quote:
Originally posted by vplee123:
So, I can respect opinions and differing viewpoints, but I can't respect lies. If that makes me a hypocritical pretentious person, I'll wear that hat with a smile.
Hi VP,
The problem is that by respecting and accepting the non-believer's belief that there is no God -- or, at least no salvation; that is encouraging them to continue in their non-belief. Jesus did not tell us to accept the world's view -- but, to GO, Disciple Them (the non-believers), Teach Them (the Word of God), and, when possible, Baptize Them (Matthew 28:19-20).
Then, He told us to be His witnesses in all the world (Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15). That witness is not to just accept the non-believers' world view and wish him/her a good day. That witness is not to just accept the non-believers' world view and buy them lunch or clothes or a house, etc.
No, His whole message to all Christian believers is that we are to be His witnesses to all the world -- by taking His Gospel, His Written Word of God -- to all the non-believers and unchurched people in our Jerusalem (our families, our communities, our Religion Forums), in our Judea (our cities, our states), in our Samaria (our nation), and to all of our world.
His message to us is that, because we have been so blessed to have received His "free gift" of eternal life -- we are to take that "free gift" to others who do not yet have it. His message to us is that we desire to bring all of our
Friends,
Relatives,
Associates, and
Neighbors -- all of our
FRANs to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
So, VP, are you going to respect the atheists' and other non-believers' views -- or are you going to respect Jesus Christ's view? That is the very important question.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill