Interestingly, I noticed a few other posts with the same subject matter and the individual who was so adamant on my thread was quite subdued on the others, so perhaps it was merely a personal matter toward me. I truly hope so. I'd prefer to think this person had an axe to grind with me, rather than to think they believe the message of truth must be wrapped in barbs for some, while not for others. Since it took place on more than one of my posts with more than one individual, I could very well have been the problem. That's one of the understandings I've gained. When it seems there is difficulty and misunderstanding in many situations, I could be the common denominator. Thankfully, Abba provided supportive friends as I navigated the minefield of social media last week. My awkwardness and social ineptitude is not the subject of this article, however. This situation reminded me of an awkward situation that took place face to face in real time, about 15 years ago.
I Peter 3:15 made an impression on me, when I first came to the truth, the real truth. Oh, I'd been one of those invasive evangelicals as a teen, but that was just religious imitation and actually when you get down to it, trying to "please men." Upon truly coming to YHWH I now understand that verse to mean the exact opposite of door to door religious solicitation or social media browbeating. But sanctify the Adonai Elohim in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: When Y'hshuwah stated what is now recognized in most Christian circles as The Great Commission, He used the term "teach" twice. Think about what teaching really means. It's not about knocking on a door or interrupting a social media thread, it's about demonstrating an example, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and sharing the Instructions as Messiah instructed!
When I was serving YHWH in the city, I ran an inner city mission. I didn't regularly hand out money, but I worked with the school children as a mentor with homework, as well as providing Bible lessons and a meal on the weekend. I also attempted to work with struggling adults, but for the most part, they had their own idea of what they needed. They came to me for counseling. In frustration they would share their "challenges" yet, there was so much psychology intermingled with their theology, I couldn't support their plan. I was troubled by the fact, they came to me because their plan wasn't working, but continued to cling to it nonetheless . . . That was when I Peter 3:15 became, literally the Scriptural standard of my ministry. If they aren't really asking . . . they aren't really seeking . . . The verse says to be ready to give an answer to those who ask . . .
On to my scripted experience. Here I am at the Living Water Mission, a clear sign out front, huge sign on the corner with not one but two Scriptures. A man from one of the fundamental denominations knocked on the door with a New Testament in hand. Although I don't use the symbols anymore, the sign did have a Star of David and a Cross on it. Anyway, I invited the gentleman to come in and sit down and I did NOT ask him why he was knocking on my door alone, when clearly Messiah sent them out two by two. He looked around as he sat down to one of the tables. The main room was obviously a place of worship and fellowship with a number of tables, musical instruments, and a podium with a cross on it. He then proceeded with his script. "Ma'am, if you died tonight, do you know where you'd be?"
Long before there were facebook memes I used to paint or draw different images with a Scripture on it. I had just completed Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto G-d who gave it, so I referenced it in my response. I said according to Ecclesiastes 12:7, my body would be where ever it dropped until someone found me and buried me and my spirit would be with our Creator.
His response was, "the Apostle Paul tells us to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." My response at first was silence, thinking 'are you kidding . . . we just said the same thing, but I didn't speak it aloud.' What I did say, was, "Yes, Paul did reference much of the Old Testament in his letters." The man asked me again, if I died that night did I know where I'd be . . . Realizing this conversation was not a conversation, I asked him if I could ask him a question. His eyes lit up and he said, "Sure." My question was, "Do you ever think about asking, if you wake up tomorrow, Who are you going to serve? Because the G-d of the Bible is the G-d of the living." With that, he got up, handed me the New Testament and invited me to church the following Sunday.
When he left, I realized he had confirmed something I already knew. I didn't want his religion. It sounded like clanging symbols.
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