The TRUTH is Pompous...or maybe I am...

Greetings,

It has been awhile since I have posted, but I guess it could be because I am living back in Korea and this forum is one of the only English 'conversations' I am able to have with anyone...

Here's my issue...

Since becoming a Christian I have received some negative feedback whenever I speak or send messages to people or over emails or write on Facebook, but mainly (actually ONLY) from males from 25-35...

Obviously, they are non-christians and they believe that they have life figured out, but my heart aches when it is the closest of childhood friends...

A couple of days ago, I wrote on facebook in the "Brian is..." section... "Brian is wondering why so many of his friends would have followed him to hell when they were younger, yet they refuse to open their eyes to the truth he speaks now."

Then today, I receieved a message from one of my 'best friends' from high school and university... his reply... "truth?" followed by.. "Dude, that is the most pompus statment I have ever heard from anybody ever. You know why we don't listen to you? Because it is YOUR TRUTH. Nobody else's. Only yours. It's not THE truth, only for those who chose it to be the truth. I figured the bible would have tought you that? Think about it. When you realize that, and actually understand that the bible teaches acceptance to all beliefs and quit it with the over the top preaching and let people beleve in what makes them happy, then you'll get your acceptance. This not a message to be mean, and you know I accept eveybody and am very liberal with that but that statement rubs me the wrong way."

I wanted to write a quick response, but decided to pray instead, because I knew there were many points he was wrong and that my quick response would have caused further division.

Besides praying, is there any other advice from anyone. I cried because my heart bleeds for friends like this and many of the others that think that life is just hunky dory and acceptence is the new form of repentence....

My dear God...
tears.
:cry:

Hi Brian,

Don't have much to share on this but I think it's good you're praying before making a quick response to your friend. If you humble yourself before the Lord and ask Him what you should do and what your attitude should be towards his criticism, He'll definitely guide you. Don't feel pressured to respond right away- I'd wait a week or more if you need it. His attitude may not change even if your answer is in humility- you can still be friends with him without compromising if you let the Lord guide you.

This all might be obvious to you. Regardless, I'm praying you'd be a faithful witness for the Lord to your lost friends.

Thank you...

Blessings.

HeartSong wrote:

Is it possible that what you say is getting in the way of what He would have said?

Yes, it is quite possible.

Is this the case here, I am not completely sure?

Yes, and it served its purpose. The truth will always rub people the wrong way.

Regardless, I appreaciate your message.

In prayer...

Both applicable...AMEN.

ginnyrose wrote:
... when you share 'Truth' with your buddy's, do you preface your statements with "I believe" and then go on to pontificate on it?

When God started speaking to you, how did you respond? Did you ever flee or fight it?

Hey ginnyrose...long time, no words...

Thank you for your advice and questions.

As for the first one, I was not sharing my faith with my 'buddies'. I understand what you are asking though and in the past I am sure I have put myself in the way. Although, I have been learning the difference. In this particular case, the response I received was not based on a conversation or any direct communication. This guy was a close friend in high school and we lived together during university. We have been through much together. He has gone one way and I have gone the other.

Of our 'large' group of friends he has now become the most successful and is enjoying his 'business' lifestyle. My prayer is that he knows I love him and my other friends, too. Even though we do not 'hang-out' anymore, I would like to be able to share with them what I have come to know. God is teaching me how to do this; lately, it has been in heart wrenching, tearful prayer. Ironically (Godically), it has been wonderful prayer time, but at the same time soooooooo sad that as I write these words I am about to cry, again.

I don't want these people to go to hell.

To answer your second question, I first experienced the Spirit of God when I was about 9 or 10. I fought it and then I fled; for 15 more years!!!
:-(

I guess your point is that I need patience. That's the truth!

Blessings.

I am still open for wisdom and advice.

God is still good though. Prayer on the mountain tops provides shelter when in the valleys.

ginnyrose wrote:
...it ain't easy because there is hell ahead for those who reject Jesus and that knowledge can drive one crazy, especially if it is a loved one like a friend or relative. Yes, I know what you mean...

Not to mention, he offically 'blocked' me as a 'friend'...I guess because he did not want any response. My prayer and prayer request is that God sends him someone in Canada that will reach him...

BTW, did you not get married? Have not heard from you for a long time here on SI...nice to see your posts again...

Yes, we were married twice!: once May 5th and then again July 7th (2007). We have come a long way and have learned much about ourselves during that time, which I firmly believe that God will use in our ministry.

Presently, we are both teaching English in South Korea. We spent a year in Canada, while I completed the first year of my masters of divinity. This year I will hopefully continue it online and in the future finish the degree in a seminary in Korea...or possibly back in Canada (actually, wherever God places us). [I know how some people feel about cemetery, I mean seminary, however, in my situation it is benificial.]

I hope to post as God directs me, but more importantly, I hope to continue my spiritual growth with Him.

Blessings,
Brian