Herod

[Guest]

Yes.

But what of how we relate to unbelievers?

If I ever treated an unbeliever (even one who flat out rejects God) the way Jesus treated Herod, I'd be labled a Pharisee and preached with, "Jesus hung out with the sinners," and so on and so forth.

Follow the Spirit's leading is the only real answer I can think of, Neb.

There are folks I have crossed paths with that the Spirit has not wanted me to witness to. It was really clear at the time that I was not to go there, so I didn't. The conversations either went in different directions or one of us got off the bus or train. No guilt afterward. Why? I have no clue. I guess the Lord has his reasons.

[georgedrw81]

Yes.

But what of how we relate to unbelievers?

If I ever treated an unbeliever (even one who flat out rejects God) the way Jesus treated Herod, I'd be labled a Pharisee and preached with, "Jesus hung out with the sinners," and so on and so forth.

Sometimes silence is a more powerful tool to convince an unbeliever. In our everyday life we meet and interact with unbelievers and we do not necessarily speak to them. It is our duty to 'hung out' with them so can hear His Word.

Blessings

[appy]

nebula

read what this writer has to say about this, I found it quite interesting

http://www.evidencef...sus-did-not-do/

[nebula]

And that's the thing - why do we keep debating with atheists who have chosen completely in their hearts to reject God? Would Jesus have done this?

[Guest yod]

Thought question:

When Jesus stood before Herod, He didn't make a single effort to persuade him to seek God.

Contrast this with Jesus' conversation with Pilot.

Why did not Jesus say anything to plant seeds in Herod's heart?

He didn't recognize Herod's authority. Therefore, He didn't consider Herod worth talking to.

[xero]

Jesus was standing trial and Herod, His judge, was only concerned with seeing a miracle so theres no similarity between your interaction with an unbeliever and what occured between Jesus and Herod.

[nebula]

I guess my question got missed:

Why do we keep debating with atheists who have chosen completely in their hearts to reject God? Would Jesus have done this?

[Guest yod]

He was tested by many but never answered their questions. Instead, He would speak right to the issues of their darkened hearts. But Herod really was different than the others. If you remember, He even called Herod a name (Luke 31:13) when the Pharisees tried to intimidate Him with threats of death from Herod.

There was a genuine dislike, if not hatred, between Yeshua and Herod.

[nebula]

So, if Jesus were here today, how would He treat unbelievers ("sinners") who rejected Him?

[Guest]

So, if Jesus were here today, how would He treat unbelievers ("sinners") who rejected Him?

My guess would be the same way He responded to the rich young ruler's going sadly away. The man made a choice.

Jesus told the man what he needed, and His words were rejected when the man walked away. Notice that it doesn't say Jesus went chasing after him. Jesus put the truth out there and let people choose either Him or another way.