One God

Top Ten Signs You're a Fundamentalist Christian #10 - “You VIGOROUSLY DENY the existence of thousands of gods claimed by other religions, but FEEL OUTRAGED when someone denies the existence of yours.”

I’ve highlighted the sections of this statement that are troublesome for me.  Remember, all our explanations are to be tempered with love, so vigorous denial and outrage will only serve to undermine our position, and give credence to theirs. Non-believers have at some point, and for whatever reasons,  made the decision to refuse or reject God.  We must respect that choice, as strange as that sounds, while trying to figure out how they came to that point. As Paul Harvey used to say, “what is the rest of the story?”  Approaching a controversial subject, like the existence of God, head on, is similar to two rams protecting their turf, it isn’t going to win anyone over, and you’ll only wind up with a migraine, or worse yet, fall off the cliff!  The “easiest” introduction is to ask them if they would share with you how they established their “beliefs” on the subject. If they agree, take a deep breath, be quiet and listen.  When they finish, it’s your turn to give the reason for your hope.  Sure, you believe in only one God, but why?  Are you equipped to reply, and not in an argumentative way?  At this point your personal testimony, your story of how you arrived at accepting Christ as savior, may be used.  The Holy Spirit will lead the way, let Him!  Let them know what led you to accept the truth of scripture, how you came to make that decision, despite doubts, and even what you believed before your Christian days. Your calm, loving demeanor is sure to catch even the staunchest critics off guard.  Hopefully they will ask more questions, or voice additional doubts…great, you’ve established communication!!

Christ never argued anyone into his kingdom,  and neither should we, just state the facts as they apply to you.  God has begun to use you as an instrument to guide people to the TRUTH, how awesome is that???  It is imperative, however, to really KNOW the Bible, and to be diligent in the study and application of it. Keep in mind, that our beliefs sound crazy to “outsiders“,  just keep calm and carry on! “But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.”  1 Corinthians 8:6.