I’ve been considering a personal study where I might take some of the theological challenges Christ faced and figure out how some of these hard-as-nails “battle ram” Internet theologians might respond to them compared with how Christ actually did respond to them. I suspect it might be enlightening.

For example:

- A politically conservative Christian might commend the rich young ruler for his business acumen and proceed to instruct him on how to generate additional profits so that he can help fund some mission trips.

- A theological liberal might fuss at blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10 who called out to the “son of David” for his audacity at thinking that Jesus was actually a descendant of David.

- A legalist might condemn the woman at the well as unfit to even draw water for Jesus Christ. After all, if anyone found Jesus there, His witness might be tarnished by association. For crying out loud, they were there together at the well ALONE!!!

I know how I’ve answered some people in the past and how I’ve learned to temper my comments. I’m still learning, but I want to follow Christ’s example.

Thank you for writing the my “unauthorized biography” in your first 2 paragraphs.

My problem was that I had devoted my heart to men, a movement, and a theological system so that I could not distinguish between them and Christ. What they said, was what Christ said. They had usurped my devotion to Him.

So, what was the cure? First, God undermined my theological system by His Word. Then, he sent sickness to cripple my pride. Better to be humbled by God now than on the Judgment Day.

When I see the way brothers argue on blogs and forums, it really grieves my heart, and I believe also God’s heart. We’re called to “teach one another.” That presupposes that both parties are teachable.

That would be a huge struggle. My problem would be with people who would go into a language, or those who would teach in a second work of grace or “Baptism of the Spirit”. That is because those are pet peeves for me. I think we can set it up before we go and ask since you guys are partnering with us, can you submit to our teaching.

I think the SP wouldn’t be bad and I don’t evangelize like a Calvinist either.

I have actually been wrestling with this and how this plays out with laboring with believers who believe different. As we have been ministering out at the mobile home park, other believers are asking to help. Now this has been an answered prayer. Now the question is, how do we deal with differences on secondary issues? You know, some like to use the sinners’ prayer while other’s don’t. Others see salvation as man’s choice, while others see it is completely God’s sovereignty. I could go on.

The question I have is when do we deal with differences in theology between believers who are laboring together? Now when this is done, that modeling of grace and answering with gentleness most certaintly should be lived.

Look forward to your insight.

Phillip