My general rule of thumb is to convey the radical cost of accepting or rejecting the gospel at a level commensurate with the trust I’ve built with someone. Otherwise it feels like I’m shouting at them from across the chasm to come over to our side. Once they trust me they’ll be more apt to …
Safe People with a Dangerous Message
Good witnesses are safe people with a dangerous message. We’re safe because we’re real and genuinely care about what’s best for people. The message, on the other hand, is dangerous because when Jesus moves in he takes over. He knocks down the walls and replaces all the furniture. Receiving him is dangerous and rejecting him …
For the Love of God, Love a Dealer!
When Richard Nixon resigned and held up in isolation no one visited him for fear of sullying their reputation, no one except Chuck Colson who risked the trip many times. When asked about it later he said, “To let Mr. Nixon know that someone loved him.” I have a bunch of drug-doing––as well as a …
Nobody Likes A Condescending Spiritual Expert
“Befriending someone merely so you can tell them the gospel is a form of manipulation and a violation of trust,” says Christopher Heuertz. “Some of our approaches to conversion have earned the mistrust of the very people we want to reach.” Treat people as people, not like evangelistic targets. Nobody likes to be targeted. We’re …
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The Trustworthy Bridge
You’ve probably seen this diagram before. It’s a great graphic, actually. But since mistrust for Christians and our churches has become its own chasm, a pre-chasm if you will, something often has to be done about bridging that before a person is even willing to hear about the sin chasm and trust the cross to …
barney wiget 