Theoretical Question

[M. T. Cross]

If you were out jogging, would you say "Good Morning, Jesus loves you" to a total stranger passing by?

[LifeHiscost]

If you were out jogging, would you say "Good Morning, Jesus loves you" to a total stranger passing by?

It's never wrong to make effort to introduce someone to Jesus. Only my own lack would keep me from doing so.

God blesses!

[Woody]

EMPTYCROSS

yes JESUS love us

dgrimm60

Dgrimm - I think you might want to re-read the question.

[Tom Wetmore]

It's simply not something that naturally comes to my mind to say in that sort of situation.

I am more inclined to simple nod and smile, if anything. Even though I accept it as a core belief that Jesus loves that stranger, it strikes me as an odd and unnatural initial greeting to a total strange under most circumstances.

[BobRyan]

In Ephesians 6 Paul prays for an open door for the Word that we may speak boldly as we aught. Simply running past someone is not necessarily an open door - but the Spirit may impress you that in fact it is. That is where the Col 4:1-2 idea of praying at all times comes in.

in Christ,

Bob

[M. T. Cross]

This was brought up at a Pagan board I sometimes frequent. This had happened to a poster there. They were quite offended

So what the subject really was is if it is good manners, proper etiquette etc to offer greetings to total strangers that include any blessing from any deity at all. So this discussion was not just pointed at Christians alone. 170 posts later most thought it to be an inappropriate greeting - from anyone/any religion. However most seemed to think that Christians think it is their right to do this type of thing. So I thought a poll here might be interesting.

[JoeMo]

I sometimes do what I call "Treasure Hunting". Before I go out, I ask God to show mw where He wants me to go or who He wants me to talk to. He usually gives me a picture of something - concentric circles (Target). A yellow sign on blue background (IKEA?) or the like. I/we follow the "clue" and usually stand around the checkout line or by a counter. Without mentioning Jesus, I/we will start a random conversation about the events of the day. If someone is responsive, we guide the conversation to spiritual things. If they indicate they are Christian ans are open to it, I/we ask permission to pray for them. If they are open, we pray without the usual Christian baggage (i.e., we look like we are just continuing a normal conversation - no hands up, no eye closing no hands on shoulders, etc. If they are not open, we just wind down the conversation and move on. No "Do you love Jesus?" or religious intimidation - just blessing or encouragement. Never had an uncomfortable or negative response.

Yeah; it's a little weird; but it works for us.

[Tom Wetmore]

This was brought up at a Pagan board I sometimes frequent. This had happened to a poster there. They were quite offended

So what the subject really was is if it is good manners, proper etiquette etc to offer greetings to total strangers that include any blessing from any deity at all. So this discussion was not just pointed at Christians alone. 170 posts later most thought it to be an inappropriate greeting - from anyone/any religion. However most seemed to think that Christians think it is their right to do this type of thing. So I thought a poll here might be interesting.

I suspect that many of those Christians that think it their right would be the ones offended by a passing stranger saying "Allah Akbar!" to them.

[Bravus]

Or 'Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn'

[M. T. Cross]

Or 'Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn'

I am offended just trying to read something with that few vowels

Does that translate to "Jesus loves you but Cthulhu thinks you would make a good sandwich" ? Cause I have read that one before

[M. T. Cross]

I suspect that many of those Christians that think it their right would be the ones offended by a passing stranger saying "Allah Akbar!" to them.

Indeed! Which is one reason why I try to never direct a Deity type reference of that type at anyone here.

Though sometimes when reading the bickering in Theological Townhall its tempting to say "Odin thinks ya'll waste a lot of time saying the same things over and over"

[M. T. Cross]

I sometimes do what I call "Treasure Hunting". Before I go out, I ask God to show mw where He wants me to go or who He wants me to talk to. He usually gives me a picture of something - concentric circles (Target). A yellow sign on blue background (IKEA?) or the like. I/we follow the "clue" and usually stand around the checkout line or by a counter. Without mentioning Jesus, I/we will start a random conversation about the events of the day. If someone is responsive, we guide the conversation to spiritual things. If they indicate they are Christian ans are open to it, I/we ask permission to pray for them. If they are open, we pray without the usual Christian baggage (i.e., we look like we are just continuing a normal conversation - no hands up, no eye closing no hands on shoulders, etc. If they are not open, we just wind down the conversation and move on. No "Do you love Jesus?" or religious intimidation - just blessing or encouragement. Never had an uncomfortable or negative response.

Yeah; it's a little weird; but it works for us.

Thats different than just walking up to some stranger and going - hey Jesus loves you.

I had this lady come to my door last year. She barely said hi before launching into her message. I told her I had my own beliefs and was not interested. She stood there for 5 minutes repeating over and over " You do believe in Jesus though, you do love Jesus" while I tried how to get rid of her without being charged with assault.

[Bravus]

Start stripping, inside your own house...

[M. T. Cross]

I thought of that Bravus, but the other part that disturbed me was that she had a little girl with her that could not been more than 5 or 6.

I used to keep a copy of the Havamal around to hand out to the door to door people..... but I lost it so could not offer it to her.

[Bravus]

Ah yes, in that case that's not the solution.

[JoeMo]

Quote:

Start stripping, inside your own house...

Tasteless, but effective.

I know a couple that got sick of a bus from the Baptist Church stopping in from of their house evry Sunday morning; and the driver coming to the door inviting them to church. One Sunday, they answered the door buck naked. The bus never stopped their again.

[Gail]

It is hard to know just what people will buy into.

It is my thought that people with the Holy Spirit dwelling in them don't need to even say a word. Just being in their presence will give the recipient a little bit of heaven. :)

[JoeMo]

alot!