm going to be asked about it.
I guess we've had our say.
