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Post by forgivenbyhim on Apr 5, 2009 14:33:16 GMT -5
I have heard a lot of preachers who say that name calling is biblical. They quote scriptures of Jesus calling the religious leaders "serpents" and other names thus proving that name calling is correct and right to do when preaching. Though I heard someone make this statement a while ago, "Jesus did not call any sinners 'names' unless they claimed to be following God. The only people that Jesus called names were the religious hypocrites. He didn't call the women at the well names, or the crowds that were gathered to hear him speak."
Is this statement true? Was there anyone that Jesus called names that weren't religious leaders?
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Post by goodtidings on Apr 5, 2009 19:13:28 GMT -5
Friend,
You have a point! Jesus only rebuked the people that had "light and understanding" and should have been in better spiritual condition because of the wonderful privledges that they had! But since they did not make good use of them He condemned them according to the light (knowledge of spiritual things...truth) that they had!
The ignorant sinners were comparatively less guilty and were ordained to receive the very light that the "hign and mighty" religious leaders rejected! Look at this Biblical principal from this quote!
John 3:19-20
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. KJV
Just think about this concept! We are responsible for the light or truth that has shined in our path! If we accept the light or truth, then we are acccepted with heaven! If we reject it, then we in fact reject ourselves from communication and communion with heaven!
Walk in the light as He (the LORD) is in the light! That means to follow the truth no matter what the cost! The religious leaders would not follow lowly Jesus, because it meant CHANGE and submission to somebody else and their way! This they would have nothing to do with! They wanted to follow their own will and do things their own way!
Tidings!
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Post by forgivenbyhim on Apr 8, 2009 9:46:46 GMT -5
Thanks for your comment. Anyone else have a comment, suggestion, argument about this?
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Apr 8, 2009 19:08:36 GMT -5
People claim to being called a name when they are referred to by their sin.
When we claim a person is a "sinner" that's calling a name.
When you suggest someone is a liar, adulterer, fornicator, drunkard, sorcerer, witch, etc. upon righteous judgment, yes you could say that's calling someone a "name."
But a Christian should never make unrighteous judgment (john 7:24) and never make hypocritical judgment.
Nor should a christian call a name with the intention of degrading, or out of the heart of prejudice, bigotry or sinful anger.
A Christian should never name a sinner out of the wish to insult them.
To add: You can use entire parables and people will get the point about their spot in the parable - like Nathan rebuking King David.
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Post by tonyholland on Apr 8, 2009 20:46:25 GMT -5
Good stuff Jeff.....May I also add, that name calling shouldn't be used as a method to obtain shock value and/or to draw a crowd.
Calling someone a whore may get people to stop and listen, but I doubt they will be very open to the Gospel when they are just waiting around to hear what crazy thing will be said next.
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Post by messengermicah on Apr 8, 2009 22:59:33 GMT -5
Who calls girls whores to get a crowd Tony?
Who are you talking about?
I am clueless.
I do not know any preachers who do such a thing.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Apr 9, 2009 11:19:51 GMT -5
To go on a bit of a tangent from what Tony said:
What a preacher uses to draw a crowd is what he'll have to use to keep the crowd. I made this discovery when using the "free money" for answering trivia questions. When the cash ran out, the people ran off.
The same happens when you use tricks and antics - once you're serious, the people who came to see a show, will usually leave.
But if you preach and engage people resonably - people will stay for the preaching and observe the discussions and debates.
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