What Does the Bible Say?

I’ve counseled Christians (on numerous occasions) to be mindful of the manner in which they interact with those who do not share their beliefs. This is especially important when it comes to dealing with issues of sin. It seems many have adopted a “seek and destroy” methodology when addressing the sins of others. That is, vehemently and aggressively finger wagging then pointing out the obvious penalty for transgression. Years of using this approach seems to have provoked a predictably negative response from the public at large. Of course, that believers will be/are being hated of all men for His name’s sake is well known. Nonetheless, this approach is strangely absent from the pages of scripture and is the construct of the religious establishment.

Similarly, the notion that the Bible is silent about many of the sins committed with great frequency in our contemporary society is also false. Many have argued that the moral directives of the old testament do not exist in the new testament, Misusing scripture in this manner or removing it from its context to support this idea (or that Jesus does not require our obedience) is intellectually dishonest and spiritually reckless.

An honest reading of scripture reveals that our Messiah Himself used a very candid but gentle and loving approach to gather the lost to Himself rather than spending His time condemning them. It also reveals that His expectation is/was that we remain connected and obedient to Him as well as how our refusal to do so will affect us.
You don’t need to shout in the faces of the lost that they are lost (they already know that). If you are a non-believer please don’t waste precious time trying to prove the scriptures fallacious or contradictory (many have tried and failed). If you want to share your faith, follow the example set by The Master (not the methods taught by men). If you want to talk about what the Bible says (or doesn’t say) study to show yourself approved and treat the text with the reverence it deserves.