CONVERSING WITH THE WORLD (Kent Smith Notes 9/8/24)

CONVERSING WITH THE WORLD

John 15:18-25

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WORLD-VIEWS

THE WORLD’S VIEW OF CHRIST AND CHRISTIANS:

• They hate Christ and His followers. (v. 19)

• They persecuted Christ and His followers (v. 20)

THE CHRISTIAN VIEW OF THE WORLD AND U:IT’S PEOPLE:

• They are loved by God and Us.

• We remain on earth to seek their salvation.

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This is our starting place. 

This understanding undergirds every decision and conversation we have.

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ENCOUNTERING THE WORLD WHEN….

THE ISSUE IS CLEARLY ADDRESSED IN SCRIPTURE

• Our position: It is fruitless to argue the truth of scripture when they deny the Author and the inspiration of Scripture.

• Our goal is not to change their mind on the issues, but to show genuine personal concern for them as an individual.

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The Issue is clearly addressed in Scripture:

Examples: Abortion or Same-sex marriage.

Our position:  It is fruitless to argue the truth of scripture when they deny the Author and inspiration of Scripture.   

Therefore: Our goal is not to change their mind on the issue, but to show genuine personal concern for them as an individual. 

Be curious about them and how they came to believe what they do.

Seek to understand “where they are coming from.”

Don’t seek to ‘win,’ but to identify the broader issues of tension.

Seek to understand what their core issues and objections are.  (Self interest / self determination – the root of all sin)

Seek to leave them with a confidence that you understand and care about them.

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ENCOUNTERING THE WORLD WHEN …

WE AGREE ON THE ISSUE BUT NOT THE MEANS TO ADDRESS IT.

• Our position: We cannot explore a multitude of solutions and endeavor to work together to alleviate the circumstances.

• Our goal is not to argue about right and wrong ways to address the problem, but to seek solutions that we both agree may be helpful.

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We agree on the issue but not the means to address it.

Examples: Racial reconciliation, Systemic Poverty

Our position:  We can explore a multitude of solutions and endeavor to work together to alleviate the circumstances.

Therefore: Our goal is not to argue about right and wrong ways to address the problem, but to seek solutions that  we both agree may be helpful.

We are looking for ways to cooperate and work together.

Ask for their ideas with an ear to hear the solutions you can support. 

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ENTERING THE WORLD WHEN….

THERE IS TENSION BETWEEN TWO OR MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES

• Our Position: We refuse to alienate others by insisting on our priorities and solutions. Instead, we affirm partial solutions on any issue of genuine importance, so that we may continue a constructive dialogue.

• Our Goal is not to alienate others based on their position on any important issue, but to dialogue together to find meaningful ways to cooperate so some progress is made, and  a relationship is maintained.

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There is tension between two or more important issues (even in Scripture).

Examples: Immigration (National Security vs. Compassion for others); or Healthcare (Access for All vs. Affordability vs. Responsibility: Individual or Government)

Our Position: We refuse to alienate others by insisting on our priorities and solutions.  Instead, we affirm partial solutions on any issue of genuine importance, so that we may continue a constructive dialogue. 

Therefore:  Our Goal is not to alienate others based on their position on any important issue, but to dialogue together to find meaningful ways to cooperate, so some progress is made, and a relationship is maintained.

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A FINAL WORD

THE WORLD WILL HATE US even when we refuse to disengage or devalue them for their opinions and beliefs.

WE MUST STILL LOVE THOSE WHO OPPOSE US,

AND

CONTINUALLY SEEK TO ENGAGE THEM IN MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS WITH LOVE AND GRACE.

IF THEY END UP HATING US, THEN THAT IS ON THEM, AND

IT PLACES US IN GOOD COMPANY.

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